Introduction
Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) has officially released the CPCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification (Notification No. HRD:03:26). This recruitment drive invites applications from eligible candidates for Trade, Technician, and Graduate Apprentice positions under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Job seekers holding qualifications ranging from a 10th pass and ITI to diplomas, degrees, and post-graduation can apply online through the respective national apprenticeship portals.
Understanding the eligibility rules, crucial dates, and registration protocols is essential for a successful application. This guide provides a complete overview of the latest CPCL apprentice notification, including trade details, age limits, stipends, and step-by-step application procedures.
CPCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview
The recruitment process is managed entirely online through government-recognized apprenticeship channels. Below is a summary of the core particulars outlined in the official notification:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation Name | Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) |
| Notification Number | HRD:03:26, dated 22.09.2026 |
| Post Categories | Trade Apprentice, Technician Apprentice, Graduate Apprentice |
| Act Governing Engagement | Apprenticesants Act, 1961 |
| Registration Portals | NAPS or NATS (depending on the specific post) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 12.10.2026 |
| Age Limit | 18 to 26 years as on 01.10.2026 |
Important Dates to Remember
Candidates must track timelines closely to avoid missing the registration window. Since a separate application start date is not explicitly mentioned, eligible applicants can submit their details right away.
- Notification Release Date: 22.09.2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 12.10.2026
Available Posts and Vacancy Categories
While the exact total number of vacancies is not specified in the official circular, multiple trades and designations are open for enrolment. Applicants must register on the designated portal corresponding to their trade classification:
- Trade Apprentice (ITI Passed): Registered under NAPS
- Designated Trade – Laboratory Assistant (Chemical Plant): Registered under NAPS
- Guest House Service Assistant (Food & Beverages / Housekeeping): Registered under NAPS
- Graduate Apprentice (Non-Engineering Degree): Registered under NATS
- Secretarial Office Assistant – Oil & Gas: Registered under NAPS
- Executive (Human Resource) – Oil & Gas: Registered under NAPS
- Graduate Apprentice (Engineering Degree): Registered under NATS
- Technician Apprentice (Diploma in Engineering): Registered under NATS
- Data Entry Operator (Fresher & Skilled Certificate Holders): Registered under NAPS
Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications
Candidates must ensure they fulfill all educational, technical, and age criteria before applying for the CPCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026.
Educational Qualifications & Monthly Stipend
| Post Name | Prescribed Qualification | Stipend (Per Month) |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Apprentice (ITI) | Matric with regular full-time 2-year ITI in designated trades recognized by NCVT/SCVT | Rs. 11,040 |
| Laboratory Assistant | B.Sc. Chemistry with Physics, Mathematics, or Biology | Rs. 12,300 |
| Guest House Service Asst. | 10th Pass | Rs. 8,200 |
| Graduate Apprentice (Non-Eng.) | BA / B.Com / B.Sc / BCA / BBA | Rs. 12,300 |
| Secretarial Office Asst. – Oil & Gas | Graduate in any non-engineering discipline | Rs. 12,300 |
| Executive (HR) – Oil & Gas | MBA (HR) / MSW / 2-year full-time PG Diploma in Personnel Management / PM & IR | Rs. 12,300 |
| Graduate Apprentice (Engineering) | BE / B.Tech in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Civil, Computer Science, IT, etc. | Rs. 12,300 |
| Technician Apprentice | Diploma in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics/Instrumentation | Rs. 10,900 |
| Data Entry Operator (Fresher) | Class 12 passed (below graduate) | Rs. 4,800 to 9,600 |
| Data Entry Operator (Skilled) | Class 12 passed + Skill Certificate in Domestic Data Entry Operator | Rs. 9,600 |
Additional Conditions
- Passing Year: Only candidates who completed their final qualifying exams in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible.
- Percentage of Marks: Applicants must secure a First Class with a minimum of 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates).
- Experience: Individuals who have previously undergone an apprenticeship or held a job elsewhere for one year or more are disqualified.
Age Limits and Relaxation
Applicants must be between 18 and 26 years of age as on 01.10.2026. Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories in accordance with presidential directives.
Selection Process
The selection methodology for the CPCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 relies entirely on academic performance. Shortlisting is done by preparing a merit list based on the percentage of marks obtained in the essential educational qualification required for the specific post. No separate written examination or personal interview will be conducted.
How to Apply Online for CPCL Apprentices
Candidates must complete their application online through the official portals. Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the appropriate portal: the NAPS portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) for ITI and designated non-engineering trades, or the NATS portal (nats.education.gov.in) for graduate and diploma engineering posts.
- Create or log in to your account, ensuring your profile has 100% completion with all necessary document uploads.
- Search for “Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited” as the establishment name.
- Select your preferred trade or post and submit your application online before the deadline of 12 October 2026.
- Keep a digital copy of the submitted application form for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for CPCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit online applications through the NAPS or NATS portal is 12 October 2026.
What is the age requirement for these apprenticeship positions?
Candidates must be aged between 18 and 26 years as of 01.10.2026, with allowable relaxations for reserved categories.
How are candidates selected for CPCL apprentice posts?
Selection is finalized through a merit list generated strictly from the marks obtained by candidates in their mandatory qualifying examinations.
Which portal should I use to apply?
You must use the NAPS portal for ITI, secretarial, HR, and data entry roles, while graduate engineering and diploma holders must apply via the NATS portal.
