IOCL Panipat Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – 637 Posts Notification, Eligibility, Selection Process

IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the Fortune Global 500 energy major, has announced a significant skill-building initiative at its Panipat Refinery & Petrochemical Complex. For the 2025-26 cycle, a total of 637 Apprentice positions are open across 11 different trades and disciplines. This recruitment, conducted under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973, is a merit-based selection process with no written examination. It's a crucial opportunity for fresh graduates and diploma holders to gain hands-on experience in one of India's largest and most complex industrial setups. Candidates must apply through a mandatory two-step process involving the NAPS/NATS portals and a dedicated Google Form.

Eligibility, Selection Process & Key Highlights

Selection for the IOCL Panipat Apprentice posts is based solely on the merit of marks obtained in the prescribed qualification (Class XII, ITI, Diploma, or Graduation). The age limit is generally 18 to 24 years as of 31 January 2026, with standard relaxations for SC, OBC(NCL), and PwBD categories. A critical point for candidates to note is that this apprenticeship is a training program with no guarantee of employment upon completion. The application window is short, from 07 to 20 February 2026, and the process is entirely online. Candidates must pay close attention to the specific educational qualifications required for each trade code, as applying for an incorrect trade will lead to summary rejection.

About Important Dates

The timeline for the IOCL Panipat Apprentice recruitment is tightly packed. The entire application window is open for only 14 days, from 07 to 20 February 2026. It is vital to understand that the "cut-off date" (31 January 2026) is the reference point for checking your age and educational qualification eligibility. Your age and OBC(NCL) certificate validity are calculated as on this date, not the application date. The tentative dates for the document verification list and the verification itself indicate a fast-paced selection process. Candidates should aim to complete both steps of the application (NAPS/NATS registration and Google Form) well before the final deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. Missing either step will render your application incomplete and liable for rejection.

About Application Fees

There is no application fee for any category of candidates applying for these apprentice positions. This removes a financial barrier and makes the opportunity accessible to all eligible candidates. However, a noteworthy financial provision is the travel reimbursement for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates who are shortlisted for the Document Verification round. This reimbursement covers a second-class railway fare from their hometown's nearest railway station to Panipat and back, via the shortest route. This policy is designed to support candidates from these categories. It's important to note the condition: the travel distance must be 30 kilometers or more. Candidates must preserve their original train tickets to claim this reimbursement during the document verification process.

About Age Limit and Relaxations

The age limit for IOCL Panipat Apprentice is a critical eligibility filter. For General and EWS category candidates, the window is strictly 18 to 24 years as of 31 January 2026. The relaxations for reserved categories are cumulative. For instance, an SC candidate gets a 5-year relaxation, making the upper limit 29 years. A PwBD candidate from the General category gets a 10-year relaxation (34 years), and if that PwBD candidate also belongs to the SC category, they get an additional 5 years, making the upper limit 39 years. It's crucial to remember that the only acceptable proof of date of birth is your Matriculation or Class X certificate. Marksheets, birth certificates, or other documents are not accepted for age verification. Candidates must calculate their age carefully against the cut-off date to avoid disqualification at the document verification stage.

About Vacancy Details and Training

The distribution of 637 vacancies across 11 trade codes reflects the diverse skill requirements of a modern refinery. The highest number of vacancies are in core plant disciplines like Fitter (143), Attendant Operator-Chemical (129), and Electrical (126), highlighting the operational focus. The training period is either 12 or 15 months, as per the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) norms. The longer 15-month duration for Secretarial Assistant roles is standard for that trade. Candidates should choose their trade based strictly on their educational background, as the qualification criteria are highly specific. For example, a B.Sc. (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) graduate is only eligible for Code 101, not for the Technician Apprentice (Chemical) posts which require a Diploma.

About Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria are non-negotiable and specific to each trade. The most common mistake candidates make is applying for a trade where their educational stream does not match exactly. For instance, a Diploma in Civil Engineering is not eligible for any of the Technician Apprentice posts. The requirement for a "regular full-time course" explicitly excludes qualifications obtained through distance, correspondence, or part-time mode. The minimum percentage rule is strict: 50% aggregate for General/EWS/OBC and 45% for SC/PwBD candidates applying against reserved seats. For candidates with CGPA, a conversion certificate from the university is mandatory. Furthermore, candidates with higher professional qualifications like B.Tech, MBA, or CA are not eligible for these apprentice positions, even if they possess the basic qualifying degree.

About Category-Wise Vacancies

The vacancy distribution follows the reservation policy applicable to Haryana, where the Panipat Refinery is located. A key point is that there is no reservation for Scheduled Tribes (ST) as per the state policy. The 25 seats for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are reserved horizontally. This means these seats are carved out from the vertical category seats (UR, SC, OBC, EWS). For example, if a PwBD candidate from the SC category is selected, they are adjusted against the SC-PwBD seat. This is why the simple sum of category-wise seats exceeds 637. It also means meritorious PwBD candidates can be selected against unreserved seats as well. Candidates must ensure their caste/ category certificates are in the exact prescribed format and valid as on the cut-off date (31-01-2026 for OBC-NCL).

About the Merit-Based Selection & Tie-Breaking

Since there is no written exam, your final marks in the qualifying degree/diploma become your sole score for selection. The corporation will prepare separate merit lists for each category (UR, EWS, SC, OBC) for every trade. It is crucial that your calculated aggregate percentage matches what is entered in your NAPS/NATS profile and Google Form. The tie-breaking rules are very specific. If two candidates have the same percentage, the older candidate (by date of birth) gets priority. If they share the same date of birth, then the candidate with a higher percentage in their Class X (Matriculation) exam gets the edge. This underscores the importance of accurate information. Candidates applying for apprenticeship training for the first time are given preference over those who have undergone apprenticeship before, all else being equal.

About Physical Eligibility and Stipend Structure

The physical eligibility primarily revolves around the mandatory pre-engagement medical examination. Given that petroleum refining is a hazardous industry, only candidates declared medically FIT will be engaged. For PwBD candidates, specific disability types are allowed for certain trades, considering safety. For instance, PwBD candidates are not permitted in trades like Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) due to the high-risk environment. The stipend is not a fixed salary but a training allowance prescribed under the Apprentices Act. While the exact amount isn't mentioned, it is standardized by the government. Apprentices also receive statutory leaves and are covered under accident insurance. However, they do not receive House Rent Allowance (HRA) or company accommodation, so they must make their own living arrangements in Panipat or Delhi.

About the Absence of a Syllabus

The notification clearly states there is no written test, and therefore, no prescribed syllabus. This is a common point of confusion for candidates accustomed to competitive exams. Your "preparation" for this recruitment is already complete – it is reflected in your final marksheet. The focus shifts entirely to ensuring your application is accurate and complete. The training syllabus, which you will follow during the apprenticeship, is practical and related to the job role. For example, an Attendant Operator apprentice will learn about chemical plant operations, while a Secretarial Assistant will be trained in office procedures. Candidates should use the time they would have spent studying to instead meticulously gather and verify all their original documents, certificates, and ensure their online profiles are 100% correct.

About the Two-Step Application Process

This is the most crucial part of the entire notification and where many candidates falter. The process is designed to integrate with the Government of India's national apprenticeship portals. Step I (NAPS/NATS) is your official registration as an apprentice in the national database. You must select the correct establishment (IOCL Panipat) and trade. Step II (Google Form) is IOCL's internal mechanism to collect your application data for processing. The most common fatal mistakes are: 1) Doing only one step, 2) Using different contact details in both steps, and 3) Selecting the wrong trade code between the portal and the form. Your application will be considered complete and valid only when the information in your NAPS/NATS profile perfectly matches the information submitted in the Google Form. Double-check everything before the final submission.

Beyond the standard details, this IOCL apprenticeship notification contains several critical clauses that candidates must understand to avoid disqualification and manage expectations.

No Employment Guarantee and Hazardous Industry Nature

The notification explicitly states, in bold terms, that "Upon completion of apprenticeship period, Corporation shall have NO obligation to offer employment." This is not a backdoor recruitment but a pure skill development initiative. Candidates must enter this program with the primary goal of gaining valuable industry experience, not with the expectation of a job. Furthermore, the document repeatedly emphasizes that petroleum refining is a "complex and hazardous process." This is the reason for the strict medical examination and the restriction on certain types of disabilities for plant-based roles. The safety of individuals and the facility is paramount, and the eligibility criteria are designed accordingly.

Strict Rules Against Multiple Applications and Canvassing

The corporation has a zero-tolerance policy for certain application errors. Submitting multiple applications for different trades or applying for both locations of Secretarial Assistant (Code 108) will lead to summary rejection of all your applications. Similarly, any form of canvassing or using external influence will render the candidate ineligible. The notification also includes a strong "Be Aware of Frauds" warning, advising candidates to rely only on the official IOCL website and not fall prey to unscrupulous agents promising jobs or influence in selection. The entire process is merit-based and transparent.

Documentation Precision and Provisional Candidature

Your candidature remains provisional until you complete the apprenticeship. Even after engagement, if any discrepancy or false information is found, your training can be terminated. This makes document accuracy critical. The requirement for an OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate valid as on 31-01-2026 is particularly important. Candidates from OBC communities whose family income or status has moved into the "creamy layer" are not eligible for reservation and must apply as General candidates. All certificates (EWS, PwBD, SC) must be in the precise format specified by the Government of India and issued by the competent authority. Self-attested copies must be clear and legible.

1. Is there any written exam for IOCL Panipat Apprentice selection?

No. There is no written test. Selection is purely merit-based on the percentage of marks obtained in the prescribed qualifying examination (e.g., Diploma, Graduation, ITI).

2. I have a B.Tech degree. Can I apply for the Technician Apprentice posts?

No. Candidates with higher professional qualifications like B.E./B.Tech, MBA, CA, MCA, LLB are explicitly not eligible for these apprentice positions, even if they also hold an eligible Diploma.

3. What is the last date to apply, and is the process completely online?

The last date for both NAPS/NATS registration and Google Form submission is 20 February 2026, 5:00 PM. Yes, the entire application process is online; no physical forms are accepted.

4. Can I apply for more than one trade/discipline?

No. Submitting applications for more than one trade will lead to the summary rejection of all your applications. You must choose and apply for only one trade code.

5. Is there an application fee for this recruitment?

No. There is no application fee for any category. However, SC/ST/PwBD candidates called for Document Verification are eligible for travel reimbursement.

6. I am in the final semester; can I apply if my results are awaited?

No. You must have passed and possess the final mark sheet/certificate of the qualifying examination as on 31 January 2026. Awaited results make you ineligible.

7. What is the stipend amount for apprentices?

The exact monthly stipend is not mentioned in the advertisement. It will be paid as per the rates prescribed under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 and the relevant Rules.

8. After apprenticeship, will I get a job in IOCL?

No. There is no guarantee of employment after apprenticeship completion. This is a training program under the Apprentices Act, not a recruitment drive.

9. I am an OBC candidate but don't have a non-creamy layer certificate. What should I do?

You must obtain a valid OBC(NCL) certificate in the prescribed format from the competent authority, showing your non-creamy layer status as on 31-01-2026. Without it, you can only apply under the General (UR) category.

10. What are the two steps to apply? Can I do only one?

Step I is registration on the NAPS or NATS portal. Step II is filling the mandatory Google Form. Both steps are compulsory. Missing either will get your application rejected.

11. My degree is through distance education. Am I eligible?

No. Only qualifications completed through regular, full-time mode from recognized institutes/universities are accepted. Distance, correspondence, or part-time modes are not eligible.

12. Where will the document verification take place?

Document verification will be conducted at the Panipat Refinery & Petrochemical Complex, Panipat, Haryana, on the tentatively scheduled dates (05-10 March 2026).

13. Is there any age relaxation for PwBD candidates?

Yes. PwBD candidates get an age relaxation of 10 years over and above the category-based relaxation (e.g., SC+PwBD gets 5+10=15 years relaxation).

14. Can I apply for both Panipat and New Delhi locations for Secretarial Assistant?

No. For Code 108, you must choose only one location (Panipat OR New Delhi). Applying for both will result in summary rejection.

15. How will the merit list be prepared?

Separate category-wise merit lists will be prepared for each trade, ranking candidates in descending order of their aggregate percentage in the required qualification. Higher percentage gets higher rank.