IOCL Digboi Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 126 Refinery Vacancies, Apply by 31 July

Last Updated: 9 July 2026

IOCL Digboi Apprentice Recruitment 2026

If you are a young graduate or diploma holder sitting in Assam or anywhere in the North East, waiting for a solid break into India’s petroleum sector, this notification might be the one you have been refreshing your browser for.

Indian Oil Corporation Limited has just opened applications for 126 apprentice positions at its Digboi Refinery — Asia’s oldest refinery, still running after more than a century. The refinery sits in the tea gardens and oil fields of upper Assam, and for many local families, a job here has been a source of stability for generations.

This is not a permanent job. It is an apprenticeship under the Apprentices Act, 1961. But here is why it still matters: you will train inside a Maharatna PSU, work on live refinery equipment, and walk away with a certificate that carries weight across the oil and gas industry. For someone starting out — whether you hold a B.Sc., a diploma, or just finished Class XII — that exposure is hard to match.

The trades on offer are practical. Attendant Operator for chemical plant work. Fitter and Boiler roles for mechanical hands. Technician posts in chemical, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation streams. Even secretarial, accounting, and data entry positions for commerce and arts graduates. There is something here for nearly every academic background.

Selection is straightforward — pure merit, no written test. Your marks in the qualifying exam decide your rank. No coaching centers to pay, no exam stress to endure.

But there are catches, and they are strict. You cannot have a B.Tech or MBA — higher qualifications disqualify you. You cannot have worked for more than a year after your course. And your degree or diploma should not be older than five years as of 30 June 2026. IOCL means this: this is for fresh candidates, not people already settled in careers.

The application window is short. It opened on 8 July 2026 and closes on 31 July 2026 at 5:00 PM. And this is critical — you must complete two separate steps: register on the NAPS or NATS portal, then fill a Microsoft form. Candidates miss this every year and wonder why their name never appears on the shortlist.

If you are looking for government jobs after BTech or technical government jobs with permanent employment, this apprenticeship is not that. But if you want your first serious step into India’s energy sector, Digboi is as real as it gets.

IOCL Digboi Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Highlights

For more apprentice opportunities across India, check our Government Internships 2026 and Government Jobs After BTech 2026 guides.

Quick Access Link

About Digboi Refinery — Asia’s Oldest Refinery

Digboi Refinery holds a unique place in India’s industrial history. Commissioned in 1901, it is Asia’s oldest refinery and one of the oldest still in operation globally. Located in the Tinsukia district of Assam, the refinery has been the backbone of petroleum production in the North East for over a century.

Today, under Indian Oil Corporation Limited — India’s largest commercial undertaking and a Fortune Global 500 company — the Digboi Refinery continues to process crude oil and produce petroleum products for the region. The refinery complex includes processing units, storage facilities, and a township.

For apprentices, this means exposure to actual refinery operations in a hazardous industrial environment. The training covers operations and maintenance activities in the plant area, giving you hands-on experience that is difficult to replicate in classroom settings.

Apprentices interested in refinery and petrochemical careers should also explore IOCL Barauni Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 for another major IOCL opportunity.

Vacancy Details and Trade-wise Breakdown

Important Notes:

• Seat numbers are tentative and may change at management’s discretion
• B.Sc. candidates (Code 101, 103) can apply for only one trade — either Code 101 or Code 103, not both
• PwBD seats are identified against Codes 105, 106, 107, 108, and 110 only
• Petroleum refining is a hazardous industry — PwBD candidates with disabilities not suited for hazardous environments may not be engaged

For more PSU Engineering Jobs 2026 and technical apprentice opportunities, visit our dedicated PSU section.

Reservation Breakdown

Inter-category filling: If SC/ST seats remain vacant, they may be filled by ST/SC candidates respectively. If still vacant, by OBC, then UR. Similarly, unfilled OBC seats go to SC/ST, then UR. Unfilled EWS seats go directly to UR.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Critical Conditions:

1. Regular Full-Time Course Only: Part-time, correspondence, distance education qualifications are not accepted
2. Result Awaited Not Eligible: You must have already passed the qualifying exam as on the date of reckoning (30.06.2026)
3. CGPA/OGPA: Must convert to equivalent percentage as per your University/Institute norms. Certificate from University required at document verification
4. Higher Qualifications Disqualified: Candidates with BE/B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, MCA, or equivalent — or pursuing/possessing higher qualification — are NOT eligible
5. Job Experience Disqualified: Candidates with 1+ year job experience after attaining the qualification are not eligible
6. 5-Year Gap Rule: Candidates who completed the qualifying qualification more than 5 years ago (as on 30.06.2026) are not eligible
7. Previous Apprentices: Allowed only with gap conditions:
   1. Different trade: 1 year gap required
   1. Same trade terminated by employer: No gap required
   1. Same trade terminated by candidate (health/financial/relocation): 3 months gap required (no waiting period for women)
   1. Terminated for failure to carry out contract: Permanently ineligible

For fresh graduates looking for regular employment (not apprenticeship), explore Government Jobs After BTech 2026 and Government Jobs Without GATE 2026.

Age Limit

Age Relaxation

Note: OBC creamy layer candidates are not entitled to OBC reservation. They may apply as UR if they meet UR age criteria.

Selection Process — Merit Based, No Written Test

Stage 1: Merit List Preparation

• No written examination — selection purely on marks obtained in qualifying exam
• Aggregate marks of all subjects across all years/semesters considered
• Merit list prepared in descending order of percentage
• First-time apprentices given preference

Stage 2: Tie-Breaking

If two or more candidates have the same percentage: 1. Senior by age (older candidate ranked higher) 2. If same date of birth, higher Matriculation percentage

Stage 3: Document Verification

• Shortlisted candidates called based on merit position and seat availability
• Tentative dates: 11–18 August 2026
• Original documents + self-attested copies required
• SC/ST candidates reimbursed second class railway fare (shortest route, one way, distance ≥30 km) on production of ticket

Stage 4: Medical Fitness

• Pre-engagement medical examination mandatory
• Must meet fitness standards under Apprentices Act
• PwBD medical examination as per Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
• Only medically fit candidates engaged

Stage 5: Offer of Engagement

• Final shortlisted candidates with verified documents and medical fitness certificate receive offer
• No obligation for regular employment after apprenticeship

How to Apply for IOCL Digboi Apprentice 2026

Step-by-Step Online Application

This is a TWO-STEP process. Both steps are mandatory.

STEP I: Register on NAPS/NATS Portal

For Codes 101, 102, 103, 108, 109, 110, 111 (NAPS Portal):

1. Visit https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
2. Click “Apprenticeship Opportunities” in top menu
3. Search by location: IOCL Digboi Refinery
4. Select your trade and login with basic details
5. Complete registration and apply to the opportunity
6. Note your NAPS Registration Number

For Codes 104, 105, 106, 107 (NATS Portal):

1. Visit https://nats.education.gov.in
2. Login with your User ID / Email ID
3. Apply to the IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery advertisement on your dashboard
4. Note your NATS Enrollment Number

Establishment IDs:

Critical: Ensure your profile (personal details, education, category, aggregate percentage) is 100% correct on the portal before applying.

STEP II: Fill Microsoft Form (Mandatory)

1. Visit: https://forms.office.com/r/g0ZP2igeTa
2. Fill all details carefully
3. Use the same email ID and mobile number as registered on NAPS/NATS
4. Submit only one response
5. Ensure details match exactly with NAPS/NATS portal

Important Rules:

Documents Required for Document Verification

1. 10th Pass / Matriculation Certificate — Date of Birth proof
2. Qualifying Exam Mark Sheets — Semester-wise/year-wise (ITI/Graduation/Diploma/Class XII)
3. Qualifying Exam Certificate — Final ITI/Graduation/Diploma/Class XII certificate
4. CGPA/OGPA Conversion Certificate — From University/Institute (if applicable)
5. Result Publication Date Certificate — From Principal (if date not on mark sheet)
6. Course Mode Certificate — From Principal confirming Regular Full-time mode and good conduct
7. Category Certificates:
   1. SC/ST Certificate
   1. OBC (NCL) Certificate + Creamy Layer Declaration
   1. EWS Income & Asset Certificate / Declaration
   1. PwBD Disability Certificate (as per RPwD Act, 2016)
8. Skill Certificate — For Code 111 (Domestic Data Entry Operator)
9. NAPS/NATS Portal Registration Print — With applicant details
10. Affidavit (Annexure-A) — Confirming compliance with all eligibility conditions
11. Photo ID Proof — Aadhar/PAN/Voter ID/Driving License/Passport (original)
12. Railway Ticket — For SC/ST candidates claiming fare reimbursement

Important Dates

Note: All updates, corrigendum, and notices published only on www.iocl.com. No newspaper notifications.

Stipend and Benefits

General Conditions and Service Terms

1. No Employment Guarantee: IOCL has NO obligation to offer regular employment after apprenticeship. Apprentices cannot claim employment rights.
2. Discipline: Apprentices covered under Certified Standing Orders applicable to workmen at the establishment.
3. Training Extension: Period may be extended under Rule 7 of Apprentices Rules 1992.
4. Medical Fitness: Pre-engagement medical mandatory. Candidates with reported ailments must declare them.
5. Past Unfitness: Candidates declared UNFIT by any PSU in the past must declare it with reasons.
6. Criminal Record: Candidates arrested, prosecuted, fined, or debarred by any PSC must declare it.
7. False Information: Candidature cancelled at any stage if incorrect/doctored/false information found. Engagement terminated even after joining.
8. Canvassing: Any form of canvassing renders candidate ineligible.
9. Fraud Warning: Do not trust unofficial advertisements. Rely only on www.iocl.com and Employment News.
10. Jurisdiction: Local Court at Digboi has jurisdiction for disputes.

Related Opportunities

For a complete list of apprentice and internship opportunities, visit our Government Internships 2026 section.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the total number of vacancies in IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentice 2026?

A total of 126 apprentice vacancies across 11 trade codes.

2. What is the last date to apply?

31 July 2026 (5:00 PM). Applications started on 8 July 2026 (10:00 AM).

3. Is there a written test for selection?

No. Selection is purely merit-based on the percentage of marks in the qualifying exam.

4. What is the age limit?

18 to 24 years as on 30.06.2026.

5. Can I apply for more than one trade?

No. Applying for multiple trades will result in summary rejection of your candidature.

6. I have a B.Tech degree. Am I eligible?

No. Candidates with BE/B.Tech or higher professional qualifications are not eligible for apprenticeship.

7. I have 2 years of job experience after my diploma. Can I apply?

No. Candidates with 1+ year of job experience after attaining the qualification are not eligible.

8. What is the stipend?

Stipend is paid as per the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 and Corporation guidelines. Exact amount depends on the trade and apprenticeship rules.

9. Will IOCL give me a permanent job after apprenticeship?

No. IOCL has no obligation to offer employment after apprenticeship completion. This is purely a training engagement.

10. What is the two-step application process?

Step I: Register and apply on NAPS portal (for Codes 101-103, 108-111) or NATS portal (for Codes 104-107). Step II: Fill the Microsoft Form at https://forms.office.com/r/g0ZP2igeTa. Both steps are mandatory.

11. What documents do I need for document verification?

10th certificate, qualifying exam mark sheets and certificate, category certificates, NAPS/NATS registration print, Affidavit (Annexure-A), photo ID proof, and railway ticket (for SC/ST fare reimbursement).

12. Is there any application fee?

The notification does not mention any application fee for the apprenticeship engagement.

13. Can PwBD candidates apply?

Yes, but only against identified seats in Codes 105, 106, 107, 108, and 110. PwBD candidates must submit a Disability Certificate as per RPwD Act, 2016.

14. I completed my ITI in 2020. Am I eligible?

No. Candidates who completed the qualifying qualification more than 5 years before 30.06.2026 are not eligible. That means qualifications obtained before 30.06.2021 are not accepted.

15. Where will the document verification take place?

At Digboi Refinery, Assam. SC/ST candidates get second-class railway fare reimbursement.

16. Can I edit my application after submission?

No modification allowed after final submission. Ensure 100% correctness before submitting.

17. What if my result date is not mentioned on my mark sheet?

You must obtain a certificate from your Principal mentioning the date of publication of result.

18. I have CGPA instead of percentage. What should I do?

Obtain a conversion certificate from your University/Institute stating the equivalent aggregate percentage.

19. Is distance education acceptable?

No. Only regular full-time courses from recognized institutions are accepted.

20. How will I know if I am shortlisted?

The shortlist will be published on www.iocl.com on 5 August 2026 (tentative). You will also be intimated via email.

Important Links

Editorial Standards and Disclaimers

Disclaimer: This is an independent job information portal. We are NOT affiliated with IOCL, NHAI, or any government organization. Candidates must verify all details from the official notification at www.iocl.com before applying. Last date, vacancy numbers, and eligibility criteria are subject to change at IOCL’s discretion.

Final Thoughts

The IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a solid opportunity for candidates in the North East and surrounding regions who want to train under India’s largest commercial undertaking. With 126 vacancies across technical and non-technical trades, merit-based selection (no exam stress), and a refinery with over a century of operational history, this apprenticeship offers genuine hands-on learning in a real industrial environment.

Key advantages: – ✅ No written test — selection purely on academic merit – ✅ 126 vacancies — good number for a single-location refinery – ✅ 11 trade codes — covers chemical, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, secretarial, accounting, and data entry – ✅ Asia’s oldest refinery — unique heritage and operational scale – ✅ Fresh notification — opened 8 July 2026, deadline 31 July 2026

Critical action items: 1. Check your qualification date — must be within 5 years of 30.06.2026 2. Verify you have no job experience — 1+ year disqualifies you 3. Confirm you don’t have higher qualifications — BE/B.Tech/MBA etc. disqualify 4. Choose ONE trade only — multiple applications rejected 5. Complete BOTH steps — NAPS/NATS portal + Microsoft Form 6. Apply before 31 July 2026, 5:00 PM 7. Keep checking www.iocl.com for shortlist on 5 August 2026

For candidates who missed the 29 June IOCL refinery apprentice notifications, Digboi is your second chance — and the deadline is slightly later too.

Stay updated with all IOCL and PSU apprentice opportunities by bookmarking our Government Internships 2026 section and PSU Engineering Jobs 2026 category page.