Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), a leading public sector bank headquartered in Chennai, has released Advt No. HRDD/APPR/01/2026-27 for engagement of 750 apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 for FY 2026–27. Fresh graduate candidates aged 20 to 28 years can apply online from 7 July 2026 to 20 July 2026 through NATS, NAPS, and the BEEP portal (BFSI SSC). The online exam is tentatively scheduled for 2 August 2026.
Apply: 7 Jul – 20 Jul 2026 · Fee (BEEP): till 22 Jul 2026 · Exam: 2 Aug 2026 · Stipend: ₹14,000 – ₹15,500/month · Training: 1 year
This is an apprenticeship engagement, not a permanent clerk or officer appointment. However, IOB apprenticeship is a major BFSI career entry route for graduates targeting future IBPS, SBI, and RBI opportunities — and this guide covers every detail from the official 15-page notification PDF so you do not need to cross-check multiple aggregator sites.
Browse more alerts on our Banking Jobs page and Latest Job Notifications.
Official Links — IOB Apprentice 2026
| Resource | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (BEEP — BFSI SSC) | Click here to apply online |
| Download Notification PDF | Click here to download notification PDF |
| IOB Careers Page | Click here to visit official website |
| BFSI SSC Portal | Click here — BFSI SSC careers |
| NATS Registration | Click here — NATS portal |
| NAPS Registration | Click here — NAPS portal |
Always download and read the official PDF before selecting your state/UT on the application form. Third-party apply links are not authorised.
IOB Apprentice 2026 — Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Bank | Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) — Govt of India Undertaking |
| Advertisement | HRDD/APPR/01/2026-27 dated 6 July 2026 |
| Post | Apprentice under Apprentices Act, 1961 |
| Total Vacancies | 750 (state/UT-wise) |
| Financial Year | 2026–27 |
| Training Period | 1 year (contract) |
| Application Mode | Online only — NATS + NAPS + BEEP |
| Exam Conducting Agency | BFSI Sector Skill Council of India (BFSI SSC) |
| Selection | Online exam → Local language test → Document verification / personal interaction |
| Permanent Job Guarantee | None — apprenticeship only |
Important Dates — IOB Apprentice 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 6 July 2026 |
| Online application opens (NATS, NAPS & BEEP) | 7 July 2026 |
| Last date to apply online (NATS & NAPS) | 20 July 2026 |
| Application fee payment window (BEEP) | 7 July 2026 to 22 July 2026 |
| Online examination (tentative) | 2 August 2026 |
| Local language test | After online exam, at document verification |
| Document verification / personal interaction | To be announced via BFSI SSC email |
| Waitlist validity | 1 year from result date |
Mandatory portals: You must register on NAPS and/or NATS and complete the IOB form on BEEP. Fee payment alone on BEEP does not substitute NATS/NAPS registration.
Submit your application at least 2–3 days before 20 July 2026. Last-day server congestion on BFSI SSC portals is common during bank apprentice drives.
Total Vacancies — 750 State/UT-Wise Breakdown
IOB distributes apprenticeship seats state-wise and UT-wise. You may apply for only ONE state/UT — preferably your home state. Below is the complete allocation from the official notification, including category-wise reservation and PwBD horizontal quota.
All States & Union Territories
| State / UT | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | GEN | Total | HI | OC | VI | ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 15 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Assam | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bihar | 8 | 0 | 12 | 2 | 13 | 35 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Chandigarh | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chhattisgarh | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Daman & Diu | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Delhi | 9 | 7 | 27 | 1 | 9 | 53 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gujarat | 1 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 16 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Goa | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Haryana | 4 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jharkhand | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Karnataka | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Kerala | 5 | 0 | 15 | 1 | 12 | 33 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Lakshadweep | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Manipur | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Meghalaya | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Maharashtra | 9 | 12 | 25 | 6 | 33 | 85 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Mizoram | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nagaland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Odisha | 4 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Punjab | 7 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 7 | 24 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Puducherry | 4 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rajasthan | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Sikkim | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Telangana | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Tamil Nadu | 63 | 4 | 67 | 12 | 54 | 200 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Tripura | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Uttarakhand | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 34 | 0 | 41 | 6 | 29 | 110 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| West Bengal | 8 | 4 | 11 | 2 | 10 | 35 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Grand Total | 176 | 63 | 247 | 32 | 232 | 750 | 19 | 16 | 17 | 16 |
Abbreviations: SC — Scheduled Caste · ST — Scheduled Tribe · OBC — Other Backward Classes · EWS — Economically Weaker Section · GEN — General (Unreserved) · PWBD — HI (Hearing Impaired), OC (Orthopedically Challenged), VI (Visually Impaired), ID (Intellectual Disability).
Highest-Vacancy States — Where Competition Differs
| Rank | State / UT | Total Seats | Strategic Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tamil Nadu | 200 | IOB’s home-region strength — largest single-state pool |
| 2 | Uttar Pradesh | 110 | High volume but large applicant base |
| 3 | Maharashtra | 85 | Strong metro + urban branch mix |
| 4 | Delhi | 53 | Metro stipend ₹15,500 — intense competition |
| 5 | Bihar / West Bengal | 35 each | Moderate seats — verify local language choice carefully |
| 6 | Kerala | 33 | 15 OBC seats — category planning matters |
Vacancies are provisional and include backlog seats. The bank may revise numbers based on actual branch requirements.
Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply?
Nationality
- Must be a citizen of India.
Age Limit (as on 01 July 2026)
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 20 years |
| Maximum age | 28 years (General & EWS) |
| Eligible date of birth | Between 01.07.1998 and 01.07.2006 (both dates inclusive) |
Age relaxation (upper limit):
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD (Benchmark Disability ≥ 40%) | 10 years |
Important notes:
- Relaxation is cumulative with only one additional category as per GOI rules.
- NAPS-registered candidates must be below 34 years as on 01.07.2026.
- Ex-Servicemen / Disabled Ex-Servicemen are not eligible — no reservation applies.
Educational Qualification (as on 31 July 2026)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Graduation in any discipline from a university recognised by the Government of India |
| Result deadline | Must be declared on or before 31.07.2026 |
| NATS candidates | Graduation result declared between 01.03.2022 and 31.07.2026 (both inclusive) |
| Proof | Mark sheets and degree/provisional certificate from university when required |
Who Cannot Apply — Automatic Disqualifiers
IOB explicitly bars candidates who:
- Have already completed apprenticeship with IOB or any other organisation.
- Are currently pursuing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act.
- Were terminated mid-training due to their own fault.
- Had one year or more of training or job experience after graduation (post-qualification work disqualifies you).
- Submit false or fabricated information at any stage.
Final-year graduates may apply only if their result is declared on or before 31 July 2026 and they can produce certificates at document verification.
Application Fee — Category-Wise (BEEP Portal)
Fee is non-refundable and payable only online on BEEP from 7 to 22 July 2026.
| Category | Base Fee | GST (18%) | Total Payable |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC / ST / PwBD | ₹200 | ₹36 | ₹236 |
| General / OBC / EWS (Female) | ₹600 | ₹108 | ₹708 |
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹800 | ₹144 | ₹944 |
Payment modes on BEEP typically include Debit/Credit cards, Net Banking, UPI, and other online gateways. Bank transaction charges, if any, are borne by the candidate.
Only candidates deemed eligible by BFSI SSC after form scrutiny can proceed to fee payment.
Stipend Structure — 1-Year Training Contract
Selected apprentices receive a monthly stipend for 12 months based on branch location category:
| Branch Category | Stipend per Month |
|---|---|
| Metro | ₹15,500 |
| Urban | ₹14,500 |
| Semi-Urban / Rural | ₹14,000 |
Figures include government subsidy component where applicable.
NATS Candidates — Stipend Split (Bank vs Government DBT)
For candidates selected under NATS, IOB pays the balance after the government share:
| Branch Category | Total Stipend | Govt DBT Share | Bank Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | ₹15,500 | ₹6,150 | ₹9,350 |
| Urban | ₹14,500 | ₹6,150 | ₹8,350 |
| Semi-Urban / Rural | ₹14,000 | ₹6,150 | ₹7,850 |
Government stipend (₹6,150) is credited via DBT directly to the apprentice’s bank account. No other allowances or employee benefits apply. Unauthorized leave reduces the monthly stipend proportionately.
Selection Process — 3 Stages
IOB Apprentice selection is multi-stage. Merely applying does not guarantee an exam call.
Stage 1: Online Written Examination (Objective)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General / Financial Awareness | 25 | 25 |
| General English | 25 | 25 |
| Quantitative & Reasoning Aptitude | 25 | 25 |
| Computer or Subject Knowledge | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Mode | Remote proctored online — your own desktop/laptop, tablet, or smartphone |
| Camera | Front camera must remain enabled throughout |
| ID proof | Display the same ID uploaded on the apprenticeship portal |
| PwBD | Separate proctoring guidelines apply |
| Qualifying marks | Minimum aggregate percentage set by IOB; 5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD |
| Per-section cutoff | None — only aggregate matters |
| Tie-breaker | Higher age ranked first at identical scores |
Exam day rules:
- Non-PwBD candidates must be alone during the test — no one else in the room.
- BFSI SSC sends date, time, and login details by email after fee confirmation.
- Full instructions arrive in the Information Handout from BFSI SSC.
Stage 2: Test of Local Language
After qualifying the online exam, candidates must demonstrate reading, writing, speaking, and understanding proficiency in one local language of the state they applied for (specified during the application process).
| Scenario | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Standard candidates | Local language test during document verification |
| Exemption | Candidates with 10th or 12th mark sheet/certificate showing they studied the specified local language — no separate test |
| Failure | Disqualified from apprenticeship engagement |
Choose your state and local language combination carefully at application time. This is a common rejection point that aggregator sites often underplay.
Stage 3: Document Verification / Personal Interaction
- Conducted at centres across India as decided by IOB (physical).
- Schedule communicated by BFSI SSC email — date change requests are not entertained.
- Includes medical fitness assessment by bank-appointed or MBBS-certified doctors.
- Character, antecedent, and caste certificate verification (where applicable).
- Engagement remains provisional until all checks pass.
Waitlist Policy
A state-category-wise waitlist is maintained for one year from the result date or until the next engagement cycle — whichever is earlier. Waitlisted candidates may be called against non-joining vacancies.
Syllabus Overview — What to Study for 2 August 2026
The official notification defines four sections. BFSI SSC will release the detailed Information Handout before the exam. Based on the notified pattern and previous IOB apprentice drives, focus on:
1. General / Financial Awareness (25 marks)
- Banking terminology — savings account, current account, NEFT, RTGS, UPI, IMPS
- RBI functions, monetary policy, repo rate, CRR, SLR
- Indian Overseas Bank — history, headquarters (Chennai), tagline, products
- Union Budget highlights, economic surveys, GST basics
- Government schemes — PMJDY, Mudra, Stand-Up India, financial inclusion
- Current affairs (last 6 months) — appointments, mergers, policy changes
2. General English (25 marks)
- Reading comprehension, cloze test, para jumbles
- Error spotting, sentence improvement, fill in the blanks
- Synonyms, antonyms, idioms and phrases
- Grammar — tenses, articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement
3. Quantitative & Reasoning Aptitude (25 marks)
- Percentage, profit & loss, simple/compound interest, averages, ratios
- Time & work, time-speed-distance, number series
- Coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, seating arrangement
- Syllogisms, inequalities, puzzles (basic to moderate level)
4. Computer / Subject Knowledge (25 marks)
- Computer fundamentals — hardware, software, input/output devices
- MS Office basics — Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Internet, email, cybersecurity awareness
- Database concepts, networking basics
- Digital banking and core banking terminology
Preparation tip: With only ~3 weeks from the application deadline to the tentative exam date, prioritise mock tests in 90-minute format and revise IOB-specific banking awareness — this is where you can outperform candidates preparing only generic aptitude.
Reservation & Certificate Requirements
Category Reservation Summary
| Category | Total Reserved Seats |
|---|---|
| SC | 176 |
| ST | 63 |
| OBC | 247 |
| EWS | 32 |
| General (Unreserved) | 232 |
| PwBD (horizontal) | HI 19 · OC 16 · VI 17 · ID 16 |
PwBD reservation is horizontal — selected PwBD candidates are placed in their vertical category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/GEN).
EWS Eligibility Highlights
- Family gross annual income below ₹8 lakh (FY prior to application year).
- Must not own: 5+ acres agricultural land, 1000+ sq.ft residential flat, 100+ sq.yards plot in notified municipalities, or 200+ sq.yards plot elsewhere.
- Requires Income & Asset Certificate from competent authority in Central Government format valid for FY 2026–27.
OBC Certificate Rules
- Must include Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) clause.
- Certificate must be valid at document verification — issued on or after 01.04.2026.
- Caste name must match the Central List letter by letter.
- Creamy-layer OBC candidates must apply as General.
How to Apply Online — Complete Step-by-Step
IOB requires three-portal compliance. Skipping NATS or NAPS registration will invalidate your BEEP application.
Step 1: Register on NATS or NAPS (Before BEEP)
Option A — NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme)
- Visit nats.education.gov.in and complete student registration.
- Note your NATS Enrolment Number.
Option B — NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme)
- Visit apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and register.
- Note your NAPS Enrolment Number.
Step 2: Apply on NATS or NAPS Against IOB Vacancy
NATS path:
- Login at nats.education.gov.in/student_type.php.
- Go to “Apply against advertised vacancies”.
- Select Indian Overseas Bank advertisement and submit.
NAPS path:
- Visit apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/apprenticeship/opportunity.
- Search establishment name: “Indian Overseas Bank”.
- Click View → Apply for this Opportunity.
Step 3: Complete IOB Form on BEEP (BFSI SSC)
- Visit beep.bfsissc.com → Career Opportunities.
- Select IOB Apprenticeship Program FY 2026–27.
- Enter your NATS/NAPS Enrolment Number.
- Fill personal, educational, and category details accurately.
- Select ONE state/UT (preferably home state) and specify local language.
- Upload photograph, signature, and documents as per portal specs.
- Pay the examination fee online (7–22 July 2026).
- Submit and download/print the confirmation page.
- Check your registered email for the application copy from BFSI SSC.
Direct apply link: Click here to apply online
Before You Submit — Pre-Application Checklist
| Item | Ready? |
|---|---|
| Valid personal email ID (active for 12+ months) | ☐ |
| Active mobile number | ☐ |
| NATS or NAPS enrolment completed | ☐ |
| Graduation mark sheets / provisional degree | ☐ |
| Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD) if applicable | ☐ |
| Photo ID matching what you will upload | ☐ |
| Scanned photo & signature (prescribed size/format) | ☐ |
| State/UT and local language decision finalised | ☐ |
Documents Required at Document Verification
Carry originals + self-attested photocopies:
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| i | Personal interaction / reporting communication printout |
| ii | BFSI SSC email with submitted application data |
| iii | Proof of date of birth (birth certificate or 10th certificate with DOB) |
| iv | Photo ID — Passport / Aadhaar / e-Aadhaar / PAN / Driving Licence / Voter ID |
| v | Consolidated mark sheets and degree/provisional certificates |
| vi | Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) in Central Government format |
| vii | OBC certificate with NCL clause (valid from 01.04.2026) |
| viii | PwBD disability certificate from District Medical Board |
| ix | Local language proof (10th/12th mark sheet) if claiming exemption |
| x | Any other eligibility-supporting documents |
Mismatch between online form data and originals is grounds for disqualification — even after provisional selection.
Terms of Apprenticeship — What You Are Signing Up For
Understanding these terms prevents disappointment later:
| Term | Detail |
|---|---|
| Employee status | Apprentices are not IOB employees — no employee benefits |
| Training hours | Same daily hours as clerical staff at the branch |
| Training type | On-the-job / practical workplace training |
| Leave | 12 casual leaves/year (max 4 at a time); no other leave types |
| Absence | Treated as leave without pay — stipend deducted |
| Permanent job | No obligation on IOB to hire after training |
| Transport / hostel | Not provided |
| Certificate | Final assessment → Apprenticeship Certificate on completion |
| Conduct | Governed by IOB disciplinary rules for workmen |
| Gender | No discrimination — male and female candidates equally eligible |
IOB Apprentice vs Central Bank of India (CBI) Apprentice — Key Differences
Both are graduate bank apprentices under the Apprentices Act, but processes differ:
| Factor | IOB Apprentice 2026 | CBI Apprentice 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Vacancies | 750 | 4,500 |
| Apply portals | NATS + NAPS + BEEP | BFSI SSC (single flow) |
| Exam date | 2 Aug 2026 (tentative) | 5 Jul 2026 (conducted) |
| Exam duration | 90 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Stipend (metro) | ₹15,500 | ₹15,000 |
| State selection | One state/UT mandatory | Pan-India allocation |
| Experience bar | No job 1+ year post-graduation | Fresh graduates only |
Eligible graduates can apply to multiple bank apprentice notifications simultaneously if dates and eligibility align — but not for more than one state under IOB.
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection
- Applying for more than one state/UT on IOB form.
- Skipping NATS/NAPS registration before BEEP submission.
- Selecting a local language you cannot read/write/speak.
- Ignoring the post-graduation work experience bar (1+ year disqualifies).
- Paying fee after 22 July 2026 or on an incomplete application.
- Uploading an ID proof different from what you display on exam day.
- Claiming OBC reservation without valid NCL certificate dated after 01.04.2026.
- Treating apprenticeship as a confirmed bank job and skipping exam preparation.
- Using unofficial third-party websites instead of beep.bfsissc.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for two states to increase my chances?
No. IOB allows application for only one state/UT. Duplicate applications will lead to disqualification.
I have 11 months of work experience after B.Com. Can I apply?
No. Candidates with one year or more of training or job experience after graduation are ineligible.
Is there negative marking in the IOB Apprentice exam?
The official notification does not specify negative marking. Prepare assuming no penalty unless the BFSI SSC Information Handout states otherwise.
Will IOB absorb apprentices as clerks after 1 year?
There is no guarantee. IOB explicitly states it has no obligation to offer regular employment. Treat this as a paid training opportunity and keep applying for IBPS PO/SO and other bank recruitments in parallel.
What if I already studied Tamil in 10th standard and applied for Tamil Nadu?
You are exempt from the separate local language test — produce your 10th/12th mark sheet at document verification.
How do I prepare in 3 weeks for 2 August 2026?
Focus on 90-minute full-length mocks, financial awareness (especially IOB and RBI basics), and computer knowledge. The exam is remote-proctored — practise on the same device you will use on exam day with a stable internet connection.
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- Search jobs by keyword
EasyApplications.in publishes this guide for informational purposes only. Indian Overseas Bank is the sole authority on eligibility, state-wise vacancies, exam dates, and selection rules. Always verify details in the official notification PDF and apply only through BEEP (BFSI SSC) before 20 July 2026.