Overview
The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Southern Railway has released the notification for Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
This recruitment offers 4,471 apprenticeship training slots across different divisions, workshops and units of Southern Railway. The vacancies include opportunities for both Fresher candidates and Ex-ITI candidates.
According to the recruitment details, 163 slots are available for Freshers, while 4,308 slots are available for Ex-ITI candidates. The online application process started on 28 August 2026, and eligible candidates can apply until 27 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Important: This is an apprenticeship training engagement. Completion of the apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee a permanent Railway job.
RRC Southern Railway Apprentice 2026 – Quick Details
| Recruitment Authority | Railway Recruitment Cell, Southern Railway |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Name | RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 |
| Notification Number | 01/2026 |
| Post Type | Act Apprentice |
| Total Training Slots | 4,471 |
| Fresher Posts | 163 |
| Ex-ITI Posts | 4,308 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Training Under | Apprentices Act, 1961 |
| Application Start | 28 August 2026 |
| Last Date | 27 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
The recruitment covers designated trades in different Southern Railway divisions, workshops and units.
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 / Further Process | As per official schedule |
| Document Verification | To be notified |
Candidates are advised not to wait until the final day because the application portal may experience heavy traffic near the closing date.
Vacancy Details
Total: 4,471 Apprentice Training Slots
The recruitment is divided into two main categories.
| Category | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Fresher Category | 163 |
| Ex-ITI Category | 4,308 |
| Total | 4,471 |
The vacancies are available in various designated trades and units under Southern Railway.
Available Trade Opportunities
The Southern Railway Apprentice recruitment includes training opportunities in multiple technical and non-technical trades.
Depending on the unit and category, trades may include areas such as:
- Fitter
- Turner
- Welder
- Electrician
- Mechanic
- Painter
- COPA
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Other designated Railway trades
Candidates should select their unit and trade carefully according to their educational qualification and ITI certificate.
Educational Qualification
Ex-ITI Candidates
For many Ex-ITI trade vacancies, candidates generally need:
Class 10 / Matriculation qualification with the prescribed marks
and
ITI in the relevant trade from a recognized institution
The ITI trade should match the trade for which the candidate is applying.
Fresher Category
Fresher candidates can apply for the specific posts available under the notification if they fulfil the prescribed educational conditions.
Certain Fresher categories may require:
- Class 10 qualification with the required percentage, or
- Class 12 qualification for applicable trades such as Medical Laboratory Technician categories
The exact qualification depends on the selected unit and trade.
Minimum Marks Requirement
For applicable Apprentice categories, candidates should carefully check whether the notification requires a minimum percentage in the qualifying examination.
Do not assume that simply passing Class 10 or ITI makes you eligible for every trade.
Before applying, verify:
| Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Class 10 Marks | Minimum marks may apply |
| ITI Trade | Must match the selected trade |
| Fresher / Ex-ITI Category | Different eligibility conditions |
| Unit | Vacancy requirements can differ |
| Medical Trades | May require Class 12 Science |
Age Limit
The age requirement differs according to the category of apprenticeship.
| Category | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 15 Years |
| Maximum Age | Post-wise / category-wise up to 22 or 24 Years |
| Age Relaxation | As per Government Rules |
Candidates belonging to eligible reserved categories can receive age relaxation according to the applicable rules.
Always check the exact age condition for the trade and category selected in the official notification.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST Candidates | No Fee |
| PwBD Candidates | No Fee |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
The application fee should be paid only through the authorized online application process.
Selection Process
One of the important features of Railway Apprentice recruitment is that candidates should carefully understand the selection method before applying.
The selection is generally based on the prescribed merit process, and recent recruitment information indicates that candidates are shortlisted based on qualifying examination marks rather than appearing for a traditional written competitive examination.
Selection Flow
Online Application
↓
Merit-Based Shortlisting
↓
Document Verification
↓
Medical / Other Required Formalities
↓
Apprenticeship Engagement
The final procedure will be followed according to the official RRC Southern Railway notification.
How Merit Is Important in This Recruitment
Candidates should enter their educational marks very carefully while filling out the application.
The details entered in the online form should match:
- Class 10 marksheet
- ITI marksheet
- Class 12 certificate, where applicable
- Other required qualification documents
Incorrect marks or qualification information can create problems during document verification.
Before Submitting Your Form
Check your:
Name → Date of Birth → Marks → ITI Trade → Unit → Category
carefully.
Stipend During Apprenticeship
Selected candidates will receive a stipend during the apprenticeship training according to the applicable Railway and Apprenticeship rules.
The stipend amount can vary depending on the category and prescribed training conditions. Recent reports mention apprenticeship stipends in the range applicable to Fresher and ITI candidates under the recruitment rules.
Candidates should remember that an apprenticeship stipend is different from a regular permanent Railway employee salary.
One Important Rule: Choose Your Unit Carefully
The official Southern Railway application system requires candidates to select the relevant unit and application category.
Candidates should carefully choose:
- Unit
- Division
- Trade
- Fresher or Ex-ITI category
Do not submit multiple applications where the notification restricts candidates to a single unit or application option. The application system specifically warns that candidates applying for more than one unit can face rejection.
How to Apply Online for RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Step 1: Open the Official Southern Railway Recruitment Portal
Visit the official Railway Recruitment Cell / Southern Railway recruitment website.
Step 2: Read Notification No. 01/2026
Before starting the application, check:
- Unit-wise vacancies
- Trade-wise eligibility
- Educational qualification
- Age limit
- Category rules
- Application instructions
Step 3: Select Your Category
Choose whether you are applying as:
- Fresher, or
- Ex-ITI candidate
Select only the category for which you are eligible.
Step 4: Choose the Correct Unit
Select your preferred unit carefully.
Remember that the application system can restrict candidates from applying to multiple units.
Step 5: Select Your Trade
For Ex-ITI candidates, choose the trade matching your ITI qualification.
Do not select an unrelated trade.
Step 6: Complete Registration
Enter your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Mobile number
- Email address
- Other required personal details
Use an active mobile number and email address.
Step 7: Fill Educational Details
Enter your marks exactly according to your original certificates.
Check Carefully
| Information | Verify Before Submission |
|---|---|
| Class 10 Marks | Yes |
| Class 12 Marks, if applicable | Yes |
| ITI Trade | Yes |
| ITI Marks | Yes |
| Date of Birth | Yes |
| Category | Yes |
Step 8: Upload Required Files
Upload your photograph and other required documents according to the portal instructions.
Step 9: Pay the Fee
If you belong to a category required to pay the application fee, complete the online payment successfully.
Step 10: Final Submission
Review the complete application before clicking submit.
After submission:
- Save your registration number
- Download the application form
- Keep payment confirmation safely
Documents to Keep Ready
Candidates should prepare the following before starting the application.
Educational Documents
- Class 10 marksheet
- Class 10 certificate
- ITI certificate, for Ex-ITI candidates
- ITI marksheet
- Class 12 documents, where applicable
Personal Details
- Valid mobile number
- Active email address
- Date of birth proof
- Identity information
Category Documents
Where applicable:
- SC certificate
- ST certificate
- OBC certificate
- EWS certificate
- PwBD certificate
Use only valid documents according to the official notification requirements.
Important Links
| Important Link | Action |
|---|---|
| Southern Railway Official Website | Visit Southern Railway |
| RRC Southern Railway | Visit RRC Southern Railway |
| Apprentice Application Portal | Open Southern Railway Apprentice Application Portal |
| Latest Recruitment Information | Check Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment Update |
Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 FAQ
How many posts are available in RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 4,471 apprenticeship training slots have been announced, including 163 Fresher slots and 4,308 Ex-ITI slots.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date for online application is 27 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
When did the application process start?
The online application process started on 28 August 2026.
What is the minimum age for Railway Apprentice Recruitment?
The minimum age is 15 years, subject to the conditions mentioned for the relevant category.
Is ITI required for every post?
No. Some vacancies are available under the Fresher category, while many trade apprenticeship vacancies are for Ex-ITI candidates. The exact requirement depends on the selected post and trade.
Will there be a written examination?
The recruitment information indicates a merit-based selection process rather than a traditional written competitive examination.
Can I get a permanent Railway job after completing the apprenticeship?
No automatic permanent Railway employment is guaranteed after completing the apprenticeship training.
Can I apply for multiple units?
Candidates should carefully follow the official application instructions. The Southern Railway application system states that candidates applying for more than one unit can be rejected.
Important Note
Before applying for Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026, first decide whether you are eligible under the Fresher category or Ex-ITI category.
The most important step is selecting the correct unit and trade. Ex-ITI candidates should ensure that their ITI qualification matches the trade for which they are applying.
The application process is open until 27 September 2026 at 5:00 PM. Candidates should submit the form early and carefully verify all educational marks and personal details before final submission.
This recruitment is for apprenticeship training, so candidates should clearly understand that selection does not automatically provide permanent employment in Indian Railways. For future updates, document verification schedules and results, follow the official Southern Railway and RRC websites.
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