Indian Oil Barauni Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Full Details, Eligibility & Online Form Guide

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Barauni Refinery has announced Apprentice recruitment for 2025–26 (Advt. BR/HR/APPR/2025-26) across Chemical, Mechanical (Fitter/Boiler), Instrumentation, Accounts and Data Entry trades, with training of 12–24 months at Barauni, Bihar, under the Apprentices Act.

Applications are online only and mandatory via both NAPS/NATS and an additional IOCL Microsoft/Google form, selection is purely merit-based on qualifying marks (no written exam), age eligibility is 18–24 years as on 31.01.2026 with relaxations for SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/PwBD, qualifications must be regular full-time with minimum marks criteria and no higher professional degrees allowed.

Reservation and PwBD norms apply as notified, document verification is required for shortlisted candidates, stipend and leave are as per Apprentices Act/IOCL rules with no accommodation or job guarantee after training, and key dates run from 10.02.2026 to 23.02.2026 for applications with DV tentatively in early March 2026.

Overview of IOCL Barauni Apprentice Notification 2025–26

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Barauni Refinery has released Advertisement No. BR/HR/APPR/2025-26 for engagement of apprentices under the Apprentices Act 1961/1973. Applications are invited for multiple trades in Chemical, Mechanical, Instrumentation, Accounts and Data Entry for the 2025–26 training year. Training will be at Barauni Refinery, one of IOCL’s major refinery units in Bihar.

Trade-wise Vacancies, Qualification & Training Period

IOCL Barauni Apprentice Posts 2026 (Trade & Seats)

Trade & Seats (Total/Category-wise)
(Seats are tentative & may change)

• Attendant Operator (Chemical) – 15
UR: 2 | EWS: 7 | OBC: 11 | SC: 5 | ST: 2

• Trade Apprentice – Fitter (Mechanical) – 16
UR: 8 | EWS: 2 | OBC: 4 | SC: 4 | ST: 1

• Trade Apprentice – Boiler (Mechanical) – 29
UR: 12 | EWS: 9 | OBC: 18 | SC: 5 | ST: 1

• Technician Apprentice (Instrumentation) – 17
UR: 8 | EWS: 1 | OBC: 3 | SC: 5 | ST: 2

• Trade Apprentice – Accountant – 11
UR: 1 | EWS: 0 | OBC: 0 | SC: 0 | ST: 0

• Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Fresher) – 2
UR: 1 | EWS: 0 | OBC: 0 | SC: 1 | ST: 1

• Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Skill Certificate Holder) – 7
UR: 3 | EWS: 1 | OBC: 1 | SC: 0 | ST: 2

PwBD seats are available in Fitter, Boiler, Instrumentation, Accountant, and Data Entry trades as per notification.

*PwBD seats only in codes 102, 107, 109, 110 & 111 as identified in the notification.

Number of seats is tentative and may increase or decrease at management’s discretion as per reservation norms.

Eligibility Criteria: Education & Age (As on 31.01.2026)

Educational qualification rules

• All qualifications must be regular full-time from recognized Board/University/Institute.
• Minimum 50% aggregate marks for General/EWS/OBC, and 45% for SC/ST/PwBD in Class XII/Graduation/Diploma (where applicable).
• ITI (Fitter) – pass marks are sufficient, but course must be regular full-time from NCVET/SCVT only.
• Lateral entry Diploma (after Class XII Science/ITI into 2nd year) is allowed, subject to required aggregate percentage on all semesters.
• Higher professional qualifications (BE/B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, MCA or equivalent) or those who have completed such higher studies before joining are not eligible.
• Distance/part-time/correspondence mode qualifications are not accepted.
• Candidates who completed prescribed qualification more than 5 years before 31.01.2026 are not eligible.
• B.Sc (PCM/Industrial Chemistry) candidates can apply for only one of codes 101/103/108 (108 not included in this specific excerpt but mentioned in rule).
• B.Com candidates can apply for only one of code 108 or 109 (only 109 is in this Barauni list, but rule still applies).
• Applying for more than one trade/discipline will lead to rejection.

Where CGPA/OGPA/Letter Grade is awarded, candidates must convert it to equivalent percentage as per institute norms and produce a certificate at document verification.

Age limit

• Minimum age: 18 years on 31.01.2026.
• Maximum age: 24 years for General/EWS on 31.01.2026.
• SC/ST: Relaxation up to 5 years; OBC(NCL): up to 3 years.
• PwBD: Relaxation up to 10 years (plus 5 years for SC/ST PwBD and 3 years for OBC(NCL) PwBD on reserved posts).
• Only Matric (Class X) certificate will be accepted as proof of date of birth.

Reservation, PwBD Categories & Important Relaxations

IOCL follows Government of India reservation policy for SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/PwBD/EWS.

Reservation highlights

• Category-wise seats as shown in the vacancy table above.
• If sufficient SC/ST candidates are not available for reserved seats, they may be interchanged between SC/ST, then considered for OBC, then UR in that order based on merit and eligibility.
• If OBC reserved seats remain vacant, they may be filled by SC/ST and then UR as per merit.
• If EWS reserved seats remain vacant, they may be filled by UR candidates.
• PwBD reservation is horizontal across specified trades in line with Section 34(1) of RPwD Act, 2016.

Accepted PwBD categories

PwBD candidates may be considered only for the identified trades (102, 107, 109, 110, 111) and must have benchmark disability (≥40%) as per RPwD Act 2016 and Rules 2017. Categories include:

• PV – Low vision, Blind
• PH – Hard of hearing, Deaf
• PL – Musculoskeletal disabilities (OH-OA/OL), Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victim, Cerebral Palsy, Leprosy cured
• Multiple disabilities (combination of above)

PwBD candidates must submit disability certificate from competent authority and must be capable of performing the assigned tasks using suitable aids.

Selection Process: No Written Exam, Purely Merit-Based

For job seekers, a major advantage is that there is no written test – selection is purely marks-based.

Selection methodology

• Candidates must be registered on NAPS/NATS portal and apply against IOCL Barauni opportunities.
• Merit list will be prepared on the basis of percentage of marks in the prescribed qualification (aggregate of all subjects in all years/semesters).
• Candidates applying for apprenticeship for the first time will be given preference.
• Tie-breaking:
  • Older candidate (by date of birth) gets higher rank.
  • If same date of birth, higher Matriculation percentage will decide rank.
• PwBD candidates who availed relaxation in qualifying marks will be considered only against reserved PwBD seats, irrespective of overall merit.
• Final filling of seats is at management discretion; some seats may remain unfilled if suitable candidates are not available.

Shortlisted candidates will be called for Document Verification, where original documents must match the online application details.

How to Apply Online for IOCL Barauni Apprenticeship 2026

For maximum selection chances and to avoid rejection, candidates must complete both Step I (NAPS/NATS) and Step II (Microsoft/Google Form) correctly.

Step I – Registration on NAPS/NATS & Applying to IOCL Opportunities

1. Visit:
   • For codes 101, 102, 103, 109, 110, 111 – NAPS portal: https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/.
   • For code 107 – NATS/BOAT portal: https://nats.education.gov.in.
2. Register as apprentice and obtain active Registration/Enrollment/Student ID on respective portal.
3. Login and go to Apprenticeship Opportunities section, select location as IOCL Barauni Refinery and choose relevant trade.
4. Apply to openings for Barauni Refinery using the correct Establishment ID:
   • NATS: EBRBEC000003
   • NAPS: E11191000001
5. Ensure personal data, education, category and aggregate percentage are correctly reflected; contact NATS/NAPS officials if any correction is required.

Step II – Submit Apprenticeship Additional Data Form (Microsoft / Google)

After successful application on NAPS/NATS:

1. Visit IOCL website www.iocl.com.
2. Go to: “What’s New” → “Engagement of Apprentices under Barauni Refinery Unit”.
3. Click:
   • “Detailed advertisement” – to read the full notification.
   • “Click here to Register/Apply on NAPS/NATS” – to go to apprenticeship portals.
   • “Click here to submit APPRENTICESHIP ADDITIONAL DATA FORM: BARAUNI REFINERY – Fill out form” – to open Microsoft/Google form.
4. Fill the form using the same email ID and mobile number used on NAPS/NATS; they must remain valid for at least one year.
5. Enter Enrollment/Student/Registration number exactly as in NAPS/NATS, and ensure all details match Step I.
6. Submit only one response in the Microsoft/Google form.

Applications which do not complete both Step I and Step II, or have mismatched data, will be treated as rejected.

Documents Required at Verification Stage

Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification based on merit and number of seats. They must bring original documents with self-attested photocopies:

• Class X (Matric) certificate – proof of date of birth.
• Class XII marksheet; ITI/Diploma/Graduation semester-wise or year-wise marksheets as applicable.
• Final Class XII / ITI / Diploma / Graduation certificate from respective Board/University.
• CGPA to Percentage conversion certificate (if marks are in CGPA/OGPA/Letter Grade) from institute.
• Certificate mentioning date of publication of result (if not mentioned in marksheet) from Principal of school/college/polytechnic.
• Caste/Category certificates:
  • SC/ST/OBC(NCL) certificate in prescribed format.
  • OBC(NCL) certificate must clearly indicate non-creamy layer status valid as on 31.01.2026.
  • EWS Income & Asset Certificate in prescribed format; undertaking if not available at DV time.
  • PwBD Disability certificate from competent authority as per RPwD Act 2016 & Rules 2017.
• For Code 111: Skill Certificate in ‘Domestic Data Entry Operator’ from NSQF recognized awarding body/authority.
• NATS/NAPS registration printout with applicant details.
• Affidavit as per Annexure-A regarding previous apprenticeship training, gap, etc., if applicable.
• One original Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID/Driving Licence/Passport).

SC/ST/PwBD candidates attending document verification will be reimbursed single second-class railway fare (minimum distance 30 km) on production of tickets.

Training Conditions, Stipend & Other Benefits

This apprenticeship offers hands-on exposure in a major public sector refinery, which is valuable for future jobs and PSU exams.

Stipend & facilities

• Stipend will be paid as per Apprentices Act 1961/1973, Apprentices Rules 1992 (as amended) and IOCL guidelines.
• Apprentices in codes 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 will receive one pair of safety shoes and a helmet (to be returned after completion of training where applicable).
• No company accommodation or HRA will be provided.

Leave & holidays

• General Leave: 32 days (8 days per quarter) during apprenticeship, including medical grounds.
• Casual Leave: 12 days per calendar year, on pro-rata basis.
• Apprentices are entitled to all holidays observed in the establishment.
• Unused leave will lapse at the end of the apprenticeship period.

Medical fitness & discipline

• Candidates must meet minimum physical fitness standards as per Apprentices Act and IOCL’s pre-engagement medical guidelines.
• Only medically fit candidates will be finally engaged.
• PwBD medical exam will be conducted with due consideration to RPwD Act 2016.
• Apprentices are governed by Certified Standing Orders applicable to workmen at the refinery.

No employment guarantee

On completion of apprenticeship, IOCL has no obligation to provide regular employment and apprentices cannot claim job rights based solely on completion of training.

Important Dates & Contact Information

Job seekers must strictly follow the application timeline to avoid missing this opportunity.

• Opening date for online application (NAPS/NATS + MS/Google Form): 10.02.2026.
• Last date for submission of online application (both steps): 23.02.2026.
• Tentative date for publication of shortlisted list for Document Verification: 02.03.2026.
• Tentative Document Verification dates: 09.03.2026 to 12.03.2026.

Official contact (Barauni Refinery)

• Phone: 06243-275258, 06243-275259
• Email: brrecttcell@indianoil.in

Candidates are advised to regularly visit IOCL website (www.iocl.com) for updates, corrigenda and notices, and to beware of frauds or unofficial job promises.

FAQs

What is the IOCL Barauni Apprentice 2025–26 recruitment?
It is an apprenticeship engagement by IOCL Barauni Refinery under the Apprentices Act for various trades for the 2025–26 training year.

Who can apply for IOCL Barauni Apprenticeship?
Candidates who meet the prescribed age, educational qualification and trade-specific criteria and have completed regular full-time courses from recognized institutions.

What is the age limit for IOCL Barauni Apprentice 2026?
Minimum 18 years and maximum 24 years as on 31.01.2026, with age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/PwBD as per rules.

Is there any written exam for selection?
No, selection is purely merit-based on marks obtained in the prescribed qualification.

What is the selection basis for IOCL Barauni Apprentices?
Merit list prepared on aggregate percentage of marks in the relevant qualification, followed by document verification and medical fitness.

How many trades are available in IOCL Barauni Apprenticeship?
Trades include Chemical (Attendant Operator), Mechanical (Fitter, Boiler), Instrumentation (Technician Apprentice), Accounts and Data Entry Operator.

What is the training duration for IOCL Barauni Apprentices?
Training duration is 12 to 24 months depending on the trade.

Is there any job guarantee after completing apprenticeship?
No, IOCL does not guarantee employment after completion of apprenticeship training.

What is the mode of application for IOCL Barauni Apprentice 2026?
Application is online through NAPS/NATS portal and submission of the additional IOCL Microsoft/Google Form, both are mandatory.

Is NAPS/NATS registration compulsory?
Yes, candidates must register on NAPS or NATS and apply to IOCL Barauni opportunities before filling the IOCL additional data form.

Can I apply for more than one trade?
No, applying for more than one trade will lead to rejection of candidature.

Are distance or part-time qualifications accepted?
No, only regular full-time qualifications are accepted.

What is the minimum marks requirement to apply?
General/EWS/OBC candidates need at least 50% aggregate marks and SC/ST/PwBD need at least 45% where applicable.

Are higher qualifications like B.Tech or MBA allowed?
No, candidates with higher professional qualifications such as BE/B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, MCA are not eligible.

What is the last date to apply for IOCL Barauni Apprentice 2026?
The last date to complete both application steps is 23.02.2026.

Is there any application fee?
No, there is no application fee for IOCL Barauni Apprentice recruitment.

How will merit ties be resolved?
Older candidates are given preference and if age is same, higher matriculation marks are considered.

Is reservation applicable in IOCL Barauni Apprenticeship?
Yes, reservation for SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/EWS/PwBD is applicable as per Government of India norms.

Can PwBD candidates apply for all trades?
No, PwBD candidates can apply only for identified trades mentioned in the notification.

What documents are required at verification stage?
Candidates must bring original educational certificates, marksheets, caste/category certificates, PwBD certificate if applicable, NAPS/NATS registration proof and valid photo ID.

Is stipend paid during apprenticeship?
Yes, stipend is paid as per Apprentices Act and IOCL guidelines.

Will accommodation or HRA be provided?
No, IOCL does not provide accommodation or HRA to apprentices.

Is medical fitness required?
Yes, final engagement is subject to medical fitness as per IOCL and Apprentices Act guidelines.

Can final year students apply?
No, only candidates who have completed the prescribed qualification within the eligible period can apply.

What happens if details in NAPS/NATS and IOCL form do not match?
Such applications are liable to be rejected.

Where will the training be conducted?
Training will be conducted at IOCL Barauni Refinery in Begusarai district, Bihar.

Will travel expenses be reimbursed for document verification?
SC/ST/PwBD candidates are eligible for reimbursement of second-class railway fare as per rules.

How will shortlisted candidates be informed?
Shortlist and further instructions will be published on the IOCL website and candidates may also receive communication on registered email or mobile number.

Can I edit my application after submission?
No, once submitted, details cannot be edited, so candidates must ensure accuracy before final submission.

Is prior apprenticeship experience allowed?
Candidates who have already completed apprenticeship training in the same trade are generally not eligible.

What should I do to avoid rejection of my application?
Complete both NAPS/NATS application and IOCL additional data form correctly, ensure matching details, apply for only one trade and meet all eligibility conditions.

Where can I check official updates and notices?
All official updates, corrigenda and notices are available on the IOCL website.