IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Offline for 39 Graduate, Technician & Trade Apprentice Posts

IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview & Key Opportunities

IREL (India) Limited, a Mini Ratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Atomic Energy, has officially announced the IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 for its Manavalakurichi (MK) unit in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. The notification, bearing reference number IREL (India) Limited/MK/Apprentices Engagement/2026/01 and dated 03 August 2026, invites applications from eligible Indian nationals for engagement as Graduate, Technician, and Trade Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This recruitment drive is a golden opportunity for engineering graduates, diploma holders, and ITI pass-outs seeking hands-on industrial training in a prestigious public sector undertaking. With a total of 39 apprentice seats spread across various engineering and technical trades, the IREL Apprentice 2026 engagement offers a structured pathway to gain practical experience in a government enterprise, enhancing career prospects in the atomic energy and rare earths sector. Candidates who are passionate about technical fields and wish to build a strong foundation for their professional journey should not miss this chance. The application process is offline, requiring candidates to first register on the official apprenticeship portals and then send a hardcopy application by post. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026, covering all essential details from eligibility to selection, ensuring you have all the information needed to apply successfully.

IREL Apprentice Notification Highlights 2026

The IREL Apprentice Notification 2026 brings several key highlights that every aspiring candidate should know. The notification was released on 03 August 2026, and the last date to receive applications is 31 August 2026. There are a total of 39 vacancies, comprising 4 Graduate Apprentice, 4 Technician Apprentice, and 31 Trade Apprentice positions. The minimum educational qualification varies by post, ranging from BE in relevant disciplines for Graduate Apprentices, Diploma for Technician Apprentices, and ITI certificates for Trade Apprentices. The age limit is set between 18 and 25 years as on the last date of application, with standard relaxations for reserved categories. The selection process is based on merit, with no written examination, followed by document verification and medical fitness assessment. Applications must be submitted offline via post, after mandatory online registration on the government apprenticeship portals. The training location is the IREL (India) Limited unit in Manavalakurichi, Tamil Nadu. These highlights provide a snapshot of the recruitment, but candidates are advised to read the full notification for detailed information.

About IREL Apprentice & 2026

IREL (India) Limited, formerly known as Indian Rare Earths Limited, is a leading public sector enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. The company is engaged in the mining and processing of rare earth minerals and heavy minerals, playing a crucial role in India's atomic energy program and strategic industries. The Manavalakurichi unit, located in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, is one of the key operational sites of IREL, specializing in the extraction and production of rare earth compounds. As part of its corporate social responsibility and skill development initiatives, IREL offers apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961, to nurture young talent in various engineering and technical trades. The IREL Apprentice 2026 program is designed to provide practical training and exposure to industrial processes, enabling apprentices to develop professional competencies. Working under the guidance of experienced professionals, apprentices gain valuable insights into the functioning of a central public sector enterprise, which can significantly boost their employability. This recruitment is a stepping stone for candidates aiming to build a career in the public sector, with potential future opportunities for absorption based on performance and organizational requirements.

IREL Apprentice Vacancy Details & Post Breakdown 2026

The IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers a total of 39 apprentice seats across three categories: Graduate Apprentice, Technician Apprentice, and Trade Apprentice. Each category has specific trades and educational qualifications, as detailed below. Candidates are advised to carefully review the vacancy distribution and choose the trade that matches their qualifications and interests. It is important to note that candidates can apply for only one trade at a time, and multiple applications will be rejected.

Graduate Apprentice Vacancies

There are 4 seats for Graduate Apprentices in the disciplines of Electrical, Civil, and Mechanical Engineering. These positions are ideal for BE graduates seeking one-year apprenticeship training in a reputed PSU. The training duration is one year, and the stipend will be as per government norms.

Technician Apprentice Vacancies

There are 4 seats for Technician Apprentices in Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil disciplines. These positions require a Diploma in the relevant field and offer one-year training. The roles are designed to provide practical exposure to technical operations in the plant.

Trade Apprentice Vacancies

The largest number of vacancies, 31 in total, are for Trade Apprentices in various ITI trades. These positions are ideal for candidates who have completed ITI in the relevant trade and are looking for practical training. The training duration varies from 1 to 2 years depending on the trade.

Category-Wise Vacancy Reservation for IREL Apprentice 2026

The official notification does not provide a detailed category-wise breakup of vacancies for individual trades. However, it clearly states that reservation for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD will be applicable as per the prescribed percentage applicable to the State of Tamil Nadu, in line with relevant Government guidelines. This means that candidates from reserved categories will be given due consideration as per the norms. The absence of a detailed category-wise table in the notification suggests that the reservation will be applied at the time of selection, based on the overall merit list and the applicable percentage. Candidates belonging to reserved categories are advised to keep their caste certificates ready and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. The selection will be conducted in a transparent manner, adhering to the government's reservation policy.

Educational Qualification & Eligibility Criteria for IREL Apprentice 2026

The educational qualifications for IREL Apprentice 2026 vary according to the post and trade. Candidates must possess the specified qualification from a recognized university or institution. It is important to note that qualifications obtained through distance learning, part-time, or correspondence modes are not eligible. Additionally, candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961 in any organization are not eligible to apply. The detailed qualification requirements are as follows:

Graduate Apprentice Qualifications

For Graduate Apprentice posts, candidates must have a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree in the relevant discipline. Specifically, for Electrical, the required qualification is BE in Electrical & Electronics Engineering; for Civil, BE in Civil Engineering; and for Mechanical, BE in Mechanical Engineering. The degree must be from a recognized university or institution.

Technician Apprentice Qualifications

For Technician Apprentice posts, candidates must have a Diploma in the relevant engineering discipline. For Mechanical, the required qualification is a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering; for Electrical, a Diploma in Electrical Engineering; and for Civil, a Diploma in Civil Engineering. The diploma must be from a recognized institution.

Trade Apprentice Qualifications

For Trade Apprentice posts, candidates must have passed the ITI examination in the relevant trade. The specific trades and their corresponding ITI qualifications are listed in the vacancy table above. For example, for the Fitter trade, candidates must have passed ITI in Fitter; for Electrician, ITI in Electrician; and so on. The ITI certificate must be from a recognized institution.

In addition to the above, candidates must not hold a higher qualification than the prescribed induction-level qualification. For instance, candidates with ME/M.Tech, MCA, MBA, CA/ICWA, Ph.D, or LLB are not eligible to apply. This is because these qualifications are considered higher than the required level for the apprentice posts. Candidates must also note that if the final aggregate marks are not mentioned in the pass certificate, the average of all semesters/years will be considered. Where CGPA or grades are awarded, the equivalent percentage must be indicated in the application, with a supporting certificate to be submitted at the time of document verification.

Age Limit & Category Relaxations

The age limit for IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a crucial eligibility criterion. Candidates must be between 18 and 25 years of age as on the last date of application, which is 31 August 2026. However, age relaxation is provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories as per government norms. The following table summarizes the age limits and relaxations:

It is important to note that the age relaxation is applicable only to the upper age limit. Candidates must ensure they meet the age criteria as on the cutoff date. The date of birth as recorded in the matriculation or equivalent certificate will be considered for age calculation.

Salary Details, Pay Scale & Perks

The stipend for IREL Apprentice 2026 will be paid as per the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, and as notified by the Government of India from time to time. The exact stipend amount is not specified in the official notification, but it is generally in line with the minimum stipend rates prescribed for apprentices. For Graduate Apprentices, the stipend is typically around Rs. 9,000 per month, for Technician Apprentices around Rs. 8,000 per month, and for Trade Apprentices around Rs. 7,000 per month, subject to revisions. However, candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for the exact stipend details. During the training period, IREL (India) Limited will not provide any other benefits or financial assistance beyond the stipend. Apprentices are not entitled to any other allowances such as DA, HRA, or TA. The training period is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and enhance employability, even though the stipend may be modest.

IREL Apprentice Selection Process & Examination Phases 2026

The selection process for IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is based on merit, with no written examination. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will be shortlisted based on the marks obtained in the specified educational qualification. The merit list will be prepared in the order of priority as defined in the notification. The selection process involves the following steps:

Merit List Preparation

The merit list will be prepared based on the marks scored in the qualifying examination. In case of a tie in marks, the candidate with higher marks in the specified qualification will be given preference. If the tie persists, the candidate who is senior in age (date of birth) will be considered first. The merit list will be published on the IREL website and also communicated to shortlisted candidates.

Priority Order for Selection

Within the merit list, the following order of priority is applied, as per the notification:

• First priority: Candidates who have passed the qualifying examination in the current year (2026).
• Second priority: Candidates who have passed the qualifying examination in the previous year (2025).
• Third priority: Candidates who have passed the qualifying examination earlier than the previous year.

This priority order ensures that recent graduates are given preference. Candidates should note that the priority is based on the year of passing the qualifying examination.

Document Verification

Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification. They must produce all original documents, including educational certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), age proof, and other relevant documents. Failure to produce the required documents will lead to disqualification.

Medical Examination

Candidates who clear the document verification will be required to undergo a medical fitness examination conducted by IREL's Medical Officer. Only candidates declared medically fit will be offered the apprenticeship engagement. The medical examination will be conducted as per the standards prescribed by IREL.

There is no physical efficiency test or interview for this recruitment. The entire selection is based on merit and document verification.

Application Fee Details

The official notification does not specify any application fee for the IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026. This suggests that the application process is free of cost. Candidates are advised to check the official notification for any updates regarding the application fee. Since there is no fee mentioned, candidates can apply without any financial burden. However, they must ensure that they follow the application procedure correctly and submit all required documents. Any attempt to pay a fee to unauthorized sources should be avoided, as the recruitment process is free.

Important Dates & Schedule

Candidates must adhere to the important dates for the IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026. The notification was released on 03 August 2026, and the last date to receive applications is 31 August 2026. It is crucial to note that applications must physically reach the designated address by the last date. The postal despatch date is not considered; only the date of receipt is taken into account. The following table summarizes the important dates:

Candidates are advised to submit their applications well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays in postal services. It is recommended to use a reliable courier service and keep a copy of the application for future reference.

Required Documents for IREL Apprentice Application 2026

When applying for the IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026, candidates must attach self-attested copies of the following documents along with the application form. It is essential to ensure that all documents are clear and legible. The list of required documents is as follows:

• Educational qualification certificates and mark sheets (all semesters/years).
• ITI certificate (for Trade Apprentice posts) or Diploma/BE certificate (for Technician/Graduate Apprentice posts).
• Proof of age (Birth certificate, SSLC/10th certificate, or any other valid document).
• Caste certificate (if applicable) in the prescribed format.
• Disability certificate (if applicable) issued by the competent authority.
• Passport-size photographs (recent).
• Signature (scanned copy).
• Any other relevant certificates as mentioned in the notification.

Candidates must also ensure that they have registered on the official apprenticeship portals, such as the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal or the Apprenticeship India portal, as per the instructions. The registration number must be mentioned in the application form.

How to Apply Online

The application process for IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a two-step process: online registration on the apprenticeship portals, followed by submission of a hardcopy application by post. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you apply successfully:

Step 1: Online Registration on Apprenticeship Portals

Before applying, candidates must register on the official government apprenticeship portals. For Graduate and Technician Apprentices, registration is done on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal (www.mhrdnats.gov.in). For Trade Apprentices, registration is done on the Apprenticeship India portal (www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in). Candidates must create a profile, upload necessary documents, and obtain a unique registration number.

Step 2: Download and Fill the Application Form

After completing the online registration, candidates must download the application format from the IREL website (www.irel.co.in) or the official notification. The application form must be filled with accurate details, including personal information, educational qualifications, and the trade applied for. Candidates must also mention their apprenticeship portal registration number in the application.

Step 3: Attach Required Documents

Self-attested copies of all required documents must be attached with the application form. Ensure that all documents are properly arranged and stapled. It is advisable to make a checklist to ensure no document is missed.

Step 4: Send the Application by Post

The duly filled and signed application form along with the attached documents must be sent to the following address by post, ensuring it reaches on or before 31 August 2026:

The Chief Manager - HRM (Legal & ER), IREL (India) Limited, Manavalakurichi, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu-629252

It is recommended to send the application via registered post or speed post to track the delivery. Candidates should also keep a photocopy of the application and the postal receipt for future reference.

Important Instructions & Guidelines for IREL Apprentice Applicants

Candidates must adhere to the following important instructions to ensure their application is considered valid:

• Applications received after the last date will not be considered. The date of receipt, not the date of posting, is final.
• Candidates should apply for only one trade. Applying for multiple trades will lead to rejection.
• All documents must be self-attested. Incomplete applications or those without the required documents will be rejected.
• Candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria before applying. Suppressing information about higher qualifications or previous apprenticeship training will lead to disqualification.
• The application form must be filled in the prescribed format. Handwritten or typed forms are acceptable, but they must be legible.
• Candidates must mention their apprenticeship portal registration number in the application. Failure to do so may lead to rejection.
• No correspondence regarding the receipt of applications will be made. Candidates can check the IREL website for updates.
• Candidates should not send multiple applications for the same trade. Duplicate applications will be rejected.

Job Location & Posting Details

The training for IREL Apprentice 2026 will be conducted at the IREL (India) Limited unit in Manavalakurichi, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. This is the designated training location for all selected apprentices. The unit is well-equipped with modern facilities and provides a conducive environment for learning. Candidates who are willing to relocate to Manavalakurichi for the training period are eligible to apply. The training will be conducted as per the Apprentices Act, 1961, and the duration varies from 1 to 2 years depending on the trade. During the training, apprentices will be under the supervision of experienced professionals and will gain hands-on experience in their respective fields. The location offers a unique opportunity to work in a central public sector enterprise involved in rare earth processing.

Final Summary & Advice for Candidates

The IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a fantastic opportunity for engineering graduates, diploma holders, and ITI pass-outs to kickstart their careers in a prestigious public sector enterprise. With 39 vacancies across various trades, the selection process is merit-based, ensuring a fair chance for all eligible candidates. To succeed in this recruitment, candidates should focus on their academic performance, as the merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the qualifying examination. It is also essential to complete the online registration on the apprenticeship portals and submit the hardcopy application well before the deadline. Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria. The training period will provide invaluable practical experience, enhancing their professional skills and employability. We wish all aspirants the very best in their application and selection process. to Sarkari Job Finders for more updates on government job notifications and career guidance.

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This article has been manually researched, cross-referenced with the official notification, and structured to provide verified, candidate-centric information.

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