Indian Oil Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for Technical Apprentices

IOCL Digboi Refinery has announced Apprenticeship opportunities for 2026 under the Apprentices Act for fresh B.Sc. and Diploma holders in Chemical, Boiler (Mechanical) and Instrumentation trades. The training will be conducted at Digboi Refinery, Assam, with online applications open from 11 to 25 February 2026 through NATS/NAPS portals along with a mandatory Microsoft/Google form.

Selection will be purely merit-based on qualifying exam marks, with no written test or interview. The apprenticeship duration is 12 months for most trades and 24 months for the Boiler trade, with stipend payable as per government rules. Eligible candidates must be 18–24 years old as on 31 January 2026, with age relaxations for reserved categories, and must hold full-time regular qualifications within five years of passing.

Reservations are applicable for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS and PwBD categories as per Government of India norms. Completion of the apprenticeship does not guarantee employment with IOCL but provides structured industry training at a major public sector refinery.

IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for B.Sc & Diploma Posts

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Digboi Refinery has released a notification for the engagement of Apprentices for 2026 under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973, offering an excellent opportunity for fresh science and diploma graduates to start their career in a Fortune Global 500 public sector company.

Key Highlights of IOCL Digboi Apprentice 2026

Apprentice Posts and Vacancies

The Digboi Refinery is inviting applications in the following trades/disciplines:

🔹 Code 101
Post: Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant)
Discipline: Chemical
Qualification: B.Sc. (PCM / Industrial Chemistry)
Duration: 12 Months
Total Seats: 32

🔹 Code 103
Post: Trade Apprentice (Boiler)
Discipline: Mechanical
Qualification: B.Sc. (PCM / Industrial Chemistry)
Duration: 24 Months
Total Seats: 2

🔹 Code 104
Post: Technician Apprentice (Chemical)
Discipline: Chemical
Qualification: Diploma in Chemical / Petrochemical / Refinery & Petrochemical Engg.
Duration: 12 Months
Total Seats: 9

🔹 Code 107
Post: Technician Apprentice (Instrumentation)
Discipline: Instrumentation
Qualification: Diploma in Instrumentation / Electronics & Instrumentation
Duration: 12 Months
Total Seats: 5

📌 Note: Vacancies are tentative and may change as per IOCL requirements and reservation rules.

Note: Number of seats is tentative and may change as per management decision and reservation directives.

Eligibility Criteria (Age & Education)

Educational Qualification

• For Code 101 & 103 (Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator / Boiler):
  • 3-year B.Sc. with Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry as subjects, from a recognized university, full-time, with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwBD against reserved seats).
• For Code 104 (Technician Apprentice – Chemical):
  • 3-year Diploma in Chemical Engg./ Petrochemical Engg./ Chemical Technology/ Refinery & Petrochemical Engg., full-time, with minimum required percentage as above.
• For Code 107 (Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation):
  • 3-year Diploma in Instrumentation Engg./ Instrumentation & Electronics/ Instrumentation & Control Engg./ Applied Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering, full-time.

Important academic conditions:

• Course must be regular full-time from recognized Board/University/Institute.
• Part-time, correspondence, distance mode qualifications are not eligible.
• Candidates with higher professional qualifications like BE/B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, MCA (or equivalent) or those who complete such higher qualifications before joining are not eligible.
• Candidates who completed qualification more than 5 years before 31-01-2026 are not eligible.
• A B.Sc. (Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry) candidate can apply for only one trade (either code 101 or 103).
• Candidates applying for more than one trade/discipline will be rejected.

Age Limit (as on 31-01-2026)

• Minimum age: 18 years.
• Maximum age: 24 years for General/EWS.
• Relaxation in upper age:
  • SC/ST: 5 years.
  • OBC (NCL): 3 years.
  • PwBD: 10 years, with additional relaxation (5 years for SC/ST PwBD, 3 years for OBC-NCL PwBD) as applicable.
• Proof of age: Only Class X (Matriculation) certificate from Board of Secondary Education is accepted.

Stipend, Benefits and Training Conditions

• Stipend: Monthly stipend as per Apprentices Act 1961/1973, Apprentices Rules 1992 (as amended) and IOCL guidelines.
• Training period:
  • 12 months for Codes 101, 104, 107.
  • 24 months for Code 103 (Boiler).
• Personal Protective Equipment: One pair of safety shoes and one helmet will be provided (returnable on completion).
• Leave & Holidays:
  • General Leave: 32 days @ 8 days per quarter (including on medical grounds).
  • Casual Leave: 12 days per calendar year (pro-rata).
  • Holidays: As observed by the establishment.
  • Unused leave lapses at end of apprenticeship.
• Insurance: Apprentices will be covered under suitable accident insurance.
• Accommodation: No company accommodation or HRA is provided.
• Discipline: Apprentices will be governed by certified standing orders applicable to workmen of the refinery.

Important: Completion of apprenticeship does not carry any obligation on IOCL to offer permanent employment; apprentices cannot claim a right to job based solely on training completion.

Selection Process and Reservation

Selection Method

• No written test will be conducted.
• Selection is purely based on merit:
  • Percentage of marks (aggregate of all semesters/years) in the prescribed qualifying examination for the respective trade.
  • Preference to candidates undergoing apprenticeship for the first time.
• Tie-breaking rules:
  • Higher age (earlier date of birth) gets preference.
  • If same date of birth, higher percentage in Matriculation (Class X) will be considered.
• PwBD candidates who availed relaxation in marks will be considered against reserved seats within their category.
• Filling of seats is at the discretion of management based on suitability and availability of candidates.

Reservation

• Reservation applicable for SC, ST, OBC (NCL), EWS, and PwBD as per notified seat matrix and Government of India rules.
• PwBD candidates can apply only against identified seats under Code 107, and must meet benchmark disability criteria (≥40%) with certificate as per Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and Rules 2017.
• Horizontal reservation applies for PwBD across identified trades.

How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)

Application process has two mandatory steps – applying on NATS/NAPS portal and submitting additional details via Microsoft/Google form.

Step I – Register and Apply on NATS/NAPS

1. Check your trade code and portal:
   • Post Codes 101 & 103 (B.Sc. based, Trade Apprentice): Register and apply on NAPS portal: https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/.
   • Post Codes 104 & 107 (Diploma Technician Apprentice): Register and apply on NATS/BOAT portal: https://nats.education.gov.in.
2. On NAPS (for 101/103):
   • Go to “Apprenticeship Opportunities”, select location as per IOCL Refinery Unit, then select the relevant trade, login and complete registration, and apply for the opportunity.
3. On NATS (for 104/107):
   • Register on NATS/BOAT, then apply to the advertisement notified by IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery from your dashboard.
4. Use the correct Establishment IDs:
   • NATS: EASTIC000002 (Digboi Refinery).
   • NAPS: E01201800001 (Digboi Refinery).
5. Ensure your profile (personal details, category, education, aggregate percentage) is 100% correct before final submission, and contact NATS/NAPS support in case of error.

Step II – Submit Microsoft/Google Form

After successfully applying on NATS/NAPS, you MUST submit additional details through Microsoft/Google form for your application to be considered.

• Visit the given link (as in notification) and fill all required details including NATS/NAPS Registration/Enrollment No., email, mobile, academic data, etc.
• Use the same email ID and mobile number as used on NATS/NAPS portal, valid for at least the entire apprenticeship period.
• Submit only one response in the Microsoft form and verify all entries before final submission.

Applications incomplete in any step, not matching between NATS/NAPS and Microsoft form, or not fulfilling eligibility criteria will be rejected.

Important Dates and Contact Details

• Online Application (NATS/NAPS + Forms):
  • Opening: 11-02-2026, 10:00 hrs.
  • Closing: 25-02-2026, 17:00 hrs.
• Tentative list of candidates for Document Verification: 28-02-2026.
• Tentative Document Verification dates: 03-03-2026 to 05-03-2026.

Candidates shortlisted for document verification must produce original documents along with self-attested copies (10th certificate, 12th marksheet, all semester marksheets, degree/diploma certificates, category certificates, NATS/NAPS registration print, affidavit as per Annexure-A, etc.).

For queries/clarifications:

• Digboi Refinery Contact Numbers: 03751-26-3133 / 03751-26-3128 / 03751-26-3153.
• Email: drperreccel@indianoil.in.

This IOCL Digboi Apprentice 2026 is a strong gateway for fresh B.Sc. and diploma holders in chemical, mechanical and instrumentation fields to gain structured hands-on experience in a major petroleum refinery under a nationally recognized apprenticeship scheme.

FAQs on IOCL Digboi Apprentice 2026

What is IOCL Digboi Apprentice 2026?
It is an apprenticeship program by Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Digboi Refinery to provide hands-on industry training to fresh B.Sc. and Diploma holders under the Apprentices Act.

Who can apply for IOCL Digboi Apprentice 2026?
Candidates with a full-time regular B.Sc. (Physics, Maths, Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry) or a 3-year Diploma in relevant Chemical or Instrumentation disciplines who meet age and eligibility criteria can apply.

What is the age limit for IOCL Digboi Apprentice 2026?
The minimum age is 18 years and the maximum age is 24 years as on 31 January 2026, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules.

What is the selection process for IOCL Digboi Apprentice 2026?
Selection is purely merit-based on the percentage of marks in the qualifying examination, and there is no written test or interview.

What is the training duration for the apprenticeship?
The training duration is 12 months for most trades and 24 months for the Boiler trade.

Is there any written exam for IOCL Digboi Apprentice recruitment?
No, there is no written exam and candidates are shortlisted only on the basis of academic merit.

What is the stipend for IOCL Digboi apprentices?
The stipend is paid monthly as per the Apprentices Act, Apprentices Rules and IOCL guidelines.

Does IOCL provide a job after completion of apprenticeship?
No, completion of apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment with IOCL.

How can I apply for IOCL Digboi Apprentice 2026?
Candidates must apply online through the NATS or NAPS portal as applicable and also submit the mandatory Microsoft/Google form.

Which portal should I use for applying?
B.Sc. based trade apprentices must apply through NAPS, while Diploma technician apprentices must apply through NATS.

What are the application dates for IOCL Digboi Apprentice 2026?
The online application window is from 11 February 2026 to 25 February 2026.

Can I apply for more than one trade or post?
No, candidates applying for more than one trade or discipline will be rejected.

Are distance or part-time qualifications eligible?
No, only full-time regular qualifications from recognized institutions are eligible.

Can candidates with BE or B.Tech apply?
No, candidates with higher professional qualifications such as BE, B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, MCA or equivalent are not eligible.

Is there any limit on the year of passing for eligibility?
Yes, candidates who completed their qualification more than five years before 31 January 2026 are not eligible.

What documents are required for document verification?
Candidates need original certificates and self-attested copies of Class 10 proof of age, mark sheets, degree or diploma certificates, category certificate if applicable, and NATS or NAPS registration proof.

Is reservation applicable in IOCL Digboi Apprentice 2026?
Yes, reservation is applicable for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS and PwBD categories as per Government of India norms.

Can PwBD candidates apply for all trades?
PwBD candidates can apply only for identified trades and must meet the benchmark disability criteria with valid certification.

Is accommodation provided to apprentices at Digboi Refinery?
No, IOCL does not provide company accommodation or house rent allowance to apprentices.

Will IOCL provide safety equipment during training?
Yes, apprentices are provided with basic personal protective equipment such as safety shoes and a helmet for use during training.

Is prior work experience required to apply?
No, prior work experience is not required, and preference is given to candidates undergoing apprenticeship for the first time.

What happens if two candidates have the same merit score?
In case of a tie, the older candidate is given preference, and if the date of birth is also the same, higher Class 10 marks are considered.

Can I edit my application after submission?
Corrections can only be made on the NATS or NAPS portal before final submission; incorrect or mismatched details may lead to rejection.

Is the number of vacancies fixed?
No, the number of seats is tentative and may change as per IOCL management requirements and reservation rules.

Where will the training take place?
All selected apprentices will undergo training at IOCL’s Digboi Refinery in Assam.

Is there any application fee for IOCL Digboi Apprentice 2026?
No, there is no application fee for applying to the IOCL Digboi Apprentice program.

Will I receive a certificate after completing the apprenticeship?
Yes, successful candidates receive a certificate of proficiency as per the Apprentices Act after completing the training.

Can final year students apply for this apprenticeship?
No, only candidates who have already completed the required qualification by the cut-off date are eligible to apply.