Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has opened applications for 126 apprentice positions across its AOD Digboi Refinery Unit under advertisement AOD-DR/TA-2026-27. Applications are being accepted online through two portals: the NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme) portal for trade apprentices and the NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme) portal for technician apprentices. The recruitment window closes on 31/07/2026 at 17:00 hours.
Candidates with 3-year degrees (B.Sc., B.A., B.Com.), 3-year diplomas (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Instrumentation), ITI qualifications in relevant trades, or Class XII pass certificates are eligible. The selection process is merit-based with no written examination-candidates are ranked on the aggregate marks of their prescribed qualification. Document verification is tentatively scheduled for 11/08/2026 to 18/08/2026.
IOCL Digboi Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) |
| Unit | AOD Digboi Refinery |
| Advertisement Number | AOD-DR/TA-2026-27 |
| Total Vacancies | 126 |
| Post Names | Trade Apprentice & Technician Apprentice (11 codes) |
| Application Mode | Online (NAPS/NATS portal + Microsoft Forms) |
| Application Start Date | 08/07/2026 (10:00 Hrs) |
| Application Last Date | 31/07/2026 (17:00 Hrs) |
| Official Website | https://www.iocl.com |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens (NAPS/NATS & Microsoft Forms) | 08/07/2026 (10:00 Hrs) |
| Last Date to Apply | 31/07/2026 (17:00 Hrs) |
| Document Verification Merit List Publication | 05/08/2026 |
| Document Verification Dates | 11/08/2026 to 18/08/2026 |
| Eligibility Reckoning Date (Age & Qualification) | 30/06/2026 |
IOCL Digboi Apprentice Vacancy Breakdown
| Code | Trade/Discipline | Qualification | Training Period | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) | 3-year B.Sc (Maths, Physics, Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry) | 12 months | 40 |
| 102 | Trade Apprentice (Fitter) | Matric + ITI Fitter (min. 2 years, Pass class) | 12 months | 7 |
| 103 | Trade Apprentice (Boiler) | 3-year B.Sc (Maths, Physics, Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry) | 24 months | 2 |
| 104 | Technician Apprentice, Chemical | 3-year Diploma in Chemical/Petrochemical Engg. | 12 months | 10 |
| 105 | Technician Apprentice, Mechanical | 3-year Diploma in Mechanical Engg. | 12 months | 30 |
| 106 | Technician Apprentice, Electrical | 3-year Diploma in Electrical Engg. | 12 months | 12 |
| 107 | Technician Apprentice, Instrumentation | 3-year Diploma in Instrumentation Engg. | 12 months | 2 |
| 108 | Trade Apprentice – Secretarial Assistant | 3-year B.A./B.Sc/B.Com | 15 months | 16 |
| 109 | Trade Apprentice – Accountant | 3-year B.Com | 12 months | 1 |
| 110 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | Class XII pass | 12 months | 5 |
| 111 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Skill Holder) | Class XII + Skill Certificate in Domestic Data Entry Operator | 12 months | 1 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a recognised qualification-either a 3-year degree (B.Sc., B.A., B.Com.), a 3-year diploma in engineering disciplines, an ITI certificate in a relevant trade, or Class XII pass-depending on the apprentice code they are applying for. All qualifications must be obtained through a regular full-time course; distance and correspondence courses are not eligible. A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is required (45% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates applying to reserved seats).
Educational Qualification by Code
| Code | Qualification |
|---|---|
| 101, 103 | 3-year B.Sc with Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry |
| 102 | Matriculation with ITI in Fitter Trade (minimum 2 years), Pass class |
| 104 | 3-year Diploma in Chemical, Petrochemical, Chemical Technology, or Refinery & Petrochemical Engg. |
| 105 | 3-year Diploma in Mechanical Engg. |
| 106 | 3-year Diploma in Electrical or Electrical & Electronics Engg. |
| 107 | 3-year Diploma in Instrumentation, Instrumentation & Electronics, or Applied Electronics & Instrumentation Engg. |
| 108 | 3-year B.A., B.Sc, or B.Com |
| 109 | 3-year B.Com |
| 110 | Class XII pass |
| 111 | Class XII pass with Skill Certificate in Domestic Data Entry Operator |
Ineligibility Conditions: Candidates whose exam results are pending, those holding higher qualifications (BE/B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, MCA or equivalent), candidates with 1 year or more of relevant work experience after their qualification, or those whose qualification was completed more than 5 years before the eligibility date (30/06/2026) cannot apply. Candidates may apply for only one code; those submitting multiple applications will be rejected.
Age Limit
| Category | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| General/EWS | 18 to 24 years as on 30/06/2026 |
| SC/ST | Up to 5 years of relaxation for reserved seats |
| OBC (NCL) | Up to 3 years of relaxation for reserved seats |
| PwBD | Up to 10 years of relaxation (irrespective of reservation) |
| PwBD + SC/ST | An additional 5 years for reserved seats |
| PwBD + OBC (NCL) | An additional 3 years for reserved seats |
The Marksheet or Certificate from the Board of Secondary Education for Class X is the only valid proof of age. Candidates aged 18 to 24 years fall within the standard eligibility window. SC and ST candidates receive 5 years’ age relaxation under the government reservation policy, allowing them to apply up to age 29. OBC candidates receive 3 years’ relaxation, eligible up to the age of 27. Candidates with disabilities (PwBD) receive a fixed 10-year relaxation above the upper age limit, permitting them to apply up to age 34 regardless of other category status. Reserved category candidates who are also PwBD receive additional relaxation on top of their category relaxation.
Is This Apprenticeship Right for You?
- Recent engineering diploma or degree graduates (B.Sc., B.A., B.Com., or 3-year diplomas in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Instrumentation branches) meet the core eligibility requirement.
- ITI graduates with a Fitter Trade certificate (minimum 2 years) can apply for Code 102 (Trade Apprentice – Fitter).
- Class XII pass candidates are eligible for codes 110 (Data Entry Operator – Fresher) and 111 (Data Entry Operator – with Skill Certificate).
- Candidates aged 18 to 24 years are eligible under the general category; SC/ST/OBC candidates receive age relaxation as detailed above.
- PwBD candidates can only apply against designated codes (105, 106, 107, 108, 110); no positions are reserved for PwBD under other codes.
About the IOCL Apprentice Roles
IOCL apprenticeships span technical, operational, and administrative domains. Trade Apprentices in chemical operations, fitter work, and boiler maintenance perform hands-on roles in refinery processes, machinery maintenance, and equipment oversight. Technician Apprentices with diplomas assume supervisory and technical responsibilities in mechanical systems, electrical infrastructure, instrumentation, and process control. Administrative apprentices in secretarial and accounting functions manage office workflows and financial record-keeping. All roles operate within the Digboi Refinery, a major crude oil processing facility in Northeast India, requiring adherence to industrial safety standards and shift-based work. Training periods range from 12 to 24 months, after which IOCL offers no guarantee of permanent employment-the apprenticeship is a learning engagement, not a direct recruitment pathway.
Apprenticeship Stipend and Benefits
Apprentices receive a monthly stipend as prescribed under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 and IOCL’s apprenticeship guidelines. The notification does not specify the exact stipend amount, but the rate follows central government norms for apprenticeships.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend | As per the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 and the IOCL guidelines (amount not specified in the notification) |
| Personal Protective Equipment | Trade Apprentices (Codes 101-107) receive one pair of safety shoes and a helmet (returnable) |
| Housing Allowance (HRA) | Not provided; no company accommodation |
| Annual Leave | 32 days General Leave (8 days/quarter) + 12 days Casual Leave; unused leave lapses at end of training |
| Insurance Coverage | Accident Insurance |
| Post-Training Employment | No obligation to offer permanent employment; apprenticeship is training, not recruitment |
Selection Process
Selection is purely merit-based on the aggregate percentage of marks obtained in the prescribed qualification, ranked in descending order. There is no written examination.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Merit List Preparation | Candidates ranked by aggregate marks (%) from their qualifying qualification |
| Tie-Breaking Criteria | If marks are identical, seniority by age (older candidate ranked higher); if date of birth is the same, Matriculation percentage is the deciding factor |
| Preference | First-time apprenticeship candidates are given preference |
| PwBD Merit List | PwBD candidates availing relaxation in marks are considered against reserved seats within their disability category |
| Document Verification | Shortlisted candidates undergo document verification (tentatively 11/08/2026 to 18/08/2026) |
| Medical Fitness Exam | Pre-engagement medical examination after document verification |
Documents Required at Document Verification
- Class X Marksheet/Matriculation Certificate (proof of age)
- Class XII Marksheet or ITI/Diploma/Graduation semester-wise marksheets (as applicable)
- Final Class XII/ITI/Diploma/Graduation Certificate
- CGPA/OGPA to percentage conversion certificate (if applicable)
- Certificate from Principal/Institute confirming result publication date, regular full-time mode, and good conduct
- Category Certificate: SC/ST/OBC(NCL) with declaration, Disability Certificate, or EWS Income & Asset Certificate (as applicable)
- Skill Certificate in “Domestic Data Entry Operator” (Code 111 candidates only)
- Printout of the NATS/NAPS portal registration with the applicant details
- Affidavit per Annexure-A confirming compliance with apprenticeship eligibility conditions
- Original Photo ID (Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport)
How to Apply for IOCL Digboi Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The application process requires completion of two mandatory steps. Both must be submitted for your application to be considered.
- Register and apply on the appropriate government apprenticeship portal based on your chosen code: NAPS portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) for Codes 101, 102, 103, 108, 109, 110, 111 or NATS portal (nats.education.gov.in) for Codes 104, 105, 106, 107.
- Search for the IOCL Digboi Refinery Unit opportunity and select your chosen trade/discipline code from the listings.
- Complete your registration and application form with accurate personal details, educational history, and contact information.
- Use Establishment ID E01201800001 for NAPS portal applications or EASTIC000002 for NATS portal applications to locate the correct employer entry.
- After submitting your NAPS/NATS application, proceed immediately to the Microsoft Forms link: https://forms.office.com/r/g0ZP2igeTa
- Fill in the Microsoft Forms with additional required details-ensure your Enrollment/Student ID/Registration Number and other information match exactly with your NAPS/NATS submission.
- Use the same email address and mobile number on both platforms; keep these contact details valid throughout the apprenticeship period for official communications.
- Review all information for accuracy before final submission; incomplete applications or those not meeting eligibility criteria will be rejected.
Ensure you complete both steps before the last date and time (31/07/2026, 17:00 Hrs). Portal traffic increases significantly in the final hours, which may cause delays or session timeouts. We recommend submitting your application at least 2-3 days before the deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Applying for multiple codes or trades, only one application per candidate will be accepted; duplicate applications result in rejection.
- Omitting the mandatory Microsoft Forms submission after completing the NAPS/NATS application; both steps must be finished for your application to be valid.
- Using different email addresses or mobile numbers on NAPS/NATS and Microsoft Forms, the notification explicitly requires identical details on both platforms.
- Entering mismatched Enrollment/Student ID or Registration Numbers between the two platforms-any discrepancy flags your application for rejection during verification.
- Submitting an application in the final hours of 31/07/2026-portal server load spikes near the deadline, frequently causing timeouts; apply several days early.
- Providing false information about age, qualification, category, or work experience leads to cancellation of candidature and potential criminal prosecution.
What Happens After You Apply?
- Application window closes on 31/07/2026 at 17:00 Hrs.
- IOCL releases the merit list of candidates shortlisted for Document Verification on 05/08/2026 (tentative).
- Document Verification is conducted between 11/08/2026 and 18/08/2026 at the Digboi Refinery premises for candidates on the merit list.
- Pre-engagement medical fitness examination is administered to candidates who clear document verification.
- Final selection and apprenticeship engagement letters are issued based on merit ranking and medical clearance.
- Apprentices are required to join the Digboi Refinery Unit as per the notification and undertake their respective training programs (12-24 months, depending on code).
Important Instructions
- You may apply for only one trade or discipline of your choice; applications for multiple codes result in automatic rejection.
- Furnishing false or incorrect information at any stage will lead to cancellation of candidature and possible criminal prosecution.
- SC/ST/PwBD candidates who attend Document Verification will be reimbursed a single second-class railway fare from the nearest railway station if the distance exceeds 30 kilometres.
- All corrigenda, addenda, or official updates will be published exclusively on www.iocl.com; verify only official sources.
- Canvassing or lobbying in any form renders a candidate permanently ineligible.
- Disputes arising from this recruitment are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the local court at Digboi, Assam.
- IOCL has cautioned candidates to be aware of fraudulent job offers circulating online; verify all information only from www.iocl.com and official Employment News publications.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| NAPS Portal (Codes 101, 102, 103, 108, 109, 110, 111) | Visit NAPS Portal |
| NATS Portal (Codes 104, 105, 106, 107) | Visit NATS Portal |
| Additional Details Form (Microsoft Forms) | Submit Microsoft Form |
| Official IOCL Website | Visit Website |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I apply for multiple apprentice codes under the Indian Oil Corporation Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Ans. No, you may apply for only one trade or discipline of your choice. Candidates submitting applications for more than one code will be summarily rejected. Select your best-fit code before beginning the application process.
Q2. What is the difference between the NAPS and NATS portals, and which one should I use?
Ans. NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme) is used for trade apprentice codes 101, 102, 103, 108, 109, 110, and 111. NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme) is used for technician apprentice codes 104, 105, 106, and 107. The notification specifies which portal applies to each code; register on the correct portal for your chosen code.
Q3. What happens if I do not submit the Microsoft Forms after completing my NAPS/NATS application?
Ans. Submitting only the NAPS or NATS application is insufficient. Both steps are mandatory for your application to be considered valid. The notification explicitly requires completion of both the portal registration and the Microsoft Forms submission. If either step is missing, your application will be treated as incomplete and rejected.
Q4. Is there an age relaxation for OBC candidates, and does it apply to all codes?
Ans. OBC (NCL) candidates receive 3 years’ age relaxation for reserved apprentice seats only. This means the upper age limit for OBC candidates is 27 years (instead of 24) as on 30/06/2026. Relaxation applies to all codes where OBC reservations are notified. Candidates can verify exact reservations in the official notification.
Q5. What is the selection method? Is there a written examination?
Ans. There is no written examination. Selection is purely merit-based on the aggregate percentage of marks obtained in your prescribed qualification (B.Sc., B.A., B.Com., Diploma, ITI, or Class XII, depending on your code). Candidates are ranked in descending order of marks. In case of tied marks, the older candidate (by date of birth) is ranked higher; if dates of birth are identical, the Class X percentage is the tie-breaker.
Q6. Can PwBD candidates apply for all 11 trade codes?
Ans. No, PwBD candidates can apply only for codes 105 (Technician Apprentice, Mechanical), 106 (Technician Apprentice, Electrical), 107 (Technician Apprentice, Instrumentation), 108 (Trade Apprentice – Secretarial Assistant), and 110 (Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator, Fresher). PwBD positions are not available under other codes. Verify the official notification for the exact number of PwBD seats under each eligible code.
Q7. What is the approximate monthly stipend for apprentices, and will I receive employment after the training period?
Ans. The notification does not specify the exact stipend amount; the rate is as prescribed under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 and IOCL’s guidelines. IOCL has no obligation to offer permanent employment upon completion of apprenticeship. This is a time-bound training program, not a direct recruitment pathway to a permanent job. Candidates should view the apprenticeship as a learning opportunity and skill-building experience.
Q8. How can I verify I am eligible before applying, and what documents will I need at Document Verification?
Ans. Review the Educational Qualification and Age Limit tables in the official notification against your personal details. You must be between 18-24 years old (or eligible under relaxation), hold the specified degree/diploma/ITI/Class XII, and have obtained at least 50% aggregate marks (45% if SC/ST/PwBD applying to reserved seats). At Document Verification, you will need your Class X certificate (proof of age), academic marksheets, final degree/diploma/ITI certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and original photo ID. Refer to the full list in the notification to prepare.
Your Next Step
Submit both your NAPS/NATS portal application and your Microsoft Forms response before 31/07/2026 at 17:00 Hrs-the window closes without extension. After the application deadline, IOCL will release the shortlist for Document Verification around 05/08/2026; if you make the merit list, attend your scheduled verification appointment between 11/08/2026 and 18/08/2026 with all required original documents. Keep checking our free job alert service at MyNaukriAlert.com for updates on document verification results, medical examination schedules, and final engagement letters from IOCL.
