Notification for Engagement of Apprentices

Introduction

The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) and a leader in the energy sector, has announced a significant recruitment drive for various apprenticeship positions at its prestigious Bongaigaon Refinery. This initiative is designed to provide young and aspiring candidates with an unparalleled opportunity to gain practical experience in one of India’s most critical industrial hubs. The "Notification for Engagement of Apprentices" aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industrial application, offering a platform where students and recent graduates can hone their technical skills under the mentorship of industry experts.

The recruitment covers a wide range of roles, including Apprentice - Chemical Plant, Fitter, Boiler, and various Technician Apprentices in fields like Mechanical, Electrical, and Instrumentation Engineering. Additionally, non-technical roles such as Secretarial Assistant, Accountant, and Data Entry Operator are also available. This diverse selection ensures that candidates from different educational backgrounds—ranging from ITI holders to Diploma holders and Degree graduates—can find a suitable entry point into the corporate world of a major PSU. The Bongaigaon Refinery is renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure, making it an ideal training ground for those looking to build a solid career foundation in the petrochemical and energy sectors. Candidates who are selected will not only receive a stipend but also gain invaluable industry exposure that can significantly enhance their employability in the long run.

Highlights / Quick Overview

Application Fee

| Free (No fee for all categories) | | Last Date to Apply | 28/07/2026 | | Job Location | Bongaigaon Refinery, Assam | | Advertisement No. | BGR/Appr/2026/03 |

Post-wise Vacancy Details

IOCL Bongaigaon Refinery has distributed the 148 vacancies across various specialized trades to cater to different educational qualifications. Below is the detailed breakdown of the available positions:

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

The educational requirements vary strictly based on the specific trade applied for. Candidates must possess the relevant certification to be eligible:

• Apprentice - Chemical Plant: B.Sc (Maths, Physics, Chemistry).
• Apprentice - Fitter: ITI in Fitter Trade.
• Apprentice - Boiler: Relevant technical qualification as specified in the notification.
• Technician Apprentice (Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical/Instrumentation): Diploma in Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical/Instrumentation Engineering or relevant technical certifications.
• Secretarial Assistant: B.A. / B.Sc / B.Com.
• Data Entry Operator: Class XII pass (Fresher) or Class XII with a Skill Certificate.

Age Limit

Candidates must satisfy the following age requirements as of 30.06.2026:

• General Category: 18 to 24 years.
• SC / ST Candidates: Relaxation of 5 years (Age limit up to 29 years).
• OBC Candidates: Relaxation of 3 years (Age limit up to 27 years).
• PwBD Candidates: Relaxation of 10 years.

Nationality

Only candidates who are citizens of India are eligible to apply for these apprenticeship positions at the Bongaigaon Refinery.

Important Dates

Application Fee

As per the official notification, there is no application fee for any of the posts mentioned above. It is a free recruitment process to encourage students to join the apprenticeship program.

Selection Process

The selection process for the IOCL Bongaigaon Refinery Apprenticeship is designed to be transparent and merit-based. Since this is an apprenticeship program, it focuses on your academic credentials and physical fitness.

1. Merit List Generation: The initial screening is based on a Merit List prepared in descending order of marks obtained by the candidates in their respective qualifying examinations (e.g., ITI marks, Diploma percentages, or Graduation marks).
2. Document Verification: Candidates shortlisted from the merit list will be called for physical verification of documents. This includes original educational certificates, identity proof, caste certificates (if applicable), and age proof.
3. Medical Fitness: Shortlisted candidates must undergo a medical examination to ensure they are physically fit to perform duties in a refinery environment.

Salary / Pay Scale

The selected candidates will be paid a stipend as per the rules laid down under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973. The exact amount of the stipend may vary based on the specific trade and the duration of the apprenticeship program.

How to Apply Step by Step

The application process for IOCL Bongaigaon Refinery is a two-step procedure. Candidates must follow these steps carefully to ensure their application is successfully submitted:

1. Read the Notification: Carefully read the official advertisement (No. BGR/Appr/2026/03) to understand the requirements for your specific trade.
2. Identify Your Trade Code: Note down the specific codes provided in the notification (e.g., 101, 102, 103, 108, 109, 110, 111 or 104, 105, 106, 107).
3. Register on NAPS/NATS: Depending on your trade code, register yourself on either the **NAPS portal** (for codes 101-103, 108-111) or the **NATS portal** (for codes 104-107).
4. Obtain Registration ID: Once registered on the respective portal, you will receive a unique registration ID. Keep this ready for the next step.
5. Access Official Website: Visit the official Indian Oil Corporation Limited website to find the link for the mandatory Microsoft form.
6. Fill the Microsoft Form: Click on the provided link and fill in all required details, including your personal information, educational qualifications, and your NAPS/NATS registration ID.
7. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your identity proof, educational certificates, and caste certificate (if applicable) as requested in the form.
8. Final Submission: Review all entered details for accuracy before hitting the submit button. Once submitted, ensure you receive a confirmation message or email.
9. Track Status: Keep a record of your application number to track your status during the merit list and document verification phases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the total number of vacancies in IOCL Bongaigaon Refinery?

There are a total of 148 vacancies available for various apprenticeship positions.

2. Is there any application fee for this recruitment?

No, the application process is completely free for all candidates across all categories.

3. What is the age limit for the General category?

The age limit for the General category is 18 to 24 years as of June 30, 2026.

4. Are there any relaxations in the age limit?

Yes, SC/ST candidates get a 5-year relaxation, OBC candidates get a 3-year relaxation, and PwBD candidates get a 10-year relaxation.

5. What is the qualification for the Data Entry Operator post?

Candidates must have passed Class XII. Those with a Skill Certificate are also eligible for the specific "Skill Certificate Holder" category.

6. What is the selection process for these apprenticeships?

The selection is based on a Merit List (based on marks), followed by Document Verification and Medical Fitness tests.

7. Which portal should I use to register?

Depending on your trade, you must register on either the NAPS portal or the NATS portal as specified in the official notification codes.

8. When is the last date to apply?

The final date for submitting your application is July 28, 2026.

9. What is the salary/stipend offered?

Candidates will receive a stipend as per the rules of the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973.

10. Where is the job location situated?

The apprenticeship positions are located at the Bongaigaon Refinery in Assam.

Conclusion

The recruitment of apprentices by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Bongaigaon Refinery) presents a golden opportunity for students and fresh graduates to enter the energy sector. With 148 vacancies across diverse technical and non-technical roles, this program is designed to provide practical exposure in a high-stakes industrial environment. The selection process is transparent, focusing on merit and fitness, ensuring that only capable candidates join the workforce. If you are looking for a way to start your career in a Maharatra PSU, this is an excellent starting point.

Candidates are advised to complete both steps of the application process—registration on NAPS/NATS and filling out the Microsoft form—well before the deadline of July 28, 2026. Ensure that all documents are ready for verification and your details in the online forms are accurate. We wish all the applicants the very best of luck in securing their spot at the Bongaigaon Refinery!