Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), one of India’s largest public sector undertakings and a Fortune Global 500 company, has officially released a fresh notification for Apprentice Engagement at Paradip Refinery under Advertisement No. PDR/HR/03/Apprentices-25 dated 12-02-2026.
This is a major opportunity for 12th pass, ITI, Diploma and B.Sc candidates who are looking to start their career in the oil & gas sector without facing a written examination. Selection will be based purely on academic merit, making this recruitment especially attractive for candidates with strong percentage scores.
The apprenticeship will be conducted under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 (as amended), and selected candidates will undergo 12 months of training at Paradip Refinery.
If you are planning to apply, read this article carefully till the end. We have covered every detail from eligibility to common rejection reasons so you do not make mistakes.
⚡ Quick Review (Important Highlights)
- 🏢 Organization: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Paradip Refinery
- 📢 Advertisement No: PDR/HR/03/Apprentices-25
- 📅 Notification Date: 12-02-2026
- 🎯 Total Vacancies: 342
- ⏳ Training Duration: 12 Months
- 📝 Selection Mode: Merit-Based (No Written Exam)
- 🎓 Qualification: 12th / ITI / Diploma / B.Sc (Trade-wise)
- 🎂 Age Limit: 18 to 24 years (as on 31-01-2026)
- 🌐 Application Mode: Online (NAPS/NATS + Microsoft Form)
- 🗓 Last Date to Apply: 25-02-2026 (5:00 PM)
- 📍 Location: Paradip Refinery
📌 Total Vacancies – Trade Wise Details (342 Posts)
IOCL has announced 342 apprentice seats across different trades and disciplines.
🔬 Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical) – Code 101
- Total Seats: 114
- Qualification: 3-year B.Sc (Maths, Physics, Chemistry / Industrial Chemistry)
🔧 Trade Apprentice – Fitter – Code 102
- Total Seats: 32
- Qualification: Matric + 2-year ITI Fitter (Regular, NCVET/SCVT recognized)
⚙ Technician Apprentice – Chemical – Code 104
- Total Seats: 53
- Qualification: 3-year Diploma in Chemical/Petrochemical/Refinery Engineering
🛠 Technician Apprentice – Mechanical – Code 105
- Total Seats: 37
- Qualification: 3-year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
⚡ Technician Apprentice – Electrical – Code 106
- Total Seats: 68
- Qualification: 3-year Diploma in Electrical/Electrical & Electronics
🎛 Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation – Code 107
- Total Seats: 20
- Qualification: 3-year Diploma in Instrumentation/Control/Applied Electronics
💻 Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Fresher) – Code 110
- Total Seats: 13
- Qualification: Class 12 Pass
🖥 Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Skill Certificate) – Code 111
- Total Seats: 5
- Qualification: 12th + Skill Certificate in Domestic Data Entry Operator (NSQF recognized)
🎯 Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria Explained Clearly)
Before applying, ensure you meet ALL conditions below:
🎓 Educational Qualification
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks (General/OBC/EWS)
- 45% marks for SC/ST/PwBD (against reserved seats)
- Qualification must be Regular Full-Time
- Distance / Correspondence / Part-Time courses are NOT allowed
⚠ If your result was awaited as on 31-01-2026, you are not eligible.
🎂 Age Limit (As on 31-01-2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC (NCL): 3 years
- PwBD: 10 years (plus additional relaxation for reserved categories)
Only 10th certificate will be accepted as age proof.
❌ Who Is NOT Eligible? (Very Important Section)
Many candidates get rejected due to small mistakes. You cannot apply if:
- You completed your qualification more than 5 years ago.
- You have 1 year or more job experience after Diploma/Graduate qualification.
- You hold higher professional qualifications like BE/B.Tech/MBA/CA/LLB/MCA.
- You apply for more than one trade.
- You completed apprenticeship earlier and were terminated due to your fault.
- Your aggregate percentage is below required criteria.
📝 Selection Process (No Exam – Direct Merit)
One of the biggest advantages of this recruitment is:
✅ No Written Test
✅ No Interview
Selection will be based on:
- Aggregate percentage of marks in qualifying exam.
- In case of tie, older candidate will be preferred.
- If still tied, higher Matric percentage will decide ranking.
Preference will be given to candidates applying for apprenticeship training for the first time.
🖥 Application Process – Complete Both Steps Carefully
⚠ This is the most important section. Many applications get rejected due to incomplete process.
🔹 Step I – Register & Apply on NAPS/NATS Portal
- Codes 101, 102, 110, 111 → Apply via NAPS portal
- Codes 104, 105, 106, 107 → Apply via NATS portal
Ensure your profile is 100% updated including:
- Name
- Category
- Percentage
- Qualification details
🔹 Step II – Fill Microsoft Form (Mandatory)
After applying on NAPS/NATS, you must fill additional details in the Microsoft Form.
If you complete only one step, your application will be rejected automatically.
📅 Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 12-02-2026 (10:00 AM)
- Last Date to Apply: 25-02-2026 (5:00 PM)
- Tentative DV List Publication: 03-03-2026
- Document Verification: 09-03-2026 to 13-03-2026
Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
📂 Documents Required for Verification
Keep original + self-attested copies of:
- 10th Certificate (DOB Proof)
- 12th / ITI / Diploma Mark Sheets
- Final Qualification Certificate
- CGPA to Percentage Conversion Certificate (if applicable)
- SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD Certificate (in prescribed format)
- Skill Certificate (for Code 111)
- NATS/NAPS Registration Printout
- Affidavit (Annexure-A format)
💰 Stipend, Leave & Benefits
- Stipend as per Apprentices Act norms
- 32 days General Leave
- 12 days Casual Leave
- Accident Insurance Coverage
- Safety shoes & helmet (for plant-related trades)
- No HRA or accommodation
🏥 Medical Fitness
Selected candidates must pass pre-engagement medical examination. Since refinery operations involve hazardous processes, strict medical standards will apply.
PwBD candidates are allowed only in identified trades.
⚠ Common Problems Faced by Applicants (And Solutions)
❓ Problem 1: My CGPA is not converted to percentage
✔ Solution: Get official conversion certificate from your college.
❓ Problem 2: I applied on NATS but forgot Microsoft Form
✔ Solution: Complete both steps before deadline.
❓ Problem 3: My OBC certificate is old
✔ Solution: Ensure Non-Creamy Layer certificate is valid as on 31-01-2026.
❓ Problem 4: I completed Diploma 6 years ago
✔ Solution: Not eligible (5-year rule applies).
❓ Problem 5: Can I apply for two trades?
✔ Answer: No. Application will be rejected.
📊 Competition Analysis
High competition expected for:
- Attendant Operator (114 seats but high B.Sc applicants)
- Electrical (68 seats)
Very limited seats:
- Data Entry Operator Skill Certificate (5 seats)
If your percentage is above 75%, you have strong chances.
🌐 Important Links
- Microsoft form Link Here
- OSSSC Official Website: www.iocl.com
🔔 Join for Recruitment Updates
Get instant updates on Job notifications, exam dates, admit cards and results. Scholarships too
🏁 Final Words
The IOCL Paradip Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for freshers who want industrial exposure in India’s leading PSU without facing competitive exams.
With 342 total seats and purely merit-based selection, candidates with good academic performance should not miss this opportunity.
However, ensure:
- You meet eligibility criteria.
- You complete both application steps.
- You upload correct documents.
- You apply before 25 February 2026.
If you found this article helpful, check our website regularly for latest government jobs, apprenticeship notifications, scholarships, entrance exam updates and result alerts.