Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), a premier government enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy, is pleased to announce the recruitment of 30 Apprenticeship positions across various disciplines at its Rare Earths Division located in Udyogamandal, Kochi, Kerala. This detailed job description provides comprehensive information about the eligibility criteria, application process, selection procedure, salary structure, and other essential details to assist interested candidates in applying successfully.
IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026 – Detailed Overview
Organization Details
Indian Rare Earths (IREL) Limited, under the Ministry of Atomic Energy, is engaged in mineral exploration, processing, and production of rare earth metals and other mineral resources. The company’s Rare Earths Division at Udyogamandal, Kochi, is an important unit for the extraction and processing of rare earth elements and minerals.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | IREL (India) Limited, Rare Earths Division, Udyogamandal, Kochi, Kerala |
| Post Name | Graduate Apprentices, Technician Apprentices, Trade Apprentices |
| Total Vacancies | 30 Posts |
| Advertisement Number | IREL/RED/HRM/Apprentices Engagement/2026-27/01 |
| Application End Date | 15th March 2026 |
| Official Website | www.irel.co.in |
| Last Date to Submit Applications | 15-03-2026 |
Vacancy Distribution and Trade-wise Details
Trade and Qualification Breakdown
The total 30 apprenticeship positions are distributed across various engineering and non-engineering trades, requiring specific educational qualifications for each. The breakdown is as follows:
| Category/Trade | Qualification | No. of Apprentices |
|---|---|---|
| NATS – Graduate & Technician Apprentices |
|
05 + 01 + 01 + 02 + 01 + 01 + 01 + 01 |
| NAPS – Trade Apprentices |
|
02 + 02 + 01 + 01 + 03 + 04 + 01 + 02 + 01 = 16 |
Summary of Vacancy Types
In total, the vacancies span both engineering disciplines under NATS and various trades under NAPS, offering diverse opportunities for candidates with relevant educational backgrounds.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess the prescribed qualifications relevant to the respective trade or category. The qualifications should have been obtained through regular, full-time study mode. Qualifications obtained via distance learning, part-time, correspondence, or any non-full-time mode are not acceptable. Candidates with higher or professional qualifications beyond the specified criteria are not eligible to apply.
Apprenticeship Experience
Applicants who are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961, in any organization—government, public sector, or private—are ineligible. Similarly, candidates who have already completed apprenticeship training in IREL or any other organization are not eligible to apply again.
Age Limit and Relaxation
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years as of the last date of application |
| Maximum Age | 25 years as of the last date of application |
| Relaxation | SC/ST: +5 years OBC (NCL): +3 years PWBD: +10 years |
Proof of age must be supported by relevant documents such as Matriculation (10th certificate) or Birth Certificate.
Selection Procedure
The selection process is merit-based and comprises the following steps:
- Merit List Preparation: Based on marks obtained in the prescribed educational qualification, considering the candidate’s medical fitness.
- Tie-Breaking Criteria: Higher marks in the qualifying exam; if still tied, older candidate (by date of birth).
- Preference Order: Candidates from land-affected categories, peripheral villages within 10 km radius, wards of IREL employees, then candidates from Ernakulam district, Kerala state, and others.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates will be called for verification of original documents and certificates.
- Medical Examination: Candidates must pass a medical fitness test to be eligible for engagement.
- Police Verification: For entry into RED, candidates need to submit Police Verification Certificate.
Note: Final department allocation is at the discretion of the management, and there is no guarantee of regular employment during or after apprenticeship.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Registration:
- Graduate and Technician Apprentices must register on the NATS portal.
- Trade Apprentices need to register on the Apprenticeship portal.
- Application Submission:
- Download and fill the prescribed application form (Annexure-A) – preferably on A4 paper.
- Scan and self-attest all required documents including educational certificates, identity proof, category certificates, and registration proof.
- Send the scanned application form along with supporting documents via email to recruitment@irel.co.in.
- Use the subject line: APPLICATION FOR ENGAGEMENT OF APPRENTICES AGAINST NOTIFICATION NO. IREL/RED/HRM/Apprentices Engagement/2026-27/01.
- Important Dates:
- Notification Release Date: 23 January 2026
- Last Date for Application Submission: 15 March 2026
Ensure all documents are correctly uploaded, and applications are submitted before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will be rejected.
Stipend and Benefits
The apprentices will receive a monthly stipend as per the rates specified under the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, and applicable government notifications. Additionally, they will be provided with a food coupon valued at ₹1,500 per month.
No other monetary benefits or allowances will be offered during the apprenticeship period.
Details regarding the stipend structure can be viewed in the [Official Notification PDF](https://www.irel.co.in/notification.pdf).
Important Links
- IREL Official Website
- NATS Portal
- Apprenticeship India Portal
- [Download Application Form & Instructions](https://www.irel.co.in/application_form.pdf)
Important Notices
Applicants are advised to regularly check the official IREL website for updates, corrigenda, or any amendments to the recruitment process. The candidature is provisional and subject to verification of eligibility and documents. The management’s decision on all matters related to selection and engagement will be final and binding.