NICL AO Automobile Engineer Selection Process 2026

The NICL AO Automobile Engineer selection process has three parts. These are the Phase I (Prelims) online exam, the Phase II (Mains) online exam with a descriptive test, and an interview. Phase I only qualifies a candidate for Phase II. The final score uses 80% Phase II objective marks and 20% interview marks. See the NICL AO Automobile Engineer 2026 guide for all pages.

NICL AO Automobile Engineer selection process: the stages

Phase I applies to all disciplines. Read the exam pattern page for the sections, marks, and timing of each test.

How does NICL shortlist candidates for Phase II?

A candidate must secure passing marks in each section of Phase I. The company decides these marks. It shortlists about 15 times the number of vacancies in each category, subject to availability. For the 20 Automobile Engineer posts, 15 times is about 300 candidates.

NICL applies cut offs in two stages. It sets a minimum for each individual test and then a minimum for the total score. A candidate must clear both. See the previous year cut off page for past figures.

How does NICL shortlist candidates for the interview?

The company checks the descriptive answer only for candidates who clear the minimum score in each section of the Phase II objective test. There is also a separate cut off for the descriptive test. The descriptive test is qualifying in nature.

A candidate needs a minimum total score in the Phase II objective test. The candidate must also qualify in the descriptive test. The company decides the minimum score based on the number of vacancies. The company shortlists candidates for the interview on the overall marks in the Phase II objective test.

How does the final merit list work?

The combined final score uses the Phase II objective marks and the interview marks. The weight is 80:20. A candidate must also secure the minimum qualifying marks in the interview.

The company ranks candidates in descending order of consolidated marks. If two candidates have the same score, the higher interview marks rank first. If those are equal too, the older candidate ranks first.

Candidates inside the number of vacancies in the merit list get appointment offers. The company may also keep a waiting list of up to 50% of the vacancies. It uses the waiting list if a selected candidate does not accept an offer.

Appointment needs medical fitness as per the company requirements. The company may appoint selected candidates in more than one batch.

What documents does NICL ask for at the interview?

The candidate must bring originals and self-attested photocopies. The company may refuse the interview if a document is missing.

• The printout of the interview call letter.
• The system-generated printout of the online application form.
• Proof of date of birth, such as a birth certificate or a Std X certificate with the date of birth.
• Original photo ID and a photocopy.
• Mark sheets and certificates for Std X, Std XII, and graduation. The result must be out on or before 1 October 2026.
• A caste certificate with a caste validity certificate, for SC, ST, and OBC candidates.
• For OBC candidates, a certificate with the non-creamy layer clause. It must rely on income for 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26. It must carry a date after 31 March 2026.
• For EWS candidates, an Income and Asset Certificate in the prescribed format.
• For PwBD candidates, a disability certificate and the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card.
• For ex-servicemen, the proforma certificates in the notification.
• For government and public sector employees, a No Objection Certificate from the employer.
• Experience certificates, if any.

The company issues the interview call letter on its website. It does not entertain a request to change the date or centre of the interview.

Next step: read the NICL AO Automobile Engineer exam pattern.