IREL Rare Earths Division Kochi Apprenticeship 2026: 30 Graduate Technician Trade Posts Open

Overview: IREL Kochi Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27

IREL (India) Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Department of Atomic Energy, has announced the engagement of Apprentices for its Rare Earths Division (RED) located in Udyogamandal, Kochi, Kerala. This notification invites eligible Indian nationals for a one-year apprenticeship training program under the Apprentices Act, 1961. A total of 30 vacancies are available across various trades including Graduate, Technician, and Trade Apprentices. The selection is purely merit-based on academic performance, with no written examination. This is an excellent opportunity for fresh graduates, diploma holders, and ITI pass-outs to gain valuable hands-on experience in a prestigious government organization. Candidates must note that this is a training engagement and does not guarantee regular employment upon completion.

Detailed Analysis of Application Timeline and Age Eligibility

Understanding the Application Window and Last Date Implications

The application process for IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is active from 23 January 2026 and will conclude on 15 March 2026. This provides candidates with a window of approximately 52 days to complete their application. It is crucial to understand that the last date is for the receipt of the application email at `hrm-red@irel.co.in`. The timing of your email submission matters; emails delivered after 11:59 PM on 15 March 2026 will not be considered under any circumstances. A common mistake is to confuse the last date for portal registration with the email submission date. Candidates must first complete their mandatory registration on the NATS 2.0 or NAPS portal (depending on the trade) and then send the filled application form via email. Both steps must be completed before the deadline. Applications without valid portal enrollment proof attached in the email will be summarily rejected.

Age Calculation with Real-World Examples and Relaxation Rules

The age limit is calculated as of 15 March 2026, which is the last date of application. For General category candidates, you must have attained a minimum age of 18 years and must not have exceeded 25 years on this date. For example, if your date of birth is 16 March 2008, you will be 17 years, 11 months, and 30 days old on the cut-off date, making you ineligible as you are below 18. Conversely, if your date of birth is 14 March 2001, you will be 25 years and 1 day old, making you ineligible for the General category. However, if you belong to the SC/ST category, you get a relaxation of 5 years, making your upper age limit 30 years. So, the same candidate born on 14 March 2001 would be eligible under SC/ST. The relaxation for OBC(NCL) is 3 years (upper limit 28 years) and for PwBD, it is 10 years over and above the category-based relaxation.

Understanding Post-wise Eligibility and Critical Disqualifiers

Decoding the Qualification Requirements and Common Pitfalls

The eligibility criteria are strict and non-negotiable. For Graduate Apprentice posts, you must possess a full-time B.Tech/B.E. degree in the specified disciplines (Chemical, Civil, Mechanical) from a university recognized by AICTE/UGC. Similarly, for Technician Apprentice posts, a full-time Diploma in the relevant engineering branch is mandatory. The most critical point candidates overlook is the "Full-Time Regular Course" clause. Degrees or diplomas obtained through distance education, correspondence, online mode, or part-time courses are not accepted. This is a common reason for rejection during document verification. Another major disqualifier is having undergone apprenticeship training previously under the Apprentices Act. Even if you completed a short-term training elsewhere, it renders you ineligible for this fresh engagement.

The "Higher Qualification" Rule and Its Impact on Candidates

A unique and strict rule in this notification is that candidates possessing a higher qualification than the one prescribed for the trade are not eligible. For example, if you apply for an ITI Fitter post but hold a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, your application will be rejected. Similarly, a B.Tech graduate cannot apply for a Diploma (Technician) apprentice post. This rule is enforced to ensure that the apprenticeship training is appropriate for the candidate's immediate qualification level and to provide opportunities to those for whom it is most relevant. Candidates must apply only for the trade that matches their highest eligible qualification as per the table. Misrepresentation of qualification will lead to cancellation of candidature at any stage and may also lead to legal action.

Understanding Reservation, Priority, and Benefits for Reserved Categories

The Significance of the Priority Order in Selection

The selection process follows a defined priority order, which significantly impacts the chances of candidates from different geographical locations. The highest priority is given to candidates from the Land Affected Category related to the RED unit. Next are candidates residing within a 10-kilometer radius of the RED plant in Udyogamandal, followed by those from Ernakulam district, then the entire Kerala state, and finally candidates from all over India. This means if two candidates have identical academic marks, the one higher in the priority order will be selected. Candidates must provide valid proof of residence (like Nativity Certificate, Aadhaar, Voter ID) to claim this priority. It is not just a preference but a rule applied during the preparation of the merit list.

Benefits for Reserved Categories: What is Offered and What is Not

Reserved category candidates (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwBD) receive the benefit of age relaxation as specified, which is a significant advantage. They also avail reservation in vacancies as per the norms of the Kerala state government. However, it is critical to note that there is no relaxation in the minimum qualifying marks for the selection. Since the selection is 100% based on the marks obtained in the qualifying examination (Degree/Diploma/ITI), all candidates compete on the same academic benchmark. The stipend is also uniform for all apprentices as per government rules; there is no extra financial benefit for reserved categories. Candidates must submit valid, latest caste/EWS/PwBD certificates in the prescribed format; otherwise, they will be considered under the General category and will not receive age relaxation.

Understanding the Stipend Package and Mandatory Document Checklist

What the Stipend Entails and Managing Expectations

The financial benefit for apprentices comprises a monthly stipend as notified by the government under the Apprenticeship Rules, which varies for Graduate, Technician, and Trade apprentices. Additionally, a food coupon of ₹1,500 per month is provided. Candidates should note that this is a training stipend, not a salary. No other allowances such as Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Travel Allowance, or Medical benefits are provided. The engagement is strictly for a period of one year, after which the contract ends. It is crucial to understand that successful completion of apprenticeship does not lead to automatic absorption or a job in IREL. This is a skill development training program. However, the experience gained in a prestigious PSU like IREL holds significant value for future career prospects in both public and private sectors.

Critical Document Preparation: Avoiding Rejection Due to Technicalities

The document checklist is extensive and must be followed meticulously. The most common errors include: 1) Not having a valid portal registration proof – registration on NATS/NAPS is mandatory before sending the email. 2) Incorrect category certificates – OBC certificates must mention the Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) status and be in the latest format. EWS certificates must be valid. 3) Missing mark sheets – candidates must attach mark sheets of all semesters or years, not just the final degree certificate. 4) Non-self-attestation – all scanned copies must be self-attested by the candidate. The application form (Annexure A) must be filled physically, a passport-size photograph pasted on it, and then scanned along with all documents. Sending documents in multiple emails or in unreadable format will lead to rejection.

Detailed Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Portal Registration - The Foundational and Mandatory Step

This is the first and non-negotiable step. Candidates must identify whether they are applying for a Graduate/Technician post or a Trade post (including ITI, LACP, HR). For the former, registration on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 portal (BOAT SR) is mandatory. For the latter, registration on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal is required. During registration, you must search and select the correct establishment ID: SKLERC000015 for NATS or E11153200006 for NAPS. Complete your profile and apply for the apprenticeship establishment through the portal. Save and take a printout/screenshot of the final application or enrollment proof from the portal. This document is crucial and must be attached when you send the email. Application without this proof will be rejected outright.

Step 2: Email Submission - Format, Content, and Common Errors

After portal registration, download the application format Annexure A from the official notification on IREL's website. Fill this form neatly in capital letters or legible handwriting. Paste a recent passport-size photograph in the designated space. Now, prepare a single PDF file containing: 1) The scanned copy of the filled and signed Annexure A form, 2) All self-attested educational certificates and mark sheets, 3) Category certificate (if applicable), 4) Date of Birth proof, 5) Aadhaar Card, 6) Nativity Certificate, and 7) The portal enrollment proof. The subject line of your email must be exactly: "APPLICATION FOR ENGAGEMENT OF APPRENTICES AGAINST NOTIFICATION NO. IREL/RED/HRM/Apprentices Engagement/2026-27/01". Send this email from your active email ID to hrm-red@irel.co.in on or before 15 March 2026. Do not send multiple emails or separate attachments.

Understanding the Merit-Based Selection and Final Compliance

The Merit List Preparation: How Your Academic Score Decides Your Fate

The selection is entirely based on the marks obtained in the qualifying examination (B.Tech, B.Com, Diploma, ITI, etc.). There is no written test, interview, or group discussion. The authorities will prepare a merit list by arranging candidates in descending order of their aggregate percentage. If your university awards CGPA, it will be converted into an equivalent percentage as per the university's conversion formula. A common query is about which marks are considered – typically, it is the aggregate percentage of the final year or the overall degree/diploma. Candidates must calculate their percentage accurately as mentioned in their final marksheet. The tie-breaking rule is crucial: if two candidates have identical marks, the one with higher marks in the qualifying exam will be ranked higher. If the marks are still identical, the candidate with the older date of birth (senior in age) will be given preference.

Post-Selection Formalities: Medical, Police Verification, and Final Engagement

Once a candidate's name appears in the merit list, they will be called for document verification where all original certificates must be produced. Following this, a medical examination by the company's authorized doctor is mandatory. The plant area is a protected zone, so a Police Verification Certificate (PVC) from the local police station is required for final entry and engagement. Candidates should start the process of obtaining a PVC from their district police headquarters after selection, as it can take time. Only after clearing medical fitness and submitting a valid PVC will the apprentice agreement be executed under the Apprentices Act, 1961, and the candidate will be allowed to join. Any discrepancy found at any of these final stages will lead to immediate cancellation of the provisional selection.

1. Is there any application fee for IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

No, there is no application fee for any category. The application process is completely free of cost. Candidates from General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, and PwBD categories do not need to pay any fee at any stage of the application, whether for portal registration or email submission. This is a notable benefit of this recruitment drive. Candidates should be wary of any individual or website claiming to charge a fee for this application; it is likely a scam. The entire process, from downloading the notification to submitting the application via email, is supposed to be free.

2. I have completed an apprenticeship elsewhere. Can I apply for this?

No, you are not eligible. The notification explicitly states that candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961, or have higher professional qualifications are not eligible. This rule is strictly enforced to provide fresh training opportunities to new candidates. Even if your previous apprenticeship was in a different trade or for a short duration, it disqualifies you. Your registration on the NATS/NAPS portal will likely show your previous training history, which will be verified.

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

No, you are not eligible. The notification mandates that candidates must possess a full-time regular course qualification from a recognized university or institute. Qualifications obtained through distance education, correspondence, online mode, or part-time courses are not accepted. This is a critical filter, and your documents will be scrutinized during verification. Only candidates who have attended regular, in-person classes for their degree/diploma/ITI are eligible to apply.

4. How is the merit list prepared since there is no exam?

The merit list is prepared solely based on the aggregate percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying examination (e.g., B.Tech, Diploma, ITI). Candidates are ranked in descending order of their percentage. For example, if you scored 85% in your B.Tech, that score will be used for ranking. There is no written test or interview. Therefore, your academic performance in your final exams is the only criterion for selection. Ensure you have calculated your final percentage correctly as per your university's rules.

5. What is the duration of the apprenticeship and is there a job guarantee?

The apprenticeship training duration is one year only, as per the Apprentices Act. It is crucial to understand that this is a skill training engagement, not a job. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate, but there is no guarantee of regular employment with IREL (India) Limited. The purpose is to provide hands-on industrial experience to fresh candidates. However, the experience and certificate from a renowned PSU can significantly enhance your resume for future job opportunities.

6. Can I apply for more than one trade/post?

No, you should apply for only one trade/post for which you are eligible as per your qualification. Applying for multiple trades with the same qualification (like applying for both Graduate Apprentice and Trade Apprentice) is not allowed and may lead to the rejection of all your applications. Your application should clearly mention one specific trade. Choose the trade that exactly matches your educational qualification as listed in the vacancy table.

7. What is the subject line format for the application email?

The subject line for your application email must be exactly as follows: "APPLICATION FOR ENGAGEMENT OF APPRENTICES AGAINST NOTIFICATION NO. IREL/RED/HRM/Apprentices Engagement/2026-27/01". Copy and paste this text exactly. Do not make any changes, add extra words, or omit any part. Using an incorrect subject line may cause your email to be missed or filtered out by the automated system, leading to rejection. This is a technical compliance requirement.

8. I am from outside Kerala. Do I have a chance of selection?

Yes, candidates from all over India can apply. However, the selection follows a priority order where local candidates get preference. The order is: 1) Land Affected, 2) Within 10 KM, 3) Ernakulam District, 4) Kerala State, 5) Others (All India). This means candidates from outside Kerala will be considered only if suitable candidates are not available from the higher priority categories. While you can apply, your chances depend on the availability of seats after selecting candidates from the priority groups.