Overview
The Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) is a public sector undertaking under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. It plays a crucial role in the mining and processing of rare earth materials, which are essential for various sectors including electronics, defense, and renewable energy. The organization has recently announced its recruitment drive for 2026, inviting applications for the position of Apprentices. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates looking to build a career in a prestigious PSU.
With a total of 30 apprenticeship posts available, IREL aims to provide hands-on training to young graduates and diploma holders across various engineering and non-engineering disciplines. This apprenticeship program is not only a chance to gain practical experience but also serves as a stepping stone for future employment opportunities within the organization and the broader industry.
Key Details
As per the official notification, the IREL Apprentices recruitment drive for 2026 includes various essential details that candidates must be aware of:
- Organization: IREL (India) Limited, Rare Earths Division, Udyogamandal, Kochi, Kerala
- Total Vacancies: 30 Posts
- Post Names: Graduate Apprentices, Technician Apprentices, Trade Apprentices
- Salary: Stipend as per Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, plus a food coupon of ₹1,500 per month
- Eligibility: Educational qualifications vary by trade; candidates must possess the required qualifications obtained through regular full-time mode.
- Age Limit: Candidates should be between 18 to 25 years as on the last date of application, with relaxation for SC/ST, OBC, and PWBD categories.
- Application Mode: Online through NATS/NAPS portals and submission of scanned application by email.
- Official Website: www.irel.co.in
Important Dates
Understanding the timeline is crucial for candidates applying for the apprenticeship. The following dates are significant:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 23/01/2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 15/03/2026 |
| Duration of Apprenticeship | 1 year for all trades |
Selection Process
The selection process for the IREL Apprenticeship includes several stages aimed at ensuring that the most suitable candidates are chosen:
- Merit List: Candidates will be selected based on a merit list prepared from marks scored in their specified educational qualifications.
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must be found medically fit by the company’s authorized doctor.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification, requiring them to present originals and self-attested photocopies of all required documents.
- Priority Order: Candidates from the Land Affected Category, peripheral villages, and wards of serving/deceased employees will receive priority.
- Final Selection: The management has the discretion for department allocation and final selection.
Important Links
For candidates interested in applying for the IREL Apprenticeship, the following links will be essential:



