Candidates applying for the IREL Tradesmen Trainee Recruitment 2026 should understand the complete selection process, including the written examination, Skill Test, preparation of the final merit list, and document verification. The selection process will be based on performance in the written examination/Computer-Based Test (CBT), subject to qualifying the applicable Skill Test.
1. What Is the Trade Test?
A Trade Test is a practical assessment in which candidates may be asked to demonstrate their knowledge and skills related to their specific trade. Unlike the written examination, which tests theoretical knowledge, the Trade Test focuses on applying that knowledge in practice.
For example, depending on the post and the official test instructions, candidates may be assessed on their ability to identify tools, understand technical drawings, use equipment safely, perform basic trade-related tasks, or follow prescribed work procedures.
Important: The examples above are illustrative only. Confirm the exact tasks, duration, marking scheme, and qualifying requirements for each IREL Tradesmen Trainee trade from the official IREL Tradesmen Trainee Recruitment 2026 instructions.
2. What Is the Computer Proficiency Test?
For posts where computer proficiency is applicable, candidates may have to demonstrate their ability to perform relevant computer-based tasks. Depending on the prescribed requirements, these could include typing, working with documents or spreadsheets, or other job-related computer operations.
Candidates should check the instructions for their specific post rather than assume every Tradesmen Trainee candidate will take a computer test.
The trade test or computer proficiency test mentioned above is not final; you must check the details mentioned in your call letter for the trade or computer proficiency test.
IREL Tradesmen Trainee Recruitment 2026: Written Examination Pattern
The written examination will be conducted for 2 hours in a single sitting. It will consist of two sections carrying a total of 150 multiple-choice questions.
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | Professional Knowledge in the relevant trade/discipline | 100 | 100 |
| Section II | General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Numerical Ability and English | 50 | 50 |
| Total | — | 150 | 150 |
Each correct answer will carry one mark. There will be no negative marking for incorrect answers, and no marks will be awarded for unanswered questions.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks separately in both sections of the examination.
| Category | Minimum qualifying marks in each section |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 50% |
| EWS | 50% |
| SC | 45% |
| ST | 45% |
| OBC-NCL | 45% |
IREL Tradesmen Trainee Recruitment 2026: Candidates who fail to achieve the prescribed minimum marks in either section will not qualify for the next stage of the selection process.
Skill Test / Trade Test / Computer Proficiency Test
Candidates who qualify for the written examination/CBT will be shortlisted for the next stage based on merit. Depending on the post applied for, shortlisted candidates will have to appear for a Trade Test or Computer Proficiency Test.
Shortlisting Ratio: 1:5
Candidates will be shortlisted for the Skill Test in the ratio of 1:5, meaning up to five candidates will be called for each available post, based on merit among eligible candidates.
For example, if a particular trade has 10 vacancies, up to 50 candidates may be shortlisted for the Skill Test, subject to the applicable recruitment rules and the number of qualified candidates.
Is the Skill Test Qualifying or Scoring?
The Skill Test will be qualifying in nature only. This means that candidates must pass the test to remain eligible for final selection, but the marks obtained in the Skill Test will not be added to their final merit score.
Candidates who fail to qualify for the Skill Test will not be considered for further selection, irrespective of their written examination marks.
How Will the Final Merit List Be Prepared?
The IREL Tradesmen Trainee Recruitment 2026 final selection will be based on the marks obtained in the written examination/CBT, provided the candidate qualifies for the applicable Skill Test.
The following conditions will apply:
- Only candidates who qualify for the Skill Test will be considered for the final merit list.
- The written examination/CBT score will determine the candidate’s merit position.
- Skill Test marks will not be added to the final score.
- Trade-wise and category-wise merit lists will be prepared separately for each company unit.
- The unit and trade selected by the candidate in the online application form will be considered while preparing the merit list.
- Official website: https://www.irel.co.in/careers
Therefore, a candidate who scores highly in the written examination but fails the Skill Test will not be eligible for final selection.
Document Verification Before Appointment
Candidates who are provisionally selected in the IREL Tradesmen Trainee Recruitment 2026 will have to undergo document verification before the issuance of offer letters.
During this stage, the recruiting authority will verify the candidate’s eligibility and the relevant documents submitted in support of the application. Candidates should ensure that their educational certificates, category certificates, experience documents (where applicable), and other required records are valid and available.
Final appointment will be subject to successful document verification and fulfilment of the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Important Points to Remember
- The written examination will carry 150 marks, with 100 questions in Section I and 50 questions in Section II.
- The examination duration will be two hours.
- There will be no negative marking.
- Minimum qualifying marks must be secured in each section.
- Shortlisting for the Skill Test will be in the ratio of 1:5.
- The Skill Test will be qualifying in nature.
- Final merit will be based on written examination/CBT marks only, subject to qualifying the Skill Test.
- Separate trade-wise and category-wise merit lists will be prepared for each company unit.
- Document verification will take place before offer letters are issued.
Also read: CSIR-CFTRI Technician (1) Recruitment 2026.
FAQs
Q1. What is the shortlisting ratio for the Skill Test?
Candidates will be shortlisted at a ratio of 1:5, meaning up to five candidates per vacancy.
Q2. Will Skill Test marks be added to the final merit list?
No. The Skill Test is qualifying in nature. Final merit will be based on written examination/CBT marks.
Q3. What happens if a candidate fails the Skill Test?
The candidate will not be considered for further selection, irrespective of their written examination score.
Q4. Is there negative marking in the written examination?
No. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Unattempted questions will also receive no marks.
Q5. How will the final merit list be prepared?
The final merit list will be prepared based on written examination/CBT marks among candidates who qualify for the Skill Test. Trade-wise and category-wise lists will be prepared separately for each company unit.
Q6. When will document verification take place?
Document verification of provisionally selected candidates will be conducted before offer letters are issued.
Q7. Does qualifying the written examination guarantee selection?
No. Candidates must qualify for the Skill Test and meet the document verification and other applicable eligibility requirements to be considered for final selection.