Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is India’s largest commercial oil company and a Fortune Global 500 Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).
The Digboi Refinery, located in the Tinsukia district of Assam, holds a special place in history as the oldest operating refinery in India and one of the oldest in the world, established in 1901. Today, this iconic refinery continues to be a vital asset in IOCL’s portfolio, producing a range of petroleum products and employing thousands of skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Current Vacant Positions at Indian Oil Digboi Refinery (2026)
The following table lists the active apprenticeship vacancies suitable for B.Sc graduates and Diploma holders. These positions are based on the official IOCL AOD Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification (Advertisement No. AOD-DR/TA-2026) .
| Vacant Position | Location | Educational Qualification | Experience Required | Application Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) | Digboi Refinery, Assam | B.Sc (Physics, Maths, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry) with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) | Freshers welcome (no prior apprenticeship) | Open – Apply by Feb 25, 2026 |
| Trade Apprentice (Boiler) – Mechanical | Digboi Refinery, Assam | B.Sc (Physics, Maths, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry) with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) | Freshers welcome (no prior apprenticeship) | Open – Apply by Feb 25, 2026 |
| Technician Apprentice – Chemical | Digboi Refinery, Assam | 3-year Diploma in Chemical/ Petrochemical/ Chemical Technology/ Refinery & Petrochemical Engineering (50% marks, 45% for reserved) | Freshers welcome (no prior apprenticeship) | Open – Apply by Feb 25, 2026 |
| Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation | Digboi Refinery, Assam | 3-year Diploma in Instrumentation/ Instrumentation & Electronics/ Instrumentation & Control/ Applied Electronics & Instrumentation (50% marks, 45% for reserved) | Freshers welcome (no prior apprenticeship) | Open – Apply by Feb 25, 2026 |
Vacancy Breakdown for Indian Oil Digboi Refinery Recruitment
The following table provides a detailed category-wise breakdown of the 48 vacancies at Digboi Refinery .
| Post Name / Discipline | UR | EWS | SC | ST | OBC | PwBD | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) | 14 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 32 |
| Trade Apprentice (Boiler) – Mechanical | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Technician Apprentice – Chemical | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 9 |
| Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Total | 22 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 13 | 1 | 48 |
Stipend/Salary Structure for Indian Oil Digboi Refinery Apprentices
Selected apprentices receive a monthly stipend as prescribed under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 and the Apprentices Rules 1992, as per IOCL Corporation guidelines . The following table provides the stipend details.
| Vacant Position | Monthly Stipend (approx) | Additional Benefits | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) | Rs. 9,100 – 12,000 | Accident coverage, PPE (safety shoes, helmet) | No company accommodation/HRA |
| Trade Apprentice (Boiler) – Mechanical | Rs. 9,100 – 12,000 | Accident coverage, PPE (safety shoes, helmet) | No company accommodation/HRA |
| Technician Apprentice – Chemical | Rs. 9,100 – 12,000 | Accident coverage, PPE (safety shoes, helmet) | No company accommodation/HRA |
| Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation | Rs. 9,100 – 12,000 | Accident coverage, PPE (safety shoes, helmet) | No company accommodation/HRA |
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Oil Digboi Refinery Jobs
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements. The following table provides a clear checklist for each vacant position .
| Vacant Position | Minimum Education | Minimum Marks | Age Limit | Additional Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) | 3-year full-time B.Sc with Physics, Maths, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry from recognized university | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) | 18-24 years as on 31-01-2026 | No prior apprenticeship; no BE/B.Tech/MBA/CA/LLB; less than 1 year job experience |
| Trade Apprentice (Boiler) – Mechanical | 3-year full-time B.Sc with Physics, Maths, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry from recognized university | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) | 18-24 years as on 31-01-2026 | No prior apprenticeship; no BE/B.Tech/MBA/CA/LLB; less than 1 year job experience |
| Technician Apprentice – Chemical | 3-year full-time Diploma in Chemical/ Petrochemical/ Chemical Technology/ Refinery & Petrochemical Engineering | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) | 18-24 years as on 31-01-2026 | No prior apprenticeship; no BE/B.Tech/MBA/CA/LLB; less than 1 year job experience |
| Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation | 3-year full-time Diploma in Instrumentation/ Instrumentation & Electronics/ Instrumentation & Control/ Applied Electronics & Instrumentation | 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD) | 18-24 years as on 31-01-2026 | No prior apprenticeship; no BE/B.Tech/MBA/CA/LLB; less than 1 year job experience |
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC (NCL) | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| PwBD-OBC (NCL) | 13 years |
| PwBD-SC/ST | 15 years |
Understanding the Indian Oil Digboi Refinery Ecosystem
Digboi Refinery is not just an industrial facility; it is a historical landmark and a cornerstone of India’s oil industry. Located in the Tinsukia district of Upper Assam, approximately 500 kilometers from Guwahati, the refinery has been in continuous operation since 1901.
Today, the refinery has a capacity of 0.65 million metric tonnes per annum and produces a range of products including petrol, diesel, kerosene, LPG, and specialty oils.
Job Role Descriptions for Each Vacant Position
Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant)
Trade Apprentice Attendant Operators work in the chemical plant area of the refinery. Their primary responsibilities include monitoring process parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rates), assisting senior operators in controlling chemical reactions, collecting samples for laboratory analysis, recording readings in log sheets, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
This role is suitable for B.Sc graduates with Physics, Maths, and Chemistry background. The training duration is 12 months, after which apprentices receive a completion certificate .
Trade Apprentice (Boiler) – Mechanical
Trade Apprentice (Boiler) work in the boiler house and utilities department. Responsibilities include assisting in boiler operation, monitoring steam pressure and water levels, helping with boiler maintenance, coal/fuel feeding (in some units), and maintaining safety equipment. This role requires physical fitness as the boiler house can be hot and noisy. The training duration is 24 months, which is longer than other trades because of the specialized nature of boiler operations .
Technician Apprentice – Chemical
Technician Apprentice (Chemical) work alongside Diploma Engineers in the process units of the refinery. Responsibilities include assisting in the operation of distillation columns, reactors, heat exchangers, and pumps, collecting and analyzing process samples, troubleshooting minor operational issues, and maintaining logbooks. This role is specifically for candidates with a Diploma in Chemical Engineering or related fields. The training duration is 12 months .
Technician Apprentice – Instrumentation
Technician Apprentice (Instrumentation) work in the instrumentation and control department. Responsibilities include assisting in the calibration of pressure gauges, temperature transmitters, flow meters, and control valves, helping with preventive maintenance of instruments, troubleshooting minor faults in control loops, and maintaining instrument documentation. This role is suitable for Diploma holders in Instrumentation, Electronics, or Control Engineering. The training duration is 12 months .
Selection Process for Indian Oil Digboi Refinery Recruitment
The selection process for IOCL Digboi Refinery Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is unique because there is NO written examination . The selection is purely merit-based, determined by the following criteria :
Merit List Preparation:
A merit list is prepared in descending order of the percentage of marks obtained in the prescribed qualification (B.Sc or Diploma). Candidates are ranked from highest percentage to lowest percentage. The top-ranked candidates are called for document verification.
Tie-Breaking Rules:
In case two or more candidates have the same percentage of marks, the following rules apply:
- The older candidate (based on date of birth) is given preference.
- If date of birth is also the same, the candidate with higher marks in Matriculation (10th standard) is selected.
Document Verification:
Shortlisted candidates based on the merit list are called for document verification. The tentative document verification dates are from 03 March 2026 to 05 March 2026 . Candidates must bring all original documents and self-attested copies.
Medical Examination:
Finally, selected candidates must undergo a pre-engagement medical examination as per Apprentices Act guidelines. Only medically fit candidates are engaged as apprentices.
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 11 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 February 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Merit/DV List Publication | 28 February 2026 |
| Document Verification | 03 March to 05 March 2026 |
Application Process & Official Verification
The application process for Indian Oil Digboi Refinery jobs has been completely digitized to ensure absolute operational transparency and rapid departmental onboarding. Candidates must complete TWO mandatory steps to be considered for selection .
Candidates must strictly ensure they possess all required educational certificates (original B.Sc or Diploma mark sheets and certificates, 10th certificate for age proof), highly localized identity proofs (Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID), and highly active digital communication channels (mobile number with WhatsApp access and valid email ID) before initiating the process. You must always rigorously verify active recruitment notifications by directly accessing the official IOCL website (www.iocl.com) to ensure authentic E-E-A-T signals.
The formal recruitment drive strongly emphasizes a direct, highly merit-based selection matrix through centralized merit list preparation, bypassing outdated bureaucratic delays. No written examination is required for any position. Selection is based purely on academic marks, followed by document verification and medical fitness.
After meticulously verifying the official IOCL recruitment notifications on the company’s official career portal, candidates can also strategically explore equivalent verified opportunities through the following trusted platforms. However, the primary and mandatory application route is through the NAPS/NATS portals and Microsoft Form as described below.
Step 1: Registration on NAPS/NATS Portal (Mandatory)
Candidates must first register as an apprentice on the respective national portal based on their trade :
- For Trade Apprentice posts (Codes 101 & 103): Register at the NAPS portal – https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/ (Establishment ID: E01201800001)
- For Technician Apprentice posts (Codes 104 & 107): Register at the NATS portal – https://nats.education.gov.in/ (Establishment ID: EASTIC000002)
After registration, candidates must apply for the apprenticeship opportunity by searching for “IOCL Digboi Refinery” or using the establishment IDs provided.
Step 2: Submit Microsoft Form (Mandatory)
After successfully applying through the NAPS/NATS portal, candidates MUST also submit their details through the official Microsoft Form link provided in the IOCL notification . This form is available on the official IOCL website (www.iocl.com) under the “What’s New” section. Candidates must ensure that the details entered in both Step 1 and Step 2 are exactly the same.
Failure to complete both steps will result in automatic rejection of the application.
Applying Links for Indian Oil Digboi Refinery Jobs
Official IOCL Website:
https://www.iocl.com
Direct Notification and Application Links:
Official Notification PDF – Available at www.iocl.com (under “What’s New” section)
NAPS Portal Registration (For Trade Apprentice Codes 101 & 103) – https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/ (Establishment ID: E01201800001)
NATS Portal Registration (For Technician Apprentice Codes 104 & 107) – https://nats.education.gov.in/ (Establishment ID: EASTIC000002)
Microsoft Form Submission – Link available in official notification at www.iocl.com
Third-Party Job Portals for Reference (Not for Direct Application):
Naukri India – https://www.naukri.com/ (Search: “IOCL Digboi” or “Indian Oil Apprentice”)
Indeed India – https://www.indeed.co.in (Search: “IOCL Assam” or “Digboi Refinery”)
Important Warning: The application process for IOCL Digboi Refinery recruitment is completely free. No application fee is charged for any category (General/OBC/EWS/SC/ST/PwBD) . Beware of any website or individual asking for money to apply for these positions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can B.Sc graduates apply for Indian Oil Digboi Refinery jobs?
Yes. B.Sc graduates with Physics, Maths, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry (minimum 50% marks) are eligible for Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator and Trade Apprentice (Boiler) positions.
2. Can Diploma holders apply for IOCL Digboi Refinery recruitment?
Yes. Diploma holders in Chemical Engineering, Petrochemical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or related fields (minimum 50% marks) are eligible for Technician Apprentice positions.
3. Is there any written exam for IOCL Digboi Refinery recruitment?
No. There is no written examination for any of the positions. Selection is purely based on the percentage of marks in the prescribed qualification (merit-based selection).
4. What is the stipend for apprentices at Digboi Refinery?
The stipend is approximately Rs. 9,100 to Rs. 12,000 per month as per the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973 and IOCL guidelines. No HRA or company accommodation is provided.
5. What is the age limit for IOCL Digboi Refinery jobs?
The age limit is 18 to 24 years as on 31 January 2026. Age relaxation is available: SC/ST – 5 years, OBC (NCL) – 3 years, PwBD – 10 years.
6. Can final year students apply for these positions?
No. Candidates must have completed their B.Sc or Diploma before 31 January 2026. Final year students who have not yet received their certificates are not eligible.
7. Are BE/B.Tech graduates eligible to apply?
No. Candidates holding higher qualifications such as BE/B.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, or MCA are NOT eligible to apply for these apprenticeship positions.
8. How can I apply for IOCL Digboi Refinery jobs from another state?
You must complete the online application process through the NAPS/NATS portals and Microsoft Form. There is no need to travel for the application. However, if shortlisted, you will need to travel to Digboi, Assam for document verification and medical examination.
9. What documents are required for document verification?
You will need: 10th Certificate (for age proof), 12th Marksheet, B.Sc or Diploma all semester/year mark sheets and degree/diploma certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), PwBD certificate (if applicable), NAPS/NATS registration printout, valid photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID/Passport), and the completed Microsoft Form confirmation.
10. Is this a permanent government job?
No. This is an apprenticeship training program under the Apprentices Act. It is not a permanent job, and there is no guarantee of employment after completion. However, the experience and certificate from IOCL significantly improve future job prospects in the oil and gas sector.
11. Can candidates with previous work experience apply?
No. Candidates with one year or more of job experience after obtaining their qualification are not eligible. Preference is given to first-time apprenticeship candidates.
12. What is the training duration for each position?
Trade Apprentice – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant): 12 months. Trade Apprentice (Boiler): 24 months. Technician Apprentice (Chemical & Instrumentation): 12 months.
Conclusion
Indian Oil Digboi Refinery recruitment for 2026 offers a prestigious and accessible pathway to industrial training for B.Sc graduates and Diploma holders in Assam and across Northeast India. Unlike many private sector opportunities that require years of experience or expensive coaching for entrance exams, IOCL’s apprenticeship selection is purely merit-based with no written examination.
The Trade Apprentice and Technician Apprentice positions listed in this article are filled through a transparent process based solely on academic marks.
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.