IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 30 Vacancies at Kochi Division
Kochi, Kerala – The Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), a prominent Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Department of Atomic Energy, has officially announced the commencement of its apprenticeship recruitment drive for the year 2026. The IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026 drive seeks to fill 30 vital positions across its Rare Earths Division (RED) located in Udyogamandal, Kochi, Kerala. This program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring candidates with backgrounds in engineering (B.Tech/B.E), technology (Diploma), and trade skills (ITI) to gain valuable hands-on experience in a strategic public sector enterprise.
The recruitment specifically targets three categories of apprentices: Graduate Apprentices, Technician Apprentices, and Trade Apprentices. This initiative is designed in full compliance with the Apprentices Act, 1961, providing a structured training environment to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industrial application. The application process for these apprenticeships is entirely online and submission via email, making it accessible for candidates from across the nation. The official notification and detailed guidelines are now available for prospective applicants to review and prepare their submissions for the IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026.
Candidates are strongly advised to meticulously review the eligibility criteria, application process, and selection procedure outlined in the official notification. The program at IREL (India) Limited offers more than just a training certificate; it provides exposure to cutting-edge technology and processes involved in rare earth mineral processing, a field of significant strategic importance to India. Interested applicants can find the complete details and necessary application links on the official IREL website or through dedicated recruitment portals such as Sarkari Result All.
Key Highlights of IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026
The IREL Apprenticeship program at the Rare Earths Division in Kochi is a highly sought-after opportunity due to the specialized nature of IREL's operations. The recruitment specifically targets recent graduates who are seeking practical experience and career development in a public sector environment. Here is a brief overview of the key details regarding the IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026:
| Recruitment Organization | Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Posts | 30 Posts |
| Post Names | Graduate Apprentice, Technician Apprentice, Trade Apprentice |
| Application Mode | Online via Email Submission |
| Recruitment Division | Rare Earths Division, Udyogamandal, Kochi (Kerala) |
| Official Notification Status | Released |
| Application Deadline | Not Available (Check official notification for specific dates) |
| Official Website | www.irel.co.in |
The recruitment drive aims to attract highly motivated individuals who have recently completed their studies and are eager to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. The IREL Apprenticeship program is a crucial step for many engineering and technical graduates to start their careers in the core industrial sector.
Detailed Vacancy Information: IREL Recruitment 2026
The total of 30 vacancies is distributed across different categories of apprenticeships. Candidates must apply for the specific category that matches their highest educational qualification. The available posts cover various technical disciplines essential for IREL's operations.
Graduate Apprentice Vacancies: This category is for candidates who hold a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) or Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree. The specific number of vacancies for Graduate Apprentices will be detailed in the official notification. Eligibility is generally restricted to certain branches like Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
Technician Apprentice Vacancies: Candidates with a Diploma in Engineering from a recognized board or institution are eligible for these posts. The Technician Apprentice program offers practical training relevant to specific trade skills and technical processes within the division. Branches typically include Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, and Instrumentation.
Trade Apprentice Vacancies: This category is designated for candidates possessing an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) certificate in specific trades. The detailed trade requirements will be listed in the official notification. The program provides hands-on experience in various trades crucial for manufacturing and maintenance operations at the Rare Earths Division. The total number of posts for IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026 is fixed at 30, and candidates are encouraged to verify their eligibility carefully before applying.
Eligibility Criteria for IREL Apprenticeship 2026
Meeting the eligibility requirements is paramount for candidates applying to the IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026. The criteria are strictly enforced to ensure that all selected candidates have the necessary academic foundation to benefit from the training program. The requirements are broadly divided into three areas: educational qualification, age limit, and other conditions.
Educational Qualifications:
- Graduate Apprentice: Candidates must hold a B.E/B.Tech degree in the relevant engineering discipline from a university or institution recognized by AICTE/UGC. The degree should be in branches specified in the notification (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical).
- Technician Apprentice: Candidates must possess a Diploma in Engineering in the relevant discipline from a State Board of Technical Education or equivalent recognized institution.
- Trade Apprentice: Candidates must have passed the relevant ITI trade certification (e.g., Electrician, Fitter, Welder) from a recognized institute. Candidates must also meet the specific academic requirements for a Trade Apprentice.
Age Limit:
The minimum and maximum age limits for the IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026 are determined as per government regulations and the Apprentices Act, 1961. Generally, the minimum age requirement is 18 years, and the maximum age limit typically ranges around 25-30 years as on the specified cut-off date mentioned in the notification. Age relaxation provisions are applicable for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in accordance with government rules. Applicants should consult the official notification for precise details regarding the age calculations and relaxations for the IREL Apprenticeship program.
Other Conditions:
- Candidates must be physically fit and meet the medical standards prescribed by IREL (India) Limited.
- Applicants must not have undergone apprenticeship training previously or be currently undergoing training under the Apprentices Act, 1961, in any organization.
- Candidates who have acquired post-qualification experience of one year or more after obtaining the required qualification are generally not eligible to apply.
- For Graduate and Technician Apprentices, prior registration on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal is mandatory. For Trade Apprentices, registration on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal is mandatory.
How to Apply for IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026
The application process for the IREL Apprenticeship program is straightforward but requires meticulous attention to detail. Candidates must first register on the government apprenticeship portal before applying directly to IREL. The entire process for the IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026 typically involves two main phases:
Phase 1: Registration on Government Portals (NATS/NAPS)
- NATS Portal (for Graduate & Technician Apprentices): Candidates aspiring for Graduate or Technician Apprenticeship posts must first register on the official National Apprenticeship Training Scheme portal (https://portal.mhrdnats.gov.in/). They need to complete their profile and obtain a unique 16-digit registration number.
- NAPS Portal (for Trade Apprentices): Candidates applying for Trade Apprenticeship positions must register on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme portal (https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/). This registration ensures compliance with government regulations and facilitates the selection process.
Phase 2: Submission of Application to IREL (India) Limited
Once registered on the appropriate portal, candidates must apply to IREL (India) Limited by following these steps:
- Application Form: Download the official application proforma available on the IREL website or the Sarkari Result All notification page.
- Fill in Details: Fill out the application form carefully, ensuring all personal details, educational qualifications, and contact information are accurate.
- Document Compilation: Prepare scanned copies of all necessary supporting documents. This includes educational certificates (Degree/Diploma/ITI), mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), photo ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN Card), passport-size photograph, and the NATS/NAPS registration number.
- Email Submission: Send the filled application form along with all supporting documents via email to the designated email address mentioned in the official notification. The subject line of the email must be formatted correctly, typically stating the category of apprenticeship applied for (e.g., "Application for Graduate Apprentice Recruitment 2026").
Candidates are advised to thoroughly verify all submitted information before sending the email. Failure to register on the NATS/NAPS portal or providing incomplete information will lead to rejection of the application for the IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026.
Selection Process and Important Dates
The selection process for the IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026 is typically merit-based, ensuring fairness and transparency. The key stages of selection include shortlisting, document verification, and medical examination.
Shortlisting Criteria:
Candidates are shortlisted based on the marks obtained in their qualifying examination (B.E/B.Tech, Diploma, or ITI certificate). IREL (India) Limited will create a merit list based on the percentage or CGPA of the qualifying degree or diploma. The higher the percentage, the better the chances of selection.
Document Verification and Interview:
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a document verification process at the Rare Earths Division, Kochi. During this stage, candidates must present original copies of all educational certificates, ID proofs, and reservation certificates for scrutiny by IREL officials. In some cases, a personal interview may also be conducted to assess the candidate's communication skills and overall suitability for the apprenticeship program. The selection process ensures that only genuinely eligible candidates are chosen for the IREL Apprenticeship program.
Medical Examination:
Following successful document verification, candidates must undergo a mandatory medical examination to ensure they meet the physical fitness standards required for working in an industrial environment at IREL (India) Limited.
Important Dates:
As of 26 January 2026, the official notification for the IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026 has been released. The precise dates for application submission and subsequent steps are expected shortly. Candidates should regularly check the official IREL website and the Sarkari Result All portal for updates regarding the last date to apply and interview schedules. The notification released by IREL (India) Limited provides all critical timelines for the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about IREL Apprenticeship
Q1: What is the purpose of the IREL Apprenticeship Program?
A: The IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026 program, conducted under the Apprentices Act, 1961, aims to provide practical training and skill development to recent graduates and ITI pass-outs. The program helps candidates transition from academics to industry, offering hands-on experience in IREL's specialized processes related to rare earth mineral processing at the Kochi division. It is a one-year training period designed to enhance employability in the core sector.
Q2: What is the application fee for IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026?
A: Generally, there is no application fee required for the IREL Apprenticeship program. Candidates can apply for the IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026 free of cost. However, candidates should always refer to the specific official notification for any changes or updates regarding application fees, especially for specific categories or posts.
Q3: Is prior experience required for IREL Apprenticeship 2026?
A: No, prior experience is generally not required and, in fact, can make a candidate ineligible. The IREL Apprenticeship program is specifically designed for candidates who have completed their required educational qualification (B.E/B.Tech, Diploma, or ITI) within the last three years and who do not possess previous post-qualification work experience of one year or more. Candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training elsewhere are also ineligible to apply for this specific recruitment drive.
Q4: What is the minimum educational qualification required for the Trade Apprentice post in IREL Recruitment 2026?
A: To be eligible for the Trade Apprentice post under the IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026, candidates must possess an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) certificate in a relevant trade from a recognized institute. The specific trade requirements (e.g., Electrician, Fitter) are detailed in the official notification. Candidates must also have successfully completed their ITI course and obtained the certification.
Q5: What stipend will be provided during the apprenticeship period?
A: The stipend amount for apprentices under the IREL Apprenticeship program is determined based on government guidelines and the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961. The amount varies depending on the category of apprenticeship (Graduate, Technician, or Trade). Candidates for Graduate Apprentices receive a higher stipend compared to Technician and Trade Apprentices. The precise stipend amounts will be mentioned in the official IREL Recruitment 2026 notification.
Q6: How long is the duration of the IREL Apprenticeship training?
A: The duration of the apprenticeship training for all categories (Graduate, Technician, and Trade) under the IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026 is typically one year. This period allows sufficient time for comprehensive practical training and skill development within the IREL division in Kochi. Upon successful completion of the training, candidates receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship from IREL (India) Limited.
Q7: Does completing the IREL Apprenticeship guarantee a job at IREL?
A: Completion of the IREL Apprenticeship program does not guarantee permanent employment at IREL (India) Limited. However, apprentices who perform well during their training may have an advantage in future recruitment drives conducted by IREL, subject to official company policies and available vacancies. The primary purpose of the apprenticeship is to provide training and enhance future employability in the industry.
Q8: Is registration on the NATS/NAPS portal mandatory for applying to IREL Apprenticeship 2026?
A: Yes, registration on the relevant government portal is mandatory. For Graduate and Technician Apprentices, registration on the NATS portal is required. For Trade Apprentices, registration on the NAPS portal is necessary. Candidates must provide their unique registration number during the application process for the IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026. Applications without a valid registration number are typically rejected.
Q9: Where can I find the official application form for IREL Apprenticeship 2026?
A: The official application proforma for the IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026 can be found on the official website of Indian Rare Earths Limited (www.irel.co.in). Additionally, the application form and notification link are provided on Sarkari Result All for easy access. Candidates should download the form from these official sources and ensure they are using the correct version for the current recruitment cycle.