Time is almost up for ITI holders eyeing a government job. IREL (India) Limited, a Miniratna Category-I PSU under the Department of Atomic Energy, closes applications today, November 9, 2026, for 131 Tradesman Trainee posts. The online window, which opened on October 19, shuts at 6 pm today, as does fee payment. Today is also the cut-off date for age, qualification and experience, so candidates who have been putting off the form should finish it now.
The recruitment, advertised as CO/HRM/36/2026, covers four trades: Fitter, Electrician, Instrumentation and Attendant Operator Chemical Plant (AOCP). It pays a stipend of Rs 34,200 a month during one year of training, with absorption into a regular W-3 grade post after successful completion.
131 posts: Fitter leads with 93 vacancies
Fitter leads with 93 posts, followed by AOCP with 20, Electrician with 12 and Instrumentation with 6, spread across six IREL units in five states. OSCOM at Chhatrapur in Odisha has the largest share with 40 posts, followed by Chavara in Kerala with 33, Manavalakurichi in Tamil Nadu with 24 and the Rare Earths Division at Aluva in Kerala with 25, with smaller numbers at Visakhapatnam and Bhopal.
Each applicant can choose only one trade and one unit, and final merit lists are prepared separately for each trade, category and unit.
Who can apply: ITI plus two years of experience
This is not a fresher opening: every trade needs two years of relevant post-qualification experience, though apprenticeship under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961, and eligible on-the-job training both count.
- Fitter: ITI or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) in Fitter, plus two years of experience.
- Electrician: ITI or NAC in Electrician and a valid statutory licence, plus two years of experience.
- Instrumentation: ITI or NAC in Instrumentation, plus two years of experience.
- AOCP: ITI or NAC in Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant), or 10+2 Science with Chemistry and at least 50% marks, plus two years of experience in chemical process industries.
The upper age limit is 35 years as on November 9, 2026, for unreserved and EWS candidates. Relaxations apply as per government rules: 3 years for OBC (non-creamy layer), 5 years for SC and ST, and up to 10 to 15 years for persons with benchmark disabilities. Even after all relaxations, the age must not exceed 50 years.
Stipend, pay scale and fee
During training, selected candidates get a consolidated stipend of Rs 34,200 a month, HRA where company accommodation is not provided, and medical facilities for the trainee and eligible dependants. After absorption as a regular Tradesman in the W-3 grade, the pay scale is Rs 22,000 to Rs 88,000, with an approximate annual CTC of about Rs 6.5 lakh as estimated in the advertisement.
The fee is Rs 826 for UR, EWS and OBC (non-creamy layer) candidates, including a Rs 354 processing fee. SC, ST, PwBD, ex-servicemen, women and IREL internal candidates pay only the Rs 354 processing fee. All amounts include GST and are non-refundable.
Selection: CBT first, then skill test
Selection starts with a computer-based test: 150 questions for 150 marks in two hours, with 100 on professional knowledge in the chosen trade and 50 on general knowledge, reasoning, numerical ability and English. There is no negative marking, and the test is in Hindi and English.
Candidates must clear the minimum marks separately in each section, 50% for UR and EWS and 45% for SC, ST and OBC (non-creamy layer). Those shortlisted in a 1:5 ratio on CBT merit move to a qualifying skill test. The final merit list uses CBT marks only, followed by document verification and a medical examination. The exam schedule will be shared by email and on the IREL website.
How to apply before the deadline
- Visit irel.co.in and open the Tradesman Trainee announcement, Advt No. CO/HRM/36/2026.
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number, and verify both with the OTPs sent by the portal.
- Log in, fill in personal, qualification and experience details, and pick one eligible trade and one IREL unit.
- Upload the photograph, signature and certificates, preview the form, submit it and pay the fee online today.
- Save the payment acknowledgement and a printout of the application.
Edits are possible only before final submission, and no printed application needs to be sent to IREL by post. Read the detailed notification on irel.co.in once before applying, since the official advertisement remains the final word on eligibility, fees and dates.
FAQs
How many posts are there in IREL Tradesman Trainee Recruitment 2026?
There are 131 posts: Fitter 93, AOCP 20, Electrician 12 and Instrumentation 6.
What is the last date to apply?
November 9, 2026. Both the application and the fee payment must be completed today.
What stipend is paid during training?
A consolidated stipend of Rs 34,200 per month for the one-year training period.
Can fresh ITI pass-outs apply?
Generally no. Two years of relevant experience, including apprenticeship, is required for all four trades.
Where do I apply?
On irel.co.in, under Advt No. CO/HRM/36/2026. Apply for only one trade and one unit.
With the window closing at 6 pm today, eligible ITI candidates should not wait for the evening rush on the portal. The form, the documents and the fee all need to be done by 6 pm on November 9.
