Indian Oil Corporation Limited's Guwahati Refinery has released a major apprenticeship drive with 102 seats spread across eleven different trade and technical codes. This is a significant recruitment push under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973, designed to build skilled talent for one of India's largest oil refineries. What makes this recruitment different from typical entry-level jobs is that there's no written test. Selection happens purely on your academic marks, which means your board or degree results are your only competition metric.
Quick Summary
- 102 apprenticeship seats across 11 trade and technical codes
- No written test; merit-based selection on qualification marks
- Eligibility ranges from Class XII to B.Sc./B.Com. with specific discipline requirements
- Application window: June 29 to July 28, 2026 (11 codes use NAPS, 4 codes use NATS portal)
- Training duration: 12 to 24 months depending on trade
- Stipend as per Apprentices Act, plus accident insurance and safety equipment for plant trades
Understanding the 11 Trade Codes and Seat Allocation
The 102 apprenticeship seats are divided into eleven distinct codes, each with different educational requirements and training lengths. The breakdown reflects IOCL's need for skilled workers across chemical operations, mechanical maintenance, electrical systems, instrumentation, and administrative support. Let's break down what's available.
| Code | Trade / Role | Discipline | Qualification Required | Total Seats | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) | Chemical | B.Sc. (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry) | 17 | 12 months |
| 102 | Trade Apprentice (Fitter) | Mechanical | Matriculation + ITI Fitter (minimum 2 years, pass class) | 4 | 12 months |
| 103 | Trade Apprentice (Boiler) | Mechanical | B.Sc. (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry) | 8 | 24 months |
| 104 | Technician Apprentice | Chemical | Diploma (Chemical, Petrochemical, Chemical Technology, Refinery & Petrochemical Engineering) | 21 | 12 months |
| 105 | Technician Apprentice | Mechanical | Diploma (Mechanical Engineering) | 14 | 12 months |
| 106 | Technician Apprentice | Electrical | Diploma (Electrical or Electrical & Electronics Engineering) | 14 | 12 months |
| 107 | Technician Apprentice | Instrumentation | Diploma (Instrumentation, Instrumentation & Electronics, Instrumentation & Control, Applied Electronics & Instrumentation) | 4 | 12 months |
| 108 | Trade Apprentice (Secretarial Assistant) | Administrative | B.A., B.Sc., or B.Com. | 14 | 15 months |
| 109 | Trade Apprentice (Accountant) | Administrative | B.Com. | 1 | 12 months |
| 110 | Trade Apprentice (Data Entry Operator – Fresher) | Administrative | Class XII pass | 4 | 12 months |
| 111 | Trade Apprentice (Data Entry Operator – Skill Certificate Holders) | Administrative | Class XII + Skill Certificate (Domestic Data Entry Operator, NSQF-recognized) | 1 | 12 months |
The largest pools are Code 104 (Chemical Technician, 21 seats) and Code 105 (Mechanical Technician, 14 seats). If you have a diploma in these streams, you're looking at decent competition but solid opportunity. Code 109 (Accountant) and Code 111 (Data Entry Operator with Skill Certificate) have only 1 seat each, so those are highly competitive. Codes 102 (Fitter) and 107 (Instrumentation Technician) have just 4 seats, making them tight races as well.
Category-Wise Seat Reservation Breakdown
IOCL has reserved seats across six categories to ensure diversity. Here's how the 102 total seats are split.
| Category | Number of Seats |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 46 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 7 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 12 |
| Other Backward Class Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) | 27 |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 4 |
| Total | 102 |
The Unreserved category has the most seats at 46, but OBC-NCL candidates also have a strong pool with 27 seats. ST candidates get 12 seats, while SC and EWS categories have 7 and 10 seats respectively. PwBD is a horizontal reservation, meaning 4 seats are reserved for persons with benchmark disabilities across all codes and categories. If you belong to SC, ST, or OBC-NCL and also have a disability, you can benefit from combined relaxation in age limit (explained below).
Eligibility: What You Must Have and What Will Disqualify You
Before you apply, check these non-negotiable eligibility rules. Many candidates apply and get rejected because they overlook one of these.
You Must Have
- Your prescribed qualification must be completed and passed by June 30, 2026. Results-awaited candidates are not eligible, so don't apply if your result is pending.
- Your qualification must come from a recognized board, university, or institute as a regular full-time course. Part-time, correspondence, or distance education qualifications are not accepted. The only exception is ITI, which must be from NCVT or SCVT institutions.
- Minimum marks in your qualification: 50% aggregate for General and EWS candidates, and 45% aggregate for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates (when applying against reserved seats). For ITI qualifications, pass marks are enough, no percentage threshold.
- Age between 18 and 24 years as on June 30, 2026 (with relaxations for reserved categories, detailed below).
Marking Criteria: Your Academic Performance Is Everything
Since there's no written test, your selection depends entirely on how well you scored in your qualifying qualification. IOCL uses a merit ranking system based on the percentage of marks you achieved. Candidates are ranked in descending order of marks, with first-time applicants getting preference over those applying again.
If two candidates have the same percentage of marks, the older candidate wins. If that's also tied, the person with higher marks in their Matriculation (Class X) exam is selected. This is a straightforward, transparent process. There's no interview, no group discussion, no subjective assessment. Your marks speak for you.
Important Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application window opens | June 29, 2026 (10:00 hours) |
| Application window closes | July 28, 2026 (17:00 hours) |
| Tentative list of shortlisted candidates published | August 5, 2026 |
| Document verification | August 11 to 18, 2026 |
Mark July 28 on your calendar. That's your hard deadline. After 17:00 hours that day, the application portal closes and no late submissions are accepted.
How to Apply: Two Portals, Two Mandatory Steps
The application process is split into two portals depending on which codes you're targeting. This is crucial to understand because submitting on the wrong portal will void your application.
Which Portal for Which Codes?
NAPS Portal (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme): Codes 101, 102, 103, 108, 109, 110, and 111. Use Establishment ID E08191800001.
NATS Portal (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme): Codes 104, 105, 106, and 107 (all Technician Apprentice positions). Use Establishment ID EASKMC000002.
Step I: Portal Registration and Application (June 29 to July 28, 2026)
Log in to the respective portal (NAPS or NATS) and register yourself. Fill in your personal details, educational qualifications, category, and select the specific code(s) you're applying for. Remember, you can apply for only one code if you're a B.Sc. graduate (codes 101, 103, or 108) or B.Com. graduate (codes 108 or 109). Applying for multiple codes will result in rejection.
The application window opens at 10:00 hours on June 29, 2026 and closes at 17:00 hours on July 28, 2026. This is a 29-day window, but don't wait until the last day. Server congestion on final days is common, and a late submission means disqualification.
Step II: Microsoft Form Submission via IOCL Website (Same Dates)
After completing Step I, you must also submit additional details through a Microsoft Form available on www.iocl.com. This is mandatory and separate from the portal registration. Both steps must be completed between June 29 and July 28, 2026. Skipping either step will make your application incomplete.
Document verification will happen later. The tentative list of shortlisted candidates will be published on August 5, 2026, and document verification is scheduled from August 11 to 18, 2026. You'll need to bring originals of your Matriculation certificate, qualification marksheets and certificates, CGPA conversion certificates (if applicable), caste or category certificates, and proof of registration on NAPS or NATS.
Important Web-Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | Visit |
| VacancyWallah Website | Click Here |
| Join Telegram | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp | Click Here |
| Follow on Facebook | Click Here |
| Free Photo & Signature Resizer | Click Here |
What Happens After Document Verification
Once your documents are verified and found in order, you'll undergo a pre-engagement medical fitness examination. Only candidates who pass this medical test will receive an offer of engagement. Medical fitness is non-negotiable for positions involving plant operations and chemical handling.
It's important to understand that completing the apprenticeship does not guarantee employment with IOCL. The apprenticeship is a training contract, not a job offer. Upon completion, IOCL has no obligation to absorb you into permanent employment, though the training and experience you gain will be valuable for future applications.
Similar Opportunities in the Oil and Gas Sector
If you're interested in apprenticeships at other major oil companies, IOCL Bongaigaon also has 144 apprenticeship seats across 11 trades, with a similar application process and timeline. This could be an alternative if you don't qualify for the Guwahati Refinery recruitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I apply for more than one code if I have a B.Sc. degree?
A. No. If you're a B.Sc. graduate, you can apply for only one of codes 101, 103, or 108. Applying for multiple codes will lead to automatic rejection. The same rule applies to B.Com. graduates for codes 108 and 109.
Q. I completed my degree six years ago. Am I eligible?
A. No. Candidates who completed their qualifying degree more than five years prior to the reckoning date (June 30, 2026) are ineligible. If you graduated in 2020 or earlier, you cannot apply.
Q. I have a B.Tech degree. Can I apply for a Technician Apprentice code that asks for a Diploma?
A. No. Possessing a higher qualification like B.Tech makes you ineligible for any apprenticeship code, regardless of the code's requirement. IOCL wants candidates at the right qualification level, not overqualified ones.
Q. What's the difference between NAPS and NATS portals, and how do I know which one to use?
A. NAPS is for Trade Apprentice codes (101, 102, 103, 108, 109, 110, 111), and NATS is for Technician Apprentice codes (104, 105, 106, 107). Check which code you're applying for and use the corresponding portal. Using the wrong portal will invalidate your application.
Q. Is there a written exam or interview for selection?
A. No. Selection is purely merit-based on your qualification marks in descending order. There's no written test, interview, or group discussion. Your academic percentage is your only competition metric.
Q. What if I have work experience after completing my diploma or degree?
A. If you have one year or more of job experience after your diploma or degree, you're ineligible for most apprenticeship codes. The only exception is if you previously completed an apprenticeship in a different trade and have the required waiting period (one year minimum, or three months under specific circumstances).
Q. I'm from SC category and also a person with benchmark disability. What's my age limit?
A. You get combined relaxation. SC gives 5 years relaxation and PwBD gives 10 years. Your upper age limit is 24 + 5 + 10 = 39 years as on June 30, 2026.
Q. After completing the apprenticeship, will IOCL give me a permanent job?
A. No. Completing the apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment. IOCL has no obligation to absorb apprentices into regular roles after training completion. The apprenticeship is a fixed-term training contract.
Age Limits and Relaxations by Category
| Category | Upper Age Limit (as on June 30, 2026) |
|---|---|
| General and EWS | 24 years (minimum 18 years) |
| SC and ST | 29 years (minimum 18 years) |
| OBC-NCL | 27 years (minimum 18 years) |
| PwBD (General) | 34 years (minimum 18 years) |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 39 years (minimum 18 years) |
| PwBD (OBC-NCL) | 37 years (minimum 18 years) |
Age relaxation is cumulative for candidates with disabilities who also belong to SC, ST, or OBC-NCL categories. For example, a PwBD candidate from SC category gets 5 years (SC) plus 10 years (PwBD) equals 15 years relaxation, bringing the upper limit to 39 years. If you're a woman who completed a previous apprenticeship, there's no waiting period to apply again, which is an advantage.
How to Contact IOCL for Queries
If you have questions about your eligibility, application status, or any other aspect of this recruitment, you can reach IOCL Guwahati Refinery's recruitment team at:
- Phone: 0361-2657001
- Email: http://grrecruitment@indianoil.in
Any disputes related to this recruitment will be subject to the jurisdiction of the local Court at Guwahati, Assam.
What to Do Right Now
If you meet the eligibility criteria, your next step is to identify which code matches your qualification and experience. Once you've decided, log into the correct portal (NAPS or NATS) on June 29, 2026 and complete your registration before the July 28 deadline. Don't wait until the last week. Apply early, complete both steps (portal registration and Microsoft Form), and keep all your original documents ready for document verification in mid-August. The timeline is tight but manageable if you act now.
