IOCL Paradip Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2025: A Golden Opportunity for 414 Posts
A fantastic chance for 10th, 12th, ITI, Diploma, and Graduates to join India's flagship energy major. Selection based purely on merit of qualifying examination marks.
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), one of India's largest commercial enterprises and a Fortune "Global 500" company, has released a major recruitment notification as part of its Skill Building Initiative for the nation. This recruitment is for engaging youths as Apprentices in various trades and disciplines at IOCL's Paradip Refinery Unit in Odisha. Under Advertisement No. PDR/HR/02/Apprentices-25, applications have been invited for a total of 414 seats, offering a magnificent opportunity for candidates with qualifications ranging from 10th, 12th, ITI, Diploma, to Graduation.
This recruitment is being conducted under the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973, with the primary objective of enhancing the skills of the youth by providing them with practical, on-the-job training in the industry, thereby making them more employable. The most attractive aspect of this recruitment is that there will be NO WRITTEN EXAMINATION. The selection of candidates will be done purely through a merit list prepared based on the percentage of marks obtained in their qualifying academic qualifications. This merit-based approach ensures a transparent and fair selection process, rewarding academic excellence.
Through this apprenticeship program, IOCL is providing training to the youth not only in technical fields such as Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Instrumentation but also in non-technical areas like Accountant and Data Entry Operator. The training period will range from 12 to 15 months, during which the apprentices will also be paid a fixed monthly stipend. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online from November 28, 2025, to December 18, 2025. This comprehensive article will provide you with all the essential information related to this recruitment, such as post-wise vacancies, qualifications, age limit, selection process, and how to apply.
Recruitment Overview (Important Points)
Here is a concise overview of the key details regarding this apprenticeship drive. Aspirants are advised to take careful note of this information.
| Particulars | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) - Paradip Refinery |
| Advertisement Number | PDR/HR/02/Apprentices-25 |
| Post Name | Trade Apprentice and Technician Apprentice |
| Total Posts | 414 |
| Job Location | Paradip Refinery, Odisha |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Dates | November 28, 2025, to December 18, 2025 |
Vacancy Details and Reservation
IOCL Paradip Refinery has invited applications for a total of 414 Apprentice posts in various trades and disciplines. These vacancies are divided into different categories as per the reservation rules of the state of Odisha. A detailed post-wise and category-wise breakdown of the vacancies is provided below:
| Code | Trade/Discipline | Total Posts | UR | EWS | SC | ST | OBC(NCL) | PwBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Trade Apprentice - Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) | 130 | 52 | 13 | 21 | 29 | 15 | 0 |
| 102 | Trade Apprentice - Fitter | 40 | 16 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 3 |
| 104 | Technician Apprentice - Chemical | 70 | 29 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 8 | 0 |
| 105 | Technician Apprentice - Mechanical | 50 | 20 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 6 | 4 |
| 106 | Technician Apprentice - Electrical | 80 | 32 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 10 | 5 |
| 107 | Technician Apprentice - Instrumentation | 20 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 108 | Trade Apprentice - Secretarial Assistant | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 109 | Trade Apprentice - Accountant | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 110 | Trade Apprentice - Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | 16 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 111 | Trade Apprentice - Data Entry Operator (Skill Certificate Holder) | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Grand Total | 414 | 167 | 41 | 66 | 90 | 50 | 19 | |
Stipend and Training Period
Selected apprentices will be paid a fixed monthly stipend as per the Apprenticeship Act, 1961/1973, and the corporation's guidelines. The duration of training varies for different posts as detailed below:
| Post Name | Training Period |
|---|---|
| Trade Apprentice - Secretarial Assistant (Code 108) | 15 Months |
| All other Trade/Technician Apprentices | 12 Months |
Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualification & Age Limit
Specific educational qualifications have been prescribed for each trade/discipline. Candidates must ensure that they have obtained the prescribed qualification as of the date of eligibility calculation (November 30, 2025).
Educational Qualification
| Code | Trade/Discipline | Educational Qualification | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) | 3 years B.Sc (Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry) | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) |
| 102 | Fitter | Matric (10th) with ITI (Pass Class) in Fitter trade of minimum 2 years duration | |
| 104 | Technician Apprentice - Chemical | 3 years Diploma in Chemical Engg./Petrochemical Engg./Chemical Technology/Refinery & Petrochemical Engg. | |
| 105 | Technician Apprentice - Mechanical | 3 years Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. | |
| 106 | Technician Apprentice - Electrical | 3 years Diploma in Electrical Engineering or Electrical & Electronics Engineering. | |
| 107 | Technician Apprentice - Instrumentation | 3 years Diploma in Instrumentation Engg./Instrumentation & Electronics/Instrumentation & Control Engg./Applied Electronics & Instrumentation Engg. | |
| 108 | Secretarial Assistant | 3 years B.A./B.Sc./B.Com. | |
| 109 | Accountant | 3 years B.Com. | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) |
| 110 | Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | Class 12th Pass. | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) |
| 111 | Data Entry Operator (Skill Certificate Holder) | Class 12th Pass with Skill Certificate in 'Domestic Data Entry Operator'. |
Age Limit (as on 30.11.2025)
The age limit for General and EWS category candidates is as follows:
| Criteria | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age | 24 years |
Upper Age Limit Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC (NCL): 3 years
- PwBD: 10 years (15 years for PwBD-SC/ST and 13 years for PwBD-OBC(NCL))
Selection Methodology: A Merit-Based Approach
A key highlight of this recruitment is that there will be NO WRITTEN EXAMINATION. The selection process is completely transparent and merit-based, founded on the following criteria:
- Merit List Preparation: The selection of candidates will be based on the percentage of marks obtained in the prescribed educational qualification for the respective trade/discipline. A merit list will be prepared in descending order based on the aggregate marks of all years/semesters.
- Preference: Preference will be given to candidates applying for apprenticeship training for the first time.
- Tie-Breaker Rule:
- In case two or more candidates have the same marks in the qualifying examination, the candidate who is older in age will be placed higher on the merit list.
- If the date of birth is also the same, the candidate who has obtained higher marks in Matriculation (10th class) will be given preference.
- Document Verification (DV): Candidates shortlisted based on the merit list will be called for document verification. During this stage, candidates must produce all their original certificates and their self-attested copies for verification.
- Pre-Engagement Medical Fitness: Candidates found successful in document verification will have to undergo a Pre-Engagement Medical Examination. The final offer for apprenticeship will be extended only to those candidates who are declared medically fit.
How to Apply (A Mandatory Two-Step Process)
The application process is a two-step procedure and is entirely online. It is mandatory for candidates to first register on the relevant government apprenticeship portal and then apply on the IOCL portal.
Step I: Registration and Application on NAPS/NATS Portal
- For Trade Apprentices (Codes 101, 102, 108, 109, 110, 111): Candidates must register themselves on the NAPS Portal (https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/).
- For Technician Apprentices (Codes 104, 105, 106, 107): Candidates must register themselves on the NATS Portal (https://nats.education.gov.in/).
- After registration, candidates must log in to the portal and apply for the apprenticeship opportunity at IOCL Paradip Refinery.
- NATS Establishment ID: EORJSC000003
- NAPS Establishment ID: E07192100001
- Ensure your profile is 100% complete and all details (personal, academic, percentage) are filled in correctly.
Step II: Application on the IOCL Recruitment Portal
- After successfully applying on the NAPS/NATS portal, candidates must mandatorily visit the IOCL recruitment portal: www.iocrefrecruit.in.
- This portal will be open from November 28, 2025 (10:00 AM) to December 18, 2025 (05:00 PM).
- Go to the link "Engagement of Apprentices under Refineries Division 2025 (II)" and click on "Detailed advertisement of Paradip Refinery".
- Click on the "Click here to Apply Online" link to fill out the online application form.
- You will be required to enter the registration number obtained from the NAPS/NATS portal and other details.
- Upload your latest color photograph and signature (each less than 50 KB) in jpg format.
- Carefully check all the information before final submission, as no changes can be made after submission.
- Save a printout of the filled application form for future reference.
How to Prepare for This Merit-Based Selection
Since there is no written examination, "preparation" for this recruitment means ensuring your application is flawless and you are ready for document verification.
- Focus on the Application Process: The two-step application process is the main hurdle. Make sure you complete both steps correctly and well before the deadline. Read the official notification multiple times.
- Update and Verify Your NAPS/NATS Profile: Your selection depends entirely on the percentage of marks entered in your profile. Ensure your profile on the NAPS/NATS portal is 100% complete. Accurately enter the marks of all semesters/years and the correct overall percentage. Any discrepancy can lead to the rejection of your application.
- Keep All Documents Ready: In case you are shortlisted for document verification, you should have all your original documents organized in a file. Ensure your caste/EWS/NCL certificates are in the prescribed format and are valid.
- Calculate Percentage Correctly: If your result is in CGPA/OGPA, know the correct formula to convert it to a percentage as per your university's rules and obtain the necessary conversion certificate if required.
- Regularly Check Websites and Email: The list of shortlisted candidates, the date of document verification, and all other updates will be published on the IOCL website (www.iocl.com / www.iocrefrecruit.in). Therefore, keep checking these websites and your registered email regularly.
Important Links
| Link Type | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification | Click Here |
| IOCL Online Application Portal | Click Here (Active from 28.11.2025) |
| NAPS Portal (for Trade Apprentices) | https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/ |
| NATS Portal (for Technician Apprentices) | https://nats.education.gov.in/ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Question 1: What is the selection process for the IOCL Apprentice recruitment?
There is no written examination for this recruitment. The selection will be made solely through a merit list based on the percentage of marks obtained in your qualifying academic qualification.
- Question 2: What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the online application on both the IOCL and NAPS/NATS portals is December 18, 2025 (by 05:00 PM).
- Question 3: Can final-year students apply?
No. As per the notification, candidates must have the final result of the prescribed qualification as of the date of eligibility calculation (November 30, 2025).
- Question 4: Can I apply for more than one trade?
No, a candidate can apply for only one trade/discipline of their choice. Applying for more than one will lead to the cancellation of the candidature.
- Question 5: Is this a permanent job?
No, this is an apprenticeship training program with a duration of 12 to 15 months. Upon completion of the training, IOCL is not obligated to offer you permanent employment.
