Overview
The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Southern Railway has released a notification for the engagement of Act Apprentices for the 2026 recruitment cycle. This opportunity is available for candidates in both the Fresher and Ex-ITI categories.
According to the published recruitment information, a total of 4,471 apprenticeship training slots are available under Notification No. 01/2026. The vacancies include 163 Fresher posts and 4,308 Ex-ITI posts across different divisions, workshops and units of Southern Railway.
Candidates should understand that this is an apprenticeship training engagement under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Completing the apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee a permanent Railway job.
Recruitment Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Cell, Southern Railway |
| Recruitment | Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 |
| Notification No. | 01/2026 |
| Total Posts | 4,471 |
| Fresher Posts | 163 |
| Ex-ITI Posts | 4,308 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Training Type | Apprenticeship |
| Last Date | 27 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 28 August 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 28 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 27 September 2026 |
| Application Closing Time | 5:00 PM |
| Shortlisted Candidates List / DV | Expected as per official schedule |
| Training Process | After selection and verification |
Candidates are advised not to wait until the final day because the application portal may experience heavy traffic near the closing date.
Vacancy Details
A total of 4,471 apprenticeship positions have been announced.
| Category | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Fresher Category | 163 |
| Ex-ITI Category | 4,308 |
| Total | 4,471 |
The apprenticeship opportunities are available in different designated trades, divisions, workshops and units under Southern Railway. Candidates should select their preferred unit and trade carefully while filling out the application form.
Educational Qualification
The qualification requirement depends on whether the candidate is applying under the Fresher or Ex-ITI category.
Fresher Category
Candidates generally need the prescribed 10th or 12th qualification with the required minimum marks, depending on the designated trade.
Ex-ITI Category
Candidates should have:
- Passed Class 10 / Matriculation
- Obtained the required minimum marks
- Completed ITI in the relevant trade from a recognized institution
The exact qualification requirement can vary according to the trade. Candidates must check the official notification before selecting a trade.
| Category | Basic Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Fresher | 10th / 12th qualification as prescribed |
| Ex-ITI | 10th Pass + Relevant ITI Trade |
| Higher Qualification | Check official eligibility conditions carefully |
The Southern Railway application portal also states that candidates should select only one unit, and applying for more than one unit can lead to rejection.
Age Limit
The age limit depends on the category and trade for which the candidate applies.
| Category | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 15 Years |
| Maximum Age | As prescribed post/category-wise |
| Age Relaxation | Available for eligible reserved categories |
The maximum age can differ between Fresher and Ex-ITI categories, so candidates should verify the exact age condition in the official notification before submitting the application. Published recruitment information indicates different upper-age limits depending on the category.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST | No Fee |
| PwBD Candidates | No Fee |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
The processing fee, where applicable, must be paid through the prescribed online application system.
Selection Process
There is generally no traditional written examination for this Act Apprentice engagement.
Selection is expected to be based on the prescribed merit procedure and eligibility conditions mentioned in the official notification.
| Stage | Process |
|---|---|
| 1 | Online Application |
| 2 | Preparation of Merit List |
| 3 | Shortlisting |
| 4 | Document Verification |
| 5 | Medical Fitness |
| Final | Apprenticeship Training Engagement |
Candidates should provide correct educational marks because merit preparation is connected with the information submitted in the application.
How to Apply for RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Step 1: Read the Official Notification
Before starting the application, carefully check:
- Eligibility
- Age limit
- Trade details
- Division/unit details
- Required documents
Step 2: Open the Official Application Portal
Visit the Southern Railway/RRC online application portal.
Step 3: Select Your Category
Choose the correct category:
- Fresher
- Ex-ITI
Step 4: Choose Only One Unit
The application portal instructs candidates to select only one unit. Applications submitted for more than one unit may be rejected.
Step 5: Select Division and Trade
Choose the appropriate:
- Unit
- Division
- Workshop
- Trade
Make sure your educational qualification matches the selected trade.
Step 6: Fill Personal Details
Enter your name, date of birth and other details exactly according to your official documents.
Step 7: Enter Educational Marks
Fill in your:
- Class 10 marks
- Class 12 marks, where applicable
- ITI qualification and marks, for Ex-ITI candidates
Step 8: Upload Documents
Keep the required documents ready, such as:
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photograph | Required |
| Signature | Required |
| Class 10 Certificate/Marksheet | Required |
| Class 12 Certificate | If applicable |
| ITI Certificate | For Ex-ITI candidates |
| Category Certificate | If applicable |
| PwBD Certificate | If applicable |
Step 9: Pay the Fee
Pay the required application fee if applicable to your category.
Step 10: Review and Submit
Before clicking the final submit button, check:
| Check Point | Verify Carefully |
|---|---|
| Candidate Name | Matches certificates |
| Date of Birth | Correct |
| Category | Correctly selected |
| Unit | Only one selected |
| Trade | Matches qualification |
| Educational Marks | Correctly entered |
| ITI Details | Correct, if applicable |
| Mobile Number | Active |
| Email Address | Active |
After successful submission, save or print the completed application form.
Important Links
| Important Link | Action |
|---|---|
| Southern Railway RRC Website | Visit RRC Southern Railway |
| Online Apprentice Application Portal | Open Online Application Portal |
| Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment Information | Check Recruitment Details |
Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 FAQ
How many posts are available in RRC Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 4,471 apprenticeship training positions have been announced, including Fresher and Ex-ITI categories.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date for online application is 27 September 2026 until 5:00 PM.
When did the application process start?
The online application process started on 28 August 2026.
Is there a written examination?
The selection process is based on the prescribed apprenticeship merit and verification procedure rather than a traditional competitive written examination.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age is 15 years, subject to the conditions in the official notification.
Is ITI required for every post?
No. The recruitment includes separate Fresher and Ex-ITI categories, and eligibility depends on the trade and category selected.
Can I apply for more than one unit?
No. The Southern Railway application portal states that candidates should choose only one unit, and applying for multiple units can result in rejection.
Does completing the apprenticeship guarantee a Railway job?
No. Apprenticeship training does not automatically guarantee regular employment in the Railway.
Important Note
Candidates should carefully read the complete RRC Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification before applying. Select your unit and trade carefully, because applying for more than one unit may result in rejection.
This recruitment is for apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, so candidates should not assume that completing the training will automatically result in a permanent Railway job.
Enter your educational marks and personal details carefully, keep all original documents ready for verification, and submit the application well before 27 September 2026, 5:00 PM. Always check the official Southern Railway recruitment portal for the latest instructions or changes.
