The IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification has been released by four refineries of Indian Oil Corporation Limited on 29/06/2026 for 1,524 apprenticeship positions across trade and technician categories. With the application window closing on 28/07/2026, eligible candidates have exactly one month to submit their online applications through NAPS/NATS portals and Microsoft Forms.
IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) |
| Post Name | Trade Apprentice & Technician Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 1,524 (Bongaigaon: 144, Gujarat: 647, Mathura: 151, Paradip: 582) |
| Refinery Units | 4 (Bongaigaon, Gujarat, Mathura, Paradip) |
| Application Mode | Online (NAPS/NATS + Microsoft Forms) |
| Official Website | https://www.iocl.com |
Important Dates for IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 29/06/2026 |
| Application Opens | 29/06/2026 (10:00 hrs) |
| Last Date to Apply | 28/07/2026 (17:00 hrs) |
| Eligibility Cut-off Date | 30/06/2026 |
| Shortlist Publication (Document Verification) | 05/08/2026 |
| Document Verification | 11/08/2026 to 18/08/2026 |
Eligibility Criteria – IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Candidates with diplomas, degrees, or ITI qualifications in engineering, commerce, secretarial studies, or data entry operations are eligible to apply. The minimum qualification requirement varies by trade code, with most trades requiring a 3-year diploma or relevant degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwBD categories). All qualifications must be completed as regular full-time courses from recognised boards or universities by 30/06/2026.
Age Limit – IOCL Apprentice 2026
| Category | Maximum Age (as on 30/06/2026) |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 24 years |
| OBC (NCL) | 27 years |
| SC / ST | 29 years |
| PwBD (General) | 34 years |
| PwBD (OBC-NCL) | 37 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 39 years |
The minimum age requirement for all candidates is 18 years. SC/ST candidates receive 5 years of age relaxation, OBC(NCL) candidates receive 3 years of relaxation, and PwBD candidates receive 10 years of relaxation, irrespective of category. Age is verified through the Matriculation (Class X) certificate.
Educational Qualification Requirements
| Trade Code | Trade / Discipline | Required Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 101 | Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) | 3-year Diploma in Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry |
| 102 | Trade Apprentice (Fitter) | Matriculation + ITI in Fitter Trade (minimum 2 years) |
| 103 | Trade Apprentice (Boiler) | 3-year B.Sc. in Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry |
| 104 | Technician Apprentice – Chemical | Diploma in Chemical / Petrochemical / Chemical Technology / Refinery & Petrochemical Engineering |
| 105 | Technician Apprentice – Mechanical | 3-year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering |
| 106 | Technician Apprentice – Electrical | Diploma in Electrical / Electrical & Electronics Engineering |
| 107 | Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation | Diploma in Instrumentation / Instrumentation & Electronics / Instrumentation & Control Engineering |
| 108 | Trade Apprentice – Secretarial Assistant | 3-year B.A. / B.Sc. |
| 109 | Trade Apprentice – Accountant | 3-year B.Com |
| 110 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | Class XII pass (non-graduate fresher) |
| 111 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Skill Cert. Holders) | Class XII + NSQF Skill Certificate in ‘Domestic Data Entry Operator’ |
Candidates must not have completed 5 years after acquiring the prescribed qualification as on 30/06/2026. Those holding BE/B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, MCA, or equivalent higher professional qualifications are ineligible. Engineering graduates or diploma holders with 1 or more years of job experience after qualifying are not eligible.
Critical Eligibility Notes
Candidates with B.Sc. (Physics, Maths, Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry) may apply for only one code among 101, 103, or 108. Candidates with B.Com may apply for only one code among 108 or 109. Applicants for more than one trade or discipline will be summarily rejected. PwBD candidates can apply only against identified seats under codes 102, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, and 111.
Is This Recruitment Right for You?
- Recent diploma or degree holders in engineering, commerce, or secretarial fields (within 5 years of graduation) are directly eligible.
- Candidates aged 18-24 years (with relaxation available for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD categories) meet the age requirement.
- ITI-qualified candidates in the Fitter trade can apply for Code 102 with a Matriculation qualification.
- Candidates who have not yet started employment after completing their qualification and are below the maximum age limit are ideal applicants.
- Refinery location preferences: Apply only to the specific refinery unit where you wish to train-the application is unit-specific, not all-India.
IOCL Apprentice Vacancy 2026 – Unit-wise Breakdown
Bongaigaon Refinery Apprentice Vacancies (Total: 144)
| Trade Code | Trade / Discipline | Vacancies | Training Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) – Chemical | 43 | 12 months |
| 102 | Trade Apprentice (Fitter) – Mechanical | 6 | 12 months |
| 103 | Trade Apprentice (Boiler) – Mechanical | 14 | 24 months |
| 104 | Technician Apprentice – Chemical | 14 | 12 months |
| 105 | Technician Apprentice – Mechanical | 20 | 12 months |
| 106 | Technician Apprentice – Electrical | 15 | 12 months |
| 107 | Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation | 9 | 12 months |
| 108 | Trade Apprentice – Secretarial Assistant | 15 | 15 months |
| 109 | Trade Apprentice – Accountant | 1 | 12 months |
| 110 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | 5 | 12 months |
| 111 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Skill Cert. Holders) | 2 | 12 months |
Gujarat Refinery Apprentice Vacancies (Total: 647)
| Trade Code | Trade / Discipline | Vacancies | Training Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) – Chemical | 120 | 12 months |
| 102 | Trade Apprentice (Fitter) – Mechanical | 87 | 12 months |
| 103 | Trade Apprentice (Boiler) – Mechanical | 19 | 24 months |
| 104 | Technician Apprentice – Chemical | 120 | 12 months |
| 105 | Technician Apprentice – Mechanical | 81 | 12 months |
| 106 | Technician Apprentice – Electrical | 101 | 12 months |
| 107 | Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation | 51 | 12 months |
| 108 | Trade Apprentice – Secretarial Assistant | 34 | 15 months |
| 109 | Trade Apprentice – Accountant | 2 | 12 months |
| 110 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | 17 | 12 months |
| 111 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Skill Cert. Holders) | 15 | 12 months |
Mathura Refinery Apprentice Vacancies (Total: 151)
| Trade Code | Trade / Discipline | Vacancies | Training Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) – Chemical | 18 | 12 months |
| 102 | Trade Apprentice (Fitter) – Mechanical | 14 | 12 months |
| 103 | Trade Apprentice (Boiler) – Mechanical | 14 | 24 months |
| 104 | Technician Apprentice – Chemical | 22 | 12 months |
| 105 | Technician Apprentice – Mechanical | 15 | 12 months |
| 106 | Technician Apprentice – Electrical | 15 | 12 months |
| 107 | Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation | 15 | 12 months |
| 108 | Trade Apprentice – Secretarial Assistant | 29 | 15 months |
| 109 | Trade Apprentice – Accountant | 1 | 12 months |
| 110 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | 5 | 12 months |
| 111 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Skill Cert. Holders) | 3 | 12 months |
Paradip Refinery Apprentice Vacancies (Total: 582)
| Trade Code | Trade / Discipline | Vacancies | Training Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) – Chemical | 180 | 12 months |
| 102 | Trade Apprentice (Fitter) – Mechanical | 59 | 12 months |
| 104 | Technician Apprentice – Chemical | 130 | 12 months |
| 105 | Technician Apprentice – Mechanical | 60 | 12 months |
| 106 | Technician Apprentice – Electrical | 80 | 12 months |
| 107 | Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation | 20 | 12 months |
| 108 | Trade Apprentice – Secretarial Assistant | 23 | 15 months |
| 109 | Trade Apprentice – Accountant | 1 | 12 months |
| 110 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | 20 | 12 months |
| 111 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Skill Cert. Holders) | 9 | 12 months |
About the IOCL Apprentice Role
IOCL apprenticeships offer structured training in refinery operations, mechanical engineering, electrical maintenance, and process instrumentation-core functions in India’s largest petroleum refining operations. Apprentices gain hands-on experience under the Apprentices Act, 1961, learning industrial safety protocols, equipment troubleshooting, and compliance procedures under the supervision of senior technical staff. The training spans 12-24 months, depending on the trade, with exposure to both classroom instruction and shop-floor responsibilities. IOCL operates four major refineries across India-Bongaigaon (Assam), Gujarat (Vadodara), Mathura (Uttar Pradesh), and Paradip (Odisha)-each providing deployment across varied process and maintenance disciplines.
Apprenticeship Stipend & Benefits – IOCL 2026
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | As per the Apprentices Act, 1961 and the IOCL guidelines |
| HRA / Company Accommodation | Not provided |
| Accident Insurance | Provided |
| Safety Equipment | One pair of safety shoes and a helmet (returnable on completion) for eligible codes |
| General Leave | 32 days per year (8 days per quarter), including medical grounds |
| Casual Leave | 12 days per calendar year (pro-rata) |
IOCL provides accident insurance coverage and safety equipment for all field-based trade codes (101-107 at Bongaigaon/Gujarat/Mathura; 101, 102, 104-107 at Paradip). Apprentices do not receive HRA or company accommodation. Upon completion of the apprenticeship period, IOCL has no obligation to offer employment; apprenticeship completion does not guarantee a job offer.
Application Fee – IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
No application fee is charged for any category. All candidates can register and apply through the NAPS/NATS portals and submit the Microsoft Forms without any fee payment.
Selection Process – IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
There is no written examination for the IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026. Selection is entirely merit-based, with candidates ranked by the aggregate percentage of marks in their prescribed qualifying qualification.
| Selection Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Merit List Preparation | Ranking in descending order of aggregate % marks in the prescribed qualification across all years/semesters |
| Tie-breaking Rule | If marks are equal, the candidate senior by age (earlier date of birth) is ranked higher. If the date of birth is also the same, the candidate with a higher Matriculation percentage is ranked higher. |
| First-time Preference | Candidates applying for an apprenticeship for the first time are given preference over repeat applicants. |
| Shortlisting for Document Verification | Candidates are shortlisted based on merit and available seats; the tentative shortlist date is 05/08/2026. |
| Document Verification | Shortlisted candidates must appear in person with original documents from 11/08/2026 to 18/08/2026. |
| Medical Fitness Test | Candidates must pass a pre-engagement medical examination as prescribed under the Apprentices Act. Only medically fit candidates proceed. |
| Offer of Engagement | Candidates with verified documents and medical fitness clearance receive the formal engagement offer. |
Documents Required for IOCL Apprentice Document Verification 2026
Candidates shortlisted for document verification must bring originals and self-attested copies of all required documents:
- 10th Pass/Matriculation certificate (proof of date of birth)
- Class XII marksheet and certificate
- Graduation/Diploma semester-wise or year-wise marksheets and final certificate
- ITI (Fitter) semester-wise or year-wise marksheets and final certificate (if applicable)
- CGPA/OGPA/Letter Grade to percentage conversion certificate from University/Institute, if applicable
- Certificate from the Principal confirming the date of result publication and the regular full-time mode of course completion, if applicable
- SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/EWS/Disability certificate in the prescribed format from the Competent Authority (format available at www.iocl.com)
- Skill Certificate in ‘Domestic Data Entry Operator’ issued under NSQF (for Code 111 applicants only)
- Print of NAPS/NATS portal registration with applicant details
- Affidavit per Annexure-A (for candidates applying for a second-time apprenticeship)
- One original Photo ID proof: Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport
SC/ST/PwBD candidates will be reimbursed a single second-class railway fare for attending document verification, provided the distance is not less than 30 km.
How to Apply for IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Visit www.iocl.com and navigate to the ‘What’s New’ section.
- Locate and click on the notification link for your preferred refinery unit (Bongaigaon, Gujarat, Mathura, or Paradip).
- Download and read the complete apprentice engagement notification and eligibility criteria carefully.
- Ensure your profile is registered and 100% correctly updated on the relevant portal (NAPS or NATS) based on your trade code.
- Log in to the NAPS portal (https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) or NATS portal (https://nats.education.gov.in) using your User ID/Email ID.
- Apply for the apprenticeship opportunity under the applicable refinery unit’s Establishment ID (provided in the notification).
- After successfully applying on NAPS/NATS, return to www.iocl.com and locate the Microsoft Forms link for your specific refinery unit.
- Fill out and submit the additional information form using the same Enrolment No./Student ID/Registration No. from Step 6.
- Verify that all details entered in both portals are identical and error-free before final submission.
- Take a screenshot of the submission confirmation and save it for reference.
When filling the NAPS/NATS form, ensure your qualifications, date of birth, category, and contact details are entered exactly as they appear on your certificates. Mismatches detected during document verification will result in rejection regardless of merit ranking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for the IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Submitting inconsistent information across NAPS/NATS and Microsoft Forms-both portals are mandatory and data must match exactly, or your application will be rejected during document verification.
- Applying for more than one trade code under the same refinery unit, only one trade application per refinery is allowed; multiple applications will trigger automatic rejection without refund.
- Entering date of birth differently in NAPS/NATS versus Microsoft Forms-this mismatch will be flagged during document verification and could lead to disqualification.
- Uploading low-quality or incorrectly formatted scans of certificates-ensure all documents are legible, properly scanned (minimum 200 DPI), and named clearly.
- Missing the Microsoft Forms deadline-submitting only the NAPS/NATS form without the Microsoft Forms response means your application is incomplete and will not be processed.
- Applying for the wrong refinery unit-you cannot change your refinery choice after submission; apply only to the location where you are prepared to report for training.
What Happens After You Apply for the IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Application window closes on 28/07/2026 at 17:00 hrs across all four refinery units.
- IOCL will prepare the merit list based on aggregate marks in the prescribed qualifying examination and publish the shortlist for document verification on 05/08/2026.
- Candidates appearing in the shortlist must undergo document verification in person from 11/08/2026 to 18/08/2026 at the respective refinery location.
- During document verification, original certificates and identity proofs are verified, and candidates are assessed for eligibility compliance.
- Candidates who clear document verification will be called for pre-engagement medical fitness examination as prescribed under the Apprentices Act.
- Candidates declared medically fit will receive a formal offer of engagement.
- Upon acceptance, apprentices will report for training at the respective refinery and commence their apprenticeship (training duration: 12-24 months, depending on trade code).
- Upon successful completion of apprenticeship training, candidates receive a certificate of completion. IOCL has no obligation to offer permanent employment.
Important Notes on IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
All four IOCL refinery units-Bongaigaon, Gujarat, Mathura, and Paradip-have issued simultaneous notifications on the same dates with identical timelines. Applicants must choose only one refinery unit and one trade code per application. The notifications were released on 29/06/2026 under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973, and are governed by the Apprentices Rules 1992 (as amended). Vacancy numbers listed are tentative and may increase or decrease at management’s discretion. The eligibility cut-off date for age and qualification is 30/06/2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the age limit for the IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The maximum age limit for General/EWS candidates is 24 years as on 30/06/2026. SC/ST candidates can apply up to 29 years, OBC(NCL) candidates up to 27 years, and PwBD candidates up to 34-39 years, depending on their category. Age is verified through the Matriculation (Class X) certificate.
Q2. Can I apply for multiple trade codes or multiple refinery units?
Ans. No. You can apply for only one trade code under one refinery unit. Applying for more than one trade or discipline or submitting multiple applications will result in automatic rejection. Choose your preferred refinery and trade carefully before submission.
Q3. Is there a written examination for the IOCL Apprentice 2026?
Ans. No written test is conducted. Selection is entirely merit-based, with candidates ranked by the aggregate percentage of marks in their prescribed qualifying qualification (e.g., Diploma, B.Sc., B.Com, ITI). Candidates are then shortlisted for document verification and medical fitness evaluation.
Q4. What documents do I need to bring to document verification?
Ans. You must bring originals and self-attested copies of: Matriculation certificate (date of birth proof), Class XII marksheet and certificate, Graduation/Diploma marksheets and certificates, CGPA-to-percentage conversion letter (if applicable), category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD), skill certificate for Code 111, NAPS/NATS registration printout, and one Photo ID (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport).
Q5. Can I apply if I have a degree but no diploma or ITI qualification?
Ans. Yes, but only for specific trade codes. For example, graduates in B.Sc. (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) can apply for codes 101, 103, or 108 (Secretarial Assistant); B.Com graduates can apply for codes 108 or 109 (Accountant). Diploma and ITI qualifications are required for codes 104-107 (Technician roles). Review the eligibility table to verify if your qualification matches your desired trade code.
Q6. Will IOCL offer me a job after I complete my apprenticeship?
Ans. No. Upon completion of the apprenticeship period, IOCL has no obligation to offer permanent employment. Apprentices cannot claim employment rights based on training completion alone. The apprenticeship is a time-bound training program, and appointment depends on organisational requirements and future vacancy notifications.
Q7. What is the monthly stipend for apprentices?
Ans. The exact monthly stipend amount is not specified in the recruitment notification. Stipends are paid as per the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 and IOCL’s corporate guidelines. Candidates are advised to verify the stipend amount with the official notification or contact the respective refinery’s HR office for current rates.
Q8. Are travel and accommodation provided during document verification?
Ans. Company accommodation is not provided during the apprenticeship. However, SC/ST/PwBD candidates will be reimbursed a single second-class railway fare for attending document verification, provided the distance is not less than 30 km from their residence.
How to Proceed with Your IOCL Apprentice Application
Eligible candidates must submit their applications by 28/07/2026 at 17:00 hrs on both the NAPS/NATS portal and the Microsoft Forms link for their refinery unit; both submissions are mandatory, and data must be consistent. After the application window closes, IOCL will release the shortlist for document verification on 05/08/2026, with in-person verification scheduled from 11/08/2026 to 18/08/2026 at the respective refinery location. Keep our free job alert service enabled to receive timely updates on shortlist announcements, document verification dates, and further communication from IOCL regarding this recruitment.
Important Links for IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Bongaigaon Refinery Notification | Download Notification |
| Download Gujarat Refinery Notification | Download Notification |
| Download Mathura Refinery Notification | Download Notification |
| Download Paradip Refinery Notification | Download Notification |
| NAPS Portal (Codes 101, 102, 103, 108-111) | Visit Apprenticeship Portal |
| NATS Portal (Codes 104-107) | Register on the NATS Portal |
| Microsoft Forms – Gujarat Refinery | Apply Here |
| Microsoft Forms – Paradip Refinery | Apply Here |
| Microsoft Forms – Bongaigaon Refinery | Apply Here |
| Microsoft Forms – Mathura Refinery | Apply Here |
| IOCL Official Website | Visit Website |
