IOCL Barauni Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 224 Posts

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Barauni Refinery, one of the largest and most prestigious refineries in Eastern India, has announced a massive recruitment drive for the year 2026. This recruitment offers a golden opportunity for 224 young and talented individuals to join as apprentices in various technical and non-technical disciplines under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Located in Begusarai district of Bihar, Barauni Refinery is a major contributor to India's energy security and provides an excellent platform for aspiring professionals to launch their careers in the oil and gas sector. Established in 1964, IOCL Barauni Refinery has a rich legacy of over six decades in petroleum refining operations. With a refining capacity of 6 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), it processes crude oil into various petroleum products including petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, LPG, naphtha, and other valuable derivatives. The refinery employs cutting-edge technology and adheres to the highest safety and environmental standards, making it an ideal workplace for young professionals seeking to build technical expertise in refinery operations, process engineering, instrumentation, mechanical maintenance, and administrative functions. This apprenticeship program, announced through Advertisement Number BR/HR/APPR/2025-26, covers a diverse range of disciplines to cater to different educational backgrounds and skill sets. The recruitment includes positions for Chemical Apprentices (Graduate and Diploma level), Mechanical Apprentices, Instrumentation Apprentices, Accountant Apprentices, and Data Entry Operator Apprentices. This comprehensive recruitment drive reflects IOCL's commitment to nurturing young talent across technical and administrative domains, ensuring a well-rounded workforce capable of handling complex refinery operations and supporting business functions. The 224 apprentice positions are distributed across five main categories: Trade Apprentice (Chemical) with 54 vacancies requiring B.Sc qualification, Technician Apprentice (Chemical) with 104 vacancies requiring Diploma in Chemical Engineering, Technician Apprentice (Mechanical) with 28 vacancies for Diploma holders in Mechanical Engineering, Technician Apprentice (Instrumentation) with 28 vacancies for Diploma in Instrumentation, Accountant Apprentice with 6 vacancies for B.Com graduates, and Data Entry Operator Apprentice with 4 vacancies for 12th pass candidates with typing skills. This diverse vacancy structure ensures opportunities for candidates from various educational streams and qualification levels. The apprenticeship training duration varies depending on the discipline and qualification level. Trade Apprentices (Chemical) undergo 12 months of training, Technician Apprentices in Chemical, Mechanical, and Instrumentation disciplines undergo 24 months of comprehensive training, Accountant Apprentices receive 15 months of training in accounting and finance operations, while Data Entry Operator Apprentices complete 12 months of training in data management and office automation. During this period, apprentices receive hands-on training in their respective domains, working alongside experienced professionals and gaining practical insights into refinery operations. The stipend structure for IOCL Barauni Refinery apprentices is governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Corporation guidelines. While the exact stipend amounts are determined based on the qualification level and prevailing minimum wages, apprentices receive a competitive monthly stipend that helps them sustain themselves during the training period. Additionally, apprentices may be eligible for other benefits such as protective equipment, training materials, access to canteen facilities, and transportation allowances as per IOCL policies. The stipend is paid regularly every month, and apprentices are entitled to leave as per the Act provisions. Candidates applying for Trade Apprentice (Chemical) positions must possess a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree with a combination of Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry from a recognized university. The minimum percentage requirement is 50% aggregate marks for general category candidates and 45% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates. For Technician Apprentice positions in Chemical, Mechanical, and Instrumentation disciplines, candidates need a full-time three-year Diploma in the respective engineering discipline from a State Board of Technical Education or equivalent recognized body. Accountant Apprentice positions require a B.Com degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories), while Data Entry Operator Apprentice requires Class 12th pass with typing speed of 30 words per minute in English or Hindi. The age limit for this apprenticeship program is set between 18 to 24 years as calculated on 31st January 2026. This means candidates must have completed 18 years but should not have turned 25 years as on the cut-off date. Age relaxation is provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories as per Government of India guidelines: 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates, 10 years for PwBD candidates, and cumulative relaxation for candidates falling under multiple reserved categories. Ex-servicemen and other eligible categories receive age relaxation as per applicable central government rules. An important eligibility condition that candidates must note is the restriction on prior apprenticeship training and work experience. Candidates should not have undergone apprenticeship training earlier in the same trade at IOCL or any other establishment. Additionally, candidates should not have more than one year of job experience in any organization after obtaining their prescribed qualification. Furthermore, not more than 5 years should have elapsed from the date of acquiring the prescribed qualification. These conditions ensure that the apprenticeship program benefits fresh graduates and diploma holders who need initial industrial exposure rather than experienced professionals. The selection process for IOCL Barauni Refinery Apprentice positions is entirely merit-based and transparent. After the application deadline, the organization prepares merit lists based on the percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying examination (B.Sc/Diploma/B.Com/Class 12th as applicable). Separate merit lists are created for each discipline and for each category (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, PwBD). In case two or more candidates secure identical percentage marks, tie-breaking is done first by considering the date of birth (older candidate gets preference), and if the tie still persists, by marks obtained in the Matriculation examination. Candidates whose names appear in the merit list are called for document verification. Document verification is a crucial stage where shortlisted candidates must present original certificates for verification along with self-attested photocopies. The documents include educational certificates (Class 10th, 12th, B.Sc/Diploma/B.Com as applicable), mark sheets of all years, caste certificate (if claiming reservation), PwBD certificate (if applicable), date of birth proof, identity proof (Aadhar card), and recent passport-size photographs. Candidates must ensure all documents are genuine and issued by recognized authorities. Any discrepancy or submission of fake documents leads to immediate disqualification and may result in legal action. After successful document verification, candidates are required to undergo a pre-engagement medical fitness examination at IOCL-empaneled hospitals or medical centers. The medical examination assesses whether candidates are physically and mentally fit to work in refinery operations, which involve exposure to industrial environments, shift duties, and physical activities. Only candidates who are declared medically fit as per IOCL standards receive the final offer of engagement. The medical fitness certificate must be issued by the authorized medical board and is valid for appointment purposes. Applications for this recruitment must be submitted exclusively through online mode. Candidates need to register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal at nats.education.gov.in or apprenticeshipindia.gov.in. After registration, candidates must complete their profile with accurate personal, educational, and contact details. They should then search for IOCL Barauni Refinery vacancies, select the appropriate discipline for which they are eligible, and submit their application. There is no application fee for this recruitment, making it accessible to all eligible candidates regardless of their economic background. The last date for online application submission is 23rd February 2026. Candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the last day to apply, as heavy traffic on the portal may cause technical difficulties or slow processing. It is recommended to apply at least 2-3 days before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues. After successful submission, candidates should download their application form and keep it safely for future reference. The application reference number should be noted down as it will be required for tracking application status and during document verification. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship training, candidates receive an Apprenticeship Completion Certificate issued by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) or the concerned authority. This certificate is recognized across industries and significantly enhances employment prospects. Many apprentices from IOCL refineries have successfully secured regular employment in IOCL through subsequent recruitment drives or in other PSUs and private sector oil and gas companies. The practical experience, industry exposure, and skill development gained during apprenticeship training provide a competitive edge in the job market. IOCL Barauni Refinery is located in Barauni town of Begusarai district, well-connected by road and rail to major cities in Bihar and neighboring states. The refinery township provides residential facilities, schools, hospitals, recreational facilities, and other amenities for employees and their families. For apprentices, accommodation may be arranged subject to availability, or they can find suitable accommodation in nearby areas. The refinery operates round the clock with shift duties, and apprentices may be required to work in shifts as part of their training to gain exposure to different operational scenarios.