IREL (India) Limited is a Miniratna Category-I Central PSU under the Department of Atomic Energy — one of the few organisations in India that works directly with heavy mineral sands and feeds strategic industries including nuclear, titanium, and specialty chemicals. OSCOM (Orissa Sands Complex) at Chatrapur, Ganjam district, Odisha, is IREL's primary operations site for beach sand mineral extraction and processing — ilmenite, rutile, sillimanite, zircon, and monazite. Apprentices here are not working in a typical factory — they're in a specialised industrial environment that most engineering graduates never get exposure to.
This recruitment covers 38 posts across Graduate Apprentice (engineering degree holders), Technician Apprentice (diploma holders), and Trade Apprentice (ITI) categories. Application routes differ by category — NAPS portal for graduates and technicians, hard copy for ITI trades. No application fee. The stipend is governed by the Apprentices Act.
Quick Facts — IREL Apprentice OSCOM 2026
| Organisation | IREL (India) Limited — Miniratna-I, Dept. of Atomic Energy |
| Unit | OSCOM — Orissa Sands Complex, Chatrapur, Ganjam, Odisha |
| Total Posts | 38 |
| Categories | Graduate Apprentice | Technician Apprentice | Trade Apprentice |
| Application Mode | NAPS portal (Graduate/Technician) | Hard Copy post (ITI Trade) |
| Application Fee | NIL |
| Official Website | irel.co.in |
Stipend and Duration
| Category | Qualification | Monthly Stipend | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | BE/B.Tech (Engg.) | ₹9,000/month (NAPS rate) | 1 year |
| Technician Apprentice | 3-year Diploma | ₹8,000/month (NAPS rate) | 1 year |
| Trade Apprentice (ITI) | ITI (NCVT/SCVT) | ≥₹7,700/month (Act minimum) | 1–2 years |
Note: IREL may pay above NAPS minimum — verify actual stipend from the official notification at irel.co.in. Apprenticeship is a training engagement, not employment — no PF, no gratuity during this period.
How to Apply — Three Routes
| Category | Portal / Method | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | NAPS (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) | Register → complete profile → search IREL OSCOM → apply |
| Technician Apprentice | NAPS or NATS (nats.education.gov.in) | Check notification for which portal — discipline specific |
| Trade Apprentice (ITI) | Hard Copy by post | Download form from irel.co.in → fill → send to Senior Manager (HR), IREL OSCOM, Chatrapur, Ganjam – 761020 |
Documents to Prepare
- Degree/Diploma/ITI certificate + all marksheets
- NAPS/NATS Registration ID (if applying via portal)
- National Trade Certificate (NTC) — for ITI applicants (NCVT/SCVT issued)
- Aadhaar card (mandatory for NAPS)
- Category certificate (OBC/SC/ST) if applicable
- Bank account number + IFSC for stipend transfer
- 2 passport-size photographs
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Review | IREL shortlists based on academic merit (aggregate marks in qualifying exam) |
| Document Verification | Original documents checked before final selection |
| Onboarding | Apprenticeship agreement signed; stipend starts from joining date |
No separate written test is standard for apprenticeships — shortlisting is merit-based. The official notification will confirm if any additional test or interview is held for this batch.
Location — OSCOM, Chatrapur
Chatrapur is in Ganjam district, ~160 km from Bhubaneswar by road. It's a coastal industrial area with established infrastructure for IREL's operations. IREL may provide hostel accommodation for outstation apprentices — check the official notification. The industrial environment includes beach sand mining and wet processing operations — expect outdoor work exposure depending on your assigned department.
What You Actually Learn Here — Career Value
IREL OSCOM gives exposure to mineral beneficiation, wet processing, high-intensity magnetic separation, and electrostatic separation — processes relevant to atomic minerals and strategic material industries. For Chemical and Mechanical engineers, this domain is extremely niche and valuable. Career paths after IREL apprenticeship: GATE-based PSU recruitments (IOCL, ONGC, GAIL where process knowledge matters), BARC/NFC/ECIL direct recruitment, or private sector roles in mineral processing and specialty chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if I haven't registered on NAPS yet?
You must register on NAPS first, then apply for IREL's listing. Registration is free — do it before the application deadline. Go to apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
Q: Is relocation to Chatrapur mandatory?
Yes — OSCOM is in Chatrapur. You need to stay there during the apprenticeship. Check the notification for hostel availability from IREL.
Q: Does IREL absorb apprentices into permanent jobs?
IREL is not legally obligated to absorb apprentices. Permanent recruitment happens through separate open advertisement. However, IREL apprenticeship on your CV gives you direct advantage in those competitions.
Q: Can I leave before the apprenticeship ends?
Under the Apprentices Act, you sign a binding agreement. Leaving mid-term can create issues in your NAPS record. Plan to complete the full duration before applying.