Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), a leading public sector undertaking, has officially announced a significant recruitment drive for apprentice positions for the year 2026. The corporation aims to fill a total of 501 vacancies across various apprentice categories, offering a valuable opportunity for fresh candidates and students to gain hands-on, work-based training within a major government-owned company.
Eligibility Criteria and Vacancy Breakdown
Prospective applicants must carefully review the eligibility conditions before applying. The age limit is set between 18 and 24 years, as of a specific date mentioned in the official notification. Candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories are eligible for age relaxation as per the standard government norms.
The educational qualifications vary according to the post:
- Trade Apprentice: Requires passing Class 10 and possessing an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from a recognized institute.
- Technician Apprentice: Requires a diploma in engineering in the required discipline.
- Graduate Apprentice: Requires a full-time graduation degree like BA, BSc, BCom, or BBA from a recognized university.
It is crucial to note that only full-time, regular courses are accepted; distance or part-time learning modes are not considered valid for this recruitment. Furthermore, individuals who have previously undergone apprenticeship training are not eligible to apply.
Application Process and Selection Procedure
The entire application process is conducted online, and no offline methods are accepted. Interested candidates must first register on the appropriate national apprenticeship portals. Candidates for Trade Apprentice roles need to register on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal, while those applying for Diploma (Technician) and Graduate Apprentice positions must register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal.
Following registration, applicants must select Indian Oil Corporation Limited as their preferred company and complete the application process. Some may also need to fill an additional online form specific to IOCL. Applicants should keep scanned copies of their photograph, signature, educational certificates, and identity proof ready for upload. There is no application fee for this recruitment drive.
A key highlight of this recruitment is the selection methodology. Candidates will be selected solely on the basis of the marks obtained in their qualifying examination (ITI, Diploma, or Graduation). There will be no written test or interview for the selection process.
Training Details and Important Notes
The apprenticeship training period is typically for one year, as per the provisions of the Apprentices Act. Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend as prescribed by the government. It is imperative for all applicants to understand that this apprenticeship is purely a training opportunity and does not guarantee permanent employment with IOCL upon completion.
The 501 vacancies are distributed among the Trade, Technician, and Graduate Apprentice categories and are spread across various locations in India. The exact number of posts for each trade and location, along with reservation details for SC, ST, OBC, Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and PwD candidates, are specified in the official notification.
Candidates are strongly advised to read the official notification thoroughly before applying and ensure they submit their forms well before the last date. After submission, they should regularly check their registered email and the official IOCL website for updates regarding the merit list and subsequent document verification process.
