The four Russian companies include Gazprom Neft, Rosneft, Tatneft and Zarubezhneft.
There are currently 34 foreign energy firms which have been approved to help Iran in development of its energy projects.
Azadegan, discovered in 1999, is the world's third largest oilfield with in-place reserves of about 33.2 billion barrels, about 6 billion barrels of which are recoverable.
According to Iranian officials, invitation letters have been sent out to the prequalified companies to submit their proposals. Those eligible have reportedly been asked to seek NIOC’s approval if they are picking up partners which are not on the list.
Tender documents are said to be distributed next month, marking Iran’s first offering of development projects under the Iran Petroleum Contract (IPC).
The new model has been subject to repeated reviews amid fears that it might compromise Iran’s national interests at the expense of making business with the country more flexible.
The IPC, described as a hybrid model, will replace the buy-back contract. It is being touted as a risk service contract which includes integrated exploration, development and production.
Officials have said a single tender would be held for the development of the onshore Azadegan field which includes the north and south sections.