High Explosives Factory Khadki Recruitment 2026 — Tenure Based Project Engineer (Chemical): Complete Guide
For chemical engineering graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in India’s strategic defence manufacturing sector, High Explosives Factory (HEF) Khadki in Pune has announced recruitment for Tenure Based Project Engineers (Chemical) in 2026. This is a rare opportunity to work inside one of India’s most critical defence production facilities — where explosives, propellants, and ammunition components are manufactured for the Indian Armed Forces.
The positions are on a contract basis under Munitions India Limited, one of the seven Defence PSUs formed after the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board. Here is the complete guide to eligibility, pay, selection process, and how to apply.
About High Explosives Factory Khadki and Munitions India Limited
High Explosives Factory (HEF), Khadki is located in Pune, Maharashtra and is one of India’s oldest and most strategically important defence production units. Established in the pre-independence era, HEF specialises in the manufacture of high explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, and related chemical components used in artillery shells, rockets, missiles, and demolition charges.
HEF operates under Munitions India Limited (MIL) — a Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Defence. MIL is ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015, 45001:2018, and 50001:2018 certified, reflecting its commitment to quality, environmental management, and occupational health standards.
HEF Khadki Recruitment 2026 — Vacancy Details
| Post | Discipline | Total Vacancies | UR | OBC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenure Based Graduate / Diploma Project Engineer | Chemical | 06 | 05 | 01 |
Pay Scale — HEF Project Engineer 2026
| Year of Contract | Basic Pay (per month) |
|---|---|
| 1st Year | Rs. 36,000/- |
| 2nd Year | Rs. 37,080/- |
| 3rd Year | Rs. 38,192/- |
| 4th Year | Rs. 39,338/- + Dearness Allowance as per prevailing rate |
In addition to basic pay, tenure-based project engineers are entitled to 30 days of leave per year, with 2.5 days credited for every calendar month of service. Leave can be accumulated up to 30 days and encashed on completion of one year of service.
Eligibility Criteria — HEF Project Engineer (Chemical) 2026
Essential Qualification
- B.E. / B.Tech in Chemical Engineering OR B.Sc. Graduate with Chemistry as one of the major subjects OR Diploma in Chemical Engineering from a recognised institution
- Apprenticeship in Chemical Trade as per the Apprentices Act 1961 in Ordnance Factories under Munitions India Limited OR in Factories manufacturing / handling ammunition and explosives OR in Factories other than manufacturing / handling ammunition and explosives
Age Limit
- Maximum age: Up to 30 years as on date of publication of the advertisement
- Age relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates as per Government of India rules
Application Fees
No application fee is mentioned for this recruitment. Candidates should verify on the official advertisement.
Order of Preference for Merit List Preparation
| Preference Order | Educational Qualification | Apprenticeship Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Preference | Graduate (B.E./B.Tech) in Chemical Engineering | Apprenticeship in manufacturing/handling of ammunition and explosives |
| 2nd Preference | Diploma in Chemical Engineering | Apprenticeship in manufacturing/handling of ammunition and explosives |
| 3rd Preference | B.Sc. with Chemistry as major | Apprenticeship in manufacturing/handling of ammunition and explosives |
| 4th Preference | Graduate (B.E./B.Tech) in Chemical Engineering | Apprenticeship in Chemical other than ammunition/explosives |
| 5th Preference | Diploma in Chemical Engineering | Apprenticeship in Chemical other than ammunition/explosives |
Selection Process — HEF Khadki Project Engineer 2026
- Selection will be based on marks secured in B.E. / B.Tech / Diploma / B.Sc. qualifying examination
- Personal interaction / interview at HEF Factory, Khadki, Pune — candidates will be called based on marks in the qualifying exam
- Weightage: Marks in B.E./B.Tech/Diploma/B.Sc. — 85% | Personal Interaction / Interview — 15%
- A cut-off percentage for calling candidates may be decided by HEF based on the number of applications received
Contract Terms and Conditions
- Initial contract period: 1 year, extendable on a yearly basis up to a maximum of 4 years
- Performance review conducted after completion of 11 months — 1 month break every year; vacation pay not applicable for contractual staff
- Entitled to EPF and Employees Compensation Act as per Government guidelines
- Entitled to Bonus as applicable under the Bonus Act 1965 as amended from time to time
- The tenure-based engagement will not confer any right on the personnel to claim the status of a regular employee
- Company accommodation available wherever possible
How to Apply — HEF Khadki Recruitment 2026
- Step 1: Visit munitionsindia.in for full details and the prescribed application form
- Step 2: Download and print the application form (to be filled in Block Letters only)
- Step 3: Fill in all details accurately including educational qualifications, apprenticeship details, and personal information
- Step 4: Attach self-attested copies of all educational certificates, apprenticeship certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), and one recent passport-size photograph
- Step 5: Superscribe the envelope clearly: “Application for the post of Graduate/Diploma Project Engineer on Tenure Basis”
- Step 6: Send the application by post to: The Chief General Manager, High Explosives Factory, Khadki, Pune, Maharashtra — Pin 411003
- Closing Date: 21 days from the date of publication of this advertisement in Employment News (published 6 June 2026)
Send application by post within 21 days of 6 June 2026
For full details and application form visit:
👉 munitionsindia.in
Frequently Asked Questions — HEF Khadki Recruitment 2026
Q1. What is the last date to apply for HEF Khadki Project Engineer 2026?
The closing date is 21 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in Employment News. Since the advertisement appeared in the 6–12 June 2026 edition, the last date falls approximately on 27 June 2026. Candidates should verify the exact date in the official notification.
Q2. Is the HEF Project Engineer post a permanent government job?
No. The Project Engineer post at HEF Khadki is on a tenure / contract basis for an initial period of 1 year, extendable up to a maximum of 4 years. It does not confer any right to permanent employment in Munitions India Limited or the Government of India.
Q3. What is the salary for HEF Khadki Project Engineer 2026?
The basic pay starts at Rs. 36,000/- per month in the first year and increases annually to Rs. 37,080/- (Year 2), Rs. 38,192/- (Year 3), and Rs. 39,338/- + DA (Year 4). Employees are also entitled to EPF, leave encashment, and applicable bonuses.
Q4. What qualification is required for HEF Project Engineer (Chemical)?
Candidates must hold a B.E./B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, or B.Sc. with Chemistry as a major subject, or a Diploma in Chemical Engineering from a recognised institution. Apprenticeship in chemical trade under the Apprentices Act 1961 is also required as per the order of preference for merit list preparation.
Q5. Is there any age relaxation for HEF Khadki Recruitment 2026?
Yes. The maximum age limit is 30 years. Age relaxation of 5 years is available for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates as per Government of India reservation and age relaxation rules.
Q6. Can I apply online for HEF Khadki Project Engineer 2026?
No. Online applications are not accepted. Applications must be submitted only by post in the prescribed format, superscribed clearly, and sent to the Chief General Manager, High Explosives Factory, Khadki, Pune-411003 before the closing date.