Cochin Shipyard CSL Workmen Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 260 Fabrication Assistant, Outfit Assistant Posts

About Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) Workmen Recruitment 2026

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), India's largest shipbuilding and maintenance facility, has announced a significant recruitment opportunity for skilled ITI-qualified candidates across the nation. This Mini Ratna Category-I Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is inviting online applications for 260 Contract Workmen positions in various technical trades. This recruitment drive represents a golden opportunity for young ITI graduates to build their careers in India's premier shipbuilding organization with competitive remuneration and excellent working conditions.

Established in 1972, Cochin Shipyard Limited has carved a niche for itself as a world-class shipyard capable of constructing sophisticated vessels including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, commercial vessels, and offshore platforms. Located in Kochi, Kerala, CSL operates state-of-the-art infrastructure spanning over 300 acres with cutting-edge technology and equipment. The shipyard has successfully delivered over 250 vessels and has an impressive order book worth thousands of crores, making it an ideal workplace for technical professionals seeking long-term career growth in the maritime and defense sectors.

This recruitment notification (Advt. No. CSL/P&A/RECTT/CONTRACT/CONTRACT WORKMEN/2025/14) aims to engage contract workmen in two primary categories: Fabrication Assistants and Outfit Assistants across multiple specialized trades. Selected candidates will be deployed in various production departments including Hull Fabrication, Outfit & Erection, Machinery Installation, Electrical & Electronics, Piping, and Quality Control sections. The contractual engagement offers hands-on experience in shipbuilding operations, exposure to international maritime standards, and opportunities to work on prestigious defense and commercial projects.

Detailed Post-wise Vacancy Breakdown and Trade Specifications

The 260 vacancies are distributed across two main job categories with multiple specialized trades under each category. The Fabrication Assistant category comprises trades related to hull construction, steel fabrication, welding, and structural assembly work. The Outfit Assistant category includes trades involved in fitting, machinery installation, electrical systems, piping networks, painting, and finishing work. Each trade requires specific ITI certification with National Trade Certificate (NTC) from NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training).

Fabrication Assistants are required in trades such as Welder (Gas & Electric), Fitter, Turner, Machinist, Draughtsman (Mechanical), Sheet Metal Worker, and Structural Fitter. These positions involve working with heavy steel plates, cutting and shaping metal components, welding ship hulls, fabricating structural elements, operating machine tools, and ensuring dimensional accuracy as per engineering drawings. Candidates must possess physical fitness to work in shipyard environments with exposure to welding fumes, noise, and outdoor conditions.

Outfit Assistants are needed in trades including Electrician, Electronics Mechanic, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technician, Plumber, Painter (General), Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Mechanic (Diesel), Rigger, Carpenter, and Instrument Mechanic. These positions involve installation and commissioning of electrical systems, electronic equipment, HVAC systems, piping networks, interior fittings, painting and coating applications, engine installations, rigging operations, and instrumentation work on vessels under construction or repair.

Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria and Educational Requirements

Candidates must fulfill specific educational and technical qualification requirements to be eligible for this recruitment. The minimum educational qualification is Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) or equivalent 10th standard pass from a recognized State or Central Board of Education. Additionally, candidates must possess Industrial Training Institute (ITI) qualification with National Trade Certificate (NTC) in the relevant trade from NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) recognized institutes.

The ITI qualification must be in the same trade or directly related trade as the position applied for. For example, candidates applying for Welder (Fabrication Assistant) position must have ITI-NTC in Welder trade; those applying for Electrician (Outfit Assistant) must possess ITI-NTC in Electrician trade. Cross-trade applications will not be considered, and candidates must ensure their ITI certificate explicitly mentions NCVT affiliation and NTC certification. SCVT (State Council for Vocational Training) certificates without NTC equivalence are not acceptable for this recruitment.

Candidates currently pursuing ITI courses or awaiting final results are not eligible to apply. The ITI certificate must be issued on or before the last date of application submission (07.02.2026). Provisional certificates or mark sheets without the final ITI-NTC certificate will not be accepted during document verification. Candidates with distance education, correspondence, or online ITI courses are not eligible; only full-time regular ITI courses from government or government-recognized private ITI institutes with NCVT affiliation will be considered valid.

Age Limit Details and Relaxation Benefits

The upper age limit for all categories of candidates is 45 years as calculated on the closing date of online application submission, which is 07th February 2026. This means candidates born on or after 08th February 1981 are eligible to apply. Age relaxation provisions are extended to reserved category candidates and other special categories as per Central Government norms and CSL policies.

Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates receive 5 years of age relaxation, making their maximum permissible age 50 years. Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) candidates are eligible for 3 years of age relaxation, extending their upper age limit to 48 years. Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates applying under the 10% EWS reservation quota receive age relaxation as per government directives. Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) in relevant categories receive 10 years of age relaxation plus cumulative relaxation if belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories.

Ex-Servicemen candidates receive age relaxation equivalent to their service period in the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) plus an additional 3 years, subject to a maximum of the service period plus 3 years beyond the prescribed upper age limit. Widows, divorced women, and women judicially separated from their husbands and who are not remarried receive age relaxation of 9 years (13 years if belonging to SC/ST). Central Government civilian employees who have rendered at least 3 years of continuous service may receive age relaxation up to 5 years as per applicable rules.

Salary Structure, Allowances, and Additional Benefits

Selected Contract Workmen will receive a competitive monthly remuneration package ranging from Rs. 23,300 to Rs. 29,130 per month, depending on the specific trade, skill level, and performance during the probation period. The salary structure includes basic pay, dearness allowance (DA) calculated as per prevailing rates, house rent allowance (HRA) based on deployment location, and other statutory allowances as applicable under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970.

In addition to the monthly salary, contract workmen are entitled to various benefits including Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) contributions as per EPF Act, 1952, Employees' State Insurance (ESI) coverage for medical benefits and sickness/maternity allowances, paid leave entitlements including casual leave and sick leave as per contract terms, and festival/national holiday wages. Overtime compensation is provided for work beyond normal shift hours at rates prescribed under the Factories Act and company policy.

The shipyard provides comprehensive welfare facilities including subsidized canteen services with nutritious meals at nominal rates, free transportation from designated pickup points in Kochi city to the shipyard premises, protective clothing and safety equipment such as helmets, safety shoes, gloves, goggles, and overalls, and medical facilities including first aid centers, ambulance services, and tie-ups with empaneled hospitals for emergency and routine medical care. Annual health check-ups are conducted free of cost for all contract workmen to ensure occupational health and early detection of work-related ailments.

Selection Process and Recruitment Methodology

The selection process for Contract Workmen positions is designed to assess candidates' technical competence, practical skills, physical fitness, and suitability for shipyard operations. The recruitment will be conducted in multiple stages as outlined below, and candidates must qualify in each stage to proceed to the next level. CSL reserves the right to modify the selection process or introduce additional stages based on the number of applications received and organizational requirements.

Stage 1: Screening and Shortlisting - All online applications will be screened for eligibility based on educational qualifications, age criteria, category certificates, and completeness of application details. Only candidates meeting all eligibility parameters will be shortlisted for further stages. CSL may restrict the number of candidates called for subsequent stages to a reasonable multiple of vacancies based on merit in educational qualifications (percentage of marks in ITI-NTC examination).

Stage 2: Trade/Skill Test - Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a practical Trade Test or Skill Test relevant to their applied trade. The test will assess candidates' practical knowledge, hand-on skills, ability to use trade-specific tools and equipment, understanding of safety procedures, and capability to execute job tasks as per specifications. For Welder positions, candidates may be tested on various welding techniques (arc welding, gas welding, TIG, MIG) on different materials and positions. For Fitter positions, tests may include fitting operations, filing, drilling, tapping, assembly, and precision measurement. Similarly, trade-specific practical tests will be conducted for all other trades. Duration of the skill test typically ranges from 2 to 4 hours depending on the complexity of the trade.

Stage 3: Physical Fitness Test - Given the physically demanding nature of shipyard work involving manual handling, working at heights, confined space entry, and exposure to outdoor weather conditions, selected candidates must undergo a medical examination and physical fitness assessment. Candidates must meet minimum standards for vision (including color vision for specific trades), hearing, cardiovascular fitness, respiratory function, musculoskeletal integrity, and absence of conditions that may be aggravated by shipyard work environment.

Stage 4: Document Verification - Candidates qualifying in skill test and physical fitness assessment will be called for document verification. Original certificates along with one set of attested photocopies must be produced for verification. Documents required include SSLC certificate (proof of date of birth and educational qualification), ITI-NTC certificate and mark sheets, Community/Caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates) issued by competent authority in prescribed format and within validity, EWS certificate if applicable issued within the current financial year, Disability certificate (for PwBD candidates) issued by competent medical board, Discharge certificate (for Ex-Servicemen), valid identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID/Passport), and recent passport-size photographs.

Final Selection and Merit List - Based on the aggregate performance in skill test, physical fitness, and document verification, a final merit list will be prepared separately for each trade and category (UR/EWS/OBC/SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen). Candidates will be selected in order of merit subject to availability of vacancies in their respective category and trade. CSL's decision in all matters related to eligibility, selection, and merit determination shall be final and binding, and no correspondence or personal enquiry will be entertained in this regard.

How to Apply Online - Detailed Step-by-Step Process

Interested and eligible candidates must apply ONLY through the online mode on the official CSL careers portal. Applications submitted through any other mode (offline, email, postal, or in-person) will be summarily rejected without any consideration. Follow these steps carefully to complete your online application:

1. Visit Official Website: Open your web browser and visit the official Cochin Shipyard Limited website at www.cochinshipyard.in. Navigate to the "Careers" section from the main menu or homepage.
2. Locate Advertisement: Find the notification titled "Recruitment of Contract Workmen - 260 Posts (Advt. No. CSL/P&A/RECTT/CONTRACT/CONTRACT WORKMEN/2025/14)" under Current Openings or Recruitment Notifications section.
3. Read Notification: Download and carefully read the complete official notification PDF containing detailed information about vacancies, eligibility, selection process, and application instructions. Also download the Information Brochure if provided separately.
4. Click on Apply Online: Click on the "Apply Online" link or button associated with this recruitment notification. This will redirect you to the CSL online recruitment portal or registration page.
5. New User Registration: If you are a first-time user, click on "New Registration" or "Register" button. Provide your basic details such as Name, Date of Birth, Mobile Number, Email ID, and create a strong password. A verification OTP may be sent to your mobile and email for authentication. Note down your Registration Number/User ID and Password for future reference.
6. Login to Application Portal: After successful registration, login to the application portal using your Registration Number/User ID and Password.
7. Fill Application Form: Complete the online application form in all sections including Personal Details (Name, Father's Name, Mother's Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Marital Status, Nationality), Contact Details (Permanent Address, Correspondence Address, Mobile, Email, Aadhaar Number), Category Details (Select Category: UR/EWS/OBC/SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen), Educational Qualifications (SSLC Board, Year of Passing, Percentage; ITI Trade, Institute Name, NCVT Affiliation, NTC Certificate Number, Year of Passing, Percentage), and Post Applied (Select Trade from dropdown menu).
8. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of required documents in prescribed format and size limits (usually JPG/PDF format, 50KB to 200KB per file): Recent passport-size color photograph (white background, professional attire), Signature in white paper with black ink, SSLC Certificate, ITI-NTC Certificate, Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable), PwBD Certificate (if applicable), Ex-Servicemen Discharge Certificate (if applicable).
9. Preview and Submit: Carefully preview all entered information and uploaded documents. Make corrections if necessary using the "Edit" option. Once satisfied, click on "Final Submit" button. After submission, you cannot make any changes.
10. Payment of Application Fee (if applicable): If application fee is applicable based on your category, you will be redirected to the payment gateway. Pay the fee using Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI. Save the payment receipt/transaction ID for future reference.
11. Download/Print Application: After successful submission and payment (if applicable), download or print the application acknowledgement/receipt containing your Registration Number, Application Number, Name, Post Applied, and other details. Keep this printout safely for future correspondence and as entry pass for skill test/interview if required.

Important Instructions for Online Application

• Apply well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues or server overload
• Use only recent Chrome, Firefox, or Edge browsers with updated versions for best compatibility
• Keep all certificates and documents ready in scanned format before starting the application
• Ensure scanned documents are clear, legible, and within prescribed size limits
• Provide valid and active mobile number and email ID as all communications will be sent electronically
• Do not share your login credentials with anyone; CSL will never ask for passwords or OTPs
• Candidates can apply for only ONE trade; multiple applications will lead to rejection of candidature
• Incomplete applications or applications without requisite documents will be rejected
• Candidates must regularly check their registered email and mobile for updates regarding admit card, test dates, and results
• Also keep checking the official CSL website careers section for any corrigendum, modifications, or announcements related to this recruitment

Application Fee Structure

The application fee structure for this recruitment is as follows: General, EWS, and OBC category candidates must pay an application fee of Rs. 590/- (Rs. 500/- application processing fee + Rs. 90/- payment gateway charges). SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from payment of application fee. Female candidates belonging to all categories are also exempted from application fee payment.

The application fee must be paid online through the payment gateway integrated with the application portal. Accepted payment modes include Debit Cards (Visa/MasterCard/RuPay), Credit Cards (Visa/MasterCard/American Express), Net Banking (all major banks), and UPI (Google Pay/PhonePe/Paytm/BHIM). Application fee once paid is non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances. Fee paid through any offline mode (Demand Draft, Cheque, Money Order, Cash Deposit) will not be accepted and such applications will be rejected outright.

Candidates are advised to keep the transaction receipt, payment confirmation email, and payment reference number safely for future reference and dispute resolution if required. In case of payment failure or double debit, contact the payment gateway customer care immediately and also write to CSL recruitment helpdesk with transaction details. Refunds for duplicate transactions will be processed as per payment gateway and bank policies, which may take 7-21 working days.

Important Terms and Conditions

This is a purely contractual engagement initially for a period of 1 year, renewable based on performance, conduct, and organizational requirements. The contract may be extended or terminated by CSL without assigning any reason by giving 1 month's notice or 1 month's salary in lieu thereof. Similarly, the contract workman may resign by giving 1 month's notice. This contractual engagement does not confer any right, claim, or entitlement for regular employment, absorption, or permanency in Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Selected candidates will be engaged through registered contractors as per the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 and applicable state amendments. Candidates must be willing to work in all shifts including night shifts, general shifts, and rotating shifts as per production requirements. Overtime work on Sundays, holidays, and beyond normal shift hours may be required based on operational needs. Candidates must be medically fit to work in shipyard environments with exposure to noise, welding fumes, heights, confined spaces, and outdoor weather conditions.

CSL reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of vacancies, cancel or restrict the recruitment to specific trades, modify the selection process, postpone or reschedule skill tests, or cancel the entire recruitment without assigning any reason and without any prior notice. Candidates will have no claim for any compensation, reimbursement, or reconsideration in such events. Canvassing in any form or bringing influence directly or indirectly will lead to disqualification of candidature.

Any false information, suppression of material facts, fake certificates, or impersonation detected at any stage will result in immediate termination of candidature or services if already engaged, forfeiture of any claims, and may also lead to criminal prosecution. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Courts in Ernakulam, Kerala only.