Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), India's premier Fortune "Global 500" commercial enterprise and a Maharatna public sector undertaking, has officially released its latest recruitment notification for the engagement of apprentices. Under Advertisement No. PL/HR/ESTB/APPR (2026), IOCL has invited applications to fill approximately 500 apprenticeship opportunities across various technical and non-technical trades in its Pipelines Division spanning multiple states and regions in India.
This nationwide skill-building initiative provides a golden career springboard for diploma holders, graduates, ITI pass-outs, and 12th-grade candidates looking to gain invaluable hands-on industry experience under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Read on to explore complete details regarding eligibility criteria, region-wise seat distribution, important dates, selection procedure, and step-by-step application instructions.
At a Glance — IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Recruiting Organization | Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) - Pipelines Division |
|---|---|
| Advt. Number | PL/HR/ESTB/APPR (2026) |
| Post Name | Apprentice (Technical & Non-Technical Trades) |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 500 Seats |
| Job Location | Various Pipelines Units across India (Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, UP, WB, MP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, HP, Punjab, AP, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, etc.) |
| Starting Date of Online Application | 06.11.2026 |
| Last Date of Online Application | 05.12.2026 |
| Selection Methodology | Panel-cum-Merit List based on essential qualification marks (No Written Test / No Interview) |
| Official Website | https://www.iocl.com/apprenticeships |
Table of Contents
- 1. Organization and Examination Overview
- 2. Important Dates and Timeline
- 3. Number of Vacancies / State-wise Opportunities
- 4. Post-wise and Trade-wise Details
- 5. Educational Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria
- 6. Age Limit and Age Relaxation
- 7. Application Fees and Payment Method
- 8. Stipend and Benefits
- 9. Selection Procedure
- 10. Job Profile & Responsibilities
- 11. Documents Required for Verification
- 12. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Instructions
- 13. Important Links
- 14. Application Strategy & Preparation
- 15. ZERO PERIOD’s Suggestion
- 16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 17. Disclaimer
1. Organization and Examination Overview
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) stands as a monumental name in the Indian energy sector, recognized globally and operating critical pipeline networks that span thousands of kilometers across the country. To foster national skill development and empower youth with hands-on industrial competence, the Pipelines Division of IOCL engages eligible candidates under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
This engagement program offers structured training across various operational regions, ensuring that participants receive deep professional exposure in petroleum pipeline operations, maintenance, administration, and technical support. Candidates selected through this notification will undergo a rigorous 12-month training program equipped with standard industry exposure.
2. Important Dates and Timeline
Applicants must take note of the critical milestone dates to ensure timely portal registration and final submission without last-minute technical glitches:
- Date of Opening of Online Application: 06.11.2026
- Last Date of Submission of Online Application: 05.12.2026
- Cut-off Date for Age & Qualification Eligibility: 30.11.2026
3. Number of Vacancies / State-wise Opportunities
IOCL has advertised approximately 500 seats distributed across multiple regional pipelines. The regional breakdown of apprenticeship opportunities is detailed below:
| Region | State | Locations Covered | No. of Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Region Pipelines (ERPL) | Assam | Bongaigaon, Guwahati | 13 |
| Bihar | Barauni, Motihari, Muzaffarpur, Patna | 25 | |
| Jharkhand | Jasidih | 3 | |
| Uttar Pradesh | Baitalpur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Mughalsarai, Prayagraj | 30 | |
| West Bengal | Asansol, Bolpur, Budge Budge, Durgapur, Haldia, Siligudi, Kalyani, Kolkata, Madarihat, Mourigram, Rajbandh | 45 (Total ERPL: 116) | |
| Western Region Pipelines (WRPL) | Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Dumad, Hazira, Jamnagar, Kandla, Koyali, Mundra, Radhanpur, Rajkot, Sidhpur, Songadh, Surendranagar, Vadinar, Viramgam | 83 |
| Madhya Pradesh | Ratlam | 5 | |
| Maharashtra | Ahmednagar, Manmad, Solapur | 13 | |
| Rajasthan | Abu Road, Beawar, Chaksu, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kot, Rajola | 48 (Total WRPL: 149) | |
| Northern Region Pipelines (NRPL) | Delhi | New Delhi | 13 |
| Haryana | Ambala, Kohand, Panipat, Rewari | 29 | |
| Himachal Pradesh | Una | 5 | |
| Punjab | Bhatinda, Jalandhar, Nabha, Sangrur | 21 | |
| Rajasthan | Bharatpur | 5 | |
| Uttar Pradesh / Uttarakhand | Agra, Mathura, Meerut, Najibabad, Noida, Roorkee | 37 (Total NRPL: 110) | |
| Southern Region Pipelines (SRPL) | Andhra Pradesh | Chittoor | 3 |
| Karnataka | Bangalore | 5 | |
| Tamil Nadu | Asanur, Chengelpet, Chennai, Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Sankari, Trichy | 38 (Total SRPL: 46) | |
| South Eastern Region Pipelines (SERPL) | Andhra Pradesh | Atchutapuram, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Vizag | 14 |
| Chhattisgarh | Korba, Raipur | 8 | |
| Jharkhand / Odisha | Khunti, Balasore, Bhubaneswar, Brahmapur, Jatni, Jharsuguda, Paradip, Sambalpur | 52 | |
| Telangana | Hyderabad | 5 (Total SERPL: 79) | |
| Grand Total Pipelines Division | 500 Opportunities | ||
4. Post-wise and Trade-wise Details
The positions offered cover multiple technical disciplines and corporate support functions:
- Technician Apprentice (Mechanical): Focused on mechanical maintenance, pumps, valves, and pipeline engineering systems.
- Technician Apprentice (Electrical): Focused on electrical installations, power transmission systems, switchgears, and equipment servicing.
- Technician Apprentice (Telecommunication & Instrumentation): Deals with control instrumentation, telemetry, SCADA systems, and communication networks.
- Trade Apprentice (Assistant-Human Resource): Involves HR administration, personnel management support, welfare activities, and office coordination.
- Trade Apprentice (Accountant): Handles financial accounting, ledger maintenance, billing, and auditing assistance.
- Data Entry Operator (Fresher Apprentices): Entry-level data management and record-keeping.
- Domestic Data Entry Operator (Skill Certificate Holders): Requires specialized skill certification under National Skill Qualifications Framework (NSQF).
5. Educational Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must possess the requisite educational qualifications from recognized boards, universities, or institutions as of the cut-off date 30.11.2026:
| Trade / Discipline | Essential Qualification Requirement |
|---|---|
| Technician Apprentice (Mechanical) | 3-year full-time Diploma in Mechanical Engineering / Automobile Engineering (or lateral entry after Class 12 Sc / ITI admitted in 2nd year). Minimum 50% marks in aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PwBD). |
| Technician Apprentice (Electrical) | 3-year full-time Diploma in Electrical Engineering / Electrical & Electronics Engineering. Minimum 50% marks in aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PwBD). |
| Technician Apprentice (Telecommunication & Instrumentation) | 3-year full-time Diploma in Electronics & Communication, Electronics & Telecommunication, Electronics & Radio Communication, Instrumentation & Control, Instrumentation & Process Control, or Electronics Engineering. Minimum 50% marks. |
| Trade Apprentice (Assistant-Human Resource) | Full-time Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) from a Govt. recognized Institute/University. |
| Trade Apprentice (Accountant) | Full-time Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (B.Com) from a Govt. recognized Institute/University. |
| Data Entry Operator (Fresher Apprentices) | Minimum 12th Pass (but below Graduate). |
| Domestic Data Entry Operator (Skill Certificate Holders) | Minimum 12th Pass (but below Graduate) along with Skill Certificate of 'Domestic Data Entry Operator' for training of less than 1 year issued under NSQF or Central Govt. authority. |
Important Eligibility Notes:
- Part-time, correspondence, or distance education courses are strictly ineligible.
- Candidates holding higher professional qualifications (such as B.E./B.Tech., MBA, CA, LLB, MCA) or pursuing them are not eligible.
- Candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training or have 1 year or more of job experience are ineligible.
6. Age Limit and Age Relaxation
The age parameters for applicants are strictly defined as follows:
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years as on 30.11.2026
Category-wise Age Relaxations:
- SC / ST Candidates: Upper age relaxed by up to 5 years.
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Candidates: Upper age relaxed by up to 3 years.
- PwBD Candidates: Upper age relaxed by up to 10 years (additional relaxations apply for SC/ST/OBC PwBD candidates).
7. Application Fees and Payment Method
8. Stipend and Benefits
Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend prescribed under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 and Corporation guidelines.
Note: No other monetary or non-monetary benefits such as accommodation, HRA, conveyance, or medical facilities are admissible during the apprenticeship period. Apprentices must make their own arrangements for lodging and boarding.
9. Selection Procedure
The selection methodology is straightforward and transparent:
- No Written Test & No Interview: Selection will be made based on a Panel-cum-Merit List prepared according to the percentage of marks obtained in the essential qualifying examination.
- Tie-Breaking Criteria: If candidates secure equal marks, the candidate older in age (earlier date of birth) will be ranked higher. If dates of birth are identical, marks obtained in Matriculation (Class 10) will be taken into account.
- Medical Fitness: Provisionally selected candidates must clear IOCL's pre-engagement medical fitness standards.
10. Job Profile & Responsibilities
Apprentices engaged under this notification will receive practical training across respective technical and administrative desks:
- Technical Apprentices: Assisting maintenance teams in upkeep of pipeline valves, electrical sub-stations, instrumentation panels, and troubleshooting technical faults under supervision.
- HR & Accountant Apprentices: Managing office files, assisting in payroll processing, maintaining ledger entries, handling correspondence, and supporting administrative workflows.
- Data Entry Operators: Maintaining digital databases, entering operational logs, verifying records, and generating structured reports.
11. Documents Required for Verification
Candidates shortlisted for document verification must present original certificates along with self-attested photocopies:
- Class 10th / Matriculation Certificate as proof of Date of Birth.
- Semester-wise / Year-wise mark sheets of ITI, HSC, Graduation, or Engineering Diploma.
- Final ITI Certificate, Degree, or Diploma Certificate.
- Valid Caste Certificate (OBC-NCL certificate must be issued within 12 months from 30.11.2026 and belong to the Central List).
- Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, and copy of Bank Passbook (Aadhaar seeded) / Cancelled cheque leaf.
- Pre-Engagement Medical Fitness Certificate.
12. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Instructions
The application process involves dual registration. Follow these exact steps:
- Portal Registration (NAPS / NATS):
- Trade Apprentices (Data Entry Operator) must register on www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
- Technician and Graduate/HR/Accountant Apprentices must register on nats.education.gov.in.
- Apply for Opportunity: Login to the respective portal and apply against the IOCL Establishment ID corresponding to your region (ERPL, WRPL, NRPL, SRPL, SERPL).
- IOCL Pipelines Portal Registration: Visit the official IOCL portal at https://plapps.indianoilpipelines.in/ between 06.11.2026 and 05.12.2026.
- Part-I Registration: Fill in basic details and generate your login password. Note down the system-generated registration number.
- Part-II Registration: Log in using your credentials, upload scanned photograph (20–50 KB, JPG) and signature in black ink (10–30 KB, JPG), fill in educational and experience details, and submit.
- Final Printout: Take a printout of the submitted online application form for future reference.
13. Important Links
| Resource | Official Link |
|---|---|
| IOCL Apprenticeships Portal | Visit Website |
| IOCL Pipelines Application Portal | Apply Here |
| NATS Portal (Technician/Graduate) | Register on NATS |
| NAPS Portal (Trade Apprentices) | Register on NAPS |
14. Application Strategy & Preparation
- Check Profile Accuracy: Ensure your name, category, and aggregate marks match your certificates before final submission.
- Single Trade Application: Candidates can apply for only one trade code. Multiple applications will lead to summary rejection.
- Active Contact Details: Maintain the same email ID and mobile number active throughout the entire engagement process.
15. ZERO PERIOD’s Suggestion
Expert Advice from ZERO PERIOD:
- Complete NAPS/NATS First: Do not attempt to register on the IOCL portal without first obtaining your enrollment/registration number from the NAPS or NATS portal.
- Verify CGPA Conversion: If your university uses CGPA or letter grades, upload the official conversion certificate from your institute to prevent disqualification during document verification.
- Avoid Last-Minute Rush: Complete your submissions well before the closing date of 05.12.2026 to avoid heavy server traffic.
16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the total number of vacancies announced in IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A: IOCL has announced approximately 500 apprentice vacancies across technical and non-technical trades in its Pipelines Division.
Q2: What is the last date to apply online?
A: The last date to submit online applications is 05.12.2026.
Q3: Is there any written exam for selection?
A: No, there is no written test or personal interview. Selection is based on a merit list prepared from the marks obtained in the essential qualification.
Q4: What is the age limit for this recruitment?
A: Candidates must be between 18 and 24 years of age as of 30.11.2026, with age relaxations applicable for reserved categories.
Q5: Is there any application fee?
A: No, online registration and application are completely free of cost.
Q6: Can candidates with B.E./B.Tech. or MBA degrees apply?
A: No, candidates holding or pursuing higher professional qualifications such as B.E./B.Tech., MBA, CA, LLB, or MCA are ineligible.
Q7: What portals are required for registration?
A: Candidates must first register on the NAPS or NATS portal and subsequently complete their application on the IOCL Pipelines portal (https://plapps.indianoilpipelines.in/).
Q8: What is the duration of the apprenticeship training?
A: The apprenticeship training duration is 12 months from the date of engagement.
Q9: Will I get a permanent job after completing the apprenticeship?
A: No, completion of apprenticeship training does not confer any right to claim regular employment with IOCL.
Q10: Who should I contact for queries regarding my region?
A: You can reach out to the respective regional email IDs provided in the official notification (e.g., erplapprentice@indianoil.in, nrplapprentice@indianoil.in, etc.).
17. Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is published on ZERO PERIOD for informational and educational purposes only. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, applicants are strongly advised to read the official notification carefully. In case of any discrepancy, the rules, guidelines, and decisions of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) shall be final and binding.
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