IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 | Apply Online for 501 Trade, Technician and Graduate Apprentice Posts

For thousands of young job seekers across India, getting a first structured entry into a reputed public sector organization can change the direction of an entire career. The IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 arrives at a time when hands-on industry exposure is becoming just as important as academic degrees. Indian Oil Corporation Limited, one of India’s largest and most trusted PSUs, is opening doors for freshers and diploma or degree holders to gain real-world experience across technical and non-technical trades. This recruitment is not just about stipend based training. It is about learning inside a national energy giant and building confidence for future government and private sector roles.

Before diving into the details, here is a quick snapshot. The notification announces 501 Apprentice posts, covers qualifications from 12th pass and ITI to Diploma and Graduation, and sets the last date to apply as 12 January 2026. Applications are accepted only through the designated apprenticeship portals linked with IOCL.

Summary of IOCL Apprentice Notification 2026

The IOCL Apprentice Notification 2026 outlines engagement of Trade, Technician and Graduate Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 for locations spread across multiple northern states. The program focuses on skill development, structured training, and exposure to industrial operations rather than permanent employment.

IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview

Vacancy, Eligibility, Qualification, and Salary Details

The Indian Oil Corporation Vacancy 2026 is distributed across various states and disciplines to ensure balanced regional participation. Candidates must carefully choose their discipline code because only one application is allowed per candidate.

State Wise Vacancy Distribution

Educational Qualification

The qualification criteria under IOCL Apprentice Eligibility 2026 varies by trade and level.

• Trade Apprentice posts require Matriculation along with a full-time ITI certificate in the relevant trade from NCVT or SCVT recognized institutes.
• Technician Apprentice roles demand a three year full-time Diploma in Engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Instrumentation or Electronics with minimum qualifying marks.
• Graduate Apprentice positions are open to candidates holding regular full-time degrees like BA, BBA, BCom, or BSc from recognized universities.
• Data Entry Operator Apprentices require 12th pass qualification, with additional skill certification for certain codes.

Courses completed through distance learning or correspondence mode are not accepted, which highlights IOCL’s focus on formal classroom-based education.

Age Limit Criteria

As per the IOCL Apprentice Notification 2026, the age calculation is done as on 31 December 2025.

• Minimum age is 18 years
• Maximum age is 24 years for General and EWS candidates
• Age relaxation applies for SC, ST, OBC Non Creamy Layer and PwBD categories as per Government of India norms

Salary and Stipend Structure

The IOCL Apprentice Salary 2026 is paid in the form of monthly stipend, along with additional support for miscellaneous expenses.

• Graduate Apprentices receive stipend support through BOAT and IOCL contribution, plus Rs 2,500 as miscellaneous allowance.
• Technician Apprentices are paid as per BOAT norms with IOCL share and the same additional allowance.
• Trade Apprentices receive stipend strictly under the Apprentices Act, fully paid by IOCL, along with Rs 2,500 extra per month.

All payments are made through Direct Benefit Transfer to Aadhaar linked bank accounts.

Selection Process and Application Steps

The IOCL Apprentice Selection Process 2026 is simple and transparent, focusing on merit rather than examinations.

Selection Stages

1. Shortlisting based on marks obtained in the prescribed qualification.
2. Preparation of discipline-wise and category-wise merit list.
3. Document verification for shortlisted candidates.
4. Pre-engagement medical fitness test.

There is no written test or interview, which makes this recruitment especially attractive for freshers.

Important Dates Table

How to Apply Online for IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Candidates must follow a two-step application process involving apprenticeship portals and a final submission form.

1. Register on the relevant portal based on qualification.
   • Trade Apprentice through NAPS portal
   • Technician and Graduate Apprentice through NATS portal
2. Complete personal and educational profile with accurate percentage marks.
3. Search and apply for Indian Oil Corporation Limited using the specified Establishment ID.
4. Submit preference details through the mandatory Microsoft Office Form provided by IOCL.
5. Regularly check registered email and official website for document verification updates.

Submitting multiple applications or choosing more than one discipline code can lead to rejection.

Why This Job Matters – Karmakaro Insight

At Karmakaro, we view the IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 as more than a temporary training opportunity. For candidates from technical backgrounds, this apprenticeship offers exposure to large-scale industrial systems, safety protocols, and real operational challenges that classroom education often cannot provide. For graduates from general streams, it opens a pathway to understand corporate functioning inside a Maharatna PSU. While the program does not guarantee permanent employment, the IOCL brand on a resume significantly strengthens future prospects in both government and private sectors. Candidates who are serious about skill building and long-term employability should not overlook this opportunity.

Important Links

FAQs – IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Q1. How many vacancies are announced under IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 501 apprentice vacancies are announced across multiple states and disciplines.

Q2. Is there any application fee for IOCL Apprentice posts?
No. IOCL does not charge any application fee for apprenticeship engagement.

Q3. Can final year students apply for IOCL Apprentice 2026?
No. Candidates must have completed the required qualification as on the cutoff date.

Q4. Does IOCL Apprentice lead to permanent job placement?
No. Apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment, but it improves career opportunities.

Q5. Is there any exam or interview in IOCL Apprentice selection?
No written exam or interview is conducted. Selection is purely merit based.

Disclaimer

Details are as per recruitment advertisement updates available as of now. Any modification by IOCL will be updated once the official notification is revised or new notices are released.