Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) isn’t just a company; it’s the pulsating artery of the Indian economy. As a Maharatna powerhouse and a steadfast member of the elite Fortune “Global 500” club, its name is synonymous with scale, stability, and nation-building. In a visionary move that aligns corporate growth with national progress, IOCL has launched its “Skill Building Initiative for the Nation” for 2025, inviting aspiring individuals to join as Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973.
This is not a conventional job advertisement; it is a clarion call for the next generation of technical and administrative talent. It’s an invitation to step into the dynamic world of hydrocarbon energy, to learn from the best, and to equip yourself with industry-relevant skills that form the bedrock of a stellar career. With thousands of seats across nine iconic refineries, this apprenticeship program is a golden gateway to gaining hands-on experience within one of India’s most prestigious industrial ecosystems. Forget mere observation; this is your chance to get your hands on the levers of industry.
Application Dates: Mark Your Calendar
Timeliness is the first step to success. The entire application lifecycle is digital and has a strict window.
- Commencement of Online Application: 28th November 2025 (from 10:00 AM)
- Closure of Online Application: 18th December 2025 (sharp at 5:00 PM)
- Tentative Shortlist for Document Verification: 27th December 2025
- Tentative Document Verification Period: 2nd January 2026 to 7th January 2026
Pro Tip: Do not wait for the last day. Server overload and last-minute corrections can be risky. Complete your application well in advance.
Application Fee: Your Opportunity is Free
In a significant relief to candidates, there is absolutely no application fee for any of the apprentice positions. This initiative is designed to be accessible to all eligible candidates, irrespective of their economic background. Be wary of any individual or website claiming to facilitate the process for a fee—it is a scam. Rely solely on the official IOCL portals for authentic information.
Vacancy Details: A Spectrum of Opportunities
The scale of this drive is monumental, with over 2,756 apprenticeship seats dispersed across the length and breadth of the country. Each refinery has a unique number of seats tailored to its operational needs and in compliance with state-specific reservation policies.
Here is a snapshot of the apprenticeship landscape:
| Refinery Unit & Location | Approximate Seats | Key Trades Available |
|---|---|---|
| Panipat Refinery & Petrochemical Complex, Haryana | 707 | Attendant Operator, Fitter, Technician (All disciplines), Data Entry Operator |
| Paradip Refinery, Odisha | 413 | Attendant Operator, Fitter, Technician (All disciplines) |
| Gujarat Refinery, Vadodara | 583 | Attendant Operator, Fitter, Boiler, Technician (All disciplines) |
| Barauni Refinery, Bihar | 297 | Attendant Operator, Fitter, Boiler, Technician (All disciplines) |
| Haldia Refinery, West Bengal | 216 | Attendant Operator, Fitter, Boiler, Technician (All disciplines) |
| Mathura Refinery, Uttar Pradesh | 190 | Attendant Operator, Fitter, Boiler, Technician (All disciplines) |
| Bongaigaon Refinery, Assam | 142 | Attendant Operator, Fitter, Boiler, Technician (All disciplines) |
| Digboi Refinery, Assam | 118 | Attendant Operator, Fitter, Boiler, Technician (All disciplines) |
| Guwahati Refinery, Assam | 90 | Attendant Operator, Fitter, Boiler, Technician (All disciplines) |
The trades are meticulously categorized under specific codes, catering to a diverse range of qualifications:
- For Science Graduates (B.Sc.): Codes 101 (Chemical Plant) & 103 (Boiler).
- For ITI Holders (Fitter Trade): Code 102.
- For Diploma Engineers: Codes 104 (Chemical), 105 (Mechanical), 106 (Electrical), 107 (Instrumentation).
- For General Graduates (B.A./B.Sc/B.Com): Code 108 (Secretarial Assistant).
- For Commerce Graduates (B.Com): Code 109 (Accountant).
- For Class XII Pass Candidates: Code 110 (Fresher) & 111 (Skill Certificate Holders in Data Entry).
Eligibility Criteria: The Gateway Parameters
To embark on this journey, you must meet the following non-negotiable criteria as of 30th November 2025.
1. Educational Qualification:
- You must have already passed the requisite qualification. Awaiting results? You are not eligible.
- The course must be regular, full-time from a recognized institution. Distance or correspondence modes are invalid.
- Minimum Marks:
- General/EWS/OBC: 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination (Diploma, Degree, or Class XII as applicable).
- SC/ST/PwBD (for reserved seats): 45% aggregate marks.
- ITI (Fitter): Simply a pass mark is required.
- Critical Disqualifiers:
- Possessing a higher degree like B.Tech, MBA, MCA, or CA makes you ineligible.
- Having one year or more of work experience after your qualification disqualifies you.
- If five years have elapsed since you passed your qualifying exam, you cannot apply.
2. Age Limit:
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years (for the General/EWS category)
Age Relaxation is a cornerstone of the policy:
- Scheduled Caste (SC) & Scheduled Tribe (ST): 5 years
- Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL): 3 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): 10 years
- PwBD + SC/ST: 15 years
- PwBD + OBC(NCL): 13 years
Proof of Age: Only your Class X (Matriculation) certificate/mark sheet is valid for age verification.
Pay Scale (Stipend): Earn While You Learn
Selection Process: Merit is the Sole Mantra
In a transparent and streamlined process, there is no written test or interview. Your academic merit is the key that unlocks this opportunity.
- Merit-Based Shortlisting: Candidates will be ranked in descending order based on the aggregate percentage of marks in their prescribed qualification (e.g., total percentage in your Diploma or B.Sc.).
- Tie-Breaking Mechanism: In case of a tie, the candidate senior in age will be preferred. If the date of birth is also identical, the candidate with higher Class X marks will be ranked higher.
- Preference for First-Timers: Those undertaking apprenticeship training for the first time are given priority.
- Document Verification & Medical Fitness: Shortlisted candidates will be called for scrutiny of original documents. Final engagement is contingent upon being declared “Fit” in a pre-engagement medical examination.
Crucial Note: Successful completion of the apprenticeship does not guarantee a job at IOCL. This is a skill development program, and no obligation for employment is implied.
Application Process: A Two-Step Digital Journey
This is a critical section. Your application is only valid if you complete BOTH steps meticulously. A mismatch in details will lead to summary rejection.
STEP I: Foundation on National Portals
- For Trade Codes 101, 102, 103, 108, 109, 110, 111:
- Register and apply on the NAPS portal: apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
- For Technician Codes 104, 105, 106, 107:
- Register and apply on the NATS portal: nats.education.gov.in
Action: Search for opportunities by your preferred IOCL Refinery unit and apply for your chosen trade. Ensure your profile is 100% accurate regarding personal details, educational percentages, and category.
STEP II: Confirmation on IOCL Portal
- Portal: iocrefrecruit.in
- Window: 28th Nov – 18th Dec 2025.
- Prerequisite: You must have completed Step I first.
Action: Log in using the same email and mobile number from Step I. Fill in the required details, upload your photograph and signature, and submit. Ensure every detail matches perfectly with the information provided in the NAPS/NATS portal.
