Applications Open Today: IOCL Announces 394 Apprenticeship Opportunities

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) , a Fortune Global 500 company and India’s largest commercial enterprise, has invited applications for 394 apprentice positions in its Pipelines Division under the Apprentices Act, 1961 , with the online application process commencing today . The recruitment drive is part of IOCL’s nationwide skill development initiative , aimed at providing structured industry training in technical and non-technical trades across India. The opportunities are distributed across five major regions Western Region Pipelines , Eastern Region Pipelines , South Eastern Region Pipelines , Northern Region Pipelines , and Southern Region Pipelines covering states such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Rajasthan, Bihar, Assam, Maharashtra, Telangana, Delhi and Punjab.

The trades offered include Technician Apprentice roles in Mechanical, Electrical, and Telecommunication & Instrumentation disciplines; Trade Apprentice positions in Assistant–Human Resource and Accountant; and Data Entry Operator roles for freshers and skill certificate holders. Candidates applying for technician roles must possess a full-time diploma in the relevant engineering discipline, while HR and Accountant trades require a graduate degree. Data Entry Operator posts require a 12th pass qualification, with an additional recognized skill certificate for Domestic DEO roles. Applicants must have secured a minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories), and qualifications must be completed on or before 31 January 2026 . Candidates holding higher professional qualifications such as B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, or MCA are not eligible.

The age limit is 18–24 years , with relaxations applicable for SC, ST, OBC (NCL), and PwBD candidates as per government norms. The apprenticeship training duration is 12 months . Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend as per Government apprenticeship rules. Though exact figures are not specified in the notification, the usual national stipend levels are about ₹9,000 for graduate apprentices, ₹8,000 for diploma technician apprentices, and ₹7,000 for trade apprentices such as Data Entry Operators. No additional benefits like HRA, accommodation, medical, or travel allowances will be provided.

The selection process will be purely merit-based, calculated from marks obtained in the qualifying examination, with no written test or interview . In case of a tie, preference will be given to older candidates and those with higher matriculation scores. Applicants must also meet IOCL’s prescribed medical fitness standards. The application process requires registration on the NATS/NAPS apprenticeship portals followed by submission on the IOCL Pipelines portal. The application window is open from 28 January 2026 to 10 February 2026 (11:59 PM IST), and only online applications will be accepted. IOCL has clarified that apprenticeship completion does not guarantee employment, but it offers valuable exposure to India’s critical oil and gas infrastructure and PSU work environment.