IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 48 Posts

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Assam Oil Division (AOD), Digboi Refinery, has issued an official recruitment notification for the year 2026 inviting applications from eligible and motivated candidates for engagement as Trade Apprentices and Technician Apprentices in various disciplines. This recruitment drive offers a total of 48 vacancies, providing an exceptional opportunity for young graduates and diploma holders to gain practical industrial experience at India's oldest operating oil refinery. Digboi Refinery holds a special place in India's petroleum history as the country's first oil refinery, established in 1901. Located in the Digboi town of Tinsukia district in Assam, this heritage refinery continues to operate and contribute significantly to India's energy security. Working as an apprentice at Digboi Refinery offers candidates a unique opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, understand complex refinery operations, and develop technical skills that are highly valued in the oil and gas industry. The apprenticeship program is designed under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973, which aims to provide practical training to young technical graduates and diploma holders. During the apprenticeship period, candidates will be posted in various departments of the refinery where they will gain hands-on experience in refinery operations, maintenance activities, process control, instrumentation, and safety protocols. The training duration varies from 12 to 24 months depending on the specific trade or discipline, and apprentices receive a monthly stipend as mandated by the Apprentices Act. This recruitment drive, notified under Advertisement Number AOD-DR/TA-2026, covers four main categories of apprentice positions: Trade Apprentice - Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) with 32 vacancies, Trade Apprentice - Boiler (Mechanical) with 2 vacancies, Technician Apprentice - Chemical Engineering with 9 vacancies, and Technician Apprentice - Instrumentation with 5 vacancies. Each position has specific educational qualification requirements, with Trade Apprentice positions requiring a B.Sc degree in specific subject combinations, while Technician Apprentice positions require a Diploma in relevant engineering disciplines from recognized institutions. Candidates applying for Trade Apprentice positions must possess a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry as subject combinations from a recognized university. The minimum qualifying percentage is 50% aggregate marks for general category candidates, while SC/ST and PwBD candidates need 45% marks. For Technician Apprentice positions, candidates must have completed a full-time three-year Diploma in Chemical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or related disciplines from a recognized technical board or institute with the same percentage criteria. The age limit for this apprenticeship program is set between 18 to 24 years as calculated on 31st January 2026. However, age relaxation is provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories as per government guidelines - 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates, and 10 years for PwBD candidates (15 years for SC/ST-PwBD candidates). Additionally, candidates must ensure they have not undergone apprenticeship training earlier in the same trade, should not have more than one year of job experience after obtaining their qualification, and not more than 5 years should have elapsed since passing the qualifying examination. The selection process for IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentice positions is entirely merit-based and transparent. After the application deadline, the organization will prepare merit lists based on the percentage of marks obtained in the prescribed qualifying examination. Separate merit lists will be created for each trade/discipline and for each category (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwBD). In case of tie situations where two or more candidates have identical percentage marks, the date of birth will be considered with preference given to the senior candidate by age. If the tie still persists, marks obtained in the Matriculation examination will be the deciding factor. Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification at a specified venue and date, which will be communicated through email and published on the official website. During document verification, candidates must bring original certificates along with one set of self-attested photocopies of all educational qualifications, category certificates, PwBD certificates (if applicable), age proof documents, and identity proof. Candidates who successfully clear the document verification stage will be required to undergo a pre-engagement medical fitness examination at IOCL-empaneled hospitals. Only candidates declared medically fit will receive the final offer of engagement. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online mode using the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal. Candidates need to first register on the NATS portal, complete their profile with accurate details, and then search for IOCL Digboi Refinery vacancies to apply. There is no application fee for this recruitment, making it accessible to all eligible candidates regardless of their financial background. The last date for online application submission is 25th February 2026, and candidates are strongly advised to apply well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues or server overload. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship training, candidates receive an apprenticeship completion certificate issued by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), which is recognized across industries. This certificate significantly enhances employment prospects not just within IOCL but also in other PSUs, private sector oil and gas companies, and related industries. Many former IOCL apprentices have successfully secured regular employment in IOCL and other reputed organizations, making this apprenticeship program a valuable stepping stone for a promising career in the petroleum sector.