Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Paradip Refinery has opened applications for 582 apprentice positions across 10 trade and technician disciplines under Advertisement No. PDR/HR/01/Apprentices-26. The recruitment covers roles ranging from Trade Apprentice (Attendant Operator, Fitter, Secretarial Assistant, Accountant, Data Entry Operator) to Technician Apprentice positions in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Instrumentation disciplines. Applicants can register on the NAPS/NATS portal and submit additional details via Microsoft Forms from 29 June 2026 through 28 July 2026.
Quick Overview: IOCL Paradip Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Paradip Refinery |
| Advertisement No. | PDR/HR/01/Apprentices-26 |
| Post Names | Trade Apprentice & Technician Apprentice (Multiple Disciplines) |
| Total Vacancies | 582 |
| Application Mode | Online (NAPS/NATS Portal + Microsoft Forms) |
| Official Website | https://www.iocl.com |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening of Online Application (NAPS/NATS Portal and MS Forms) | 29/06/2026 (10:00 Hrs) |
| Last Date for Application Submission | 28/07/2026 (17:00 Hrs) |
| Tentative Publication of Document Verification List | 05/08/2026 |
| Tentative Document Verification | 11/08/2026 to 18/08/2026 |
| Eligibility Determination Date | 30/06/2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
As per the official notification released by IOCL Paradip Refinery on 29 June 2026, candidates must meet specific educational qualifications, age limits, and other conditions based on the trade or technician discipline applied for.
Educational Qualification Requirements
Candidates must have already passed the prescribed qualification by 30 June 2026. Awaiting results does not qualify for this recruitment. Minimum qualification marks of 50% aggregate are required (45% for SC/ST and PwBD candidates against reserved seats). Where CGPA/OGPA or Letter Grade is awarded, the equivalent percentage must be indicated with a supporting conversion certificate at document verification.
Eligible qualifications by code:
| Code | Trade/Discipline | Required Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 101 | Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical) | 3-year B.Sc (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, or Industrial Chemistry) |
| 102 | Trade Apprentice – Fitter (Mechanical) | Matric + ITI Fitter (minimum 2 years, Pass class) |
| 104 | Technician Apprentice (Chemical) | 3-year Diploma in Chemical/Petrochemical/Refinery Engineering |
| 105 | Technician Apprentice (Mechanical) | 3-year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering |
| 106 | Technician Apprentice (Electrical) | 3-year Diploma in Electrical/Electrical & Electronics Engineering |
| 107 | Technician Apprentice (Instrumentation) | 3-year Diploma in Instrumentation/Applied Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering |
| 108 | Trade Apprentice – Secretarial Assistant | 3-year B.A./B.Sc/B.Com |
| 109 | Trade Apprentice – Accountant | 3-year B.Com |
| 110 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | Class XII pass |
| 111 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Skill Certificate) | Class XII pass + Skill Certificate in Domestic Data Entry Operator |
Key eligibility conditions:
- Only regular full-time courses from recognised boards/universities/institutes are eligible.
- ITI must be recognised by NCVET/SCVT.
- Part-time, correspondence, or distance education qualifications are not eligible.
- Under Code 110, only fresher apprentices (non-graduates without prior institutional or skill training) are eligible.
- Under Code 111, candidates must possess a certified Skill Certificate in Domestic Data Entry Operator from a NSQF-recognised body.
- Candidates holding higher professional qualifications (BE/B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, MCA, or equivalent) are not eligible.
- Candidates who completed the prescribed qualification over five years ago (as on 30 June 2026) are not eligible.
- Candidates applying for multiple trades/disciplines will be rejected.
Age Limit
Minimum age: 18 years; Maximum age: 24 years as on 30 June 2026 for General/EWS candidates.
The Matriculation (Class X) Marksheet/Certificate is the only acceptable proof of age.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC (NCL) | 3 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 10 years (irrespective of reservation) |
| PwBD + SC/ST | An additional 5 years on top of the category relaxation |
| PwBD + OBC (NCL) | An additional 3 years on top of the category relaxation |
SC/ST and PwBD candidates contesting reserved seats receive 5% relaxation in the minimum prescribed qualification marks.
Apprenticeship Experience Rules
Candidates who have completed apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act in a different trade/discipline may apply, subject to:
- A minimum gap of one year from the completion date (as on 30 June 2026) is required.
- If the previous contract was terminated by the employer due to their failure, no gap is needed.
- If terminated by the candidate due to health, financial hardship, relocation, transportation, career changes, or language barrier, a three-month gap is required (no waiting period for women).
- Candidates whose prior contract was terminated due to their own failure to comply are not eligible.
- First-time apprenticeship applicants are given preference.
Who Should Consider This IOCL Paradip Recruitment?
- Graduates (B.Sc/B.A/B.Com or Diploma holders) in specific engineering disciplines seeking structured on-the-job training in a Fortune Global 500 company.
- Candidates aged 18-24 years (with relaxation up to 34 years for SC/ST/PwBD categories).
- Fresher Data Entry Operator candidates (Class XII pass) without prior institutional training, looking to gain certification.
- Candidates with ITI qualifications in the Fitter trade seeking to transition into a formal apprenticeship.
- Persons with benchmark disabilities (minimum 40% disability) in categories PV, PH, PL, or Multiple Disabilities.
- Those located in or willing to relocate to Paradip, Odisha, for a 12-15 month apprenticeship period.
IOCL Paradip Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Vacancy Breakdown
| Code | Trade/Discipline | Total | UR | EWS | SC | ST | OBC(NCL) | PwBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Attendant Operator (Chemical) | 180 | 71 | 18 | 29 | 40 | 22 | 0 |
| 102 | Fitter (Mechanical) | 59 | 24 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 7 | 4 |
| 104 | Technician (Chemical) | 130 | 52 | 13 | 21 | 29 | 15 | 0 |
| 105 | Technician (Mechanical) | 60 | 24 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 7 | 4 |
| 106 | Technician (Electrical) | 80 | 31 | 8 | 13 | 18 | 10 | 5 |
| 107 | Technician (Instrumentation) | 20 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 108 | Secretarial Assistant | 23 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
| 109 | Accountant | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 110 | Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | 20 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| 111 | Data Entry Operator (Skill Certificate) | 9 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 582 | 234 | 58 | 93 | 128 | 69 | 23 |
Seat allocations are tentative and may increase or decrease at management’s discretion in compliance with Presidential Directives on reservations. If insufficient candidates are identified under Code 110 or 111, vacancies may be filled from the alternate code as per the selection criteria.
About the Apprentice Role at IOCL
IOCL apprenticeships are structured on-the-job training positions governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973, conducted at India’s largest public sector refinery. Trade Apprentices (such as Attendant Operators and Fitters) work in the refinery’s operating and maintenance sections, handling equipment, processing chemical flows, and supporting plant operations. Technician Apprentices (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation) manage technical functions including instrumentation calibration, electrical maintenance, and process support. Administrative apprentices (Secretarial, Accountant, Data Entry roles) support corporate operations. The refinery operates 24/7 in a complex, hazardous industrial environment, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and technical precision. Apprentices receive structured mentoring, hands-on training under the Apprentices Act framework, and workplace exposure to petroleum refining, one of India’s most capital-intensive and technologically advanced sectors.
Apprentice Stipend and Benefits
Stipend is payable per the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973, Apprentices Rules 1992 (as amended), and IOCL guidelines; the specific monthly amount is determined by the organisation and prevailing apprenticeship norms. Trade Apprentices in technical codes (101, 102, 104, 105, 106, 107) are provided one pair of safety shoes and a helmet (returnable upon training completion). No HRA or company accommodation is provided. Apprentices receive 32 days general leave (8 days per quarter, including medical grounds), 12 days casual leave per calendar year (pro-rata), and all applicable establishment holidays. Leave unused during the apprenticeship period lapses. All apprentices are covered under Accident Insurance. Upon completion, IOCL has no obligation to offer permanent employment, and apprentices cannot claim any right to employment solely on completion of training.
PwBD Candidate Reservations
Persons with Benchmark Disability (minimum 40% disability as per Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016) can apply only under Codes 102, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, and 111. Eligible disability categories are:
- PV – Low vision, Blind
- PH – Hard of hearing, Deaf
- PL – Musculoskeletal (Orthopaedic Handicap, One Arm, One Leg, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victim, Cerebral Palsy, Leprosy Cured)
- Multiple Disabilities – A combination of the above
A Disability Certificate issued by a competent authority under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017, must be submitted at document verification. Candidates with other disabilities not listed are excluded due to the petroleum refining industry’s hazardous nature.
Selection Process
There is no written examination for this recruitment. Candidates registered on NAPS/NATS are selected based on merit in the prescribed qualification and compliance with eligibility criteria.
Merit ranking is determined by:
- Percentage of marks in descending order (aggregate across all subjects/semesters) in the prescribed qualification for the applied trade.
- Preference given to first-time apprenticeship applicants.
- In case of a tie in percentage, seniority by age (date of birth) determines ranking.
- If the date of birth is identical, a higher percentage in Matriculation determines ranking.
PwBD candidates who received 5% relaxation in qualification marks are considered against reserved seats, ranked by merit within their category.
Shortlisting and final engagement:
Candidates shortlisted by merit position are called for Document Verification. Final engagement requires meeting minimum physical fitness standards specified under the Apprentices Act, confirmed via pre-engagement medical examination. Seats are filled solely at management’s discretion; no claim arises if seats remain unfilled due to candidate unsuitability or insufficiency.
Documents Required at Verification
Original documents with self-attested copies must be submitted during Document Verification:
- Class X Marksheet/Matriculation Certificate (proof of date of birth)
- Class XII marksheet
- Semester-wise/year-wise ITI (Fitter), Graduation, or Diploma marksheets
- Class XII/Final ITI/Graduation/Diploma Certificate
- CGPA/OGPA to percentage conversion certificate (if applicable)
- Result publication certificate from the institute principal (if applicable)
- SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/EWS/Disability Certificate in the prescribed format with a declaration
- Skill Certificate in Domestic Data Entry Operator (Code 111 only)
- Printout of the NATS/NAPS portal registration with the applicant details
- Affidavit confirming eligibility compliance (Annexure-A)
- Original photo ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport)
- Any other certificates/documents specified in the notification
How to Apply for the IOCL Paradip Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Step 1: Register on the NAPS or NATS Portal
For Codes 101, 102, 108, 109, 110, and 111:
- Visit https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/ (NAPS Portal)
- Select “Apprenticeship Opportunities” from the top menu
- Search by location “IOCL Refinery Unit” and select your chosen trade
- Log in with basic details and complete registration
For Codes 104, 105, 106, and 107:
- Visit https://nats.education.gov.in (NATS Portal/Board of Apprenticeship Training)
- Register successfully on the portal
- Log in to your dashboard and apply to the IOCL Paradip Refinery advertisement
Establishment IDs:
| Unit | NATS Establishment ID | NAPS Establishment ID |
|---|---|---|
| Paradip Refinery | EORJSC000003 | E07192100001 |
Step 2: Submit Additional Details via Microsoft Forms
After portal registration, you must submit details on the Microsoft Form at: https://forms.office.com/r/LZyLWrpk16
Only one response per candidate is accepted. Use the same email ID and mobile number across both the NAPS/NATS portal and MS Form; this contact information must remain valid for one year, as all future communication will be sent via website, email, and SMS alerts.
Alternative access method: Visit https://www.iocl.com → What’s New → “Engagement of Apprentices at Paradip Refinery – 2026” → Detailed Advertisement → Click “Click here to Register/Apply on NAPS/NATS” or “Click here to fill additional information on MS Forms”
Only online applications are accepted. Applications via any other mode will be rejected.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Submitting an incomplete profile on NAPS/NATS: Ensure 100% accuracy in all fields; discrepancies between the portal and MS Form may lead to rejection. Cross-verify your email ID and mobile number across both submissions.
- Applying for multiple trade/discipline codes: Candidates applying for more than one code will be summarily rejected; select only one trade or discipline code per application cycle.
- Missing the Microsoft Forms submission: Registration on the NAPS/NATS portal alone is insufficient. The MS Form submission is mandatory; without it, your application is incomplete and will not be processed.
- Using unrecognised qualifications: Only qualifications from recognised boards/universities/institutes (regular full-time courses) are accepted. Distance learning, part-time, or correspondence degrees will disqualify your application.
- Applying with expired/invalid certificates: Code 111 candidates must ensure Skill Certificates in Domestic Data Entry Operator are current and issued by NSQF-recognised bodies; expired certificates will not be accepted at document verification.
What Happens After You Apply
- Application window closes on 28/07/2026 (17:00 Hrs).
- Merit list publication and shortlisting for Document Verification: Tentatively 05/08/2026.
- Document Verification: Tentatively 11/08/2026 to 18/08/2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be called; verify your registration on the NAPS/NATS portal and check IOCL’s official website regularly for updates.
- Physical fitness and medical examination: Candidates cleared at document verification will undergo pre-engagement medical examination and physical fitness assessment as per Apprentices Act norms.
- Final engagement: Candidates declared fit in the medical examination will be engaged as apprentices. IOCL will issue joining instructions via email/SMS; no further correspondence will occur outside the official communication channels.
- Apprenticeship commencement: Training period is 12-15 months, depending on the code, governed by the Apprentices Act framework.
Important Instructions
- Read the full advertisement carefully, paying close attention to educational qualification and eligibility criteria specific to your chosen trade/discipline code.
- Ensure your NATS/NAPS profile is 100% accurately completed with verified contact details.
- Any false or incorrect information furnished at any stage will result in candidature cancellation and possible criminal prosecution.
- Candidature is provisional; engagement may be terminated if discrepancies are discovered during or after document verification and joining.
- All corrigenda, addenda, or notices will be posted only on https://www.iocl.com; rely only on official IOCL communication.
- Disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of the local court near Paradip Refinery, Odisha.
- Canvassing in any form will render a candidate ineligible.
- Beware of fraudulent agencies and fake job announcements; verify all recruitment information through https://www.iocl.com and official Employment News/Press Notifications only.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Apply on Microsoft Forms | Submit Application |
| Official IOCL Website | Visit Website |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the deadline for the IOCL Paradip Apprentice Recruitment 2026 application?
Ans. The last date for submitting applications on the NAPS/NATS portal and Microsoft Forms is 28/07/2026 at 17:00 Hrs (5:00 PM). Ensure you register on the appropriate portal (NAPS for codes 101, 102, 108, 109, 110, 111; NATS for codes 104, 105, 106, 107) and complete the MS Form submission before the deadline. Applications received after this time will not be accepted.
Q2. Can I apply for more than one trade or discipline code in this IOCL Paradip Recruitment?
Ans. No. Candidates applying for more than one trade or discipline code will be summarily rejected. You must choose only one code (e.g., Code 101 or Code 104, but not both) per application. If you apply for multiple codes, all applications will be cancelled without refund of any fees.
Q3. What is the minimum qualification required, and can I apply if I have a higher degree?
Ans. Qualification requirements vary by code. For example, Code 101 requires a 3-year B.Sc, Code 102 requires Matric + 2-year ITI Fitter, and Code 108 requires a 3-year B.A/B.Sc/B.Com. However, candidates holding higher professional qualifications such as BE/B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, or MCA (completed on or before joining) are not eligible for this apprenticeship, as the role is designed for entry-level candidates.
Q4. How is the merit list prepared, and what happens in case of a tie in marks?
Ans. The merit list is prepared based on the percentage of marks obtained in the prescribed qualification (aggregate across all subjects/semesters) in descending order, with preference given to first-time apprenticeship applicants. If two candidates have the same percentage, the candidate senior in age (earlier date of birth) is ranked higher. If the date of birth is also identical, the candidate with the higher percentage in Matriculation (Class X) is placed higher.
Q5. Is there any application fee for the IOCL Paradip Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The official notification does not specify any application fee for this recruitment. No fee is deducted at the time of registration on the NAPS/NATS portal or MS Form submission.
Q6. What documents must I submit at Document Verification, and are photocopies acceptable?
Ans. Original documents must be submitted along with self-attested copies. Required documents include Class X and XII marksheets, degree/diploma certificates, CGPA-to-percentage conversion certificate (if applicable), SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Disability certificate in prescribed format, a valid photo ID, and an affidavit confirming eligibility. Photocopies alone will not be accepted; you must bring originals for verification and retain self-attested copies for records.
Q7. I completed my qualification more than five years ago. Am I still eligible?
Ans. No. Candidates who completed the prescribed qualification more than five years ago (as on 30/06/2026) are not eligible for this recruitment. For example, if your B.Sc was awarded in 2020, you would not be eligible in 2026.
Q8. Are Part-time/Correspondence/Distance Education degrees accepted?
Ans. No. Only qualifications from regular full-time courses conducted by recognized boards, universities, or institutes are eligible. Part-time, correspondence, distance education, and online degrees are not accepted, irrespective of the marks obtained.
How to Proceed
Eligible candidates should submit their application on the appropriate NAPS or NATS portal and complete the mandatory Microsoft Forms submission before 28/07/2026 at 17:00 Hrs. Verify your profile accuracy on the portal and ensure your contact information remains valid for at least one year, as all future communication from IOCL will be sent via email and SMS to the registered ID. After the application window closes, IOCL will release the shortlist for document verification on 05/08/2026; check the official website regularly for updates. Subscribe to our free job alert service to receive notifications of recruitment updates, merit list announcements, and any corrigenda issued by IOCL.
