IOB Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 750 Vacancies, Stipend & Eligibility

Among the July 2026 releases, Indian Overseas Bank has announced 750 apprentice vacancies for graduates across India. The Indian Overseas Bank has officially issued Advertisement No. HRDD/APPR/01/2026-27 for engagement of apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This is a one-year training programme offering on-the-job banking experience at IOB branches nationwide. Candidates with a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university are eligible to apply. The selection process includes an online examination, a test of local language proficiency, and document verification. Applications are accepted exclusively through the BFSI Sector Skill Council (BFSI SSC) portal, not directly on the IOB website.

Based on official notification by Indian Overseas Bank. Verified: July 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check

An expert note: This is a fixed-term apprenticeship with no guarantee of permanent employment. Candidates should not treat this as a direct recruitment to IOB. The engagement is strictly one year under the Apprentices Act, 1961.

📌 Also Read: JKSSB Works Supervisor 2026: 357 Vacancies | ₹28,000 In-Hand

Important Dates

The application window is only 13 days. Candidates must register on NAPS/NATS portals before applying on BFSI SSC. Do not wait for the last day.

Vacancy and Category Analysis

Tamil Nadu has the highest number of vacancies at 54, followed by Maharashtra (38), Uttar Pradesh (31), and Punjab (24). The total PWBD reservation across states is 17, with most allocated to Tamil Nadu (4). With 750 total vacancies and an anticipated applicant pool of approximately 2 lakh based on similar public sector bank apprenticeship drives, the selection ratio stands at roughly 1 in 266. Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra candidates face higher competition due to the large applicant-to-vacancy ratio in major metros. The General category has the highest number of seats at 275, followed by OBC at 176, making these the most accessible categories.

Stipend and In-Hand Calculation

The stipend for IOB Apprentices is split between the Bank and the Government of India:

• Government Share: ₹6,150 per month is directly credited to the apprentice’s bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
• Bank’s Share: The remaining amount is paid by IOB through salary channels.
• Metro Branches (Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad): Gross ₹15,500 → Bank pays ₹9,350.
• Urban Branches: Gross ₹14,500 → Bank pays ₹8,350.
• Semi-Urban / Rural Branches: Gross ₹14,000 → Bank pays ₹7,850.

Final line: Approximately ₹7,850–₹9,350 per month in-hand after government subsidy adjustments. Unlike regular bank employees, apprentices receive no additional allowances (DA, HRA, TA, or medical benefits). The stipend is purely for the one-year training period. Compared to a regular Bank Clerk’s take-home (₹25,000–₹30,000), the apprentice stipend is significantly lower but offers valuable training experience.

Application Fee

A common mistake to avoid: Fee payment is only on the BFSI SSC portal (beep.bfsissc.com), NOT on the IOB website. Applications without payment will be rejected. Fee once paid is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Age Limit

Age calculation example: As on 01.07.2026, for General category candidates, Date of Birth should fall between 01.07.1998 and 01.07.2006 (both dates inclusive). For SC candidates, DOB should fall between 01.07.1993 and 01.07.2006. Note: SC/ST/OBC candidates registered under NAPS must be less than 34 years as on 01.07.2026.

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Eligibility Criteria

A critical eligibility note: Candidates who have completed graduation but had their result declared before 01.03.2022 are NOT eligible. The degree must be from a UGC-recognized Indian university. Foreign degrees require Government of India equivalence. Candidates with prior apprenticeship training or one year of work experience after graduation are ineligible. Final year students who will complete graduation by 31.07.2026 but have result declared after this date are not eligible. This is a strict cut-off with no exceptions.

Selection Process

Stage 1: Online Written Examination

Objective type, 100 questions, 90 minutes duration. Sections: General/Financial Awareness (25), General English (25), Quantitative & Reasoning Aptitude (25), Computer/Subject Knowledge (25). Negative marking applies for wrong answers. Candidates must achieve the minimum aggregate score decided by IOB (5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD).

Stage 2: Test of Local Language

After clearing the written exam, candidates must qualify in a local language test (reading, writing, speaking, understanding). Candidates who have studied the specified local language in 10th or 12th are exempted (must produce mark sheet).

Stage 3: Document Verification & Personal Interaction

Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification and possible personal interaction. Original documents, self-attested copies, and eligibility certificates must be produced. This is a critical stage where candidature can be rejected.

Your first 7 days after applying:

1. Note down your NATS/NAPS Enrolment Number – this is mandatory for the application.
2. Save a PDF copy of your BFSI SSC application form for future reference.
3. Prepare for the online exam covering all 4 sections (General Awareness, English, Reasoning, Computers).
4. Confirm you have a front-camera enabled laptop/desktop/tablet/smartphone for the exam.
5. Gather all documents: Graduation mark sheets, 10th certificate (for DOB/age), Category certificates, Disability certificates (if applicable).

Exam Syllabus

Exam Pattern

Total Duration: 90 minutes | Negative Marking: Yes

General/Financial Awareness

• Current affairs (National & International)
• Banking and financial sector news
• Government schemes and policies
• Indian economy and RBI updates

General English

• Reading comprehension
• Grammar and vocabulary
• Cloze test and sentence correction
• Synonyms, antonyms, idioms

Quantitative and Reasoning Aptitude

• Data interpretation and arithmetic
• Number series and simplification
• Logical reasoning and puzzles
• Analytical and critical reasoning

Computer / Subject Knowledge

• Computer fundamentals (hardware/software)
• Internet and networking basics
• MS Office applications
• Basic banking operations and systems

How to Apply

1. Visit the BFSI SSC website: www.bfsissc.com or beep.bfsissc.com.
2. Click on “Career Opportunities” and find “IOB Apprenticeship Program FY 2026-27.”
3. Register on NATS portal (nats.education.gov.in) OR NAPS portal (www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) to obtain your enrolment number.
4. Return to BFSI SSC portal and complete the online application form, providing your NATS/NAPS enrolment number.
5. Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, category, and state preferences (apply only for ONE State/UT).
6. Upload your photograph, signature, and required documents (Graduation mark sheets, Category certificate, etc.).
7. Pay the application fee online via Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card (7-22 July 2026).
8. Submit the form and keep a printout of the application confirmation email.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the approximate in-hand stipend of an IOB Apprentice?

Approximately ₹7,850–₹9,350 per month after the government share of ₹6,150 is deducted. Metro branches receive ₹15,500 gross (Bank pays ₹9,350), Urban ₹14,500 gross (Bank pays ₹8,350), and Semi-Urban/Rural ₹14,000 gross (Bank pays ₹7,850).

What is the last date to apply for IOB Apprentice 2026?

The last date to submit the online application on BFSI SSC is 20 July 2026. Fee payment is accepted until 22 July 2026. The application window is extremely short, so apply immediately.

What are the total vacancies and who is the employer?

Indian Overseas Bank has announced 750 Apprentice vacancies under the Apprentices Act, 1961 for FY 2026-27. The training will be at IOB branches across India, with state-wise distribution.

What is the minimum educational qualification required?

Candidates must hold a graduate degree in any discipline from a UGC-recognized Indian university. The result must have been declared between 01.03.2022 and 31.07.2026.

What is the age limit for General category candidates?

The minimum age is 20 years and maximum is 28 years as on 01.07.2026. Date of Birth should fall between 01.07.1998 and 01.07.2006 (both dates inclusive).

What is the age relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, and PwBD candidates?

SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation (max 33 years). OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) get 3 years relaxation (max 31 years). PwBD candidates get 10 years relaxation (max 38 years).

What is the application fee?

SC/ST/PwBD pay ₹200 + GST (₹236). GEN/OBC/EWS (Female) pay ₹600 + GST (₹708). GEN/OBC/EWS (Male) pay ₹800 + GST (₹944).

What is the selection process for IOB Apprentice?

Selection includes an Online Written Examination (100 questions, 90 minutes), followed by a Test of Local Language (if not studied in 10th/12th), and Document Verification/Personal Interaction.

Can final year students apply for IOB Apprentice 2026?

No, final year students are not eligible. The graduation result must be declared on or before 31 July 2026. Students whose results are declared after this date cannot apply.

Will IOB offer a permanent job after apprenticeship?

No, IOB has no obligation to offer permanent employment. The apprenticeship is strictly for one year. After completion, candidates will be relieved. This is a fixed-term training programme only.

Is prior work experience allowed?

Candidates who have training or job experience of one year or more after graduation are not eligible for apprenticeship. Freshers with no prior experience are preferred.

Do I need to register on NAPS or NATS before applying?

Yes, mandatory. Candidates must register on either NATS (nats.education.gov.in) or NAPS (www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) and provide their enrolment number in the BFSI SSC application form.