IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 108 Vacancies Open – Apply Now!

Introduction

The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has announced the recruitment of 108 apprentices for its Digboi Refinery unit in Assam. This significant opportunity is part of IOCL’s nationwide skill development initiative, offering apprenticeships across various technical and non-technical trades. Aspiring candidates have a limited window to apply online for these coveted positions.

Full Article

IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentice Notification 2026 Overview

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is actively seeking applications for its Apprenticeship program at the Digboi Refinery, Assam. This recruitment drive, initiated under Advertisement No. AOD-DR/TA-2026-27, aims to fill 108 apprentice positions. These apprenticeships are designed to impart vocational training and skill development as per the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973. The application process is entirely online and requires candidates to complete registrations on specific government portals alongside a mandatory submission through a Microsoft Form.

Trade-Wise Vacancy Details

A total of 108 vacancies have been announced for the IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026, spread across various trades and disciplines. These include roles for Trade Apprentices and Technician Apprentices. The distribution of seats is as follows:

• Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant): 40 seats, requiring a B.Sc. in Maths, Physics, Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry.
• Trade Apprentice (Fitter) – Mechanical: 7 seats, requiring Matriculation plus ITI in Fitter Trade (minimum 2 years).
• Trade Apprentice (Boiler) – Mechanical: 2 seats, requiring a B.Sc. in Maths, Physics, Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry.
• Technician Apprentice – Chemical: 10 seats, requiring a Diploma in Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering/Chemical Technology.
• Technician Apprentice – Mechanical: 30 seats, requiring a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
• Technician Apprentice – Electrical: 12 seats, requiring a Diploma in Electrical/Electrical & Electronics Engineering.
• Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation: 2 seats, requiring a Diploma in Instrumentation Engineering/related streams.
• Trade Apprentice – Secretarial Assistant: 16 seats, requiring a B.A./B.Sc./B.Com.
• Trade Apprentice – Accountant: 1 seat, requiring a B.Com.
• Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Fresher): 5 seats, requiring Class XII Pass.
• Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Skill Certificate Holders): 1 seat, requiring Class XII Pass with a DDEO Skill Certificate.

It is important to note that the number of seats is tentative and may be subject to change at the management’s discretion, adhering to reservation policies.

Eligibility Criteria for IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentices

Candidates must meet specific educational and age requirements to be eligible for these apprenticeship positions.

Educational Qualification Requirements

Eligibility is strictly based on the trade code. Candidates must have already completed the prescribed qualification by the stipulated cut-off date. Crucially, results that are still awaited are not accepted. Key points regarding educational qualifications include:

• Graduate and Diploma holders need a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in their qualifying examination (45% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates applying against reserved seats). This must be from a regular, full-time course.
• Only the specified subjects or streams mentioned against each trade code will be considered valid.
• Candidates who have pursued their education through correspondence, distance learning, or part-time modes are not eligible.
• A B.Sc. candidate qualified in Physics, Maths, and Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry can apply for only one of the related trade codes (e.g., Code 101 or Code 103), not both.
• Applying for more than one trade or discipline will lead to the immediate rejection of the application.
• Individuals holding higher qualifications such as B.E./B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, or MCA (completed before joining) are ineligible.
• Engineering graduates or diploma holders with one year or more of post-qualification work experience are also not eligible.
• Candidates whose qualifications were completed more than five years prior to the specified cut-off date are not eligible.

Age Limit Guidelines

The age criteria are set as follows:

• The minimum age requirement is 18 years.
• The maximum age limit for General and EWS candidates is 24 years.
• The cut-off date for determining both age and qualification is June 30, 2026.
• Age relaxation is provided as per government norms: 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC (NCL) candidates, and 10 years for Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) candidates. Further relaxation applies to PwBD candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC(NCL) categories.

Category-Wise Reservation Policy

The reservation for SC, ST, OBC (NCL), EWS, and PwBD categories will be applied as per the prevailing government rules and regulations. The seat matrix table provides the distribution, and inter-se adjustment rules apply if seats remain unfilled within a category.

Selection Process for IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentices

The selection process for the IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is merit-based and does not involve a written examination. The methodology is as follows:

• Merit is solely determined by the aggregate percentage of marks obtained in the prescribed qualifying examination, arranged in descending order.
• Preference is given to candidates who have not undertaken any apprenticeship training before.
• In the event of a tie in marks, preference will be given to the older candidate based on their date of birth. If birth dates also match, marks obtained in Matriculation will be the deciding factor.
• PwBD candidates who have availed of age relaxation are assessed against reserved seats based on their merit rank within their respective categories.
• Candidates shortlisted based on merit and seat availability will be called for Document Verification. Following this, a pre-engagement medical fitness examination will be conducted. Only candidates who are medically fit will receive a final offer of engagement.

Mandatory Documents for Document Verification

Shortlisted candidates must present the following original documents along with self-attested photocopies at the time of document verification:

• 10th/Matriculation Certificate for date of birth proof.
• Class XII marksheet, or ITI/Diploma/Graduation marksheets (semester/year-wise).
• Final Class XII/ITI/Diploma/Graduation Certificate.
• Certificate for conversion of CGPA/OGPA to percentage, if applicable.
• Course completion and conduct certificate from the Principal, confirming regular full-time study.
• Category certificates (SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/PwBD/EWS) in the prescribed format, where applicable.
• Domestic Data Entry Operator skill certificate (for relevant trade candidates).
• A printout of the NAPS/NATS portal registration with applicant details.
• An affidavit as per Annexure-A, confirming apprenticeship eligibility compliance.
• One valid original photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport).

How to Apply for IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentice 2026

The application process involves two crucial steps that must be completed sequentially within the stipulated dates.

Step 1: Registration on NAPS/NATS Portal

Candidates must first register on the relevant apprenticeship portal:

• For Trade Apprentice posts (Codes 101, 102, 103, 108, 109, 110, 111), register on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal.
• For Technician Apprentice posts (Codes 104, 105, 106, 107), register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) or Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) portal.
  After registration, apply for the apprenticeship opportunities at IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery. The Establishment IDs are: NATS – EASTIC000002 | NAPS – E01201800001. Ensure all personal and educational details are accurately entered.

Step 2: Submission via Mandatory Microsoft Form

Following the NAPS/NATS registration, candidates must also fill out and submit their details via a mandatory Microsoft Form. The link for this form is: https://forms.office.com/r/g0ZP2igeTa. It is imperative to submit only one response and ensure that all details, including enrolment/registration numbers, match exactly with the NAPS/NATS application. The same email ID and mobile number used for portal registration should be utilized for the Microsoft Form. Failure to complete both steps will result in disqualification.

Important Dates for IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentice 2026

Candidates should mark these important dates on their calendars to ensure timely application and participation:

Additional Conditions for Apprentices

Apprentices engaged under this scheme will be subject to the following conditions:

• Stipend: The stipend will be paid as per the Apprentices Act/Rules and IOCL guidelines. The exact amount is not fixed and will depend on the applicable rules at the time of engagement.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Apprentices for trades 101-107 will be provided with one pair of safety shoes and a helmet, which must be returned upon completion of training.
• Accommodation/House Rent Allowance (HRA): No accommodation or HRA will be provided to the apprentices.
• Leave Entitlement: Apprentices are entitled to 32 days of General Leave (8 days per quarter) and 12 days of Casual Leave annually, on a pro-rata basis. Unused leave will lapse at the end of the apprenticeship term.
• Insurance: All apprentices will be covered under an accident insurance policy.
• No Employment Guarantee: It is crucial to understand that successful completion of the apprenticeship program does not guarantee any job offer or employment with IOCL.

Important Information Table

Important Links

Conclusion

The IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for aspiring individuals to gain practical experience and skills in the oil and gas sector. With 108 posts available across various trades, candidates are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility criteria and follow the two-step application process meticulously before the closing date of July 31, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the closing date for applications for the IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

The last date to submit online applications is July 31, 2026, by 5:00 PM. Ensure both the NAPS/NATS portal registration and the Microsoft Form submission are completed by this time.

2. How many apprentice vacancies are available in total for this recruitment drive?

A total of 108 apprentice positions are available across different trades and disciplines at the IOCL Digboi Refinery.

3. Is there a written examination for the selection of apprentices in IOCL Digboi Refinery?

No, the selection process is purely merit-based, relying on the percentage of marks obtained in the prescribed qualification. There is no written examination.

4. What is the age requirement for candidates applying for the IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentice positions in 2026?

Candidates must be between 18 and 24 years of age as of June 30, 2026. Age relaxations are applicable for candidates belonging to reserved categories.

5. Can I apply for more than one trade or discipline in this recruitment?

No, applying for more than one trade or discipline will lead to the automatic disqualification of your application.

6. What is the minimum educational qualification required for the Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) trade?

For the Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) role, candidates need a B.Sc. degree with Maths, Physics, and Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry as subjects.

7. Do I need to register on both NAPS/NATS portal and a Microsoft Form?

Yes, the application process requires candidates to register and apply on either the NAPS or NATS portal and then submit their details via the mandatory Microsoft Form. Both steps are essential for a valid application.

8. What are the NAPS and NATS portals, and which one should I use?

NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme) is for Trade Apprentices, while NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme) is for Technician Apprentices. The official notification specifies which portal to use based on the trade applied for.

9. Will I receive any job guarantee after completing the apprenticeship?

No, completing the apprenticeship program does not guarantee any job offer or employment with IOCL.

10. What documents are required for the document verification process?

Candidates need to bring original and self-attested copies of their educational certificates, marksheets, category certificates (if applicable), proof of identity, and the apprenticeship registration printout.