Overview
Indian Rare Earths (IREL) Limited, Rare Earths Division at Udyogamandal, Kochi, Kerala is hiring talented individuals for apprenticeship positions. This is a golden opportunity for fresh graduates and diploma holders to gain hands-on experience in one of India’s premier rare earth industries. The apprenticeship is for 1 year, governed under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
📊 Organization Details
Organization Name: IREL (India) Limited, Rare Earths Division
Location: Udyogamandal, Kochi, Kerala
Official Website: www.irel.co.in
💼 Total Vacancies & Position Details
Total Positions Available: 30 Apprenticeships
Vacancy Breakdown by Category:
| Category | Position | Qualification Required | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| NATS – Graduate Apprentices | Graduate Apprentice – Chemical Engineering | B.Tech in Chemical Engineering | 5 |
| Graduate Apprentice – Civil Engineering | B.Tech in Civil Engineering | 1 | |
| Graduate Apprentice – Mechanical Engineering | B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering | 1 | |
| NATS – Non-Engineering Graduate | Non-Engineering Graduate Apprentice – B.Com | B.Com | 2 |
| NATS – Technician Apprentices | Technician Apprentice – Civil Engineering | Diploma in Civil Engineering | 1 |
| Technician Apprentice – Mechanical Engineering | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering | 1 | |
| Technician Apprentice – Electrical Engineering | Diploma in Electrical Engineering | 1 | |
| Technician Apprentice – Computer Engineering | Diploma in Computer Engineering | 1 | |
| NAPS – Trade Apprentices | Trade LACP – Chemistry | B.Sc (Chemistry) | 2 |
| Trade LACP – Physics | B.Sc (Physics) | 2 | |
| Trade Executive (HR) | MBA / PG in HR / PM&IR | 1 | |
| Trade Plumber | ITI (Plumber) | 1 | |
| Trade Welder | ITI (Welder) | 3 | |
| Trade Fitter | ITI (Fitter) | 4 | |
| Trade MMV | ITI (MMV) | 1 | |
| Trade Electrician | ITI (Electrical) | 2 | |
| Trade Instrument Technician | ITI (Instrument Mechanic) | 1 |
📑 Post Type & Job Type
Post Type: Apprenticeship
Job Type: Contractual (1-year apprenticeship under Apprentices Act, 1961)
Employment Nature: No guarantee of permanent job after apprenticeship ends
💻 Application Mode
Online Only – Dual portal application required
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 23 January 2026 |
| Start of Online Application | 23 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 15 March 2026 |
| Apprenticeship Duration | 1 Year |
⏰ Note: Applications must be submitted online via NATS/NAPS portals AND email by 15 March 2026. No applications will be accepted after the deadline.
🎓 Educational Qualifications
Your qualification must be obtained through regular full-time mode only. Distance learning, part-time, and correspondence modes are NOT acceptable.
Candidates with higher qualifications than the prescribed eligibility cannot apply.
Required Qualifications by Position:
- B.Tech/B.E. in Chemical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering
- B.Com (for non-engineering graduate position)
- Diploma in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering
- B.Sc. in Chemistry or Physics
- MBA/PG in HR, PM&IR
- ITI Certifications in Plumber, Welder, Fitter, MMV, Electrical, or Instrument Mechanic
⏳ Age Limit
Age as on Last Date of Application (15 March 2026):
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General/OBC-NCL/EWS | 18 to 25 years |
| SC/ST Candidates | 18 to 30 years (+5 years relaxation) |
| OBC (NCL) Candidates | 18 to 28 years (+3 years relaxation) |
| PWBD Candidates | 18 to 35 years (+10 years relaxation) |
Proof Required: Matriculation Certificate, 10th Standard Certificate, or Birth Certificate
💰 Stipend / Salary Details (Per Month)
Monthly Stipend: As per Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 and Government of India notifications
Additional Benefits:
- Food Coupon: ₹1,500 per month
- No other financial assistance or benefits during the apprenticeship period
🎯 Selection Process
Selection is merit-based with the following steps:
- Merit List Preparation: Based on marks scored in your qualifying educational qualification
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must submit original + self-attested photocopies of all required documents
- Medical Fitness Test: Must be declared “Medically Fit” by IREL’s authorized doctor
- Police Verification: Submit Police Verification Certificate from concerned police authorities (mandatory before joining)
- Final Selection: Management decides department allocation; no guarantee of specific position
Merit List Priority (in order):
- Land Affected Category candidates (with proof)
- Candidates from peripheral villages within 10 km radius of RED and wards of IREL employees
- Candidates from Ernakulam District
- Candidates from Kerala State
- All other candidates
Tie-Breaking Criteria:
If two candidates have equal marks, the one with higher marks in qualifying exam wins. If still equal, the elder candidate (by date of birth) is preferred.
📝 How to Apply
Step 1: Portal Registration
For Graduate & Technician Apprentices:
- Register on National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS 2.0) portal
- Website: https://nats.education.gov.in
- Use Establishment Registration No.: SKLERC000015
For Trade Apprentices:
- Register on Ministry of Skill Development portal
- Website: https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
- Use Establishment Registration No.: E11153200006
Step 2: Download & Fill Application Form
- Download Application Form (Annexure-A) from official website
- Fill in all details clearly (preferably on A4 paper)
- Attach recent passport-size photograph
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Scan and self-attest photocopies of:
- 10th Pass/Matriculation Certificate or Birth Certificate
- 10th Mark Sheet
- SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Disability certificates (if applicable)
- OBC-NCL declaration form (if applicable)
- All semester/year mark sheets and final degree/diploma/ITI certificate
- Nativity Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of portal registration/enrollment
Step 4: Email Submission
Send to: apprentices@irel.co.in
Email Subject:
“APPLICATION FOR ENGAGEMENT OF APPRENTICES AGAINST NOTIFICATION NO. IREL/RED/HRM/Apprentices Engagement/2026-27/01”
Include: Scanned application form + all supporting documents
Deadline: Email must reach on or before 15 March 2026
⚙️ Key Documents Required
Before applying, arrange these documents:
- ✅ Filled Application Form (Annexure-A) with passport photo
- ✅ 10th Pass Certificate or Matriculation Certificate or Birth Certificate
- ✅ 10th Mark Sheet
- ✅ All degree/diploma/ITI mark sheets (semester/year-wise)
- ✅ Final degree/diploma/ITI certificate
- ✅ SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- ✅ OBC-NCL Declaration Form (if applicable)
- ✅ Nativity Certificate
- ✅ Aadhaar Card (photocopy)
- ✅ Proof of NATS/NAPS portal registration
Important: All documents must be self-attested photocopies. Originals will be required during document verification.
📘 Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | www.irel.co.in |
| NATS Portal (Graduate/Technician) | https://nats.education.gov.in |
| NAPS Portal (Trade Apprentices) | https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
| Official Notification PDF | Download from IREL website |
| Application Form (Annexure-A) | Download from IREL website |
| Email for Submission | apprentices@irel.co.in |
⚠️ Important Notes to Remember
✓ Must register on portal first – Applications without portal registration will be rejected
✓ Qualifications must be full-time only – No distance/part-time degrees accepted
✓ No higher qualifications allowed – If you have a degree higher than required, you cannot apply
✓ Previous apprentices ineligible – Those who already completed apprenticeship elsewhere cannot apply
✓ Currently undergoing apprenticeship? – You cannot apply
✓ Provisional candidature – Selection is subject to certificate verification and no false information
✓ No guarantee of permanent job – IREL has no obligation to offer permanent employment after apprenticeship
✓ Check website regularly – Any updates/corrections will be on www.irel.co.in only
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if I’m currently undergoing apprenticeship elsewhere?
A: No. Candidates currently in any apprenticeship are not eligible.
Q: What if I have a higher degree than required?
A: You cannot apply. Only candidates with the exact prescribed qualification can apply.
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No application fee is required.
Q: What happens after the 1-year apprenticeship?
A: There is no guarantee of permanent employment. You will be relieved after completion.
Q: Can I use distance learning degree to apply?
A: No. Only regular full-time qualifications are accepted.
Q: How will I know if I’m selected?
A: Merit list will be released on www.irel.co.in. Check regularly for updates.
🚀 Quick Action Plan
- ✅ Check if you meet all eligibility criteria
- ✅ Gather all required documents
- ✅ Register on NATS (for graduates/technicians) or NAPS (for trade) portal
- ✅ Download and fill the application form
- ✅ Scan all documents with self-attestation
- ✅ Email complete application before 15 March 2026
- ✅ Save confirmation emails for reference
Good Luck! 🎓
Last Updated: 24 January 2026
For latest updates, visit: www.irel.co.in
