Indian Oil Corporation has opened apprentice recruitment for its Marketing Division in the Western Region (Advt No. IOCL/MKTG/WR/APPR/2026-27). One report shows 335 posts, while a headline in the same coverage says 306, so the exact number needs to be checked in the official PDF. What the report is clear about is the structure: four categories (technician, trade ITI, graduate and data entry operator), a 12-month training period, no application fee, selection by merit and a window from 5 October to 4 November 2026. This guide explains what each category needs, how the stipend works, which portal to use and how to avoid the mistakes that cost candidates their seat.
Last updated: 9 October 2026. Facts below are compiled from published reports and may change, so confirm on iocl.com/apprenticeships, apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and nats.education.gov.in before you act.
IOCL WR Apprentice Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Advt No. | IOCL/MKTG/WR/APPR/2026-27 |
| Vacancies | 335 (one report says 306) |
| Apply from | 5 October 2026, 10 AM |
| Last date | 4 November 2026, 5 PM |
| Training | 12 months |
| Fee | None |
| Selection | Merit list, no written test or interview |
| Age | 18 to 24 years as on 30 September 2026 |
The four categories
| Category | Posts | Monthly stipend | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technician Apprentice | 99 | ₹8,000 | 3-year regular diploma in the relevant engineering discipline |
| Trade Apprentice (ITI) | 40 | ₹7,000 | Class 10 plus 2-year regular ITI in the relevant trade |
| Graduate Apprentice | 174 | ₹9,000 | Regular BA, BCom, BSc or BBA in the relevant discipline |
| Data Entry Operator | 22 | ₹7,000 | Class 12 pass, or Class 12 plus a domestic data entry operator skill certificate |
The total is 335, which is the number in the report’s own tables. State-wise, Maharashtra has 149 seats, Gujarat 57, Madhya Pradesh 57 and each of Goa, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu has 18.
Important dates and conditions
- Applications open: 5 October 2026, 10:00 AM.
- Last date: 4 November 2026, 5:00 PM.
- Age and qualification cut-off date: 30 September 2026.
- Training period: 12 months.
- Application fee: none.
- Selection: merit list, with no written test or interview.
Age and marks
The age range is 18 to 24 years as on 30 September 2026, with a relaxation of 5 years for SC and ST (upper limit 29) and 3 years for OBC non-creamy layer (upper limit 27). PwBD relaxation follows government rules. For technician and graduate posts, generally 50 percent marks are required, relaxed to 45 percent for SC, ST and PwBD in reserved posts. Part-time, correspondence and distance courses are not eligible.
Which portal for which category
Trade (ITI) and Data Entry Operator candidates apply on the NAPS portal, apprenticeshipindia.gov.in. Technician and Graduate candidates apply on the NATS portal, nats.education.gov.in. Applying on the wrong portal means that your application will not be counted. Registration on both portals is free.
How selection works
Selection follows these steps: registration and application on the right portal, a merit list prepared from your marks, document verification, a pre-engagement medical fitness test and then an offer of engagement. There is no exam, which makes your marks the main factor. If two candidates have the same marks, the tie-breaker in the notice applies, so read it.
Why the vacancy count differs
The headline mentions 306 posts, but the tables sum to 335. Aggregator pages sometimes update their headlines but not their tables, or the other way around. The official PDF is the final authority. Compare the number of posts of your category and state with the PDF before you rely on any figure.
A stipend reality check
The stipends listed range from ₹7,000 to ₹9,000 per month. That is a training allowance, not a salary. Plan for living costs in the city where you will work, particularly if you move from another state. Also note that completing the apprenticeship does not guarantee a regular IOCL job.
Documents to collect
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets.
- Diploma, ITI or degree certificate and marksheets.
- Aadhaar and bank account details linked for stipend transfer.
- Category certificate and disability certificate, if applicable.
- Photograph and signature.
Steps to apply
- Register on NAPS or NATS as required and complete your profile.
- Search for Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Marketing Division, Western Region.
- Choose the vacancy and state that match your qualification and apply.
- Save the acknowledgement and watch your email for the merit list and document verification.
Other apprenticeships
See CPCL, ECIL, SAIL Bhilai and the apprenticeship jobs page.
How to improve your chance with a merit-based selection
When selection is on marks, small points matter. Make sure you enter your marks correctly, including decimals if the portal allows, and that your percentage is calculated as the portal requires. Choose the state where you have the best chance, not just the one closest to your home, if you can relocate. A state with more seats and fewer applicants might give a better chance than a popular one. Read the state-wise table and think about the likely competition.
Understanding the engagement
After selection, you will be called for document verification and a medical examination. You will sign an apprenticeship contract, receive a training schedule and start on the joining date. Absence without notice can cancel the contract. Treat the training seriously, learn the work and record your tasks. A good report from your supervisor can help in future selections.
Choosing the right state for your application
The IOCL Western Region drive lists vacancies state by state: Maharashtra 149, Gujarat 57, Madhya Pradesh 57 and 18 each for Goa, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. When selection is by merit, the number of seats in a state, compared with the number of eligible applicants, decides your chance. Maharashtra has the most seats, but also the most applicants. A candidate from Madhya Pradesh or Gujarat may find the competition easier at home. Check whether the notice allows you to apply to a state other than your own, and whether there is a domicile condition.
What your certificate needs to say
For diploma and ITI posts, the certificate must show a regular full-time course in the relevant discipline or trade. Distance or part-time courses are not eligible, so if your certificate does not mention the mode, carry the marksheet or an affidavit that confirms it. For graduate apprentices, the degree must be regular and in the relevant discipline. Candidates who lose seats at the document verification stage are usually those whose certificate and marksheet do not clearly show the course type.
After you are selected
Selected candidates receive a communication about document verification and a pre-engagement medical fitness test. Respond within the time given and carry originals. If you are asked to sign an apprenticeship contract, read it before you sign. It will state the training period, the stipend, working hours and any conditions on absence. Keep a copy for yourself.
Stay in touch with the establishment
After applying, check your email daily for the merit list notice and any request for documents. Replying quickly keeps your seat safe.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any fee?
No application fee, as per the report.
How many posts are there?
335 in the detailed tables, though a headline mentions 306. Verify in the PDF.
Is there an exam?
No, selection is a merit list.
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