IOCL Paradip Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Best Career Start in the Petroleum Sector
If you are a fresher looking for high-quality training and government jobs in Odisha, your search ends right here. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), India’s largest commercial enterprise and a prestigious Fortune “Global 500” company, has officially released the IOCL Paradip Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification. This recruitment drive is a fantastic skill-building initiative aimed at engaging 342 Trade Apprentices and Technician Apprentices at the Paradip Refinery Unit in Odisha. Whether you are searching for 12th pass government jobs, ITI Jobs 2026, or Diploma engineering vacancies, this recruitment has an opportunity tailored just for you.
What makes this IOCL Apprentice Vacancy exceptionally attractive is that the selection is purely based on academic merit. There is absolutely no written exam or interview stage to worry about! Selected candidates will receive top-tier industrial exposure in a highly advanced petroleum refinery along with a handsome monthly stipend under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The online application and registration process has commenced on 12th February 2026, and the deadline to submit the final form is 25th February 2026. Read this comprehensive guide carefully to understand the vacancy distribution, exact eligibility criteria, IOCL Apprentice Salary details, and the step-by-step application procedure to ensure your form gets accepted in the first go.
Key Highlights of IOCL Paradip Refinery Apprentice Notification 2026
Indian Oil conducts these apprenticeship training programs to impart practical, on-the-job training to young graduates and school pass-outs. Below is a quick glance at the essential details regarding the Paradip Refinery recruitment drive:
- Organization Name: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) – Paradip Refinery
- Advertisement Number: PDR/HR/03/Apprentices-25
- Post Names: Trade Apprentice (B.Sc / ITI / 12th Pass) & Technician Apprentice (Diploma)
- Total Vacancies: 342 Posts
- Stipend/Salary: Highly competitive stipend as per Apprentices Act 1961
- Job Location: Paradip, Odisha
- Application Start Date: 12 February 2026
- Application Last Date: 25 February 2026
- Selection Process: Direct Merit-Based Selection (No Written Test)
IOCL Paradip Refinery Vacancy Breakdown 2026
A total of 342 seats are available across various technical and non-technical disciplines. Candidates are strictly advised to apply for one discipline only. Below is the detailed table showing the post-wise vacancy distribution.
| Trade / Discipline Name | Post Code | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) | 101 | 114 |
| Trade Apprentice – Fitter (Mechanical) | 102 | 32 |
| Technician Apprentice – Chemical | 104 | 53 |
| Technician Apprentice – Mechanical | 105 | 37 |
| Technician Apprentice – Electrical | 106 | 68 |
| Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation | 107 | 20 |
| Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | 110 | 13 |
| Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Skill Certificate) | 111 | 05 |
(Note: The number of seats is tentative and may increase or decrease. Proper reservations are applicable for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwBD categories as per Government of India guidelines).
Eligibility Criteria for IOCL Paradip Apprentice Jobs 2026
To avoid rejection during the document verification stage, candidates must ensure they strictly meet the educational qualifications and age limits prescribed by the corporation. All qualifications must be completed before the cutoff date of 31.01.2026.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed their respective examinations as a regular, full-time course from a recognized Board/University/Institute with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST and PwBD category candidates).
- Trade Apprentice (Attendant Operator – Chemical): 3 years regular B.Sc Degree with Maths, Physics, Chemistry, or Industrial Chemistry.
- Trade Apprentice (Fitter): Matriculation (10th Pass) with a regular 2-year ITI course in the Fitter trade.
- Technician Apprentice (Chemical): 3-year Diploma in Chemical Engineering / Petrochemical Engineering / Chemical Technology / Refinery and Petrochemical Engg.
- Technician Apprentice (Mechanical): 3-year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
- Technician Apprentice (Electrical): 3-year Diploma in Electrical Engineering / Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
- Technician Apprentice (Instrumentation): 3-year Diploma in Instrumentation Engineering / Instrumentation & Electronics / Control Engineering / Applied Electronics.
- Trade Apprentice DEO (Fresher – Code 110): Class 12th Pass. (Must be a non-graduate who has not undergone any institutional skill training before).
- Trade Apprentice DEO (Skill Certificate – Code 111): Class 12th Pass holding a valid Skill Certificate in ‘Domestic Data Entry Operator’ (training of less than one year).
Age Limit Criteria
The minimum age required to apply is 18 years, and the maximum upper age limit is 24 years as of 31-01-2026. Official age relaxations are provided for reserved categories:
- SC & ST Candidates: Relaxed by 5 Years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Relaxed by 3 Years
- PwBD Candidates: Relaxed by 10 Years
Essential Conditions & Experience Rules
- Candidates with higher professional degrees like B.E, B.Tech, MBA, CA, or MCA are strictly NOT eligible.
- Candidates possessing more than one year of job experience post-qualification are NOT eligible.
- If you have already completed an apprenticeship under the Apprentices Act earlier, you are generally not eligible (unless specific gap rules mentioned in the PDF apply).
IOCL Paradip Apprentice Salary and Benefits 2026
Since this is an apprenticeship, candidates are paid a “Stipend” rather than a regular salary. Let’s break down the financial and lifestyle benefits of joining the Paradip Refinery.
Monthly Stipend Structure: The rate of the stipend payable to the apprentices every month is formulated strictly according to the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 and the latest IOCL Corporation guidelines. Historically, PSUs like Indian Oil offer one of the most handsome stipends in the industry, making it very easy for young candidates to sustain themselves during the 12-month training period.
Leave Entitlements and Holidays:
- General Leaves: You will be entitled to 32 days of General Leave (accrued at 8 days per quarter) covering medical and personal grounds.
- Casual Leaves: Apprentices get 12 days of Casual Leave per calendar year on a pro-rata basis.
- Public Holidays: You will enjoy all standard organizational holidays observed at the Paradip Refinery establishment.
Additional Allowances and Perks:
- Safety First: The petroleum refining environment is hazardous. To ensure your safety, IOCL provides one pair of heavy-duty safety shoes and a protective helmet.
- Insurance: Trainees are covered under a suitable Accident Insurance Coverage plan during their tenure.
- Note: The company does not provide Company Accommodation or House Rent Allowance (HRA) to apprentices.
Selection Process Explained: IOCL Paradip Refinery
A major reason why thousands of candidates apply for this recruitment is the transparent and exam-free selection process. Here is how you will be selected:
Tier 1: Direct Merit-Based Shortlisting
There is no CBT (Computer Based Test) or written examination. IOCL will prepare a direct merit list based entirely on the percentage of marks you secured in your core qualifying examination (12th / ITI / Diploma / B.Sc). The marks will be arranged in descending order. In the case of a tie, the candidate older in age will be given a higher rank.
Tier 2: Extensive Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates will be called to the Paradip Refinery or a designated nearby venue for Document Verification. You must bring your 10th marksheet (for Date of Birth), Class 12th/ITI/Diploma/Degree certificates, semester-wise mark sheets, NAPS/NATS profile printout, and valid caste/PwBD certificates in the Central Government format.
Tier 3: Pre-Engagement Medical Examination
The final stage is the medical test. The oil and gas sector demands strict physical fitness. You will undergo a comprehensive pre-engagement medical examination conducted by IOCL medical officers. Only candidates who are declared completely medically “FIT” will receive the final Offer of Engagement.
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for the IOCL Paradip Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 consists of two mandatory steps. If you skip Step 1 and directly fill Step 2, your application will be instantly rejected.
Step 1: Registration on Government Apprenticeship Portals
- For 12th Pass, ITI, and B.Sc Candidates (Codes 101, 102, 110, 111): Go to the official NAPS portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in). Complete your e-KYC and 100% profile update. Search for the establishment “Paradip Refinery” (Establishment ID: E07192100001) and apply for your specific trade.
- For Diploma Candidates (Codes 104, 105, 106, 107): Go to the official NATS portal (nats.education.gov.in) / BOAT portal. Register as a student. Search for the establishment “Paradip Refinery” (Establishment ID: EORJSC000003) and apply to the notified advertisement.
- Crucial: Note down your NAPS or NATS Registration/Enrollment Number carefully.
Step 2: Submitting the Microsoft Form (Final Application)
- After successfully applying on the NAPS/NATS portal, you must submit the supplementary IOCL Microsoft Form.
- Click on the direct “Online Application Link” provided in the Essential Links section below (
forms.office.com). - Fill in your name, contact details, exact aggregate percentage, and the NAPS/NATS registration number you received in Step 1.
- Verify all details. Ensure your mobile number and email ID are active. Submit the form to finalize your application.
Important Dates for IOCL Paradip Recruitment 2026
Keep a strict track of these dates. Delaying your application might lead to portal server issues at the last minute.
| Recruitment Event | Scheduled Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Opening of Online Application (Portals & MS Form) | 12 February 2026 (10:00 Hrs) |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 25 February 2026 (17:00 Hrs) |
| Tentative Date for Publication of Merit List for DV | 03 March 2026 |
| Tentative Dates for Document Verification | 09 March 2026 to 13 March 2026 |
Application Fees for IOCL Apprentice 2026
As part of the nation-building and skill-development initiative, Indian Oil Corporation Limited has kept the application process entirely free of charge for all applicants.
| Category of Applicant | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS Category | ₹0/- (Nil) |
| SC / ST / PwBD Category | ₹0/- (Nil) |
| All Female Candidates | ₹0/- (Nil) |
Essential Links for IOCL Paradip Refinery Recruitment 2026
Access all the authentic resources to register and apply for this vacancy from the links provided below. Avoid using unverified third-party websites.
- Download Official Notification PDF Here
- Register on NATS Portal (For Diploma Holders)
- Register on NAPS Portal (For 12th/ITI/B.Sc Holders)
- Submit Final Online Application (Microsoft Form) Here
- Visit the Official IOCL Website
- Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Our Telegram Channel for Odisha Govt Jobs
- Join Our Main Telegram Channel for All Job Alerts
The IOCL Paradip Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an incredible stepping stone for freshers looking to build a robust career in the engineering and petroleum sectors. Working hands-on in a Fortune 500 company will drastically improve your technical knowledge, discipline, and employability for future permanent roles. Gather all your educational documents, calculate your aggregate percentage accurately, and make sure to complete both Step 1 and Step 2 of the application process before the strict deadline of 25th February 2026. Good luck with your bright future!