Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), one of India’s leading public sector enterprises and a Fortune Global 500 company, has released a major apprenticeship notification for its Haldia Refinery. This recruitment drive is part of IOCL’s skill development initiative under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973, aimed at providing training opportunities to young candidates across multiple technical and non-technical trades.
As per the official notification, a total of 279 apprentice vacancies have been announced across various disciplines including Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Fitter, Data Entry Operator, and more. This opportunity is highly valuable for fresh candidates looking to gain industrial exposure in one of India’s largest refinery setups.
Overview of IOCL Apprenticeship 2026
The IOCL Haldia Refinery Apprenticeship program is designed to train candidates in real industrial environments, helping them develop practical skills in refinery operations, maintenance, administration, and technical services.
The apprenticeship duration varies from 12 months to 24 months, depending on the trade. Candidates selected will receive monthly stipend as per Apprentices Act guidelines.
This recruitment is strictly training-based and does not guarantee permanent employment after completion.
Total Vacancies and Trade Details
The apprenticeship notification includes multiple trades and disciplines. Some of the major categories are:
- Trade Apprentice (Chemical Plant Attendant Operator)
- Trade Apprentice (Fitter)
- Trade Apprentice (Boiler)
- Technician Apprentice (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation)
- Trade Apprentice (Secretarial Assistant)
- Trade Apprentice (Accountant)
- Data Entry Operator (Skilled and Fresher)
📊 Total Number of Posts: 279
Reservation is applicable for SC, ST, OBC (NCL), EWS, and PwBD categories as per Government of India norms.
As mentioned in the official document, the distribution includes seats across UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD categories in various disciplines .
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the required qualification depending on the trade applied for:
1. Technical Trades
- B.Sc. (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics / Industrial Chemistry)
- Diploma in Chemical / Mechanical / Electrical / Instrumentation Engineering
- ITI (Fitter) from NCVET/SCVT recognized institutes
2. Non-Technical Trades
- B.Com for Accountant Apprentice
- B.A / B.Sc / B.Com for Secretarial Assistant
- Class 12th pass for Data Entry Operator
Important Note:
- Only full-time regular courses are eligible
- Distance learning or correspondence qualifications are not accepted
- Higher qualifications like B.Tech, MBA, MCA make candidates ineligible
Age Limit Criteria
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years (as on 30 June 2026)
Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories:
- SC/ST: +5 years
- OBC (NCL): +3 years
- PwBD: +10 years
Selection Process
The selection process for IOCL Apprenticeship 2026 is purely merit-based. There is no written examination.
Selection Criteria:
- Merit list based on percentage of marks in qualifying examination
- In case of tie, older candidate is preferred
- If tie persists, higher Matriculation marks will be considered
👉 Preference will be given to candidates applying for apprenticeship for the first time.
This makes academic performance the most important factor in selection.
How to Apply for IOCL Apprenticeship 2026
Candidates must apply through both NAPS/NATS portal and IOCL official application process.
Step 1: Registration
- Visit NAPS portal: https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
- Or NATS portal: https://nats.education.gov.in
Step 2: Apply for IOCL Opportunity
- Search IOCL Haldia Refinery Apprenticeship
- Select appropriate trade
- Complete application form
Step 3: Submit IOCL Form
- Fill Microsoft/Google form provided in notification
- Ensure correct registration number and details
⚠️ Both steps are mandatory for application acceptance.
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 01 July 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 30 July 2026
- Document Verification: 11 August – 18 August 2026
- Merit List Announcement: 05 August 2026 (Tentative)
Stipend and Benefits
Selected apprentices will receive stipend as per Apprentices Act norms. Additional benefits include:
- On-the-job training at IOCL Haldia Refinery
- Exposure to industrial operations
- Safety training and protective equipment (for technical trades)
- Insurance coverage during training period
However, IOCL clearly states that apprenticeship does not guarantee employment after completion.
Required Documents
Candidates must keep the following documents ready:
- 10th Class Certificate (Date of Birth proof)
- 12th / Diploma / Degree certificates
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- NAPS/NATS registration proof
- Passport-size photographs
- Affidavit (if applicable for previous apprenticeship)
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Only one trade application is allowed per candidate
- Incomplete applications will be rejected
- Fake or incorrect information leads to cancellation
- Candidates must ensure correct registration on portals
- Regular updates will be available on IOCL official website
Why This IOCL Apprenticeship is Important?
This apprenticeship is one of the most sought-after opportunities for students and fresh graduates because:
- IOCL is a top PSU in India
- Hands-on industrial experience in refinery operations
- Strong skill development opportunity
- Exposure to petrochemical industry environment
- Improves future employability in government and private sectors
For candidates from engineering, ITI, and commerce backgrounds, this program acts as a strong career foundation.
Conclusion
The IOCL Haldia Refinery Apprenticeship 2026 is a golden opportunity for young aspirants to begin their professional journey in one of India’s most reputed public sector companies. With 279 vacancies across various trades, this recruitment ensures fair representation and skill-based training for eligible candidates.
Since selection is purely merit-based and no written exam is involved, candidates with strong academic performance have a higher chance of selection. Interested applicants should complete the registration process before the deadline and ensure all documents are properly verified.
This apprenticeship is not just a training program but a gateway to industrial exposure, technical learning, and career development in the energy sector.