The oil and gas sector in India is one of the most stable and highest-paying industries for blue-collar and technical workers. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and India’s largest commercial oil and gas enterprise, has released a massive recruitment notification for 566 Apprentice positions at its Gujarat Refinery in Vadodara . This is a golden opportunity for job seekers with qualifications ranging from 10th/12th pass to ITI, Diploma, and B.Sc.
These positions offer a prestigious government sector work environment, a competitive monthly stipend, comprehensive safety gear, and invaluable training at one of India’s flagship refineries. The best part is that there is no written examination – selection is purely based on academic merit, followed by document verification .
If you are a 10th/12th pass, ITI holder, Diploma engineer, or B.Sc graduate looking for a government job in Gujarat, this is your chance to join a PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) without the hassle of competitive exams.
Understanding IOCL Gujarat Refinery: The Employer
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is the largest commercial oil and gas company in India, with a market dominance spanning refining, pipeline transportation, and marketing. The Gujarat Refinery, located in Vadodara, is one of IOCL’s flagship installations and is often referred to as the ‘Mother of All Industries’ in the region . It is a state-of-the-art facility that produces a wide range of petroleum products including LPG, petrol, diesel, kerosene, and specialty chemicals.
For blue-collar and technical staff, working at IOCL Gujarat Refinery means being part of a government undertaking known for its high safety standards, structured training programs, employee welfare policies, and job security. The apprenticeship program is designed to provide practical training and industry exposure to young candidates, preparing them for careers in the hydrocarbon sector .
Vacancy Table: Post Wise Allocation for IOCL Gujarat Refinery Recruitment 2026
The following table details the specific vacant apprentice positions, educational qualifications, and number of vacancies. According to the official notification (Advertisement No. JR/02/2025-26), a total of 566 vacancies are available at the Gujarat Refinery .
| Post Code | Trade / Discipline | Qualification Required | Training Period | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) | B.Sc (Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry) | 12 Months | 113 |
| 102 | Trade Apprentice (Fitter) – Mechanical | Matric (10th) with 2-Year ITI (Fitter) | 12 Months | 79 |
| 103 | Trade Apprentice (Boiler) – Mechanical | B.Sc (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) | 24 Months | 18 |
| 104 | Technician Apprentice – Chemical | Diploma in Chemical / Petrochemical / Refinery Engg | 12 Months | 105 |
| 105 | Technician Apprentice – Mechanical | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering | 12 Months | 77 |
| 106 | Technician Apprentice – Electrical | Diploma in Electrical / Electronics Engg | 12 Months | 95 |
| 107 | Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation | Diploma in Instrumentation / Electronics | 12 Months | 49 |
| 108 | Trade Apprentice – Secretarial Assistant | B.A / B.Sc / B.Com | 15 Months | 2 |
| 109 | Trade Apprentice – Accountant | B.Com | 12 Months | 1 |
| 110 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | Class XII Pass (12th Pass) | 12 Months | 13 |
| 111 | Trade Apprentice – Data Entry Operator (Skill Holder) | Class XII Pass + Skill Certificate | 12 Months | 14 |
| Total | 566 |
Vacancy Notes:
- Important Date: This recruitment notification was active from 7th February 2026 to 20th February 2026 . While the application window for this specific batch has closed, IOCL regularly releases fresh apprenticeship notifications every few months. Candidates should regularly check the official IOCL website (iocl.com) for upcoming batches.
- Locations: All positions are based at IOCL Gujarat Refinery, Vadodara, Gujarat .
- Reservation: Vacancies are distributed across UR, SC, ST, OBC (NCL), EWS, and PwBD categories as per Government of India norms .
Salary Table: Post Wise Stipend & Benefits at IOCL Gujarat Refinery
IOCL offers a generous monthly stipend plus various benefits to apprentices. The stipend is paid as per the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 and IOCL guidelines . While the exact stipend figures for 2026 vary by trade, typical IOCL apprentice stipends range as follows:
| Post Name | Approx Monthly Stipend | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (B.Sc) | ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 | Safety Shoes, Helmet, Uniform, Personal Accident Insurance |
| Trade Apprentice – Fitter (ITI) | ₹22,000 – ₹28,000 | Safety Shoes, Helmet, Uniform, Personal Accident Insurance |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 | Safety Shoes, Helmet, Uniform, Personal Accident Insurance |
| Trade Apprentice – DEO / Accountant | ₹18,000 – ₹22,000 | Personal Accident Insurance, Uniform |
Benefits (For Technical Trades): Safety shoes, helmet, and uniform are provided . Personal Accident Insurance coverage is provided .
Leave Entitlement: Apprentices are eligible for 32 days of General Leave and 12 days of Casual Leave per calendar year as per the Apprenticeship Rules .
Important Note: IOCL does not provide House Rent Allowance (HRA) or accommodation for apprentices . Selected candidates must arrange their own stay in Vadodara.
Eligibility Criteria for IOCL Gujarat Refinery Jobs
Candidates must meet the following educational and age criteria as of the notification date.
Educational Qualification (Post Wise)
| Post Name | Qualification Requirement | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) | B.Sc (Physics, Maths, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry) | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Trade Apprentice – Fitter | Matric (10th) + 2 Year ITI (Fitter) | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Boiler Attendant | B.Sc (Physics, Maths, Chemistry) | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Technician Apprentice (Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical/Instrumentation) | Diploma in relevant Engineering discipline | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Secretarial Assistant | B.A / B.Sc / B.Com | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Accountant | B.Com | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | Class XII Pass (12th Pass) | Passing Marks |
| Data Entry Operator (Skill Holder) | Class XII Pass + Skill Certificate | Passing Marks |
Important Eligibility Notes:
- Qualifications must be from a recognized board/university as a regular full-time course .
- Higher qualifications like B.E./B.Tech/MBA/MCA/CA/LLB are not eligible for these apprenticeship positions .
- Distance/Correspondence/Part-time qualifications are not acceptable .
Age Limit (as on notification date)
| Category | Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General (UR) / EWS | 24 Years |
| OBC (NCL) | 27 Years |
| SC / ST | 29 Years |
| PwBD (General) | 34 Years |
Selection Process for IOCL Jobs
The selection process is completely merit-based. There is no written examination for these apprentice positions .
Step 1: Merit List Preparation
Shortlisting is based purely on the percentage of marks obtained in the prescribed qualification (ITI/Diploma/Degree/12th) for the specific trade . The aggregate of marks of all subjects of all years/semesters is considered.
Step 2: Tie-Breaking Rule
If two candidates have the same percentage of marks:
- The older candidate (by date of birth) is placed higher in the merit list .
- If age is also the same, the candidate with a higher percentage of marks in Matriculation (10th) is considered .
Step 3: Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates are called to Vadodara for verification of original documents and certificates . This typically takes place 1-2 weeks after the merit list publication.
Step 4: Medical Examination (Pre-engagement)
Final engagement is subject to clearing the pre-engagement medical examination conducted by IOCL . Candidates must meet the medical standards prescribed for the specific trade.
Application Process & Official Verification
The application process for IOCL Gujarat Refinery is completely online and free of cost.
Application Fee: Nil (₹0) for all categories .
How to Apply (Step-by-Step):
Step 1: Portal Registration (Mandatory)
- For ITI / B.Sc / B.A / B.Com / 12th Candidates: Register on the NAPS Portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) .
- For Diploma Candidates: Register on the NATS Portal (nats.education.gov.in) .
Step 2: Fill Detailed Application Form
After registering on the portal, candidates must fill out the detailed application form via the Microsoft/Google Form link provided by IOCL (available on the official notification page). Both steps are mandatory .
Establishment IDs:
- NATS Portal: WGJVDS000002
- NAPS Portal: E03202408538
Candidates should ensure their details (Email, Mobile, Registration ID) match exactly in both steps. Incomplete applications are rejected.
Active Official Direct Application Links
Since the February 2026 application window has closed, candidates should monitor the following official sources for upcoming IOCL recruitment drives:
Official IOCL Website: https://www.iocl.com
(Go to “Careers” section)
NAPS Portal (Apprenticeship India): https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/
NATS Portal (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme): https://nats.education.gov.in/
Alternative Job Portals for Monitoring:
- Naukri India – https://www.naukri.com/ (Search “IOCL Apprentice”)
- Indeed India – https://www.indeed.com/ (Search “Indian Oil Gujarat Refinery”)
- Apna Jobs – https://www.apna.co/
Important Note: IOCL releases multiple apprenticeship batches throughout the year. Candidates are advised to check the official website regularly for fresh notifications. The February 2026 batch has closed, but new opportunities are expected shortly.
Job Responsibilities by Post
Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant)
Attendant Operators are responsible for monitoring and controlling chemical processes in the refinery. Daily duties include observing pressure and temperature gauges, operating control valves, recording process parameters in log sheets, sampling products for quality checks, and reporting any abnormalities to the shift supervisor. This role requires alertness and basic computer skills for operating Distributed Control Systems (DCS).
Trade Apprentice (Fitter) – Mechanical
Fitters maintain and repair mechanical equipment including pumps, compressors, valves, and piping systems. Responsibilities include dismantling faulty equipment, replacing worn parts, reassembling components, lubricating moving parts, and using precision measuring tools like vernier calipers and micrometers. Safety protocols are strictly followed.
Technician Apprentice (Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical/Instrumentation)
Technician apprentices undergo structured on-the-job training in their respective engineering disciplines. They work alongside experienced engineers, assist in maintenance activities, prepare technical reports, and participate in safety drills. This is a supervisory-level training position that prepares candidates for higher responsibilities.
Data Entry Operator (DEO)
DEOs work in administrative offices handling computer-based data entry tasks. Responsibilities include updating records in SAP, maintaining digital files, typing correspondence, assisting with report generation, and ensuring data accuracy. Basic MS Office skills (Word, Excel) are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: Is this a permanent government job at IOCL?
No. These are apprenticeship positions under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 . The training period is 12 to 24 months depending on the trade. Completion of apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment in IOCL. However, apprenticeship experience is highly valued for future job applications in PSUs and private sector companies .
2: Will I get a salary or stipend during apprenticeship?
Yes. Apprentices receive a monthly stipend as per Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 and IOCL guidelines . The stipend typically ranges from ₹18,000 to ₹30,000 per month depending on the trade. Additionally, technical trades receive safety shoes, helmet, and uniform .
3: Can 10th pass candidates apply for IOCL Gujarat Refinery jobs?
Yes and No. 10th pass alone is not sufficient. For the Fitter position (Post Code 102), candidates need 10th pass + 2-year ITI (Fitter) . For other positions, higher qualifications (12th, B.Sc, Diploma) are required.
4: Is there any application fee for IOCL recruitment?
No. The application fee is nil (₹0) for all categories – General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwBD . The entire application process is completely free.
5: Does IOCL provide accommodation for apprentices?
No. IOCL does not provide House Rent Allowance (HRA) or accommodation for apprentices . Selected candidates must arrange their own stay in Vadodara. Shared PGs and rental rooms near the refinery are available at affordable rates.
6: Are female candidates eligible for IOCL apprentice jobs?
Yes. Female candidates are eligible for all apprentice positions based on their qualifications. The Gujarat Refinery provides separate amenities including restrooms and changing rooms for female staff.
7: What is the selection process for IOCL apprentice posts?
Selection is purely merit-based on academic marks. There is no written examination . Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification and a pre-engagement medical examination.
8: Can I apply if I have a B.E./B.Tech degree?
No. Candidates with higher qualifications like B.E./B.Tech/MBA/MCA/CA/LLB are not eligible for these apprenticeship positions . These positions are specifically for candidates with ITI, Diploma, B.Sc, or 12th qualifications.
9: What is the leave policy for apprentices?
Apprentices are entitled to 32 days of General Leave and 12 days of Casual Leave per calendar year as per Apprenticeship Rules . Holidays are observed as per refinery rules.
10: When is the next IOCL Gujarat Refinery recruitment expected?
IOCL releases apprenticeship notifications periodically throughout the year. The February 2026 batch has closed. Candidates should regularly check the official IOCL website (iocl.com) and NAPS/NATS portals for upcoming notifications. The next batch is expected within 2-3 months.
Important Notes for Candidates
Important Date Note: The application window for the February 2026 batch (Notification JR/02/2025-26) was from 7th February 2026 to 20th February 2026 . This specific recruitment drive has now closed. Candidates are encouraged to bookmark this article and check back for updates on the next batch.
What to do while waiting for the next notification:
- Regularly visit the official IOCL website (iocl.com) Career section
- Register on the NAPS and NATS portals proactively
- Keep your educational certificates, Aadhar card, PAN card, and passport-size photos ready
- Verify that your qualification meets the specific trade requirements (50% marks for General candidates)
IOCL vs Other PSU Refineries: Why Choose Gujarat Refinery
| Parameter | IOCL Gujarat Refinery | Other PSU Refineries |
|---|---|---|
| Organization Status | Fortune Global 500, India’s largest oil company | Smaller or regional PSUs |
| Training Quality | World-class, state-of-the-art facility | Variable |
| Stipend Amount | Competitive (₹18,000 – ₹35,000) | Often lower |
| Safety Culture | International standards (6S methodology) | Variable |
| Leave Benefits | 32 General + 12 Casual leaves annually | Often fewer leaves |
| Future Job Prospects | Excellent (IOCL experience highly valued) | Good |
Final Word
The oil and gas PSU job market in India rarely offers direct entry into a Fortune Global 500 company without a written examination. The IOCL Gujarat Refinery Apprentice recruitment represents one of the most prestigious and accessible opportunities for ITI, Diploma, and B.Sc holders to gain training at a world-class facility.
For 10th/12th pass job seekers with the right qualifications (ITI for Fitter, 12th for DEO, Diploma for Technician), this is a structured entry path into the government sector. IOCL offers a competitive monthly stipend, safety gear, accident insurance, and valuable leave benefits. The training period of 12-24 months provides hands-on experience that is highly respected by employers across the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors.
Disclaimer
- This article is for informational purposes only.
- Job availability, salary, and eligibility may vary depending on the employer, recruitment policy, and location.
- Readers are strongly advised to always verify all details through official recruitment channels before applying.