1. Introduction - For Ex-Servicemen Context

Transitioning from Armed Forces life to a stable civilian career is not always easy. After years of disciplined service, many veterans look for structured government roles where their technical skills, work ethics, and hands-on experience are valued.

The Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Avadi - AVNL Junior Technician Recruitment 2026 is one such opportunity.

Although this recruitment is not exclusively reserved for Ex-Servicemen, it is highly suitable for veterans from technical trades of Army, Navy, and Air Force. Many of the advertised trades-Machinist, Rigger, Auto Electrician, Heat Treatment Operator-directly match defense technical appointments.

For retired soldiers, sailors, and airmen who have worked with heavy vehicles, workshops, EME units, dockyards, or aircraft maintenance sections, this vacancy offers a smooth transition into a civilian technical role without major reskilling.

2. Verified Key Details (From Official Source)

ParticularDetails
OrganizationHeavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), AVNL
Post NameJunior Technician (Contract)
Total Vacancies220
Mode of ApplicationOffline
Job LocationAvadi, Chennai
Engagement Period1 year (extendable up to 4 years)
SalaryRs.21,000 + IDA + 5% Special Allowance
Upper Age Limit35 years (relaxations applicable)
Application FeeEx-Servicemen - Nil
Selection ProcessShortlisting + Document Verification + Trade Test

3. Eligibility Explained from an Ex-Servicemen Perspective

Educational Qualification - What It Means for Veterans

The notification asks for:

  • NAC / NTC / STC in relevant trade, OR
  • Class 10 with relevant experience

For Ex-Servicemen, this is extremely important.

Most technical category veterans already possess:

  • ITI-equivalent military training
  • Extensive practical experience
  • Trade certificates issued by Armed Forces
  • Years of hands-on work in workshops and technical units

Therefore, many ESM candidates can qualify even if they do not hold formal civilian ITI certificates, provided they can show documented experience in the relevant trade.

Age Relaxation for Ex-Servicemen

Official source confirms:

  • Base upper age limit: 35 years
  • Maximum age after all relaxations: 55 years

Though specific ESM relaxation years are not mentioned in the notice, as per general Government of India rules, Ex-Servicemen typically get:

Actual period of military service + 3 years

This means a soldier who served 17 years can effectively receive up to 20 years age relaxation, subject to the overall cap.

Practical Outcome:
Most retired personnel up to 50-52 years of age can comfortably apply.

Reservation & Fee Benefits

  • Application Fee: Ex-Servicemen are fully exempted
  • Priority shortlisting is mentioned for internal apprentices; however ESM candidates are eligible under general government norms.

4. Understanding ESM-Specific Benefits

Pay Fixation Reality

This is a contractual post, not a permanent government post.

Therefore:

  • Your military pension continues unaffected
  • There is NO pay protection or last-drawn pay fixation
  • Salary is fixed at Rs.21,000 + allowances irrespective of rank

For a pensioner JCO/OR, this job acts as an additional income source, not a replacement for pension.

Seniority & Promotion

  • Since it is a contract role, formal government seniority benefits do not apply.
  • Extensions can be granted up to 4 years based on performance.

Medical Category

No mention of medical standards is provided. Normally:

  • Veterans with low medical category can also apply unless the trade test demands heavy physical activity.

5. Trades Most Suitable for Ex-Servicemen

TradeIdeal Military Background
MachinistEME fitters, workshop technicians
Operator MHEMT Drivers, crane operators
RiggerLogistics, movement control personnel
Heat Treatment OperatorBase workshops, armament depots
Fitter Auto ElectricVehicle electricians
Sand & Shot BlasterWorkshop and maintenance units

Who Is Most Likely to Fit?

  • Army EME Corps veterans
  • Navy dockyard technicians
  • Air Force mechanical and electrical tradesmen
  • Ex-servicemen with heavy vehicle licenses
  • Personnel from base repair depots

6. How to Apply - Veteran Focused Walkthrough

This recruitment is OFFLINE only.

Step-by-Step for Ex-Servicemen

  1. Download the application form from official website.
  2. Fill details carefully (name exactly as per discharge book).
  3. Attach self-attested copies of:
    • Discharge Book
    • PPO (Pension Payment Order)
    • Ex-Servicemen Identity Card
    • Trade certificates
    • Class 10 certificate
    • Experience proofs
  4. Since ESM are fee exempt, do not attach any fee.
  5. Send the application by ordinary post to:

Heavy Vehicles Factory,
Avadi, Chennai - 600054

Separate application must be submitted if applying for more than one trade.

7. Common Documentation Issues Faced by Veterans

From practical experience, Ex-Servicemen often face these problems:

  • Name mismatch between Aadhaar and discharge book
  • Missing experience letters
  • Unclear trade equivalence
  • Not having photocopies of all pages of discharge book
  • Applying in wrong trade category

Solution:
Before applying, prepare a single file containing:

  • Full discharge book copy
  • All military course certificates
  • Driving license (if applicable)
  • Last unit experience certificate

8. Salary, Growth & Work-Life Reality

What to Expect in Real Terms

  • Monthly in-hand: approx Rs.24,000-26,000
  • Fixed duty hours
  • Workshop-based technical job
  • Mostly day shifts
  • Industrial environment at Avadi, Chennai

For Pensioners

This job suits:

  • Veterans settled near Tamil Nadu
  • Those wanting post-retirement routine
  • Personnel seeking light technical work instead of security jobs
  • Individuals who prefer government setup over private factories

9. Who Should Apply - And Who Should Avoid

  • Technical trade Ex-Servicemen below 55 years
  • Those with vehicle and workshop background
  • Veterans wanting stable, low-stress employment
  • Pensioners seeking additional income

Not Ideal For:

  • Officers and senior JCOs expecting high salary
  • Personnel without any technical background
  • Veterans looking for permanent government posts
  • Those unable to relocate to Chennai

10. Preparation Strategy for Ex-Servicemen

The selection involves a Trade Test (Qualifying Nature).

Practical Tips:

  • Revise basic trade skills
  • Brush up ITI-level theory
  • Practice hands-on tasks of your trade
  • Be ready to demonstrate safety procedures
  • Carry all original documents on test day

For veterans away from tools for many years, spend at least 2-3 weeks refreshing core skills.

11. Pros & Cons - Honest Analysis

Pros

  • No written exam
  • Fee exemption for ESM
  • Age relaxation advantage
  • Simple offline process
  • Government industrial environment
  • Good for pensioners

Cons

  • Contractual, not permanent
  • Fixed modest salary
  • Limited career progression
  • Location bound to Chennai

12. Checklist Before Applying

  • Confirm your trade matches notification
  • Check age eligibility with relaxation
  • Keep discharge book ready
  • Ensure address proof matches form
  • Prepare self-attested document set
  • Apply before 14 February 2026

13. Conclusion - Practical Advice from a Veteran’s View

This vacancy is not a glamorous post-but it is a realistic, respectable, and stable opportunity for technically skilled Ex-Servicemen.

If you:

  • retired from a technical arm
  • want structured government-style work
  • live in or can move to Tamil Nadu
  • are comfortable with workshop duties

then this is a sensible post-retirement option.

Do not compare it with private sector salaries. Instead, view it as:

Pension + additional assured income + disciplined work environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (For Ex-Servicemen)

Q1. Can pensioners apply?
Yes. Pensioners can apply without any restriction.

Q2. Is there any application fee for Ex-Servicemen?
No. Completely exempted.

Q3. How is age relaxation calculated for ESM?
As per government norms - generally military service period + 3 years, within overall limit of 55 years.

Q4. Does my military rank affect eligibility?
No. Eligibility is based on trade skills and experience, not rank.

Q5. I don’t have ITI certificate but have 15 years of service experience. Can I apply?
Yes, if your service experience matches the trade requirement.

Q6. What if my name differs between discharge book and Aadhaar?
Submit an affidavit or gazette correction before applying.

Q7. Is this a permanent government job?
No. It is a contract engagement up to 4 years.

Q8. Can I apply for multiple trades?
Yes, but separate applications must be submitted.

Q9. Will my pension be affected?
No impact on pension at all.

Q10. Where can I get the official form?
From the official website mentioned above.

Apply Now

Apply Link: https://avnl.co.in/