NHAI is India’s apex body responsible for national highways, their planning, execution, operation, and maintenance. Over time, it’s embraced technology in traffic management, monitoring, and surveillance. To scale this, it’s now forming a dedicated AI Cell — a team focused on integrating AI/ML solutions into highway systems, automation, data analytics, and smart infrastructure.
Why Now? Why AI?
Complex infrastructure needs: Highway networks generate huge volumes of data (traffic, sensors, images). AI helps make sense of it.
Efficiency & safety goals: AI can aid in predictive maintenance, detection of encroachments (for example, NHAI already uses drones + AI to detect illegal encroachments)
Government push for digital transformation: Aligns with India’s broader vision of smart infrastructure, “Digital India,” and AI adoption in public systems.
So, the 2025 recruitment is a signal: NHAI is serious about scaling up AI capacity internally.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Recruitment Drive
Total Vacancies & Structure
NHAI has announced 17 posts across multiple roles, all to serve in its AI Cell on a contract basis.
The roles include:
Senior AI Engineer
AI Engineer
Associate AI Engineer
Full Stack Engineer
AI Product Designer
Associate AI Product Designer
The number of each may be flexible based on NHAI’s requirement
Remuneration & Contract Terms
Senior AI Engineer: ₹2,50,000 / month
AI Engineer: ₹2,00,000 / month
Associate AI Engineer: ₹50,000 / month (internship) or ₹1,50,000 full-time
Full Stack Engineer: ₹1,75,000 / month
AI Product Designer: ₹1,75,000 / month
Associate AI Product Designer: ₹50,000 (internship) or ₹1,30,000 full-time
The contract term is initially 3 years, extendable up to 2 more years based on performance. Either party can terminate with 45 days’ notice or payment in lieu.
Detailed Posts & Eligibility Requirements
Below is a breakdown of each role and what’s needed:
| Role | Number of Posts | Education / Qualification | Experience / Notes |
| Senior AI Engineer | 2 | Bachelor’s in Science / Tech / Engineering / Business / Quantitative field | Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience |
| AI Engineer | 3 | Same domains as above | Minimum 2 years’ experience |
| Associate AI Engineer | 5 | Bachelor’s / Master’s in relevant technical or quantitative domain | Internship or fresher eligibility; selection will be based on credentials |
| Full Stack Engineer | 2 | Bachelor’s degree in Science / Technology / Engineering | ~3 years of experience in full stack development |
| AI Product Designer | 2 | Bachelor’s / Master’s in Design, HCI, Visual Communication, System / Service Design, or related | 3 years’ experience in AI or design domain |
| Associate AI Product Designer | 3 | Final semester or completed degree in design / related field | Internship or entry level eligibility |
A few extra job-specific conditions:
For design roles, working knowledge of Figma / prototyping / UX design with AI integration is preferred.
Candidates must be ready to sign confidentiality / non-disclosure agreements.
Some work-from-home flexibility: one day per week permitted (with approval).
Selection Procedure & Important Dates
Application Window & Deadline
The notification was issued in September 2025.
Last date to apply: 07 October 2025 (until 6:00 PM IST). Interviews / selection dates will be notified later via NHAI’s portal.
Selection Method
Interview is a key component of vetting.
Document verification post shortlisting.
No separate written exam has been explicitly mentioned in the current notification.
It’s possible NHAI could introduce additional evaluation — stay tuned to official updates.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Visit official portal (nhai.gov.in) and navigate to “Vacancies / Recruitment.”
Register / login with valid email and phone.
Fill in personal, educational, and work-experience details carefully.
Upload required documents:
Photograph & signature
Degree / mark sheets
Experience certificates (if any)
Portfolio / design samples (for design roles)
Review & submit before the deadline (07 October 2025, 6:00 PM).
Take printout / acknowledgment copy for your records.
Be extra cautious about correctness — post-submission changes may not be allowed.
Salary, Perks & Job Benefits
As covered earlier, the salaries are very competitive — up to ₹2,50,000/month for senior roles.
Other perks and support include:
Paid leaves: 8 days casual, 15 days sick leave (pro rata if contract shorter)
Laptop provided on a returnable basis; any loss is recoverable.
Access to GPU / cloud services and AI tool budgets (up to ~₹10,000/month reimbursable)
Work from home flexibility: one day a week (if approved)
Performance appraisals and possible increments / extensions if satisfactory
Worth noting: since these are contract engagements, the benefits won’t match permanent government jobs fully. But for AI professionals, this is a strong opportunity.
Conclusion
The NHAI AI Engineer Recruitment 2025 is one of the most exciting public sector tech recruitment events this year. With 17 high-value roles, contracts of up to 5 years, and the opportunity to shape infrastructure AI in India, it’s a golden chance for capable professionals. Just remember: the process is competitive, so prepare meticulously, verify through official sources, and act early.
Wishing you all the best if you plan to apply — may your code, your designs, and your AI prowess shine through.
Read also: IB ACIO Answer Key 2025
