If you’re a fresh graduate, diploma holder, or ITI-certified professional looking to gain hands-on experience in a Fortune Global 500 company, this is your chance. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), one of India’s largest commercial enterprises, has just released its notification for engaging Trade, Technician, and Graduate Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This initiative is part of IOCL’s commitment to skill-building for the nation, focusing on locations in the Eastern Region, including states like West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, and several Northeastern states plus the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The program offers a one-year apprenticeship with a stipend as per government rules, and it’s a fantastic way to build practical skills in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and other technical fields, as well as non-technical roles like data entry and general graduate positions. Applications open today, December 10, 2025, so let’s dive into the details!
Key Highlights of the IOCL Apprenticeship Program
- Total Vacancies: Approximately 405 positions (tentative, subject to changes based on reservations and management discretion).
- Duration: 12 months.
- Stipend: As prescribed under the Apprentices Act (amended from time to time).
- Locations: West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Sikkim, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Reservation: Follows government guidelines, including quotas for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities). PwBD reservations are horizontal and apply to specific categories like Graduate Apprentices and Data Entry Operators.
This is a golden opportunity for young talent to work in a hazardous yet rewarding industry like oil and gas, where safety and precision are paramount. Note that PwBD candidates must be capable of performing tasks with suitable aids, and certain disabilities are eligible (e.g., low vision, hard of hearing, musculoskeletal issues).
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you need to meet specific educational and age requirements. Here’s a breakdown:
Age Limit (as on December 31, 2025)
- Minimum: 18 years.
- Maximum: 24 years.
- Relaxations: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC-NCL, and up to 10 years for PwBD (with additional relaxations for reserved categories).
Educational Qualifications
Qualifications must be from recognized institutions, full-time regular courses only (no part-time or distance learning). Aggregate marks: 50% for General/EWS/OBC-NCL, 45% for SC/ST/PwBD in reserved positions.
- Trade Apprentices (Codes 107-111): Matric + 2-year ITI in relevant trade (Fitter, Electrician, Electronics Mechanic, Instrument Mechanic, Machinist). Acquired between April 1, 2021, and December 31, 2025.
- Technician Apprentices (Codes 101-106): 3-year Diploma in relevant engineering discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Civil, Electrical & Electronics, Electronics). Acquired between April 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025.
- Graduate Apprentices (Code 112): Full-time Graduate in any discipline (BA/B.Com/B.Sc/BBA). Same acquisition period as Technician.
- Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Fresher, Code 113): Class 12th (below graduate level).
- Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Skill Certificate Holders, Code 114): Class 12th + Skill Certificate in ‘Domestic Data Entry Operator’ (less than 1 year, recognized under NSQF).
Important: Higher qualifications (e.g., BE/BTech, MBA) make you ineligible. You can have a maximum of two apprenticeships, with a one-year gap between them (exceptions for certain terminations).
Vacancy Breakdown
The vacancies are distributed across states and disciplines, with reservations applied. Here’s a summarized table for quick reference:
| State/UT | Technician/Trade (Codes 101-111) | Graduate (112) | Data Entry Fresher (113) | Data Entry Skilled (114) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Bengal | 100 | 40 | 8 | 2 |
| Bihar | 46 | 20 | 2 | 1 |
| Odisha | 37 | 20 | 2 | 1 |
| Jharkhand | 16 | 8 | 2 | 1 |
| Assam | 52 | 15 | 6 | 2 |
| Sikkim | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tripura | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Nagaland | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mizoram | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Meghalaya | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Manipur | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Andaman & Nicobar | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 271 | 107 | 20 | 7 |
PwBD slots are available horizontally for codes 112-114 (e.g., 6 VH, 5 HH, 5 OH, 5 MD in West Bengal for these codes).
Selection Process
No written test or interview! Selection is based on:
- Merit list from marks in the essential qualification.
- Document verification.
- Pre-engagement medical fitness test (check IOCL’s guidelines online).
Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email for verification at IOCL offices.
How to Apply
- Register on the relevant portal:
- Trade/ITI/Data Entry: NAPS (https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/)
- Technician/Graduate: NATS (https://nats.education.gov.in/)
- Apply for IOCL (Marketing Division) – Eastern Region opportunities.
- After applying, fill the Microsoft Form (https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/4846hcLHPE) with your details and 3 preferred locations by January 9, 2026.
- Ensure your profile is accurate; contact NAPS/NATS for corrections.
Deadline: January 9, 2026, 5:00 PM. Late or incomplete applications will be rejected.
You’ll need: PAN, Aadhaar, bank account details, scanned documents (marksheets, certificates, photo, signature).