IREL Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 131 Tradesman Trainee Posts

IREL (India) Limited, a premier Mini-Ratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has officially released recruitment advertisement number CO/HRM/36/2026 for the appointment of Tradesman Trainees. Through this regular recruitment drive, the corporation is opening online registrations to fill 131 vacancies across multiple production units located in Odisha, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh. The available positions comprise technical trades including Fitter, Attendant Operator Chemical Plant (AOCP), Electrician, and Instrumentation. The online application portal opens on October 19, 2026, and eligible technical candidates can submit their applications until November 9, 2026.

Important Dates

Applicants must track these official deadlines to complete their online forms and fee transactions before the portal closes.

• Official Notification Release Date: October 17, 2026
• Online Application Start Date: October 19, 2026 (10:00 AM)
• Last Date to Apply Online: November 9, 2026 (6:00 PM)
• Last Date for Online Fee Payment: November 9, 2026
• Tentative Date for Computer-Based Test (CBT): December 2026

Vacancy Details

IREL has distributed the 131 regular Tradesman Trainee openings across major operating plants including the OSCOM unit in Odisha, Chavara in Kerala, and Manavalakurichi in Tamil Nadu.

• Tradesman Trainee (Fitter): 93 Posts
• Tradesman Trainee (Attendant Operator Chemical Plant - AOCP): 20 Posts
• Tradesman Trainee (Electrician): 12 Posts
• Tradesman Trainee (Instrumentation): 6 Posts

Statutory reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) apply strictly in accordance with Government of India directives.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must satisfy the mandatory educational qualifications, trade experience, and age limitations as of the closing date of application (November 9, 2026).

Educational Qualification & Trade Requirements

• Fitter, Electrician, and Instrumentation Trades: Candidates must possess a National Trade Certificate (ITI / NCVT) or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) in the relevant trade. In addition, candidates must have at least 2 years of post-qualification industrial experience in a recognized manufacturing, chemical, or mining establishment. Completed one-year apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act counts toward the 2-year experience requirement. Electrician candidates must hold a valid statutory wireman or electrical license.
• Attendant Operator Chemical Plant (AOCP): Candidates must hold an ITI or NAC certificate in Attendant Operator Chemical Plant with 2 years of relevant plant experience. Alternatively, candidates who have passed Class 12 (10+2 / Intermediate) with Chemistry as a subject and a minimum of 50 percent marks along with 2 years of chemical plant operational experience are eligible.

Age Limit

The age criteria are calculated as of November 9, 2026:

• Maximum Age: 35 years for General and EWS candidates.
• Age Relaxation: Upper age limits are relaxed by 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates, and up to 10 years for PwBD applicants. Ex-Servicemen and internal IREL employees receive relaxations under central civil service norms.

Salary Structure & Training Period

Selected candidates undergo a structured training period before formal absorption into regular company scales.

• Training Period: Trainees undergo a one-year probationary training period during which they receive a consolidated monthly stipend.
• Pay Scale on Absorption: Upon successful completion of training, candidates are absorbed into the regular W-3 Grade pay scale of Rs 22,000 to Rs 88,000 per month.
• Annual CTC: The total annual cost-to-company (CTC) at the entry level is approximately Rs 6.5 Lakhs, including Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), mining allowances, provident fund, gratuity, and comprehensive medical benefits under atomic energy health rules.

Selection Process

The selection path for IREL Tradesman Trainees involves three sequential assessment stages:

1. Computer-Based Test (CBT): A multi-section objective examination covering Subject Knowledge (Trade-specific questions), General Awareness, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Basic English.
2. Trade Skill Test: A qualifying practical skill test designed to assess technical handling, tool operations, and equipment maintenance capabilities.
3. Document Verification & Pre-Employment Medical Examination: Verification of original educational marksheets, trade certificates, experience letters, and medical fitness clearance conducted at authorized government medical centers.

How to Apply

Submissions must be completed online through the official IREL careers web portal.

1. Visit the official IREL website at irel.co.in.
2. Navigate to the "Careers" section and select "Current Openings".
3. Click on the link titled "Recruitment for the post of Tradesman Trainee - Advt. No. CO/HRM/36/2026".
4. Complete your initial candidate registration by entering your email address, mobile number, and basic demographic profile.
5. Log in using the generated credentials and fill out the detailed form covering educational scores, ITI marks, trade specialization, and industrial work experience.
6. Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph, signature, Class 10 marksheet (age proof), ITI/NAC passing certificates, and relevant experience letters.
7. Pay the non-refundable application fee through the integrated online payment gateway via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI. (Application fee is Rs 826 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates; Rs 354 for SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and Female applicants).
8. Submit the application form and download the PDF acknowledgment receipt for future reference during document verification.

Official Links

• IREL Official Website: irel.co.in
• IREL Careers Portal: irel.co.in/careers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does apprenticeship training count towards the mandatory 2-year experience requirement?

Yes. IREL considers one year of full-time trade apprenticeship training completed under the Apprentices Act, 1961 as valid industrial experience. Candidates must present the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) or completion certificate.

What is the minimum qualifying score in Class 12 for the AOCP trade?

Candidates applying for the Attendant Operator Chemical Plant (AOCP) post using Class 12 credentials must have passed with Chemistry as a subject and secured at least 50 percent aggregate marks, alongside 2 years of industrial experience in a chemical facility.

Can candidates appearing in their final ITI trade test apply?

No. Applicants must have completed their ITI or NAC coursework and possess their final passing certificate and marksheets on or before the application closing date (November 9, 2026).