The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has rolled out its highly anticipated Chief General Manager (Technical) Recruitment , inviting applications from senior officers across the infrastructure and highway sector. This elite Group‑A leadership post offers a chance to lead national highway projects, shape strategic decisions, and take charge of large‑scale infrastructure initiatives under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. With 6 vacancies and excellent career prospects, this recruitment is ideal for seasoned civil engineers with strong project experience.
In this detailed article you’ll find full eligibility criteria, salary details, application process, important dates, job responsibilities, selection process, and more—organized clearly with tables and helpful explanations.
NHAI Chief General Manager – Overview Table
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) |
| Post Title | Chief General Manager (Technical) |
| Vacancies | 6 (Six) |
| Pay Scale | Level‑14 Pay Matrix: ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200/month |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering |
| Experience | 17 yrs service with 10 yrs in infrastructure |
| Application Mode | Online + Hard copy |
| Online Application Period | 07 Feb – 06 Mar 2026 |
| Hard Copy Deadline | 21 Mar 2026 |
What Is the Chief General Manager (Technical) Post?
The Chief General Manager (Technical) position at NHAI is a high‑ranking leadership role in charge of overseeing highway construction, maintenance, project execution, quality standards, and technical governance across India. The role requires extensive experience in road infrastructure and aims to ensure that national highways and related assets are developed efficiently, safe, and sustainably.
This post carries Group‑A senior management status and is usually filled through promotion or deputation via a Search‑cum‑Selection Committee (SCSC). Selected officers may be required to serve anywhere in the country.
Vacancy & Salary Details
Vacancies
NHAI has announced a total of 6 Chief General Manager (Technical) positions for 2026. These may be filled through promotion (internal NHAI candidates) or deputation (officers from Central/State Governments, PSUs, or PWDs) as per eligibility conditions.
Salary Structure
The pay for this post is in Level‑14 of the 7th Central Pay Matrix, with a monthly salary ranging from ₹1,44,200 to ₹2,18,200. In addition to the base pay, selected officers are entitled to central government allowances and benefits such as dearness allowance, travel allowances, and pension (where applicable).
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level‑14 |
| Salary Range | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 per month |
| Allowances | DA, HRA, TA & other benefits as per Govt norms |
Eligibility Criteria Explained
To qualify for the Chief General Manager post, candidates must satisfy educational and professional experience requirements as outlined below.
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) from a recognized university or institute is mandatory.
Professional Experience
Candidates must have:
- 17 years of regular service in posts carrying a substantive pay scale of Level‑10 (₹56,100‑₹1,77,500) or higher; and
- At least 10 years of that experience should be in implementation of infrastructure sector projects related to highways, roads, or bridges.
This ensures that aspirants have both managerial depth and technical expertise to handle complex national highway assets and programs.
Routes of Recruitment
- Promotion (Internal NHAI Officers)
Officers currently serving in equivalent or next senior ranks (General Manager Technical) with relevant service can be promoted. - Deputation (Central/State Govt / PSUs / PWD)
Officers holding equivalent pay levels and similar experience from other government organizations can apply. They should typically have more than two years of remaining service before retirement. State PWD officers must be serving as Chief Engineers or Superintending Engineers with requisite experience.
Age Limit
For officers applying on the deputation route, the maximum age must not exceed 58 years as of 06 March 2026. Age relaxations and criteria for promotion route are as per government rules.
How to Apply – Step by Step
NHAI’s application process for Chief General Manager (Technical) includes online submission followed by hard copy submission through the proper channel.
Online Application
- Visit the NHAI official website – www.nhai.gov.in.
- Go to the Careers / Recruitment section and select the notification for Chief General Manager (Technical).
- Register / login and fill out the online application with accurate details.
- Upload necessary scanned documents (education certificates, service records, identity proof, etc.).
- Submit the application before 06 March 2026 (06:00 PM).
Hard Copy Submission
After successful online application, print the form and forward it through the proper channel (employer/parent department) along with attested documents to the designated NHAI office. The hard copy must reach by 21 March 2026.
Required supporting documents typically include service certificates, experience proof in highway projects, current pay details, and vigilance clearance reports.
Selection Process
Candidates will be evaluated by a Search‑cum‑Selection Committee (SCSC) consisting of senior government and NHAI officials. The selection is based on:
- Educational qualifications
- Length and relevance of experience
- Performance records in infrastructure project execution
- Suitability for strategic and administrative responsibilities
There is no written exam; selection primarily depends on credentials and interview assessment.
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Opens | 07 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 06 March 2026 (06:00 PM) |
| Deadline for Hard Copy Submission | 21 March 2026 |
| SCSC Meeting (Selection) | To be Announced |
Top 3 One‑Line FAQs
Q1: What is the minimum experience required for NHAI Chief General Manager?
Minimum 17 years of regular service with at least 10 years in infrastructure projects is required.
Q2: Is the selection process written exam based?
No, selection is done through evaluation by a Search‑cum‑Selection Committee on credentials and interviews.
Q3: Can officers from State PWD apply?
Yes, State PWD officers with appropriate rank and experience may apply through the deputation route.
