IOCL Panipat Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Complete Job Overview

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), one of India’s largest Fortune Global 500 companies, has announced an exciting opportunity for young candidates through its Panipat Refinery and Petrochemical Complex. The recruitment drive aims to engage 637 apprentices across various technical and non-technical trades under the Apprentices Act 1961. This is a golden opportunity for diploma holders, graduates, and ITI-qualified candidates to gain hands-on industrial experience in one of the most prestigious petroleum refineries in India.

The apprenticeship program offers comprehensive training in disciplines like Chemical Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, and administrative roles. Candidates will receive monthly stipends, safety equipment, insurance coverage, and valuable industry exposure that can significantly boost their career prospects in the oil and gas sector. With positions available for fresh graduates and skill certificate holders, this recruitment is ideal for those looking to build a strong foundation in petroleum refining and petrochemical operations.

The Panipat Refinery is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to skill development. Selected apprentices will undergo structured training programs ranging from 12 to 15 months, depending on their trade. This hands-on experience in a hazardous industry environment will equip candidates with technical skills, safety protocols, and professional competencies highly valued in the energy sector.

Organization and Recruitment Details

IOCL Panipat Refinery is a premier petroleum refining complex under the Government of India. The organization is committed to nation-building through skill development initiatives and offers apprentices a chance to learn from industry experts in a world-class facility. The recruitment follows strict government guidelines for reservation and ensures transparency in the selection process.

Important Dates for IOCL Panipat Apprentice 2026

Expert Advice: Candidates are strongly advised to apply well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical glitches. The application window is only 14 days, which is relatively short. Both NAPS/NATS portal registration and Google Form submission must be completed for a valid application. Keep all your documents scanned and ready before starting the application process. Remember that the eligibility criteria cutoff date is 31 January 2026, meaning your qualification and age will be calculated as of this date, not the application date.

Application Fee Details

Payment Mode: There is no application fee for this apprenticeship recruitment, making it accessible to all eligible candidates regardless of their economic background. This is a common practice for apprenticeship programs under government undertakings, as the primary objective is skill development and providing opportunities to youth. Candidates should be cautious of any fraudulent websites or agents demanding money for application processing, as IOCL does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Even though there is no fee, candidates sometimes fall prey to fake websites that charge money for form filling assistance. Always use only the official IOCL website and authorized NAPS/NATS portals. Do not share your registration credentials with anyone claiming to help with the application process.

Age Limit and Age Relaxation

Age Calculation Method: Age will be calculated as on 31 January 2026. For example, if you were born on 15 March 2002, you would be considered 23 years old as of the cutoff date. Only the Class 10th (Matriculation) certificate issued by a recognized Board of Secondary Education will be accepted as proof of date of birth. No other documents like birth certificates or driving licenses will be considered for age verification.

Important Note: Candidates who have completed five years after acquiring the prescribed qualification as of 31 January 2026 are not eligible to apply. This means if you completed your diploma or degree more than five years ago, you cannot apply for this apprenticeship. Additionally, candidates with one year or more of job experience after qualification are also ineligible.

Educational Qualification and Eligibility Criteria

Critical Eligibility Points: All qualifications must be from recognized boards, universities, or institutes through regular full-time courses only. Part-time, correspondence, or distance education qualifications are not acceptable. Candidates possessing higher professional qualifications like B.E., B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, or MCA are not eligible to apply. If you have CGPA or OGPA instead of percentage marks, you must obtain a conversion certificate from your university showing the equivalent percentage.

Common Eligibility Mistakes: Many candidates apply without checking if their specific branch or subject is mentioned in the notification. For example, only specific diploma branches are accepted for each discipline. A diploma in Electronics Engineering cannot apply for Mechanical discipline positions. Similarly, candidates often overlook the five-year completion limit and one-year work experience disqualification criteria. Read the detailed eligibility section carefully before applying.

Vacancy Distribution Details

Reservation Policy: The vacancy distribution follows Haryana state reservation norms as the refinery is located in Panipat. There is no reservation for Scheduled Tribe (ST) category as per Haryana state policy. The vacancies are tentative and may increase or decrease at management’s discretion. PwBD candidates can only apply for identified positions (Codes 102, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111) where suitable accommodations can be made considering the hazardous nature of petroleum refining operations.

Competition Insight: The highest number of vacancies is for Fitter trade (143 posts) and Attendant Operator Chemical (129 posts), making these the most accessible positions. However, competition will also be proportionally higher. Technician positions in Instrumentation (39 posts) and Mechanical (49 posts) have fewer vacancies but may attract specialized candidates. The Accountant position has only one vacancy, making it extremely competitive.

Selection Process and Merit Criteria

The selection for IOCL Panipat Apprentice Recruitment 2026 will be conducted without any written examination. This is a significant advantage as candidates will be selected purely on academic merit, eliminating the need for competitive exam preparation. The selection methodology is transparent and follows a systematic approach.

Merit List Preparation

Primary Criteria: Candidates will be ranked based on the percentage of marks obtained in their prescribed qualification (aggregate of all subjects across all years/semesters). For example, if you are applying for Technician Apprentice (Chemical), your diploma marks in Chemical Engineering will be considered. The higher your percentage, the better your chances of selection.

Tie-Breaking Rules: If two or more candidates have identical percentages, the following criteria will apply in order: (1) Date of birth – older candidate gets preference, (2) If dates of birth are also identical, then the candidate with higher percentage in Class 10th (Matriculation) examination will be preferred.

Preference for First-Time Apprentices: Candidates applying for apprenticeship training for the first time will be given priority over those who have already completed apprenticeship in another trade. This ensures fresh candidates get maximum opportunities.

Document Verification Stage

Candidates shortlisted based on merit will be called for document verification tentatively scheduled between 05 March 2026 and 10 March 2026. This is a crucial stage where original documents must be produced along with self-attested copies. Documents required include Class 10th certificate (age proof), Class 12th/ITI/Diploma/Degree marksheets and certificates, CGPA conversion certificate if applicable, category certificates (SC/OBC/EWS/PwBD), NAPS/NATS registration proof, and affidavit confirming eligibility conditions.

Pre-Engagement Medical Examination

Only candidates whose documents are verified and found in order will undergo medical fitness examination. The medical standards are prescribed under the Apprentices Act and are strictly enforced considering the hazardous nature of petroleum refining operations. Candidates must meet minimum physical fitness parameters including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, respiratory function, and musculoskeletal fitness. PwBD candidates will be examined with due consideration to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.

Preparation Tips for Selection: Since selection is merit-based, ensure your academic records are accurately maintained. If you have CGPA, obtain the percentage conversion certificate well in advance. Keep all original documents ready and make multiple self-attested copies. For medical examination, maintain good health and disclose any pre-existing medical conditions honestly, as concealment can lead to disqualification later.

Stipend and Salary Structure

Stipend Payment Details: The exact stipend amount will be determined as per the Apprentices Act 1961/1973 and IOCL’s internal guidelines, which are periodically revised. Typically, diploma holder technician apprentices receive higher stipends compared to ITI trade apprentices. Graduate trade apprentices also receive competitive stipends. The stipend is paid monthly and is meant to cover basic expenses during training.

Additional Benefits: Apart from monthly stipend, selected apprentices in codes 101, 102, 104, 105, 106, and 107 will receive one pair of safety shoes and a returnable safety helmet. All apprentices will be covered under accident insurance. They will also be entitled to 32 days of general leave per year (8 days per quarter), 12 days casual leave (pro-rata), and all holidays observed at the establishment.

No Employment Guarantee: It is crucial to understand that apprenticeship is purely a training program. Upon completion, IOCL has no obligation to offer permanent employment, and apprentices cannot claim employment rights. However, the experience gained during apprenticeship significantly enhances employability in the oil and gas sector and other industries.

In-Hand Amount Expectation: While specific stipend amounts are not disclosed in the notification, apprentices in PSU oil companies typically receive stipends ranging from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 15,000 per month depending on qualification level. Diploma holders generally receive higher stipends than ITI holders. There are no deductions for PF or other contributions, so the stipend amount is received in full.

How to Apply for IOCL Panipat Apprentice 2026

The application process for IOCL Panipat Apprentice Recruitment 2026 involves two mandatory steps. Both steps must be completed for your application to be considered valid. Follow this detailed guide carefully to avoid rejection.

STEP 1: Registration and Application on NAPS/NATS Portal

For Codes 101, 102, 108, 109, 110, 111 – Use NAPS Portal:

• Visit the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
• If you are a new user, complete registration by providing basic details like name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number
• Verify your email and mobile through OTP
• Complete your profile with educational qualifications, personal details, and upload required documents
• Go to “Apprenticeship Opportunities” in the top menu
• In search column, select location as “IOCL, Panipat Refinery & Petrochemical Complex”
• Select your desired trade from the options displayed
• Use Establishment ID: E10150600035 to find IOCL Panipat opportunities
• Click “Apply” against the relevant opportunity
• Ensure your profile shows correct aggregate percentage of marks
• Submit the application and note down your registration/enrollment number

For Codes 104, 105, 106, 107 – Use NATS Portal:

• Visit the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal at nats.education.gov.in
• Complete registration if you are a new user by providing necessary details
• Verify your credentials through email/mobile OTP
• Fill in your complete educational and personal details accurately
• Upload scanned copies of required documents
• After successful registration, log in to your dashboard
• Search for IOCL Panipat Refinery advertisement using Establishment ID: NHRPPC000003
• Apply for your relevant technician apprentice discipline
• Verify that your aggregate percentage is correctly displayed
• Submit the application and save your registration number

STEP 2: Mandatory Google Form Submission

After completing STEP 1, you must mandatorily submit additional details through Google Forms. Visit the link: forms.gle/yYXqu3R42BVV9bW7A

• Use the same email ID and mobile number used in NAPS/NATS portal
• Enter your NAPS/NATS enrollment/registration number accurately
• For Code 108 (Secretarial Assistant), specifically mention your preferred location: Panipat OR New Delhi (not both)
• Fill all mandatory fields carefully
• Verify all information before final submission
• Submit only ONE response – multiple submissions may lead to rejection
• Take a screenshot of successful submission for your records

Critical Application Checklist:

Common Application Errors to Avoid: Many candidates complete only one step and assume their application is complete. Both steps are mandatory. Another common mistake is applying for multiple trades thinking it increases chances – this leads to automatic rejection. Ensure your CGPA is converted to percentage using your university’s formula before entering it. Double-check your enrollment number in Google Forms as any mismatch will invalidate your application. For Secretarial Assistant, clearly choose ONE location only.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Expert Tips for Successful Application

1. Start Preparation Early

Do not wait until the last date to apply. Register on NAPS/NATS portal at least 3-4 days before the deadline. This gives you time to resolve any technical issues, document upload problems, or profile completion requirements. Keep all your educational documents, certificates, and scanned copies ready before starting the application process.

2. Calculate Your Aggregate Percentage Accurately

Many candidates make errors in calculating aggregate percentage, especially those with CGPA or OGPA. Contact your university or institute to obtain the official conversion formula. If your institute uses a different grading system, get a conversion certificate. Remember, marks of all subjects across all semesters/years are considered, not just main subjects or final year marks.

3. Understand the Eligibility Criteria Thoroughly

Read the entire notification at least twice. Pay special attention to your specific trade/discipline requirements. Verify that your degree/diploma branch exactly matches what is specified. Check the five-year completion limit and one-year work experience restriction. Many applications get rejected due to misunderstanding these criteria.

4. Choose Your Trade Wisely

Apply for the trade that best matches your qualification and interests. Do not apply randomly or for multiple trades. If you have B.Sc. with PCM, you can apply for either Code 101 or Code 108, but not both. Choose based on your career interest – technical operations or administrative support. For B.Com graduates, choose between Secretarial Assistant or Accountant carefully.

5. Maintain Document Quality

Scan all documents in high quality (minimum 200 DPI) in PDF or JPG format. Ensure certificates are clearly readable without any blur or shadows. File sizes should comply with portal requirements (usually under 2 MB per document). Keep both color scans and black-white scans ready as different portals have different requirements.

6. Keep Track of Application Status

After submitting both steps, note down your application reference numbers. Take screenshots of successful submission pages. Regularly check your registered email ID and mobile for updates. Visit the IOCL website frequently after 20 February to check the shortlist for document verification. Enable email notifications from IOCL domain.

7. Prepare for Document Verification in Advance

If you are shortlisted, document verification will happen within 15 days of application closure. Start collecting original documents now. Get your category certificates verified for correct format. If you need CGPA conversion or result date certificate from your institute, apply for them immediately as they may take time. Self-attest photocopies properly with signature, date, and pen (not pencil).

8. Understand Post-Selection Requirements

Even if selected, you will need to undergo medical examination meeting strict parameters. Review the medical fitness guidelines on IOCL website. If you have any health concerns, consult a doctor beforehand. Remember, concealing medical conditions can lead to termination later. Be prepared for the fact that apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is there any written exam for IOCL Panipat Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

Answer: No, there is no written examination. Selection is purely merit-based on the percentage of marks obtained in the prescribed educational qualification. Candidates will be shortlisted in descending order of their academic marks for document verification.

Q2: Can I apply for multiple trades in this recruitment?

Answer: No, you cannot apply for more than one trade or discipline. Applications for multiple trades will be summarily rejected. Choose only one trade that matches your qualification and interest. If you apply for both Panipat and New Delhi locations under Secretarial Assistant, both applications will be rejected.

Q3: What is the age limit for IOCL Panipat Apprentice 2026?

Answer: Minimum age is 18 years and maximum age is 24 years as on 31 January 2026 for General/EWS candidates. SC candidates get 5 years relaxation (up to 29 years), OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation (up to 27 years), and PwBD candidates get 10 years relaxation (up to 34 years). Cumulative relaxation applies for PwBD+SC and PwBD+OBC candidates.

Q4: Is there any application fee for this apprenticeship?

Answer: No, there is no application fee for any category. The entire application process is completely free. Beware of fraudulent websites or agents asking for money for form filling or application processing.

Q5: What documents are required at the time of document verification?

Answer: You need to bring originals and self-attested copies of: Class 10th certificate (age proof), Class 12th/ITI/Diploma/Degree marksheets and certificates, CGPA conversion certificate (if applicable), category certificates (SC/OBC/EWS/PwBD), NAPS/NATS registration proof, affidavit for previous apprenticeship (if applicable), and one photo ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID/Driving License/Passport).

Q6: What is the monthly stipend for apprentices?

Answer: The stipend will be as prescribed under Apprentices Act 1961/1973 and IOCL guidelines. While exact amounts are not mentioned in the notification, PSU apprentices typically receive Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 15,000 per month depending on qualification level (ITI, Diploma, or Graduate). Additionally, safety equipment and insurance coverage are provided.

Q7: Can I apply if I completed my degree/diploma through correspondence or distance mode?

Answer: No, only regular full-time courses from recognized boards/universities/institutes are acceptable. Qualifications obtained through part-time, correspondence, or distance education mode are not eligible for this apprenticeship recruitment.

Q8: Will I get a permanent job after completing apprenticeship?

Answer: No, completing apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment with IOCL. Upon completion of training, the corporation has no obligation to offer employment, and apprentices cannot claim employment rights. However, the experience significantly improves your employability in the oil and gas sector.

Q9: Can I apply if I have already completed apprenticeship in another trade?

Answer: Yes, you can apply if you have completed apprenticeship in a different trade, provided there is a minimum gap of one year from completion date as on 31 January 2026. If your previous apprenticeship was terminated by the employer’s fault, no gap is required. If you terminated due to health/financial hardship, three months gap is required. You must submit an affidavit as per Annexure-I format.

Q10: What is the difference between NAPS and NATS portal?

Answer: NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme) portal is for Trade Apprentices including graduate and ITI-based trades (Codes 101, 102, 108, 109, 110, 111). NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme) portal is for Technician Apprentices based on diploma qualifications (Codes 104, 105, 106, 107). Use the correct portal based on your applied trade.

Q11: Can candidates with B.E./B.Tech degrees apply for this apprenticeship?

Answer: No, candidates possessing higher professional qualifications such as B.E., B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, MCA, or any equivalent qualification are not eligible. This apprenticeship is specifically for diploma holders, graduates (B.Sc./B.A./B.Com), and ITI qualified candidates as specified for each trade.

Q12: How is the merit list prepared if two candidates have the same percentage?

Answer: In case of a tie in percentage marks, the date of birth is considered (senior by age gets preference). If the date of birth is also the same, then the candidate with higher percentage in Class 10th (Matriculation) examination will be given preference.