Cordite Factory Aruvankadu Recruitment 2026 — Apply for 18 Graduate/Diploma Project Engineer (Chemical) Posts
Cordite Factory Aruvankadu (CFA), The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu — a Unit of Munitions India Limited (MIL) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India — has officially released a recruitment notification in Employment News (28 March – 3 April 2026) for 18 Graduate/Diploma Project Engineer (Chemical) posts on a contract basis. These vacancies span five functional departments: R&D (Propellant/Explosive), Quality Control, Maintenance of Nitrocellulose Process Plant/Hydraulic Press in Chemical Plant, Safety, and Production Processes.
The engagement is on a tenure/contract basis — initially for one year, extendable up to a maximum of four years — with a year-wise incremental pay structure starting from ₹36,000/- per month (1st Year) rising to ₹39,338/- per month (4th Year), along with IDA, HRA (if company quarter is not provided), EPF, and other applicable benefits. Candidates up to 30 years of age holding B.E./B.Tech. or Diploma in Chemical Engineering, or B.Sc. with Chemistry, along with relevant Apprenticeship training, are eligible to apply.
This recruitment follows a unique three-step application process: candidates must submit a hard copy of the filled application by post, send a scanned soft copy by email, and fill in basic contact details through a Google Form — all within 21 days from 28 March 2026 (i.e., by approximately 17 April 2026). There is no application fee for any candidate.
Cordite Factory Aruvankadu Project Engineer Recruitment 2026 — Key Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Cordite Factory Aruvankadu (CFA), The Nilgiris — A Unit of Munitions India Limited (MIL), Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Post Name | Graduate/Diploma Project Engineer (Chemical) — Contract Basis |
| Total Vacancies | 18 Posts |
| Departments / Areas | R&D (Propellant/Explosive), Quality Control, Maintenance (NC Process Plant/Hydraulic Press), Safety, Production Processes |
| Nature of Engagement | Contract/Tenure basis — initially 1 year, extendable up to maximum 4 years |
| Pay Structure | 1st Year: ₹36,000; 2nd Year: ₹37,080; 3rd Year: ₹38,192; 4th Year: ₹39,338 (all per month; + IDA, HRA if quarters not allotted, EPF, Bonus as applicable) |
| Essential Qualification | B.E./B.Tech./Diploma (Chemical Engineering) OR B.Sc. (Chemistry) + Apprenticeship in relevant field (Ordnance Factory / explosives / ammunition preferred) |
| Age Limit | Maximum 30 years (General); relaxations for OBC-NCL (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), Ex-Servicemen (as per rules) |
| Application Fee | NIL — No fee for any candidate |
| Application Mode | Three-step: (1) Hard copy by Post + (2) Scanned soft copy by Email + (3) Google Form submission |
| Employment News Publication | 28 March – 3 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 21 days from 28 March 2026 (approximately 17 April 2026) |
| Posting Location | Cordite Factory, Aruvankadu, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu |
| Official Website | Click here |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Published in Employment News | 28 March – 3 April 2026 |
| Application Start Date | From the date of publication in Employment News (28 March 2026) |
| Last Date for Receipt of Applications (Hard Copy + Email + Google Form) | 21 days from 28 March 2026 (approximately 17 April 2026) |
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Google Form (Basic Details Submission) | Click here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click here |
| Official Website (DDP DOO) | Click here |
Vacancy Distribution — Department-Wise & Category-Wise Breakdown
| Department / Area | Total Posts | Category Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| R&D (Propellant/Explosive) | 4 | UR — 3, OBC-NCL — 1 |
| Quality Control | 4 | UR — 3, OBC-NCL — 1 |
| Maintenance of Nitrocellulose Process Plant / Hydraulic Press in Chemical Plant | 4 | UR — 3, OBC-NCL — 1 |
| Safety | 4 | UR — 3, OBC-NCL — 1 |
| Production Processes | 2 | UR — 2 |
| Total | 18 | UR — 14, OBC-NCL — 4 |
Year-Wise Pay Structure & Benefits
| Year of Engagement | Basic Consolidated Pay per Month |
|---|---|
| 1st Year | ₹36,000/- |
| 2nd Year | ₹37,080/- |
| 3rd Year | ₹38,192/- |
| 4th Year | ₹39,338/- |
In addition to the above consolidated pay, the following benefits are admissible as per applicable rules: IDA (Industrial Dearness Allowance) at the prevailing rate; House Rent Allowance (HRA) if factory/company quarters are not allotted; EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) contribution; Employees’ Compensation; and Bonus (if applicable). The engagement is strictly on a contract/tenure basis with no guarantee of regularisation or permanency.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification & Apprenticeship — Three Pathways
Candidates must satisfy one of the following three qualification pathways, each requiring the relevant Apprenticeship certificate:
| Pathway | Degree / Diploma | Apprenticeship Requirement | Preference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Highest Preference) | B.E./B.Tech. or Diploma in Chemical Engineering from a recognised institution | Apprenticeship in manufacturing/handling of ammunition and explosives, preferably at an Ordnance Factory | Highest — Ordnance Factory Apprenticeship in explosives/ammunition |
| 2 | B.Sc. Graduate with Chemistry as one of the major subjects from a recognised university | Apprenticeship in manufacturing/handling of ammunition and explosives | High — Chemistry graduate with explosives Apprenticeship |
| 3 | B.E./B.Tech. or Diploma in Chemical Engineering from a recognised institution | Apprenticeship in Chemical industry (other than ammunition/explosives) | General — Chemical Engineering degree/diploma with general chemical Apprenticeship |
The merit list for selection will be prepared discipline-wise and category-wise, with preference accorded as described above. Candidates with Ordnance Factory Apprenticeship in the explosives/ammunition domain will be ranked ahead of those with general chemical industry Apprenticeship. Refer to the official notification for complete qualification specifications.
Age Limit (as on last date of receipt of applications)
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 33 years (3 years relaxation) |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 35 years (5 years relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Government of India rules |
Selection Process
The selection for Cordite Factory Aruvankadu Graduate/Diploma Project Engineer (Chemical) Recruitment 2026 will be conducted as follows:
- Preparation of Merit List — Marks-Based Scoring: All eligible applications will be evaluated on a total score of 100 marks, divided between two components:
- Qualifying Examination Marks — 85% weightage: The percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying degree or diploma (Graduation/Diploma in Chemical Engineering or B.Sc. with Chemistry) will be considered for 85 marks out of 100.
- Personal Interaction / Interview — 15% weightage: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a Personal Interaction or Interview, contributing 15 marks out of 100.
- Shortlisting & Personal Interaction / Interview: Based on qualifying examination marks, candidates will be shortlisted for the Personal Interaction / Interview. The interview will assess domain knowledge in Chemical Engineering / Chemistry, understanding of propellant/explosive processes, safety awareness, and suitability for the applied department.
- Document Verification: Candidates provisionally selected based on the final merit list will be required to produce all original certificates for verification — educational qualification certificates and mark sheets, Apprenticeship certificate, age proof, category/caste certificate (in prescribed GoI format), identity proof, and any other documents specified in the notification — before the final engagement order is issued.
The final merit list will be prepared department-wise and category-wise, with preference accorded to Ordnance Factory Apprenticeship (explosives/ammunition domain) candidates over general chemical industry Apprenticeship holders. CFA reserves the right to modify the selection process as required.
How to Apply for Cordite Factory Aruvankadu Project Engineer Recruitment 2026
The application for this recruitment requires completion of all three steps — hard copy by post, scanned soft copy by email, and Google Form submission. Failure to complete any one step may result in the application not being considered.
- Download the official notification PDF from Click here and read it carefully, noting the full details of eligibility, qualification preference order, required documents, the postal submission address, the official email address, and all application instructions.
- Download the prescribed Application Form from the official notification PDF or the official website. Take a clean printout and fill it in completely using BLOCK LETTERS with accurate personal details, educational qualifications, Apprenticeship details, category, and the specific department / area applied for.
- Assemble and attach self-attested photocopies of all required documents: educational degree/diploma/B.Sc. certificates and mark sheets, Apprenticeship certificate (with details of trade and establishment), age proof (10th mark sheet or birth certificate), category/caste certificate in the prescribed Government of India format (for OBC-NCL/SC/ST), Ex-Servicemen documents (if applicable), a valid government-issued identity proof, and one extra recent passport-size photograph.
- Step 1 — Hard Copy by Post: Write “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF TENURE BASED PROJECT ENGINEER ON CONTRACT BASIS” clearly on the outer envelope. Send the duly filled application form with all enclosures by Speed Post or Registered Post to the address specified in the official notification at Cordite Factory Aruvankadu, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, ensuring it is received within 21 days from 28 March 2026.
- Step 2 — Scanned Soft Copy by Email: Scan the completely filled and signed application form along with all attached documents and send the scanned copies as email attachments to the official CFA email address provided in the official notification. Use an appropriate subject line as directed in the notification.
- Step 3 — Google Form Submission: Fill in your basic contact and application details in the Google Form available at Click here. This step must also be completed within the application deadline.
- Retain a photocopy of the completed application form, a copy of the sent email with its timestamp, and the Google Form submission confirmation for your records, to be produced during the selection and document verification stages.
Important Advisory: All three steps — postal hard copy, email soft copy, and Google Form — must be completed within 21 days from 28 March 2026. Applications where any step is missing or received after the closing date will not be entertained.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is Cordite Factory Aruvankadu Project Engineer Recruitment 2026?
Cordite Factory Aruvankadu (CFA), a unit of Munitions India Limited, has advertised 18 Graduate/Diploma Project Engineer (Chemical) posts on a contract basis in Employment News (28 March 2026). The posts are across five departments — R&D, Quality Control, Maintenance, Safety, and Production. Applications must be submitted via all three channels (post + email + Google Form) within 21 days from 28 March 2026.
Q2. How many vacancies are available and across which departments?
A total of 18 vacancies are distributed as follows: R&D Propellant/Explosive (4), Quality Control (4), Maintenance of NC Process Plant/Hydraulic Press (4), Safety (4), and Production Processes (2). Category-wise: UR (14) and OBC-NCL (4). No vacancies are announced for SC, ST, EWS, or Ex-Serviceman categories in this round.
Q3. What are the qualification pathways to apply for this post?
There are three qualification pathways, with a defined preference order for merit ranking. The highest preference is for B.E./B.Tech./Diploma in Chemical Engineering + Ordnance Factory Apprenticeship in explosives/ammunition. Second preference is for B.Sc. with Chemistry + Apprenticeship in ammunition/explosives. Third preference is for B.E./B.Tech./Diploma in Chemical Engineering + Apprenticeship in any chemical industry (non-explosives).
Q4. What is the age limit for CFA Project Engineer Recruitment 2026?
The maximum age limit as on the last date of receipt of applications is 30 years for General (UR) candidates. OBC-NCL candidates receive a 3-year relaxation (maximum 33 years), SC/ST candidates receive a 5-year relaxation (maximum 35 years), and Ex-Servicemen are entitled to relaxation as per Government of India rules.
Q5. What is the year-wise pay for the Project Engineer post?
The consolidated pay is ₹36,000/- (1st Year), ₹37,080/- (2nd Year), ₹38,192/- (3rd Year), and ₹39,338/- (4th Year) per month. Additionally, IDA, HRA (if factory quarters are not provided), EPF, and applicable bonus are also payable. The engagement is strictly contractual with no regularisation rights.
Q6. How is the selection conducted for this recruitment?
Selection is based on a total score of 100 marks: 85% weightage to qualifying examination marks (marks in the degree/diploma) and 15% weightage to the Personal Interaction/Interview. The final merit list is prepared department-wise and category-wise. Preference in ranking is given to candidates with Ordnance Factory Apprenticeship in explosives/ammunition over general chemical industry Apprenticeship holders.
Q7. Is there an application fee for CFA Recruitment 2026?
There is no application fee for any category of candidates. All eligible candidates may apply without any payment.
Q8. What is the three-step application process?
Candidates must complete all three steps: (1) send a duly filled application form with all required documents as a hard copy by post to CFA, Aruvankadu, with the envelope clearly superscribed “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF TENURE BASED PROJECT ENGINEER ON CONTRACT BASIS”; (2) send a scanned soft copy by email to the official CFA email address; and (3) fill in basic details in the official Google Form at Click here. All three must be completed within the deadline.
Q9. Why is the Apprenticeship type important for this recruitment?
Because the merit list preference order is determined by the type of Apprenticeship held. Candidates with Ordnance Factory Apprenticeship in manufacturing/handling of ammunition and explosives are ranked highest on the merit list, followed by those with general explosives Apprenticeship, and then those with Apprenticeship in other chemical industries. This preference order directly affects the likelihood of selection when there is competition within the same category and department.
Q10. What must be written on the application envelope?
It is mandatory to superscribe the outer envelope clearly with “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF TENURE BASED PROJECT ENGINEER ON CONTRACT BASIS”. This is a specific instruction in the notification to ensure correct routing of the application within CFA. Applications received without this marking may be delayed or misidentified.
Q11. What is the last date to apply for CFA Project Engineer Recruitment 2026?
The last date is 21 days from 28 March 2026, which works out to approximately 17 April 2026. All three steps — hard copy by post (received at CFA), email soft copy, and Google Form — must be completed before this deadline. Candidates are strongly advised to dispatch their postal applications several days early given transit time from different locations in India.
Q12. What additional benefits are provided beyond the basic consolidated pay?
Beyond the consolidated monthly pay (₹36,000–₹39,338 depending on year), selected candidates are entitled to IDA (Industrial Dearness Allowance) at the applicable rate, HRA (House Rent Allowance) if factory/company quarters are not allotted, EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) contributions, Employees’ Compensation, and Bonus where applicable under relevant statutory provisions.