IOCL Pipelines Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has released the official notification (Advt No. PL/HR/ESTB/APPR (2026)) for the IOCL Pipelines Division Apprentice Recruitment 2026. Offering approximately 500 vacancies across technical and non-technical disciplines under five pipeline regions (Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern, and South Eastern Pipelines), this recruitment drive is a major opportunity for engineering diploma holders, graduates, and 12th-pass candidates.
Below is a detailed guide covering key dates, eligibility parameters, trade breakdown, selection methodology, step-by-step registration process, and answers to common queries.
Important Dates
Official Notification Date: November 6, 2026
Online Application Window: November 6, 2026 – December 5, 2026
Cut-off Date for Age & Qualifications: November 30, 2026
Training Duration: 12 Months from the date of engagement
Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification (by Trade)
All prescribed qualifications must be full-time regular courses from a government-recognized institute or university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates applying against reserved seats):
Technician Apprentice (Mechanical): 3-year Full-Time Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or Automobile Engineering (or lateral entry into 2nd year after Class 12 Science/ITI).
Technician Apprentice (Electrical): 3-year Full-Time Diploma in Electrical Engineering or Electrical & Electronics Engineering (or lateral entry).
Technician Apprentice (Telecommunication & Instrumentation): 3-year Full-Time Diploma in Electronics & Communication, Telecommunication, Radio Communication, Instrumentation & Control, or Electronics Engineering.
Trade Apprentice (Assistant – HR): Full-time Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) in any discipline.
Trade Apprentice (Accountant): Full-time Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (B.Com).
Data Entry Operator (Fresher Apprentices): Minimum 12th pass (must be below Graduate).
Domestic Data Entry Operator (Skill Certificate Holder): Minimum 12th pass (below Graduate) plus a recognized Skill Certificate for Domestic Data Entry Operator.
Ineligibility Note: Candidates holding higher professional degrees (e.g., B.E./B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, MCA) are not eligible. Those with prior apprenticeship training or 1+ year of work experience after gaining the qualification are also barred.
2. Age Limit (as of 30.11.2026)
General / EWS: 18 to 24 years.
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Upper age relaxation up to 3 years (up to 27 years).
SC / ST: Upper age relaxation up to 5 years (up to 29 years).
PwBD: Upper age relaxation up to 10 years (further combined with SC/ST/OBC relaxations where applicable).
Selection Process & Stipend
Selection Methodology: Selection is conducted on a merit-based criteria using aggregate marks obtained in the qualifying exam / trade evaluation and document verification.
Stipend: Selected candidates receive a monthly stipend as governed under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973, Apprentices Rules, and Corporation guidelines.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
The IOCL Pipelines Apprentice application requires completion across two portals (Apprenticeship Portal + IOCL Pipelines Portal):
Step 1: Apprenticeship Portal Registration
For Technician & HR/Accountant Trades: Register on the NATS Portal (
nats.education.gov.in).For Data Entry Operator Trades: Register on the NAPS Portal (
apprenticeshipindia.gov.in).Complete registration and note down your enrollment/registration number.
Step 2: Apply for IOCL Opportunity
Search for Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Pipelines Division) using the Establishment ID provided in the official notification on NATS/NAPS.
Apply for the specific trade code.
Step 3: Complete IOCL Pipelines Application
Visit the IOCL Pipelines Online Portal (
plapps.indianoilpipelines.in).Perform Part-I Registration using your NATS/NAPS enrollment number, email ID, and mobile number.
Complete Part-II Registration by entering personal, regional, and academic credentials.
Upload required documents:
Photograph: JPG format (20 – 50 KB).
Signature: JPG format (10 – 30 KB).
Verify details carefully and submit the application before December 5, 2026. Print a copy of the finalized application form for future verification rounds.
Preparation Strategy & Practical Guidance
Verify Trade Eligibility Early: Since applying for higher qualifications (like B.Tech for Diploma posts) leads to candidate disqualification, ensure strict alignment with the listed qualification guidelines.
Double-Check Portal Details: Ensure your Name, DOB, Email ID, and Mobile Number match identically across both NATS/NAPS and the IOCL Pipelines recruitment portal.
Single Application Constraint: Applicants can apply for only one trade code. Submitting multiple trade choices will result in summary rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the application fee for the IOCL Pipelines Apprentice 2026 recruitment?
There is no application fee for applying to the IOCL Pipelines Apprentice drive.
Q2: Are engineering degree holders (B.E. / B.Tech) eligible to apply?
No. Higher qualifications such as B.E./B.Tech, MBA, MCA, CA, or LLB render candidates ineligible for these apprenticeship positions.
Q3: Is there a bond or guaranteed permanent employment after 12 months?
No. Apprenticeship engagement is strictly temporary for a 12-month training period under the Apprentices Act and does not guarantee permanent placement at IOCL.
Q4: What is the cut-off date for age and educational credentials?
All eligibility criteria, including age limit and completion of educational qualification, are reckoned as of November 30, 2026.
