The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has released the official Deputy Manager Recruitment 2026 notification inviting applications for Deputy Manager (Technical) positions on a direct recruitment basis. This prestigious infrastructure recruitment is targeted at Civil Engineering graduates who have achieved a valid GATE 2025 score in Civil Engineering. It offers a government job with attractive remuneration and growth opportunities within NHAI’s nationwide operations.
Vacancy Details
Under this recruitment drive, a total of 40 vacancies are available for the post of Deputy Manager (Technical). These posts are distributed across categories as follows:
- Unreserved (UR): 20
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 09
- SC: 05
- ST: 02
- EWS: 04
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 02 (SLD/MI & Multiple Disabilities)
This distribution ensures representation across categories while focusing on recruiting skilled Civil Engineering graduates.
Educational Qualifications
To be eligible for NHAI Deputy Manager Recruitment 2026, candidates must have the following educational qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (B.E./B.Tech in Civil Engineering) from a recognised university or institution.
- A valid GATE 2025 score in the Civil Engineering (CE) discipline.
This ensures that applicants are technically competent and suitable for the technical responsibilities associated with highway project planning, design, execution, and quality assurance.
Age Limit and Relaxation
Candidates must adhere to the prescribed age criteria for this recruitment:
- Maximum Age (General): 30 years (as of 09 February 2026)
- OBC (NCL): Up to 33 years
- SC/ST: Up to 35 years
- PwBD (General): Up to 40 years
- PwBD (OBC): Up to 43 years
- PwBD (SC/ST): Up to 45 years
- Ex-Servicemen: Up to 35 years
This age structure is designed to allow reserved category candidates to apply with appropriate relaxations.
Selection Process
Selection for the Deputy Manager (Technical) post is based 100% on the candidate’s GATE 2025 score in Civil Engineering. There is no separate written examination, making this a high-impact recruitment for engineering graduates.
- Candidates are shortlisted based on the merit of their GATE CE scores.
- In case of score ties, preference is generally given to older candidates and then alphabetical order of names as tie-breakers.
Once shortlisted, candidates may be called for further interaction or verification stages as specified by NHAI.
Salary and Pay Scale
Selected candidates for the Deputy Manager (Technical) position will be appointed under Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Pay Matrix, offering:
- Basic pay: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month
- Central Dearness Allowance (CDA) and other allowances as applicable under NHAI/central government rules.
This competitive salary package makes the Deputy Manager post a highly desirable central government engineering job.
Important Dates
The key dates for NHAI Deputy Manager Recruitment 2026 are:
- Application Start Date: 09 January 2026 (10:00 AM)
- Last Date to Apply Online: 09 February 2026 (06:00 PM)
Candidates must complete their online applications within this timeline to be eligible for selection.
How to Apply Online
Interested candidates must apply only through the official NHAI recruitment portal. The online application steps generally include:
- Visit the official NHAI website (nhai.gov.in) or the vacancy portal at vacancyportal.nhai.org.
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Log in and open the Deputy Manager (Technical) Recruitment 2026 application form.
- Enter personal and educational details accurately.
- Upload scanned documents, including your GATE 2025 scorecard, degree certificate, photograph, and signature.
- Review the application and submit before the deadline.
- Save or print the confirmation for future reference.
Candidates should ensure that they meet all eligibility conditions and apply well before the last date to avoid last-minute issues.
Job Profile and Responsibilities
As a Deputy Manager (Technical) in NHAI, selected candidates may be involved in:
- Project planning, design review, and execution of highway and infrastructure projects.
- Quality assurance and compliance monitoring on highways contracts.
- Coordination with consultants, contractors, and field engineers.
- Preparation of technical reports and documentation.
- Implementation of safety and environmental standards in highway construction.
These responsibilities contribute to the efficient development and maintenance of India’s national highway network.
Final Word
The NHAI Deputy Manager Recruitment 2026 provides an excellent opportunity for Civil Engineering graduates with GATE 2025 scores to join a key infrastructure authority in India. With 40 vacancies, a competitive salary, and selection based on GATE merit, this is one of the most sought-after recruitments for technical graduates this year. Eligible candidates should ensure they complete their applications online before 09 February 2026.