IREL Recruitment 2026 is an important opportunity for candidates seeking employment in a Government of India public sector undertaking. IREL (India) Limited, formerly known as Indian Rare Earths Limited, operates under the administrative control of the Department of Atomic Energy. The company works in mineral sand mining, mineral processing and rare-earth production.

IREL has announced several recruitment and apprenticeship opportunities for 2026. The latest major recruitment drive is for Tradesman Trainees under Advertisement No. CO/HRM/36/2026. The advertisement includes 131 vacancies across four trades: Fitter, Electrician, Instrumentation and Attendant Operator Chemical Plant.

Online registration for Tradesman Trainee recruitment is scheduled to begin on 19 October 2026, and the last date to submit the application is 9 November 2026. IREL has also published an intermediate apprentice engagement notification for 2026–27 with a reported closing date of 31 October 2026.

Candidates interested in IREL Recruitment 2026 should check the official notification before applying because qualifications, experience, salary and selection procedures differ between regular employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

IREL Recruitment 2026 Overview

The recruitment details above relate to Advertisement No. CO/HRM/36/2026. Candidates should also review the separate apprentice notifications if they are looking for training opportunities rather than regular employment.

IREL Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details

IREL has announced 131 Tradesman Trainee vacancies across four technical trades. The vacancies are distributed among several operating units and facilities.

The number of vacancies and their distribution across locations and reservation categories are specified in the official advertisement. Candidates should check the detailed notification to identify the vacancies available for their preferred trade and location.

IREL has operating units and facilities in Odisha, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and other locations. Selected candidates may be posted at the unit or location selected during the application process, subject to the company’s recruitment conditions.

Candidates should carefully select their preferred unit and trade before submitting the application. The advertisement states that applicants can apply for only one unit or location and one post or discipline. Multiple applications for different trades or units may be rejected.

What Is IREL (India) Limited?

IREL (India) Limited is a public sector undertaking under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. The organisation was established to work in mineral sands, mineral processing and rare-earth-related industries.

Its operations include the production and processing of minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, sillimanite and garnet. The organisation also operates facilities associated with rare-earth extraction and processing.

IREL employs technical, administrative, scientific and operational personnel to support its industrial activities. Its recruitment opportunities may include regular employment, trainee positions, apprenticeships and specialised professional roles.

The Tradesman Trainee recruitment is particularly relevant to candidates with ITI qualifications and relevant industrial experience. Apprenticeship notifications may suit eligible graduates, diploma holders and ITI candidates seeking practical training.

IREL Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the educational qualification, experience and age requirements specified for their chosen trade.

1. Tradesman Trainee Fitter

Candidates applying for the Fitter trade must possess ITI or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) qualifications in the Fitter trade.

The notification also requires two years of relevant post-qualification work experience in a reputed industrial establishment. Eligible apprenticeship training and on-the-job training may be counted as specified in the advertisement.

Applicants should ensure that their certificates and experience documents establish the required trade qualification and experience.

2. Tradesman Trainee Electrician

Candidates applying for the Electrician position must possess ITI or NAC qualifications in the Electrician trade.

A valid statutory licence is also required. Applicants must have two years of relevant experience in the Electrician trade or discipline in a reputed industrial establishment, subject to the terms of the notification.

Candidates should verify that their licence is valid and that their experience documents meet IREL’s requirements.

3. Tradesman Trainee Instrumentation

The Instrumentation position requires ITI or NAC qualifications in the Instrumentation trade.

Applicants must also possess two years of relevant industrial experience in the Instrumentation trade or discipline, including qualifying apprenticeship or on-the-job training where permitted.

Candidates should check the exact qualification and experience conditions in the official advertisement before submitting their applications.

4. Tradesman Trainee Attendant Operator Chemical Plant

Candidates applying for the Attendant Operator Chemical Plant position must satisfy one of the prescribed educational routes:

• ITI or NAC qualification in Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant); or
• Class 12 or equivalent with Science, including Chemistry as a subject, and at least 50% aggregate marks.

The notification also requires two years of experience in the operation of chemical or allied process industries, including eligible apprenticeship training where applicable.

5. Age Limit

The upper age limit for Tradesman Trainee recruitment is 35 years as of the closing date of the application, which is 9 November 2026.

Age relaxation is available to eligible categories under the applicable recruitment rules.

The notification provides additional provisions for certain categories and circumstances. Candidates should read the official age-relaxation section and submit valid supporting certificates.

IREL Recruitment 2026 Salary and Stipend

The Tradesman Trainee recruitment offers a defined training stipend and a regular pay scale for candidates who are absorbed after successfully completing the training period.

Salary During Training

Selected candidates will undergo one year of training under company policy. During this period, the monthly consolidated stipend is ₹34,200.

House Rent Allowance may also be payable according to the conditions specified in the advertisement if company bachelor accommodation is not provided. Applicable medical facilities are also described in the notification.

Salary After Training

After successful completion of one year of training, trainees may be absorbed into the regular W-3 grade as Tradesmen, according to company policy.

The regular pay scale is ₹22,000–₹88,000.

The advertisement estimates the annual cost to company at approximately ₹6.5 lakh after appointment to the regular post. Actual compensation can vary according to the place of posting and applicable allowances.

Additional benefits may include Industrial Dearness Allowance, HRA where applicable, annual increments, medical facilities, leave encashment, loans and advances, insurance and other benefits under company rules.

Absorption into a regular post is subject to successful completion of training and the conditions set out in the recruitment advertisement.

IREL Recruitment 2026 Application Fee

Candidates should check the application fee and processing charges specified in Advertisement No. CO/HRM/36/2026.

The notification provides fee concessions for certain categories, including women, SC/ST candidates, persons with benchmark disabilities, ex-servicemen and internal candidates, subject to the stated conditions. A processing fee may still be payable where specified.

Candidates should confirm the amount payable for their category before completing the online application. The fee and payment conditions should not be assumed to be the same for Tradesman Trainee recruitment and apprenticeship engagement.

Keep the payment receipt or transaction confirmation for future reference.

IREL Recruitment 2026 Selection Process

The selection procedure for Tradesman Trainees includes a computer-based written test followed by a qualifying skill test, as applicable to the post.

1. Computer-Based Test

The written examination is an objective-type test consisting of multiple-choice questions.

According to the advertisement, the test lasts two hours and contains two sections:

Each correct answer carries one mark. The notification states that there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

The minimum qualifying marks are 50% in each section for UR and EWS candidates and 45% in each section for SC, ST and OBC-NCL candidates.

Candidates should read the official advertisement for the complete examination instructions and any subsequent updates.

2. Skill Test

Candidates who qualify in the written examination may be called for a skill test, such as a trade test or computer proficiency test, as applicable.

The skill test is qualifying in nature. Candidates must pass it to remain eligible for final selection.

3. Document Verification

Provisionally selected candidates must provide original documents to verify age, educational qualifications, work experience, category and other eligibility requirements.

4. Final Merit List

The final merit list is prepared according to the marks obtained in the computer-based test by candidates who qualify in the required skill test. Trade-wise, category-wise and unit-wise selection lists are prepared under the recruitment rules.

How to Apply Online for IREL Recruitment 2026?

Candidates interested in Tradesman Trainee recruitment can follow these steps once the online registration window opens.

1. Visit the official IREL careers page at https://www.irel.co.in/careers.
2. Locate Advertisement No. CO/HRM/36/2026.
3. Download and read the detailed advertisement.
4. Confirm the educational qualification, experience, age limit and other eligibility requirements for your trade.
5. Open the online application link provided on the official careers page.
6. Register using the required personal and contact details.
7. Log in and complete the application form.
8. Select the appropriate trade and preferred unit or location.
9. Upload the photograph, signature, certificates and other required documents.
10. Pay the application fee or processing fee applicable to your category.
11. Review the details carefully before final submission.
12. Submit the application and save the registration slip or confirmation page.

The online registration window opens on 19 October 2026 at 10:00 AM. The final deadline is 9 November 2026 at 6:00 PM.

Candidates should not submit multiple applications for different trades or units if prohibited by the advertisement. Incorrect information or missing supporting documents may lead to rejection.

IREL Apprentice Recruitment 2026

IREL has also published apprenticeship opportunities for the 2026–27 training year. These are separate from the regular Tradesman Trainee recruitment.

The official careers page lists an intermediate apprentice engagement notification posted on 12 October 2026, with a closing date of 31 October 2026.

Apprenticeship opportunities can cover different categories, including graduate, technician and trade apprentices, depending on the unit and notification.

Typical eligibility routes may include:

• Engineering graduates in specified disciplines.
• Diploma holders in relevant engineering branches.
• ITI candidates in designated trades.
• Graduates or postgraduates in specified non-engineering disciplines.

The exact courses, number of seats, training duration, stipend and application method vary by notification. Candidates should download the relevant apprentice advertisement and check whether they need to register through an apprenticeship portal or submit an application through the method specified by IREL.

Apprenticeship engagement is generally intended for structured training and does not automatically guarantee regular employment with the company.

Important Links for IREL Recruitment 2026

The following table provides the main official links for candidates.

Always begin at the official IREL careers page to confirm that the notification and application link are current. If a notice is revised, follow the latest corrigendum or official announcement.

Documents Required for IREL Recruitment 2026

Candidates should prepare the documents required by their selected recruitment notification.

These may include:

• Class 10 certificate or date-of-birth proof.
• ITI certificate or National Apprenticeship Certificate.
• Relevant diploma or educational qualification certificate.
• Experience certificates from the employer.
• Valid statutory licence for the Electrician trade, where required.
• Recent photograph and signature.
• Valid identity proof.
• Category certificate, where applicable.
• EWS certificate, where applicable.
• Disability certificate, where applicable.
• Ex-servicemen documents, where applicable.
• Other documents specified in the advertisement.

Candidates should ensure that their name, date of birth, educational details and experience information are consistent across the application and supporting documents.

Preparation Tips for IREL Recruitment 2026

Candidates preparing for the computer-based examination should begin by reviewing the syllabus and examination pattern in the official advertisement.

Spend sufficient time on professional knowledge related to the chosen trade. Fitter candidates should revise relevant fitting concepts, while Electrician, Instrumentation and Chemical Plant Operator candidates should focus on their respective technical subjects.

Prepare for general knowledge, reasoning, numerical ability and English as well. Practising multiple-choice questions can help improve accuracy and time management.

Candidates should also keep their experience certificates and educational documents ready before applying. For the skill test, practise the relevant trade tasks or computer skills as applicable.

Finally, check the official careers page regularly for updates about the examination schedule, admit card, skill test, merit list and document verification.

FAQ about IREL Recruitment 2026

Conclusion

IREL Recruitment 2026 offers opportunities for ITI-qualified candidates and experienced technical workers through its Tradesman Trainee recruitment, alongside separate apprenticeship opportunities for eligible candidates.

The current Tradesman Trainee advertisement includes 131 vacancies across four technical trades. Online registration begins on 19 October 2026, and the last date to apply is 9 November 2026 at 6:00 PM. Candidates should review the eligibility criteria, work experience requirements, age limits, stipend, pay scale and selection process before applying.

Those interested in apprenticeship training should also check the separate 2026–27 apprentice notification, which has a reported deadline of 31 October 2026.

For the latest notifications, detailed advertisements, application forms and recruitment updates, visit the official IREL Careers page at https://www.irel.co.in/careers. Read the relevant notification carefully and submit your application using the authorised link before the deadline.