Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has opened one of the biggest apprentice drives of the year, and for thousands of young job seekers, the timing could not be better. The public sector energy major has invited online applications for 3,047 apprentice posts for 2026-27, with the application window opening on 29 October 2026 and closing on 20 November 2026.
The recruitment, issued under advertisement number ONGC/APPR/1/2026, covers apprentices engaged under the Apprentices Act, 1961. It is spread across trades and disciplines, which means candidates with very different qualifications, from school pass-outs to engineering graduates, can find a relevant opening if they read the trade-wise list carefully.
3,047 posts: what is on offer
ONGC has notified 3,047 apprentice vacancies in total. The posts span a wide range of trades and disciplines, including technical trades, diploma-level disciplines and graduate-level disciplines. The exact trade-wise breakup, along with the number of seats at each work centre, is given in the official notification, and applicants should check the list for their trade before applying.
Important dates to remember
- Notification issued: 29 October 2026
- Online applications opened: 29 October 2026
- Last date to apply: 20 November 2026
- Selection or result date listed in summaries: 15 December 2026
With just over three weeks between the opening and the closing date, applicants have time, but not unlimited time. Portal glitches and document uploads tend to pile up near the deadline, so applying early is the safer move.
Who can apply
The age limit mentioned in notification summaries is 18 to 24 years, with relaxations for reserved categories as per government rules. Applicants must check the exact age cut-off date and relaxation details in the official notice, since these vary by category.
On qualifications, the range is broad. Depending on the trade, candidates may need a Class 10 pass, Class 12 pass, ITI certificate, diploma, or a degree such as B.A., B.Com., B.Sc. or B.E./B.Tech. This is a trade-wise requirement, so a qualification that fits one trade may not fit another. The notification’s trade table is the final word.
How to apply: NAPS or NATS, not the same portal for everyone
This is the step where many applicants go wrong, so read it twice. ONGC apprentice applications are routed through two different national portals depending on the trade:
- NAPS trades: register and apply through the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
- NATS trades: register and apply through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme portal at nats.education.gov.in.
Applying on the wrong portal is one of the most common reasons applications get stuck. First find your trade in the notification, note whether it is listed under NAPS or NATS, and only then register on that portal. Candidates can also check the careers section of ongcindia.com for the official notification link.
Selection process and stipend
Apprentice selections of this kind are generally merit-based, drawn from the academic qualifications prescribed for each trade, rather than a written examination. The notification and the selection list, listed in summaries for 15 December 2026, will confirm the final method and schedule.
The stipend is paid as per apprenticeship norms for the trade and qualification level. Candidates should confirm the exact stipend for their trade in the official notification rather than relying on social media posts, where figures often get mixed up across trades.
As for the application fee, summaries differ on this point, with some listing no fee and others noting that the notification does not specify one. The safe approach is simple: read the official notification, and do not pay any fee through an unofficial link. Genuine government apprentice applications never ask for payment outside the official portal.
Why this drive matters for freshers
India’s hiring market has turned selective in recent months. Naukri’s September 2026 JobSpeak report showed white-collar hiring up just 2 percent year on year, with AI and machine learning roles growing 20 percent while IT services hiring dipped 4 percent. In that kind of market, a structured apprenticeship at a large public sector company carries real weight.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying on the wrong portal (NAPS instead of NATS, or vice versa).
- Waiting until 20 November and then facing a slow portal or a document rejection.
- Trusting unofficial websites that promise a direct apply link or charge a fee.
- Selecting a trade without checking whether your qualification matches it.
- Entering a wrong email ID or phone number and missing the selection update.
FAQs
How many posts are there in ONGC Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
There are 3,047 apprentice posts under advertisement ONGC/APPR/1/2026.
What is the last date to apply for ONGC apprentice posts?
The last date to apply online is 20 November 2026. Applications opened on 29 October 2026.
Where do I apply for ONGC apprentice recruitment?
It depends on your trade. NAPS trades apply through apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and NATS trades through nats.education.gov.in. Check the notification for your trade first.
What is the age limit for ONGC apprentice posts?
Summaries list the age limit as 18 to 24 years, with relaxations as per rules. Confirm the exact cut-off date in the official notification.
Is there an exam for ONGC apprentice selection?
Apprentice selections are generally merit-based on prescribed qualifications. The official notification confirms the final selection method.
Candidates should verify every detail, including trade-wise eligibility, age cut-off and stipend, in the official ONGC notification before applying.
