Cochin Shipyard CSL Contract Workmen Recruitment 2026 Notification

Post Summary
Date : 22-1-2026
Total Posts : 260

CSL Workmen Recruitment 2026: Essential Dates, Age Rules, Posts and Qualifications

The Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a leading Government of India enterprise, has launched its CSL Workmen Recruitment 2026 drive for 260 skilled tradespeople. You have a limited time to apply, with the online application window active from 21 January 2026 until 07 February 2026. To be eligible, your age must not exceed 45 years as of this cut-off date, with standard relaxations for OBC, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-servicemen candidates. The recruitment is for two main categories: Fabrication Assistants (Sheet Metal Worker, Welder) and Outfit Assistants across 11 trades like Fitter and Electrician. The mandatory qualification is passing SSLC plus an ITI-NTC certificate in the exact relevant trade, backed by a solid three years of post-qualification hands-on experience.

Breakdown of 260 Vacancies, Attractive Pay, Fees and Document Checklist

Out of the total 260 contract posts, 113 are for Fabrication and 147 for Outfit roles, with vacancies distributed across UR, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories. This is a major opportunity for skilled ITI holders in the shipbuilding sector. The salary structure is competitive, offering a consolidated monthly pay of ₹23,300 for those with the minimum 3-year experience, plus potential extra hours compensation up to ₹5,830, making the total package reach up to ₹29,130. A nominal application fee of ₹300 applies to General, OBC, and EWS candidates, while SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are exempt. You must prepare scanned copies of your photo, signature, SSLC and ITI marksheets, experience proof (appointment/payslips), and valid category certificates for upload during the online process.

Step-by-Step Application Guide, Key Links, and Skill-Based Selection

The entire application procedure is online through CSL's official SAP portal. You need to visit the CSL website, go to the Careers section for CSL Kochi, complete a one-time registration, and carefully fill out the form. The most critical official links are the CSL website and the detailed notification PDF for all rules. The selection process is straightforward but rigorous, focusing purely on practical skills. There is no written exam. Shortlisted candidates will undergo certificate verification followed by a 100-mark Practical Test specific to their trade at CSL Kochi. Your final merit and job offer depend entirely on your performance in this hands-on skill assessment and a subsequent medical fitness test.

Important Dates & Age Limit for CSL Workmen Recruitment 2026

Event Date/Detail
Notification Release Date 20 January 2026
Online Application Start Date 21 January 2026
Application Deadline 07 February 2026
Mode of Application Online Only
Age & Experience Cut-off Date 07 February 2026
Practical Test Dates Will Update Soon
Age Limit Category Limit
Maximum Age (General) 45 Years (born on or after 08 Feb 1981)
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Relaxation 3 Years
SC / ST Relaxation 5 Years
PwBD / Ex-Servicemen Relaxation As per GoI rules, max age capped at 50 years
Nationality Indian Citizen Only

Your 18-Day Window and Age Calculations for CSL Recruitment

Mark Your Calendar: A Tight Application Schedule

Cochin Shipyard Limited opened applications for skilled ITI tradesmen on January 21, 2026, providing exactly 18 days until the February 7, 2026, deadline. It's wise to apply early to sidestep peak-hour server overloads common in government portals, as all age and experience metrics hinge on this cut-off date. Having your scanned documents prepared upfront streamlines the SAP portal process, minimizing last-minute stress.

Check Your Eligibility Against the Age Cut-off

General category applicants face a 45-year cap as of February 7, 2026—meaning you must be born on or after February 8, 1981. OBC candidates gain 3 extra years and SC/ST candidates secure 5 years of relaxation. PwBD and ex-servicemen follow Government of India relaxations, with the absolute maximum age not exceeding 50 years. Having fresh caste or disability certificates issued by the competent authority is crucial for claiming these benefits.

Post Names & Eligibility Criteria for CSL Workmen 2026

Post Name Core Trade / Function
Fabrication Assistants Sheet Metal Worker, Welder
Outfit Assistants Fitter, Electrician, Mechanic Diesel
Outfit Assistants (Contd.) Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Electronic Mechanic
Outfit Assistants (Contd.) Painter, Machinist, Crane Operator
Outfit Assistants (Contd.) Instrument Mechanic, Plumber, Shipwright Wood
Eligibility Aspect Mandatory Requirement
Essential Educational Qualification SSLC Pass + ITI-NTC in the exact relevant trade
Experience Requirement 3 years post-ITI experience in the trade (as of 07 Feb 2026)
Apprenticeship Training Counts towards eligibility but NOT for pay fixation
Institute Recognition ITI must be from an AICTE/Government-recognized institute
Current CSL Contract Workers Not Eligible to apply for these posts

Skilled Trades for Shipbuilding: Fabrication and Outfit Roles

Two Core Streams in Shipyard Operations

Fabrication Assistants focus on the initial hull construction phase, handling cutting, fitting, and welding as Sheet Metal Workers and Welders. Outfit Assistants are responsible for installing and integrating all systems onto the completed hull, covering 11 diverse trades including electrical, mechanical, and plumbing. Your specific ITI trade certificate must exactly match the post you are applying for to ensure you contribute immediately to CSL's shipbuilding projects.

The Non-Negotiable SSLC + ITI Combo with Proven Experience

The base requirement is clear: passing SSLC (10th standard) and holding an ITI-NTC in the precise trade from a recognized institute. On top of this, you must have three years of hands-on, post-qualification work experience in that trade. While paid apprenticeships count towards meeting the experience eligibility, they are not considered for determining your starting salary. If your qualifications are from a non-standard board, you must obtain an official equivalency certificate before applying.

Vacancy Distribution & Salary Structure for CSL Workmen 2026

Post Name & Trade UR OBC SC ST EWS Total
A. Fabrication Assistants on Contract
Sheet Metal Worker31207-664
Welder28152-449
Sub-Total (A)59359-10113
B. Outfit Assistants on Contract
Fitter33-3-339
Electrician9721221
Mechanic Diesel105--116
Mechanic Motor Vehicle1041-116
Electronic Mechanic642-113
Painter631-111
Machinist441-110
Crane Operator321--6
Instrument Mechanic3-3--6
Plumber32---5
Shipwright Wood22---4
Sub-Total (B)893314110147
GRAND TOTAL1486823120260
Salary Component Amount (₹)
Basic Consolidated Pay (for min. 3 yrs exp.) 23,300 per month
Maximum Extra Hours Compensation Up to 5,830 per month
Potential Total Monthly Earnings Up to 29,130
Higher Pay Provision For additional completed years of CSL/shipyard experience
Pay Matrix / Grade Pay Not Applicable (Consolidated Contract Pay)

260 Opportunities with Competitive Contractual Package

Category-Wise Breakdown Across 13 Trades

Outfit Assistants lead with 147 posts versus 113 for Fabrication, featuring top vacancies in Sheet Metal Worker (64), Fitter (39), and Welder (49). The total 260 vacancies are distributed across categories: UR (148), OBC (68), SC (23), ST (1), and EWS (20) as per government norms. Candidates should note that CSL reserves the right to adjust these numbers, so monitoring the official website for final updates is recommended.

Understanding Your Take-Home Pay

The consolidated monthly pay starts at ₹23,300 for candidates meeting the three-year experience requirement. On top of this, you are eligible for compensation for extra hours worked, which can add up to ₹5,830, potentially taking your total monthly earnings to ₹29,130. If you have more than three years of relevant experience in CSL or another shipyard, you may be offered a higher starting pay. However, apprenticeship training periods do not count for this pay fixation.

Application Fees & Mandatory Documents for CSL Recruitment 2026

Candidate Category Application Fee
General / OBC / EWS Candidates ₹300 (Non-refundable + bank charges)
SC / ST / PwBD Candidates Exempted (NIL)
Mode of Payment Online Only (Debit/Card/Credit Card/Net Banking)
Payment Window 21 Jan 2026 to 07 Feb 2026
Document / Upload Specification
Recent Passport Photo Colour, JPG, less than 200 KB
Candidate's Signature Scanned, JPG, less than 50 KB. Must be full signature.
Educational Certificates SSLC & ITI-NTC Mark Sheets and Certificates (self-attested)
Experience Proof Appointment/Relieving letters, Pay Slips, or detailed Experience Certificate
Caste/EWS/PwBD/Ex-SM Certificates Valid & recent certificates in prescribed format (if applicable)

Completing Your Application: Fee Payment and Digital Uploads

A Nominal Fee for General Category Applicants

Applicants from General, OBC, and EWS categories are required to pay an application fee of ₹300, which is non-refundable and does not include additional bank transaction charges. Candidates from SC, ST, and PwBD categories are fully exempt from this fee. The payment can only be made online through the integrated payment gateway on the CSL application portal using cards or net banking. Your application will only be processed once the fee (if applicable) is successfully received.

Accuracy in Document Scanning is Crucial

Preparing your digital documents correctly is vital to avoid rejection. Your photograph and signature must meet strict size limits (under 200KB and 50KB respectively) and be clear, recent, and in the specified JPG format. For experience, you need to upload proof like appointment letters, pay slips, or formal experience certificates. If you are claiming reservation, ensure your community, EWS, or disability certificate is valid, recent, and issued by the competent authority as detailed in the notification. All uploaded copies must be self-attested.

Selection Process & Assessment Pattern for CSL Workmen 2026

Selection Stage Description
Stage 1: Application Scrutiny Shortlisting based on eligibility from uploaded documents.
Stage 2: Certificate Verification Physical verification of all original certificates at CSL.
Stage 3: Practical Test Trade-specific skill test held at CSL, Kochi (100 marks).
Stage 4: Rank List Preparation Based on marks in Practical Test.
Stage 5: Medical Examination For candidates provisionally selected from the rank list.
Key Aspect (Practical Test) Important Note
Total Marks 100 Marks
Qualifying Marks (UR/EWS) 50% (50 Marks)
Qualifying Marks (OBC) 45% (45 Marks) for reserved posts
Qualifying Marks (SC/ST/PwBD) 40% (40 Marks) for reserved posts
Tie-Breaker Criteria Older candidate given preference (Age Seniority)

A Skills-Based Selection: Mastering the Practical Test

The Entire Weight on Hands-On Skills

Unlike many recruitments, the CSL selection process does not include a written exam. The entire selection hinges on your performance in a 100-mark, trade-specific Practical Test to be conducted at CSL, Kochi. Only candidates who successfully clear the initial document scrutiny and the subsequent physical certificate verification will be shortlisted to appear for this test. This approach ensures that selected candidates have proven, hands-on capability in their chosen trade, which is essential for shipyard work.

Preparing to Demonstrate Your Trade Expertise

To prepare, you must focus intensely on the core practical skills of your ITI trade. Since the test is worth 100 marks, you need to score above the category-wise qualifying marks (50% for UR/EWS, 45% for OBC, 40% for SC/ST/PwBD). CSL may relax these pass marks if an insufficient number of candidates qualify. Your final rank will be based solely on your practical test score. In case of a tie, the older candidate will be ranked higher. Remember, you must also pass a medical examination after selection.

Critical Warnings & Compliance Notes from this Notification

  • Purely Contractual Role: This is a contract appointment for a maximum of 5 years, subject to project needs and your performance. There is no guarantee of regularization or absorption into permanent service after the contract ends.
  • Strict Eligibility Bar: Candidates who are currently working as Fabrication or Outfit Assistants on the rolls of CSL are not eligible to apply for these posts.
  • Absolute Discretion of CSL: The company reserves the right to cancel the recruitment, modify vacancies, or change the process at any stage. The number of vacancies shown is indicative and may be revised.
  • Zero Tolerance for False Information: Any candidate found to have submitted false documents, incorrect data, or suppressed material facts will be disqualified immediately, and if selected, their contract will be terminated.
  • Mobility Clause: Selected candidates must sign an undertaking to serve anywhere in India or abroad at CSL units, project sites, or even on-board ships as required by the company.
  • No Travel Allowance: No TA/DA (Traveling Allowance/Daily Allowance) will be paid to candidates for attending the certificate verification or practical test at Kochi.
  • Validity of Rank List: The rank list prepared will be valid for 18 months from the date the last candidate reports, to fill future vacancies that may arise.
  • Beware of Job Scams: CSL has issued a warning that it has not authorized any agent or person to conduct recruitment. Any communication asking for money for an interview or job offer is fraudulent.

Contract Terms, Deployment, and General Conditions

Aspect Key Rule / Information
Type of Employment Contractual (Non-Permanent)
Maximum Contract Duration 5 Years (subject to project & performance)
Initial Place of Posting CSL, Kochi / other CSL units / Project Sites
Transfer Liability Anywhere in India or abroad
Medical Fitness Mandatory after selection
Procedural Rule Specific Condition
Canvassing Will be a disqualification
Call Letter Download Via email/CSL website only; not sent by post
Jurisdiction for Disputes Courts/Tribunals at Ernakulam, Kerala only
Smartphone Policy Selected candidate must sign an undertaking to comply
Experience for Ex-Servicemen Trade experience in Armed Forces as per Discharge Book counts

What You Are Signing Up For: The Contract Details

A Project-Based Role with National/International Mobility

It is crucial to understand that this is a project-based contractual position for up to five years. Your continuation depends on project requirements and your performance appraisal. Furthermore, you must be prepared for complete mobility. The appointment letter will include a clause that you can be posted or transferred to any CSL unit, project site within India, or even to assignments abroad or on-board ships. This is a standard condition for operational roles in a global shipbuilding and repair company like CSL.

Final Authority and Your Responsibilities

CSL holds the final authority on all aspects of this recruitment. This includes the interpretation of rules, shortlisting, and any changes to the process. As a candidate, your responsibility is to provide accurate information and authentic documents. Any legal dispute related to this recruitment can only be raised in courts in Ernakulam. Also, note that selected candidates will have to sign an undertaking to follow the company's policy on smartphone usage at the workplace, emphasizing safety and discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions

The online application deadline for CSL Workmen Recruitment 2026 is February 7, 2026. Make sure to complete registration, upload documents, and pay the fee before the portal closes to avoid missing out.

CSL has announced a total of 260 contract posts for Fabrication Assistants (Sheet Metal Worker, Welder) and Outfit Assistants (Fitter, Electrician, Diesel Mechanic, and more trades). These are divided as 113 for Fabrication and 147 for Outfit roles across categories.

Candidates need SSLC (Class 10) plus ITI-NTC (National Trade Certificate) in the relevant trade from a government-recognized institute. At least 3 years of post-ITI experience in shipbuilding or related trades is mandatory.

The maximum age limit is 45 years as of February 7, 2026 (born on or after February 8, 1981). Relaxations apply: 3 years for OBC-NCL, 5 years for SC/ST, and up to 50 years for PwBD/Ex-Servicemen as per GOI rules.

You'll get a basic pay of ₹23,300 per month for minimum 3 years experience, plus extra hours allowance up to ₹5,830, making the maximum ₹29,130 monthly. This is for a 5-year contract with no additional benefits.

Yes, General/OBC/EWS candidates pay ₹300 (non-refundable plus bank charges) online. SC/ST/PwBD candidates are fully exempt from the fee.

Key breakdowns include Sheet Metal Worker (91 total), Welder (49), Fitter (39), Electrician (21), Diesel Mechanic (16), and others like Painter (11), Machinist (10). Full category-wise: 148 UR, 68 OBC, 23 SC, 1 ST, 20 EWS.

Shortlisting based on applications, followed by Certificate Verification and a Practical Trade Test (100 marks). Minimum qualifying marks: 50% UR/EWS, 45% OBC, 40% SC/ST/PwBD. Final rank list considers test marks and age.

No, existing CSL contract workmen are not eligible to apply for this 2026 recruitment. Only fresh candidates with post-ITI experience from outside CSL qualify.

Upload scanned photo, signature, SSLC certificate, ITI-NTC marksheet/certificate, experience proofs (joining/relieving letters or affidavit), and category certificates (caste/EWS/PwBD/Ex-SM). Originals needed for verification.

Go to cochinshipyard.in/careers, register on the SAP portal with email/mobile, fill details, upload documents, pay fee if applicable, and submit. Save your registration number—no need to send hard copies by post.

There's no written exam—selection is via Practical Test only (trade-specific skills at CSL Kochi, 100 marks). Prepare for hands-on assessment like welding, fitting, or electrical work based on your trade.

Yes, post-ITI apprenticeship training counts as experience (up to the duration served). However, it won't affect salary fixation—only actual work experience does for higher pay slabs.

False information or documents lead to disqualification and termination; no TA/DA for tests; rank list valid 18 months; courts at Ernakulam jurisdiction only. Current CSL workers and those without 3 years exp are barred.

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