Big news for Assam’s engineering, diploma, ITI and graduate students! Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has released apprentice notifications for both its Guwahati Refinery and Bongaigaon Refinery units on June 29, 2026. These two Assam-based PSU units are offering 254 apprentice seats across Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Civil, and Trade disciplines. No written exam, selection purely on merit — here’s everything you need to know.
Applications for IOCL Guwahati Refinery (114 seats) and IOCL Bongaigaon Refinery (140 seats) apprentice engagement have opened today. IOCL refineries accept applications till July 28, 2026. No written test — selection is purely merit-based on your qualifying marks!
1. IOCL Apprentice 2026 (Assam) – Quick Overview
| Detail | IOCL Guwahati | IOCL Bongaigaon |
|---|---|---|
| Advt. No. | GR/P/APP/2026-27 | BGR/Appr/2026/03 |
| Total Seats | 114 | 140 |
| Notification Date | 29-06-2026 | 29-06-2026 |
| Application Opens | 29-06-2026 | 29-06-2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 28-07-2026 | 28-07-2026 |
| Selection Mode | Merit (No written test) | Merit (No written test) |
| Age Limit | 18-24 yrs (as on 30-06-2026) | 18-24 yrs (as on 30-06-2026) |
| Official Website | www.iocl.com | |
2. IOCL Apprentice 2026 Guwahati Refinery 2026 – 114 Seats Trade-wise
If you’re based in or near Guwahati, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience at one of India’s oldest and most reputed refineries. Here’s the complete trade-wise breakup:
| Trade/Discipline | Qualification | Seats | Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) | B.Sc (Maths/Physics/Chemistry) | 17 | 12 mo |
| Fitter (Trade) | Matric + ITI Fitter | 4 | 12 mo |
| Boiler Attendant (Trade) | B.Sc (Maths/Physics/Chemistry) | 8 | 24 mo |
| Technician – Chemical | Diploma Chemical/Petrochemical Engg | 21 | 12 mo |
| Technician – Mechanical | Diploma Mechanical Engg | 14 | 12 mo |
| Technician – Electrical | Diploma Electrical Engg | 14 | 12 mo |
| Technician – Instrumentation | Diploma Instrumentation Engg | 4 | 12 mo |
| Secretarial Assistant | B.A./B.Sc/B.Com | 14 | 15 mo |
| Accountant | B.Com | 1 | 12 mo |
| Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | Class XII Pass | 4 | 12 mo |
| Data Entry Operator (Skill Cert.) | XII + DDEO Skill Cert | 1 | 12 mo |
| Total | 114 |
Establishment ID for NATS: EASKMC000002 | NAPS: E08191800001
3. IOCL Apprentice 2026 Bongaigaon Refinery 2026 – 140 Seats Trade-wise
Bongaigaon Refinery is offering even more seats this year compared to Guwahati. If you’re from the Bongaigaon, Chirang, or surrounding districts, this could be your local opportunity to break into the oil and gas sector:
| Trade/Discipline | Qualification | Seats | Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) | B.Sc (Maths/Physics/Chemistry) | 43 | 12 mo |
| Fitter (Trade) | Matric + ITI Fitter | 6 | 12 mo |
| Boiler Attendant (Trade) | B.Sc (Maths/Physics/Chemistry) | 14 | 24 mo |
| Technician – Chemical | Diploma Chemical/Petrochemical Engg | 14 | 12 mo |
| Technician – Mechanical | Diploma Mechanical Engg | 20 | 12 mo |
| Technician – Electrical | Diploma Electrical Engg | 15 | 12 mo |
| Technician – Instrumentation | Diploma Instrumentation Engg | 9 | 12 mo |
| Secretarial Assistant | B.A./B.Sc/B.Com | 15 | 15 mo |
| Accountant | B.Com | 1 | 12 mo |
| Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | Class XII Pass | 5 | 12 mo |
| Data Entry Operator (Skill Cert.) | XII + DDEO Skill Cert | 2 | 12 mo |
| Total | 140 |
Establishment ID for NATS: EASCHC000001 | NAPS: E07191800001
4. Eligibility Criteria IOCL Apprentice 2026
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Marks | 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PwBD in reserved seats) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 24 years (General/EWS); relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD as per Govt rules |
| Course Mode | Regular full-time only — distance/correspondence NOT accepted |
| Higher Qualification | B.E./B.Tech/MBA/CA/LLB/MCA holders are NOT eligible |
| Job Experience | 1+ year of experience post-qualification makes you ineligible |
| Time Limit Since Passing | Must not have completed 5 years since acquiring qualification |
| One Trade Rule | Can apply to only ONE trade/discipline — multiple applications get rejected |
Your result must already be declared — candidates whose final-year results are awaited cannot apply. Also, if you’ve already completed apprenticeship under the Apprentices Act before, special gap-period rules apply (1 year minimum gap in most cases). Read clause A.11 of the respective notification carefully.
5. How to Apply – IOCL Apprentice 2026 Guwahati & Bongaigaon (NATS/NAPS Process)
This is where most candidates get confused. IOCL’s process has TWO mandatory steps — missing either one means your application is invalid. Let’s break it down clearly:
STEP 1: Portal Registration
- For Graduate/Trade posts (Codes 101, 102, 103, 108, 109, 110, 111): Register on the NAPS portal — apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
- For Diploma posts (Codes 104, 105, 106, 107): Register on the NATS portal — nats.education.gov.in
- Select “Apprenticeship Opportunities” and search for the relevant IOCL Refinery Unit using the Establishment ID
- Complete your profile 100% correctly — personal, educational, and category details
STEP 2: Microsoft Form Submission (Mandatory!)
- Visit www.iocl.com → “What’s New” → Engagement of Apprentices (select your Refinery Unit)
- Click on “Detailed Advertisement” to verify all details
- Click “Submit additional information on Microsoft Form”
- Fill the form — make sure your Enrollment/Registration Number matches exactly with Step 1
- Submit only ONE response per candidate
Completing only Step 1 OR only Step 2 will make your application INVALID. Both steps are compulsory. Also, mismatched details (like different Enrollment Numbers) between the two steps leads to summary rejection. Double-check everything before submitting!
Establishment IDs for Quick Reference:
| Unit | NATS Establishment ID | NAPS Establishment ID |
|---|---|---|
| Guwahati Refinery | EASKMC000002 | E08191800001 |
| Bongaigaon Refinery | EASCHC000001 | E07191800001 |
6. Selection Process – Merit Based, No Written Exam
Here’s something that’ll come as a relief — IOCL does not conduct a written test for apprentice selection. It’s purely based on your academic record:
✅ IOCL Selection Logic:
- Ranked by aggregate percentage (all subjects, all years/semesters) in descending order
- First-time apprentices get preference over second-time applicants
- Tie-breaker: older candidate (by Date of Birth) ranks higher; further tie broken by Matriculation marks
- PwBD candidates availing relaxed eligibility marks are adjusted within reserved category merit
7. Documents Required at Document Verification
Once shortlisted, you’ll need to carry original documents plus self-attested photocopies. Keep these ready in advance so you’re not scrambling at the last minute:
- 10th/Matriculation Certificate (proof of date of birth — this is the ONLY accepted DOB proof)
- Class XII / ITI / Diploma / Graduation marksheets (semester-wise/year-wise, as applicable)
- Final certificate from respective Board/University/Institute
- CGPA-to-percentage conversion certificate, if your marksheet shows grades instead of percentage
- Course completion certificate from Principal confirming regular full-time mode
- SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/EWS/PwBD certificate in the prescribed government format (if claiming reservation)
- NATS/NAPS portal registration printout
- One original photo ID — Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or Passport
- Affidavit (Annexure-A format, for second-time apprenticeship applicants)
8. Important Dates for IOCL Apprentice 2026
| Event | IOCL Guwahati / Bongaigaon |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 29-06-2026 (10:00 hrs) |
| Last Date to Apply | 28-07-2026 (17:00 hrs) |
| Document Verification List | 05-08-2026 (tentative) |
| Document Verification | 11-08-2026 to 18-08-2026 |
Don’t wait till the last day to apply! Government portals like NATS and NAPS often slow down or crash near the deadline due to heavy traffic. Apply at least a week before July 28 to avoid last-minute technical glitches.
9. Stipend, Benefits & Important Notes for IOCL Apprentice 2026
- Stipend: As per Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 and Apprentices Rules 1992 guidelines (varies by trade and qualification)
- No Job Guarantee: Completing apprenticeship does NOT entitle you to regular employment at IOCL — this is purely a skill-training program
- Safety Gear: IOCL provides safety shoes and helmet (returnable) for technical trades
- Leave: 32 days general leave + 12 days casual leave per year (pro-rata)
- Insurance: Apprentices are covered under Accident Insurance
- No HRA/Accommodation: Company accommodation or HRA is not provided
- Railway Fare Reimbursement: SC/ST/PwBD candidates get single second-class railway fare reimbursed for Document Verification (if distance ≥ 30 km)
10. Important Links for IOCL Apprentice 2026
📞 For Queries:
- IOCL Guwahati Refinery: 0361-2657001 | grrecruitment@indianoil.in
- IOCL Bongaigaon Refinery: 03664-253136 | bgrrecruit@indianoil.in
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the last date to apply for IOCL Apprentice Guwahati/Bongaigaon 2026?
The last date to apply for both IOCL Guwahati Refinery and Bongaigaon Refinery apprentice posts is July 28, 2026, 17:00 hrs. Applications opened on June 29, 2026.
Q2. Is there a written exam for IOCL Apprentice selection?
No! IOCL does not conduct a written test. Selection is purely based on your aggregate marks percentage in the qualifying exam.
Q3. Can I apply for multiple trades in the same notification?
No. You can apply for only ONE trade/discipline. Applying for more than one trade will result in summary rejection of your application. Choose carefully based on your qualification.
Q4. What is the difference between NATS and NAPS portal?
NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme) is used for Diploma/Graduate Engineering apprentice registration. NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme) is used for Trade/ITI apprentice registration. Each post code specifies which portal applies.
Q5. Does completing IOCL apprenticeship guarantee a permanent job?
No, absolutely not. IOCL clearly states that apprenticeship is purely a skill-building training program. Upon completion, the Corporation has no obligation to offer employment.
Q6. What is the age limit for IOCL Apprentice 2026?
The age limit is 18 to 24 years for General/EWS candidates (as on June 30, 2026). Age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC(NCL), and up to 10 years for PwBD candidates applies.
Q7. I completed apprenticeship before. Can I apply again?
Yes, but with conditions. You must apply for a different trade/discipline than your previous apprenticeship, and there should be a minimum 1-year gap. First-time applicants get preference.
Q8. What happens if my Step 1 (NATS/NAPS) and Step 2 (Microsoft Form) details don’t match?
Your application will be treated as an “Invalid Application” and summarily rejected. It is your responsibility to ensure your Enrollment Number matches exactly across both steps.
Q9. Are candidates with results awaited eligible to apply?
No. Candidates whose final qualifying exam result is awaited as on the reckoning date are NOT eligible to apply. You must have already passed your qualifying exam.
