IREL (India) Limited Chavara Apprentice Engagement 2026-27 Notification for 89 Trade, Graduate & Technician Vacancies

IREL Chavara Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview

IREL (India) Limited, a Government of India Undertaking under the Department of Atomic Energy, has officially released Notification No. IREL(India) Limited/Chavara/Apprentices Engagement/2026-27 dated 10 February 2026 for the engagement of 89 apprentices at its Chavara Unit in Kollam, Kerala. Operating under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, this recruitment drive invites applications for Trade Apprentices, Graduate Apprentices, Technician Apprentices, and General Stream (Executive) Apprentices. Positions range from ITI trades like Fitter, Electrician, and Welder to engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Civil, and Computer Science, alongside non-engineering roles for B.Com, BA, BBA, BSc, and BSc Geology graduates. The selection is purely merit-based, relying on marks obtained in the qualifying examination, with no written test involved. Applications must be submitted both online on the respective government apprenticeship portals and via hardcopy in the prescribed Annexure A format, reaching the office of the DGM (HRM), IREL Chavara, by 24 February 2026. This is a golden opportunity for candidates residing in or around Kollam, particularly those belonging to land-affected or mining area families, to gain prestigious apprenticeship experience in a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE).

Eligibility, Selection Priority & Key Compliance Factors

Candidates aspiring for IREL Chavara Apprentice positions must meet strict eligibility parameters. The age limit is 18 to 25 years as on 01 January 2026, with standard relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC (NCL), and 10 years for Persons with Disability (PwD). Educational qualifications are post-specific: ITI in the relevant trade for Trade Apprentices, B.E./B.Tech for Graduate Apprentices, Diploma in Engineering for Technician Apprentices, and conventional degrees like B.Com, BA, BBA, BSc, or BSc Geology for Executive Apprentices. Notably, candidates with higher qualifications such as ME, MTech, MCA, MBA, MSc, MA, MCom, CA, ICWA, PhD, or LLB (except for the AAO(P) post which requires MSc Chemistry) are not eligible. A unique feature of this recruitment is the hierarchical priority order for selection: preference is given first to land-affected category candidates, followed by those residing within a 10 km radius of the mining area, then wards of serving IREL employees, followed by Kollam District residents, then Kerala State residents, and finally others. This localized preference makes the recruitment particularly significant for communities in and around Chavara. Applicants must ensure they have never undergone apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act previously, as repeat engagement is strictly barred.

About Important Dates of IREL Chavara Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The timeline for IREL Chavara Apprentice Engagement 2026 is notably compact, spanning just 14 days from notification to the final receipt of applications. Candidates often misinterpret "Last Date for Receipt of Application" as merely the deadline for online registration. However, for this recruitment, it specifically means the date by which the physical hardcopy of the application (Annexure A) must physically reach the DGM (HRM) office at IREL Chavara. The notification explicitly states that applications received after 24 February 2026 will not be considered under any circumstances, and the company accepts no liability for postal delays. This compressed timeline is common in apprenticeship recruitments under PSUs and requires candidates to act swiftly. Many applicants lose opportunity by waiting until the final days. The recommended approach is to complete online portal registration immediately, prepare the hardcopy with all self-attested documents, and dispatch it via registered post or speed post at least 5-7 working days before the deadline. The age calculation reference of 01.01.2026 is fixed; candidates born on or after 02.01.2001 are eligible (for UR category, considering upper age limit of 25 years).

About Application Fees of IREL Chavara Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Unlike many Central Government recruitments which levy substantial application fees, IREL (India) Limited has prescribed zero application fee for all candidates across all categories for this engagement cycle. This is a significant relief, especially for candidates from economically weaker sections who often bear the burden of non-refundable fees in multiple recruitment attempts. The absence of fee also simplifies the application process as candidates need not worry about payment gateway issues, transaction failures, or fee refund policies. However, this does not mean the process is informal. Candidates must still complete the mandatory registration on the respective government portals (apprenticeshipindia.org for trades and nats.education.gov.in for graduates/technicians/executives) and pay attention to the Establishment Registration Number: E08153200007. Some candidates mistakenly believe that because no fee is charged, the application carries less weight or that they can apply casually. On the contrary, the zero-fee structure increases application volume, making the merit-based scrutiny even more rigorous.

About Vacancy Details of IREL Chavara Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The vacancy distribution of 89 posts across four distinct streams reflects IREL's balanced requirement for both shop-floor technical manpower and office-based administrative support. Trade Apprentices dominate the notification with 52 positions, indicating heavy demand for skilled ITI holders in traditional engineering trades. Fitter (10) and Electrician (9) are the most sought-after trades, followed by Plumber (8). Notably, niche trades like Instrumentation, Electronics, and Machinist have single or double digit vacancies, suggesting specialized requirements. The inclusion of AAO(P) [M.Sc Chemistry] with a 1.5-year tenure stands out as an exception to the standard one-year period, indicating deeper technical training requirements in chemical analysis or quality control. Graduate Apprentices account for 15 vacancies, with Mechanical Engineering leading at 6 posts. Technician Apprentices (Diploma holders) total 9 vacancies. The General Stream (Executive) offers 14 vacancies, with the generic BA/BBA/BSc category having 9 vacancies, making it accessible to a wide range of humanities and science graduates. Candidates often overlook the specific degree requirement; for instance, BA, BBA, and BSc are grouped, but B.Com and BSc Geology are separate. A BA Economics graduate cannot apply for the B.Com post, nor can a BSc Physics graduate apply for BSc Geology. This specificity is crucial and often leads to rejection at the document verification stage.

About Eligibility Criteria of IREL Chavara Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The eligibility criteria for IREL Chavara Apprentices are stringent and admit no ambiguity. For Trade Apprentices, only candidates who have passed the ITI examination in the exact trade mentioned are eligible. A common mistake is assuming that "Electrical" and "Wireman" are interchangeable; they are not. Similarly, for the MLT post, only VHSE (MLT) qualification is accepted, not general B.Sc MLT. For Graduate Apprentices, B.Tech or BE in the specific branch is mandatory; candidates with AMIE or equivalent professional qualifications are not mentioned and therefore not eligible unless explicitly stated. A critical eligibility filter that disqualified thousands in previous PSU apprenticeships is the "higher qualification bar." The notification explicitly states that candidates possessing ME/MTech/MCA/MBA/MSc/MA/MCom/CA/ICWA/PhD/LLB are not eligible. This means if you have completed B.Tech Mechanical and subsequently obtained an MTech, you are barred. Similarly, a B.Com graduate who later completed MBA cannot apply for the Executive (B.Com) post. The logic is that apprenticeship is meant for skill training at the entry level, and higher qualifications indicate over-qualification. However, the AAO(P) post requiring M.Sc Chemistry is the sole exception. Age eligibility of 18-25 years (as on 01.01.2026) is standard, but candidates from reserved categories must produce valid certificates issued in the prescribed format before the cut-off date.

About Age Limit of IREL Chavara Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The age criteria for IREL Chavara apprenticeship are rigidly enforced with the cut-off date fixed as 01 January 2026. For General category candidates, the permissible birth window is between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2008 (both dates inclusive). This means a candidate born on 01 January 2001 is 25 years as on 01.01.2026 and is eligible (completed 25 years on the cut-off date itself), whereas a candidate born on 31 December 2000 is 26 years and 1 day old and is disqualified. This strict interpretation often catches applicants off guard. For OBC (NCL) candidates, the upper age limit extends to 28 years, and for SC/ST candidates, to 30 years. PwD candidates across all categories get 10 years relaxation cumulatively with their category relaxation. However, a critical point often missed: OBC candidates must possess a Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate valid as on the last date of application. If your OBC-NCL certificate expired in 2025, you must obtain a fresh certificate dated 2026. Also, candidates belonging to OBC but falling in the creamy layer are treated as General category candidates and are not entitled to age relaxation or reservation benefits. The PwD relaxation of 10 years is over and above the relaxation available to SC/ST/OBC categories. For instance, an OBC-PwD candidate can claim up to 13 years relaxation (3+10).

About Category Wise Posts of IREL Chavara Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The notification states that reservation is applicable as per Kerala State Government norms for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD. However, unlike most Central PSU recruitments which publish a detailed category-wise vacancy matrix (UR-xx, OBC-xx, SC-xx, ST-xx, EWS-xx), IREL Chavara has not provided a numerical breakup in this notification. This is unusual and often creates confusion among applicants. In practice, the reservation will be applied horizontally across each trade/post during the merit list preparation stage. Candidates belonging to reserved categories should not assume that because the total vacancies are 89, a certain number (say 27% for OBC) is automatically reserved. The actual allocation will be based on the application flow and the roster system implemented at the time of selection. What this means for candidates: you must indicate your category correctly in Annexure A and upload a valid, latest certificate. Even if a numerical breakup is absent, do not assume that your category has no vacancies. The selection committee will apply Kerala State PSC reservation rules at the time of finalization. Candidates from EWS categories should ensure their Income & Asset Certificate is issued for the financial year 2025-26 or 2026-27, as per DoPT guidelines. Certificates issued prior to 2025 are likely to be rejected.

About Exam Pattern & Selection Process of IREL Chavara Apprentice 2026

IREL (India) Limited has adopted a completely merit-based selection process without any written examination or skill test. This is both a simplification and a complication. It simplifies the process because candidates do not need to prepare for a separate entrance exam; your performance in your ITI, Diploma, Degree, or B.E./B.Tech is the sole determinant. However, it complicates matters because every percentage point matters intensely. The merit list will be prepared strictly on the basis of marks obtained in the specified qualification. For Trade Apprentices, this means the final semester/trade mark sheet of ITI. For Graduate Apprentices, it is the aggregate percentage of B.E./B.Tech. For Technician Apprentices, it is the Diploma aggregate. For Executive (B.Com, BA, etc.), it is the graduation percentage. The tie-breaking rule is noteworthy: if two candidates have identical marks, the one with higher marks in the qualification (i.e., more than the aggregate in case of percentage tie) will be preferred. If the marks are still identical, the older candidate (senior in date of birth) is selected. This favors experienced or slightly older freshers within the age limit. A common mistake is assuming that having a higher degree (like B.Tech after Diploma) will give an advantage for Technician posts. It does not; it actually disqualifies you. Stick to the prescribed qualification.

About Physical Criteria & Salary of IREL Chavara Apprentice 2026

There is no physical eligibility criterion such as minimum height, chest measurement, or running test for any post under this notification. However, medical fitness is non-negotiable. Candidates must be declared "Medically Fit" by a Company Authorized Medical Officer. This is not a formality; it involves a thorough check-up including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and musculoskeletal fitness. For trades like Welder, Fitter, and Electrician, color blindness is a common ground for rejection. Candidates with known medical conditions that could impair performance in industrial environments should consult the notification and perhaps undergo a pre-check before applying. Regarding salary, the notification does not specify exact stipend figures but cites the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 and government notifications. As of 2026, the stipend for Trade Apprentices is generally ₹7,000-₹9,000 per month, for Technician Apprentices ₹8,000-₹10,000, and for Graduate/Executive Apprentices ₹9,000-₹12,000, varying based on mini-ratna/PSU status. IREL being a DAE unit, the stipend is likely on the higher side of the prescribed bands. Importantly, no additional benefits like DA, HRA, Travel Allowance, or Bonus are provided. The stipend is consolidated. Candidates should also note that this is not a regular job; there is no obligation for IREL to offer permanent employment post-apprenticeship, though excellent performers may get preference in future direct recruitments.

About Syllabus of IREL Chavara Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The question of syllabus does not arise for this recruitment as there is no written, online, or skill-based examination component. Selection is 100% merit-based on the marks obtained in the qualifying examination. However, this does not mean "no preparation required." Candidates must prepare their documentation meticulously. The "syllabus" in this context is the curriculum of your ITI, Diploma, or Degree program. Your performance in those examinations is your scorecard. If you are a final-year student whose results are not yet declared, you are ineligible unless the result is published before 24 February 2026. Provisional certificates are accepted only if the result declaration date is on or before the last date. For the AAO(P) post requiring MSc Chemistry, the candidate's post-graduation marksheet is the sole criteria. A common misconception is that candidates with work experience or additional certifications have an edge. They do not, unless it reflects in the percentage of the prescribed qualification. The merit list is blind to post-qualification achievements. Therefore, candidates with high percentages in the core qualifying degree/trade test have a definitive advantage.

About How to Fill Application Form of IREL Chavara Apprentice 2026

The application process for IREL Chavara is unique because it is hybrid: mandatory online portal registration AND mandatory physical hardcopy submission. Simply registering on apprenticeshipindia.org or NATS portal does not complete your application. You must download Annexure A from irel.co.in (or the notification pages), fill it with utmost accuracy, attach self-attested copies of all required documents, and send it via post to reach IREL Chavara by 24 February 2026. Candidates often commit the mistake of completing only the online part, assuming the government portals will forward the application to IREL. They will not. IREL requires the physical form with your signature and declaration. Another common error is incorrect superscription on the envelope. The notification provides the exact wording: “APPLICATION FOR ENGAGEMENT OF APPRENTICE AGAINST NOTIFICATION NO. IREL(India) Limited/Chavara/Apprentices Engagement/2026-27 dated 10-02-2026”. If this is missing or abbreviated, your application may be misrouted or considered incomplete. Also, ensure your portal registration number and Aadhaar number are correctly entered in Annexure A; mismatches are a top reason for rejection. Use speed post or registered post to have proof of delivery. Courier services sometimes face delays; government PSUs accept postal receipts but not necessarily private courier receipts for proof of timely dispatch.

About Mode of Selection of IREL Chavara Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The selection mode for IREL Chavara is distinctive because of its hierarchical preference system. This is not a standard reservation, but a priority list that operates within the merit framework. Here is how it works: suppose there are 10 vacancies for Fitter. First, the merit list of all applicants is prepared. Then, within that merit list, candidates are categorized into Priority 1 to Priority 6. All Priority 1 (Land Affected) candidates who meet the minimum eligibility will be selected first, even if their percentage is lower than a Priority 4 candidate from Kollam. Only if sufficient candidates are not available in Priority 1, the committee moves to Priority 2, and so on. This is extremely beneficial for local communities displaced by IREL's mining operations. To claim Land Affected status, you must provide official documentation from the Kerala government or revenue department indicating that your family land was acquired for the Chavara unit. Similarly, "Mining area within 10 km radius" requires a residence proof from the specified panchayats or villages. "Wards of serving employees" is limited to current employees, not retired or deceased. This localized priority is why candidates from other states have a very slim chance unless vacancies remain unfilled after exhausting Kerala candidates. It is legally permissible under the Apprenticeship Rules as IREL is establishing industry-specific training for local communities.

About Documents Required of IREL Chavara Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Documentation is the make-or-break aspect of this recruitment. Every single page of the application, including Annexure A and all attached certificates, must be self-attested. This means your signature with date across the copy of the document, not just on the application form. For OBC candidates, the certificate must specifically mention "Non-Creamy Layer" and be issued on or after 01 April 2025 (preferably) to be valid for 2026. Certificates bearing "valid for central government jobs" are acceptable only if issued by competent authorities in the format prescribed by DoPT. For EWS candidates, the Income & Asset Certificate must be for the financial year 2025-26 or 2026-27, and issued by a Tehsildar or equivalent. Income certificates from bank managers or local MLAs are not valid. Land affected/mining area proof must be recent; ration cards may be accepted but land acquisition papers are stronger. Nativity certificate (for Kerala/Kollam residents) is not the same as domicile; it is issued by the village officer or taluk office. Aadhaar card showing address is acceptable for residence proof. Candidates often forget to include the portal registration number printout with the hardcopy. This is a critical link between your online profile and physical application. Also, all documents should be in the same order as listed in the Annexure A checklist to facilitate smooth verification. Incomplete document sets are the leading cause of rejection, not merit deficiency.

Beyond the standard recruitment details, the IREL (India) Limited notification contains several critical compliance and eligibility nuances that candidates must thoroughly understand before submitting their application. These hidden details often determine selection or rejection.

Rejection Grounds: What Disqualifies Your Application?

The notification explicitly lists several absolute disqualification grounds. First, candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961 are permanently barred. This includes even one day of training. Second, qualifications obtained through distance learning, part-time mode, or correspondence (except specific degrees lawfully recognized) are not accepted. Third, candidates with higher qualifications than prescribed (ME/MTech/MBA/MCA/MSc/MA/MCom/CA/ICWA/PhD/LLB) are ineligible, with the sole exception of AAO(P) which requires MSc Chemistry. This is strictly enforced; a B.Com candidate who also holds an MBA cannot apply even for the B.Com executive post. Fourth, incomplete applications or those received after 24 February 2026 are automatically rejected without any communication. Fifth, incorrect or false information leads to candidature cancellation even after engagement, and legal action may be initiated. Sixth, the management's decision is final and binding; there is no appeal provision. Candidates often waste time seeking clarifications through RTI or representation; the notification explicitly states "no correspondence entertained regarding rejection."

Contract Execution and Service Conditions

Selected candidates must execute a formal contract under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This is a legally binding document, and breaching it (such as leaving midway without notice) can lead to blacklisting from future apprenticeships under the Act. The training period is one year for almost all posts (except AAO(P) which is 1.5 years). During this period, candidates are not regular employees; they are "apprentices" and governed by the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, not by standard industrial standing orders. This means provisions like leave entitlement, medical benefits, and pension are not applicable. However, apprentices are covered under the Apprenticeship Act for insurance and safety. Posting location is exclusively the Chavara Unit, Kollam. There is no transfer policy. After completion, there is no automatic employment guarantee. However, experience certificates from a DAE PSU carry significant weight in future PSU and private sector recruitment. Some candidates mistakenly believe that apprenticeship is a backdoor entry to permanent employment. While IREL may consider apprentice experience during regular recruitment interviews, there is no reservation or preference beyond what is mentioned.

Police Verification and Background Check

A unique and strict requirement is the mandatory Police Verification Certificate before joining. This is not a standard document for apprenticeship but is insisted upon by IREL given its status under the Department of Atomic Energy. DAE entities have heightened security protocols. Candidates with any criminal antecedents, even if acquitted, may face scrutiny. The police verification is conducted from the candidate's permanent address. Any discrepancy in address proof or identity documents can lead to immediate cancellation. Candidates should ensure that the name, date of birth, and father's name are identical across all documents: Aadhaar, 10th certificate, mark sheets, category certificates, and the application form. If your name is spelled as "Rahul" in Aadhaar but "Rahul Kumar" in your degree, it is advisable to obtain a name consolidation affidavit or gazette notification before applying. During document verification, even minor mismatches are grounds for rejection as per DAE guidelines.

One Trade, One Application Rule

Candidates are permitted to apply for only one trade/post. If you submit multiple applications for different trades (e.g., Fitter and Electrician), all your applications will be summarily rejected. This is a critical warning in the notification. Candidates must carefully assess their eligibility and choose the post where their percentage is highest and competition may be manageable. Since selection is merit-based, applying for a niche trade with fewer vacancies but lower cut-off might be strategic. For instance, Instrumentation (Trade) has only 1 vacancy but may have fewer applicants, whereas Fitter has 10 vacancies but attracts thousands of applications. However, the priority selection criteria (land affected, local area) heavily influence the effective merit list. Local candidates should leverage their preference advantage; outstation candidates should realistically assess their chances, especially for posts with single-digit vacancies.