The Cochin Port Authority has officially announced a recruitment drive for the post of Chief Mechanical Engineer. This is a valuable opportunity for qualified officers in the field of Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Marine Engineering, or Naval Architecture to serve in a prestigious organization. Candidates interested in applying for this position must carefully review the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and important deadlines outlined below to ensure a successful application process. This comprehensive job description provides all pertinent details to assist prospective applicants in understanding the role, requirements, and steps to apply.
Cochin Port Authority Chief Mechanical Engineer Recruitment 2026 – Complete Job Details
Organization Overview
The Cochin Port Authority, one of India’s major ports located on the southwestern coast, plays a crucial role in maritime trade and logistics. The organization invites applications for the position of Chief Mechanical Engineer to bolster its technical and managerial cadre responsible for maintaining and overseeing mechanical and electrical systems within its operations.
Vacancy Summary
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Cochin Port Authority |
| Post Name | Chief Mechanical Engineer |
| Total Vacancies | 1 Post |
| Advertisement Number | No.A4/CME/2024-S |
| Scale of Pay | Rs. 1,00,000 – 2,60,000 (upgradeable to Rs. 1,20,000 – 2,80,000 after 3 years with approval) |
| Application Last Date | 13th March 2026 |
Job Role and Responsibilities
The Chief Mechanical Engineer will oversee all mechanical and electrical engineering aspects within the port’s operations. Responsibilities include supervising maintenance of cargo handling equipment, electrical installations, ship repairs, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The incumbent will play a strategic role in maintaining port efficiency, safety, and operational excellence.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualifications
Applicants must possess at least one of the following qualifications:
- A Degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, or Naval Architecture from a recognized university or institute.
- MOT 1st Class Motor Certificate issued under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
Experience Requirements
The required managerial experience depends on the recruitment channel:
For Direct Recruitment
- At least fifteen (15) years of experience in managerial capacity dealing with Mechanical, Electrical, Marine, or Electronics engineering works.
- Of these, a minimum of eight (8) years should be in workshops maintaining cargo handling equipment, electrical installations, or ship repairs in Major Port Trusts, industrial, commercial, or government undertakings.
For Absorption via Composite Method (Major Ports)
- Officers holding posts in the pay scale of Rs. 90,000 – 2,40,000 with at least two (2) years of regular service.
- Officers in the pay scale of Rs. 80,000 – 2,20,000 with at least three (3) years of regular service in Mechanical, Electrical, or Marine Departments.
For Deputation (Other than Major Ports)
- Officers holding the post of Chief Mechanical Engineer or equivalent with a pay scale of Rs. 1,00,000 – 2,60,000 and at least two (2) years of regular service at the grade.
- Or officers holding Deputy Chief Mechanical Engineer or equivalent with a pay scale of Rs. 80,000 – 2,20,000 and at least five (5) years of regular service.
- Experience should be in Central Government, State Governments, Union Territories, Public Sector Undertakings, or Autonomous Bodies outside Major Ports.
Age Limit
The upper age limit for direct recruitment is 45 years. The age is determined as of the crucial date, which is 13th March 2026.
Other Eligibility Conditions
- Selection is based on merit, with a minimum overall grading of “Very Good” in ACRs/APARs.
- Applicants must meet all criteria specified in the Recruitment Rules.
Selection Process
The selection procedure involves a merit-based process with the following options:
- Absorption through the composite method (preferred for eligible officers from Major Ports).
- If suitable candidates are not available through absorption, the vacancies will be filled by deputation.
- Failing both, the position will be filled by direct recruitment.
The overall grading in the APARs or ACRs must be “Very Good” to qualify for consideration.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Registration: Candidates must register online on the Online Application Portal (OAP) of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. No other mode of application is accepted.
- Filing the Application: After registration, fill out the online application form with accurate details.
- Hard Copy Submission: A hard copy of the online application must be printed, signed, and routed through the proper channel. It should be sent in an envelope superscribed with “Application for the post of Chief Mechanical Engineer in Cochin Port Authority on absorption basis.”
- Submission Address: The completed hard copy should be sent to:
| Address for Submission |
|---|
| The Secretary, Cochin Port Authority, Willingdon Island, Cochin – 682 009, India. |
The hard copy must be received by 13th March 2026. Applications routed through proper channels should arrive within 15 days after this date to be considered valid.
Documents to Submit with Hard Copy
- Attested copies of APARs/ACRs for the last 5 years (2020-2025).
- Attested copies of educational certificates and proof of experience.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer.
- Undertaking not to withdraw candidature if selected.
- Certificate from the Head of Office as per specified format (Annexure-II).
- Vigilance clearance status (Annexure-III) signed by the CVO.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs sealed in an envelope.
- Details of service, pay scales, APAR grades, and eligibility status.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Circular Issued | 27/01/2026 |
| Last Date for Hard Copy Application | 13/03/2026 |
| Crucial Date for Qualification & Age | 13/03/2026 |
| Last Date for Proper Channel Submission | Within 15 days of 13/03/2026 |
Financial and Salary Details
The selected candidate for the position of Chief Mechanical Engineer will be offered a pay scale starting from Rs. 1,00,000 up to Rs. 2,60,000. After three years of regular service, the pay scale may be upgraded to Rs. 1,20,000 – 2,80,000 subject to approval.
For detailed salary structure and increment policies, applicants are advised to consult the official notification linked below.
Important Links
For further details, official notification, and online application, please visit:
Further Resources
If you wish to prepare better for the selection process, free mock tests are available to assess your readiness and improve your chances. Visit the official portal for access to practice tests.
Conclusion
This position offers a prestigious career opportunity for qualified officers with extensive managerial experience in mechanical, electrical, or marine engineering fields. Adhering to the application instructions and meeting eligibility criteria is essential for securing this coveted role in Cochin Port Authority. Candidates are advised to prepare all documentation carefully and submit applications within the stipulated deadlines to ensure consideration.