The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), specifically its Assam Oil Division (AOD) Digboi Refinery, has officially announced a new apprentice recruitment drive for 2026. This presents a significant opportunity for young individuals seeking practical experience and career development in one of India's premier public sector undertakings (PSUs).
The notification details the availability of 48 Trade Apprentice posts across various technical disciplines. The application window for these sought-after positions opens today, February 11, 2026, and eligible candidates are advised to complete the online application process before the deadline on February 25, 2026. This recruitment drive, part of IOCL's ongoing commitment to skill development and talent nurturing, targets candidates holding specific B.Sc or Diploma qualifications relevant to refinery operations.
For those aspiring to gain hands-on training and potentially secure future employment with a leading energy corporation, this recruitment drive is a crucial stepping stone. The selection process will be highly competitive, focusing on candidates who meet the specified educational criteria and perform well in the subsequent selection stages, including a written examination and document verification.
Key Details of IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 aims to fill 48 positions for Trade Apprentices. These apprenticeships are governed by the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961, and offer a valuable learning experience within a real-world industrial environment. The details for this recruitment have been made available on leading career portals, including Sarkari Result All, ensuring wide dissemination to interested candidates across the nation.
The total number of posts, 48 posts, are distributed across different trades to meet the operational needs of the refinery. While the specific breakdown of posts per trade may vary, common disciplines include Fitter, Instrument Mechanic, Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant), and Electrical Apprentice. Candidates must ensure they meet the specific eligibility criteria for their chosen trade category before applying online. The application process is entirely digital, emphasizing efficiency and accessibility for applicants.
The announcement underscores IOCL’s continuous effort to develop skilled manpower for the energy sector. The IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 not only provides a monthly stipend but also offers a structured training environment under experienced professionals, which significantly enhances a candidate's future employment prospects. The application window is relatively short, making timely action essential for all aspiring candidates.
Eligibility Criteria and Post Specifics
To be eligible for the IOCL Trade Apprentice recruitment 2026, candidates must meet specific educational qualifications and age limits set by the corporation. The primary qualifications required are a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree or a Diploma in Engineering from a recognized institution. The specifics for each post category are outlined below:
Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant)
This post typically targets candidates with a B.Sc degree. The specific subjects required in the B.Sc program are usually Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). Candidates must ensure their degree meets the minimum percentage criteria stipulated in the official notification. This role involves assisting in the operational aspects of the chemical processing units within the refinery.
Trade Apprentice – Fitter
Candidates for the Fitter trade apprentice role typically need to possess a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university or institute. The training involves hands-on experience in assembling, maintaining, and repairing mechanical equipment and systems within the refinery.
Trade Apprentice – Instrument Mechanic
For this trade, a Diploma in Instrumentation Engineering or a similar field like Electronics and Communication Engineering is generally required. The responsibilities of an Instrument Mechanic apprentice include maintaining, calibrating, and troubleshooting various control instruments used in the refinery processes.
Trade Apprentice – Electrician
This apprenticeship position requires a Diploma in Electrical Engineering. The training focuses on electrical systems, power distribution, and maintenance of electrical equipment crucial for refinery operations. Candidates must have completed their degree or diploma within the specified time frame to be eligible for the application process.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The minimum and maximum age limits for the IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 typically fall within the range of 18 to 24 years as of a specific cut-off date. However, age relaxation is provided for candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) as per government guidelines. Candidates must refer to the detailed official notification for exact age calculations and relaxation details.
In addition to educational qualifications, candidates must ensure they possess the necessary documentation to prove their eligibility. This includes marks sheets, certificates, and relevant identity documents, which will be verified during the selection process.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Online Form Submission
The application process for the IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is entirely online. Interested candidates must follow a structured approach to ensure their application is successfully submitted before the deadline of February 25, 2026. The process begins with visiting the official recruitment portal or navigating through reliable platforms like Sarkari Result All.
Step 1: Registration on NAPS Portal (Mandatory)
Before applying for the IOCL apprenticeship, candidates must first register themselves on the official National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal. This registration generates a unique registration number, which is essential for applying to any apprenticeship program under government guidelines. Candidates should complete this step well in advance to avoid last-minute issues during the online form submission process for IOCL.
Step 2: Accessing the IOCL Online Application Portal
Once registered on NAPS, candidates should visit the official website of Indian Oil Corporation Limited or find the direct application link provided on websites like Sarkari Result All. Look for the "Careers" section or a specific link related to the IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 for the Digboi Refinery location.
Step 3: Filling the Online Application Form
The application form requires candidates to enter various details accurately. This includes personal information (Name, Date of Birth, Address, Contact details), educational qualifications (Diploma/B.Sc details, percentage obtained, institution name), and details regarding the chosen trade preference. Candidates must ensure that all information matches the corresponding documents, as any discrepancy during verification will lead to disqualification.
Step 4: Uploading Documents and Photographs
Candidates are required to upload specific documents, including a recent passport-sized photograph and a scanned signature, in the formats and sizes specified in the official notification. It is vital to prepare these documents beforehand to expedite the application process. Additional documents, such as caste certificates (if applicable) and educational qualification certificates, must also be ready for uploading.
Step 5: Review and Final Submission
After completing the form and uploading the necessary documents, candidates must carefully review all entries for accuracy. Once submitted, changes may not be possible. Candidates should save a copy of the final submitted form for future reference. The entire process for the IOCL online form submission must be completed before the deadline of February 25, 2026.
Selection Process for IOCL AOD Digboi Apprentice Recruitment
The selection process for the IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is multi-layered and designed to assess both the academic knowledge and suitability of candidates for the practical training environment. The selection procedure generally consists of the following stages:
Written Test Examination
The first stage of selection is typically a written examination. This test assesses the candidates' technical aptitude in their respective fields, general knowledge, reasoning ability, and English language skills. The written test for IOCL apprentice recruitment usually consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
The specific pattern often divides the paper into sections. For technical posts like Fitter or Electrician, approximately 70-80% of the questions focus on technical knowledge derived from the Diploma curriculum. The remaining questions test non-technical aspects such as General Aptitude and Reasoning. Candidates for B.Sc-based posts (like Attendant Operator) face questions related to their B.Sc curriculum (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) along with general aptitude questions.
Document Verification and Medical Fitness Test
Candidates who successfully clear the written test are shortlisted for the next stage: document verification. During this stage, candidates must present all original documents related to their age, educational qualifications (B.Sc / Diploma), caste certificates, and identity proof. This step is crucial, and any discrepancies found will lead to immediate disqualification. Following document verification, selected candidates undergo a medical fitness test to ensure they meet the physical standards required for working in a refinery environment.
The final merit list is prepared based on the candidate's performance in the written test and subsequent verification processes. The number of candidates selected for document verification is typically higher than the number of posts, in anticipation of dropouts or failures in verification/medical tests.
Candidates applying for the IOCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 should begin preparing for the written test immediately upon application, focusing on both their core technical subjects and general aptitude. The competition for these 48 posts will be high, making thorough preparation essential for success.
Important Dates and Application Links Summary
The timeline for the IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is crucial for candidates planning to apply. The application window is open for a limited period, and aspiring candidates must adhere to these dates strictly. Here is a summary of the key dates and relevant links for the recruitment drive:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 11 February 2026 |
| Application End Date | 25 February 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment (If Applicable) | Not Applicable (No application fee for apprenticeships) |
| Admit Card Release Date | Not Available |
| Written Exam Date | Not Available |
| Result Declaration Date | Not Available |
For detailed information and to apply directly, candidates are encouraged to visit the official website or reliable job notification portals. The link for the application portal and official notification will be active on 11 February 2026.
Application Links and Resources:
- Official Notification: Click Here for Official Notification
- Online Application: Click Here to Apply Online
- Official Website: IOCL Official Website
- Source Website: Sarkari Result All
The Value of an IOCL Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship at the IOCL Digboi Refinery, India’s oldest operating refinery, holds significant value for several reasons. It offers a structured training environment, pairing theoretical knowledge with practical application. Apprentices are exposed to cutting-edge technology and processes used in the oil and gas industry, providing them with experience that is highly valued by employers across the sector.
The training received during the apprenticeship period is comprehensive. It covers various aspects of refinery operations, safety protocols, and quality control standards. This hands-on experience not only builds specific technical skills but also instills a professional work ethic and understanding of industrial best practices.
Furthermore, an apprenticeship with a company of IOCL's stature often leads to enhanced career opportunities. While an apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment, successful completion of the training program and strong performance during the apprenticeship period significantly boost a candidate’s chances in future recruitment drives conducted by IOCL or other PSUs in the energy sector. Many public sector organizations consider candidates who have completed apprenticeships favorably when recruiting for permanent positions.
The stipend provided during the IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 program also offers financial support to candidates during their training period. The stipend amount is determined based on government guidelines and typically increases with each year of training. This financial independence allows candidates to focus fully on their training without immediate financial concerns.
This program is particularly beneficial for candidates holding a Diploma or B.Sc qualification who wish to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical industrial application. The focus on specific trades, such as Fitter or Instrument Mechanic, ensures that the skills gained are directly relevant to the high-demand technical roles required for refinery operations and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the deadline to apply for the IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The last date for submitting the online application form for the IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is 25 February 2026. Candidates must complete the application process before this deadline to be considered for selection.
2. What qualifications are required for the Trade Apprentice posts?
Candidates applying for the IOCL apprentice recruitment must possess either a B.Sc degree (typically in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) or a Diploma in Engineering (in relevant trades like Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, or Chemical Engineering) from a recognized institute, depending on the specific post category.
3. How many vacancies are available in this recruitment drive?
There are a total of 48 posts available for Trade Apprentices at the IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery. These vacancies are distributed across various disciplines, and candidates should check the detailed notification for the breakdown of posts per trade.
4. Is there an application fee for the IOCL apprentice recruitment?
No, there is typically no application fee for candidates applying for apprenticeships under the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). However, candidates should always refer to the specific official notification for this recruitment drive to confirm details regarding fees, if any.
5. What is the selection process for these apprentice positions?
The selection process for the IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 involves a written test followed by document verification and a medical fitness test for shortlisted candidates. The written test generally covers technical knowledge, general aptitude, and reasoning skills.
6. Can I apply for more than one trade apprentice post?
No, candidates are typically allowed to apply for only one trade apprentice post. The application system often restricts multiple applications, and candidates must carefully choose the specific discipline for which they are best qualified based on their Diploma or B.Sc qualification.
7. Do I need to be registered on the NAPS portal before applying?
Yes, registration on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal is mandatory for all candidates seeking apprenticeships under IOCL. Candidates must have their NAPS registration number when filling out the IOCL online form.
8. Will this apprenticeship lead to a permanent job at IOCL?
Completing an apprenticeship at IOCL does not guarantee permanent employment. However, it provides valuable experience and can significantly increase a candidate's chances of selection in future regular recruitment processes for permanent positions within the corporation, as per existing policies and regulations.