Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has opened an apprenticeship opportunity for candidates looking to gain practical experience in the energy and refinery sector. The recruitment drive is being conducted for 58 apprentice positions at IOCL's Bongaigaon Refinery, with vacancies available across three different trades.

The apprenticeship programme can be particularly relevant for eligible B.Sc. and diploma holders seeking industry-based training after completing their studies. Selected candidates will receive training in their respective disciplines and get exposure to working in a major refinery environment.

According to the recruitment details, the application process began on September 28, 2026, while eligible candidates can submit their applications until 5 PM on October 18, 2026.

Applicants should carefully verify the trade-specific educational qualifications, age requirements and registration process before submitting their forms.

IOCL Apprentice Vacancy 2026: 58 Positions Available

The 58 apprenticeship positions at Bongaigaon Refinery have been distributed among three trades.

Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) has the largest number of openings, with 36 positions. Another 14 vacancies are available for Trade Apprentice (Boiler), while eight positions have been announced for Technician Apprentice (Instrumentation).

The duration of apprenticeship training will vary depending on the trade. As per the recruitment information, selected candidates may undergo training for either 12 months or 24 months, depending on the position for which they are selected.

Candidates should check the applicable post code and training period for their chosen discipline before applying.

Who Can Apply for IOCL Apprentice Recruitment?

Educational requirements are different for each apprentice category.

For positions such as Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant), applicants are required to possess a three-year regular B.Sc. degree in the prescribed subjects. Candidates applying for Technician Apprentice (Instrumentation) need the relevant diploma qualification.

Applicants must also satisfy the prescribed minimum marks and any additional eligibility conditions applicable to their chosen trade.

Since qualification requirements can differ significantly between apprentice categories, candidates should not rely only on general recruitment information. The detailed eligibility criteria for their specific post should be checked in the official notification before completing the application.

Age Limit for IOCL Apprentice Posts

The prescribed age range is 18 to 24 years as of September 30, 2026.

Candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC and other eligible reserved categories may receive relaxation in the upper age limit according to applicable government rules.

Applicants should verify their date of birth against the official cut-off date and check whether any category-specific relaxation applies to them.

No Written Test or Interview

One of the important aspects of this recruitment drive is its selection procedure. According to the provided recruitment details, candidates will not have to appear for a written examination or interview.

Instead, selection will primarily be based on candidates' academic performance in the qualifying examination.

A merit list will be prepared using the marks obtained in the prescribed educational qualification. If two or more candidates have the same marks, the applicable tie-breaking criteria, including age where prescribed, may be used to determine their position.

Candidates shortlisted through the merit process will then be called for document verification. They will also need to satisfy the required pre-engagement medical fitness conditions before the apprenticeship process is completed.

Documents Candidates Should Keep Ready

Applicants should ensure that their academic and personal records are complete and consistent with the details entered in the application form.

At the document-verification stage, candidates may need to produce their educational mark sheets and certificates, valid identity proof, proof of date of birth, applicable caste or category certificates, and their NATS or NAPS registration details.

Any additional documents specified for the relevant apprentice trade should also be kept ready.

Discrepancies between the application and original documents can create problems during verification, making it important to enter information carefully.

IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Key Dates

The online application process began on September 28, 2026. Candidates have until 5 PM on October 18, 2026 to complete the application process.

The list of shortlisted candidates is scheduled to be released on October 26, 2026.

Document verification for shortlisted applicants is scheduled to take place from November 4 to November 6, 2026.

Candidates should complete their applications well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.

How to Apply for IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Before applying, candidates need to complete the required registration through the applicable NATS or NAPS apprenticeship portal, depending on the trade and instructions provided in the recruitment notice.

After registration, applicants should follow IOCL's prescribed application procedure and select the correct post code corresponding to the apprentice position for which they are eligible.

Before final submission, candidates should carefully check their name, date of birth, educational details, category, registration information and selected trade.

Applicants should also retain relevant application and registration details for future reference.

Opportunity to Gain Practical Industry Experience

The IOCL Bongaigaon Refinery apprenticeship drive provides eligible candidates with an opportunity to receive structured training and gain practical exposure in their chosen discipline.

For young candidates who have recently completed a relevant B.Sc. degree or diploma, an apprenticeship can help bridge the gap between academic study and an industrial working environment.

However, candidates should remember that an apprenticeship should not automatically be treated as a permanent government job. Applicants should read the official IOCL notification carefully for conditions relating to stipend, training duration, eligibility, reservation, medical fitness and any provisions concerning employment after completion of the apprenticeship.

Those interested in the 58 vacancies should complete the required NATS/NAPS registration and application process before 5 PM on October 18, 2026, after confirming that they meet all requirements for their selected trade.