Railway NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 6777 Slots

The Personnel Department of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Headquarters, Maligaon (Guwahati), has officially announced a massive recruitment drive for the engagement of Act Apprentices. Released under the Centralized Notification Number NFR/NAPS/ACT APP./2026, this training framework is organized under the legal mandates of the Apprentices Act, 1961, to onboard eligible candidates for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 training slots.This technical training drive stands out as an exceptional opportunity for ITI passed professionals and young science students to gain real-world industry experience inside one of the key strategic operational networks of the Indian Railways. With a sprawling network running across diverse regions, NFR offers high-quality vocational development across dynamic technical environments. A grand total of 6,777 training slots have been allocated across multiple workshops and operating divisions located throughout Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar.Aspirants who have completed their standard matriculation and hold valid national trade certifications can submit their profiles exclusively through the electronic system. The selection relies on structured processing rules without requiring a formal written entrance tier, turning it into a fast-track pathway for securing a central government technical credential. Engaging in this apprentice curriculum helps young trainees significantly boost their future job prospects across public and private engineering sectors.Quick Overview Table

Important DatesAspirants must keep track of the following timeline markers to ensure their registration details are successfully recorded before the electronic system link closes.Application FeeThe application fee must be processed exclusively through the integrated online payment gateway. Payments made via cash, demand drafts, or postal stamps will not be accepted.Important Processing Notes: > * Any candidate carrying out data edits or profile modification must submit a separate correction fee of ₹50 for every correction session. Major identity variables cannot be edited after the final submission.

• Candidates claiming the EBC fee waiver must have an annual family income below ₹50,000/- and must present a valid income certificate issued on or after April 1, 2026.

Age Limit (As on August 19, 2026)

• Minimum Age Bound: 15 Years
• Maximum Age Bound: 24 Years

Category-Wise Upper Age RelaxationsThe maximum age limit can be extended for specific candidate groups following central public service directives:

• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Upper age limit relaxed by 3 Years (Eligible up to 27 years).
• SC / ST Category Applicants: Upper age limit relaxed by 5 Years (Eligible up to 29 years).
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Upper age limit relaxed by 10 Years (Eligible up to 34 years).
• Ex-Servicemen Category: Base military service duration plus an additional 3 Years grace extension.

Vacancy DetailsThe Railway NFR Apprentice Vacancy features a centralized allocation of 6,777 training slots split across eight operational and repair divisions:Educational QualificationThe selection board accepts two separate educational profiles based on the specific training trade chosen by the applicant:1. ITI Designated Trades (Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Machinist, Turner, etc.)

• Schooling Baseline: Must have passed Matriculation (Class 10th exam) or its equivalent under the standard 10+2 educational structure, securing a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board.
• Technical Credential: Must hold a valid National Trade Certificate (NTC) or a Provisional Trade Certificate in the respective trade issued by NCVT or SCVT.

2. Medical Laboratory Technician Trades (Pathology / Radiology)

• Schooling Baseline: Must have completed Class 12th (Intermediate standard) under the 10+2 system with a specialization in the Science stream.
• Subject Focus: Must have core subjects in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).
• Cut-Off Marks: Must secure a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in both the Matriculation and Class 12th evaluation sheets.

Salary / Pay Scale (Stipend Structure)Trainees appointed under the apprenticeship program are paid a fixed monthly stipend as per the regulations set by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship:

• Base Stipend Rate for Certified NTC/STC Holders: ₹9,600/- per month.
• Second-Year Curriculum Extension (If applicable): ₹10,560/- per month (Reflects a 10% structural increment).
• Third-Year Curriculum Extension (If applicable): ₹11,040/- per month (Reflects a 15% structural increment).
• Additional Benefits: Trainees gain free access to state-of-the-art railway tool rooms and receive safety equipment, though the role does not include standard medical benefits or travel passes.

Selection ProcessThe Railway NFR Apprentice Selection Process is conducted through automated merit ranking systems, making the process highly objective and transparent.

1. Academic Merit Ranking: Applicants are sorted purely based on their academic marks. The process is completely exempt from written tests, Computer Based Tests (CBT), or panel interviews.
2. Merit Score Calculation Formula:
   $$\text{Final Merit Score} = \frac{\% \text{ of Marks in Matriculation} + \% \text{ of Marks in ITI Trade}}{2}$$
   (Note: For Medical Lab Technician roles, the system averages your Class 10th percentage and your Class 12th Science percentage.)
3. Document Verification (DV): Shortlisted candidates are invited in a 1.5x ratio relative to open slots to verify their original certificates and community forms.
4. Medical Inquest: Candidates must present a physical fitness certificate signed by a registered government medical officer (not below the rank of an Assistant Civil Surgeon) before receiving their final training assignment.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

• Is there a written exam? No. The selection board does not conduct any written examination or competitive screening rounds for this recruitment drive.
• Syllabus details: As selection relies entirely on past academic records, there is no exam syllabus to cover. Your final rank is determined solely by the marks you earned in school and your vocational trade courses.

How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step Instructions)Eligible candidates can complete the Railway NFR Apprentice Apply Online process by following the step-by-step instructions below:

1. Open your web browser and go directly to the official recruitment link: app.nfr-recruitment.in or visit nfr.indianrailways.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the following path on the portal: General Info $\rightarrow$ Departments $\rightarrow$ Personnel $\rightarrow$ Act Apprentice Notification.
3. Click on the New Registration tab to open the primary identity creation form.
4. Enter your primary details, including your full legal name, an active mobile number, a valid email address, and your date of birth.
5. Enter the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your phone to validate your profile registration.
6. Log in to the system using your newly generated credentials to access the comprehensive application form.
7. Enter your Class 10th aggregate marks, ITI trade scores, and distinct physical identification marks accurately.
8. Select your preferred choices from the eight available training workshops and division units in order of priority.
9. Upload scanned copies of your profile photograph, signature, and educational documents in the required file formats.
10. Pay the ₹100/- application fee online using a secure digital payment method (if applicable).
11. Review all form sections, submit your completed profile, and download a printed copy of the final application summary for reference during document verification.

Required Documents ChecklistTrainees must keep scanned, legible copies of the following original documents ready before filling out the online registration form:

• A clear, recent passport-sized color photograph with a light background.
• A digital signature sample signed clearly in black ink on white paper.
• Class 10th/Matriculation marksheets and passing certificates (used as verified age proof).
• Class 12th/Intermediate Science marksheet (Mandatory only for Medical Lab positions).
• Final or provisional ITI trade certificates issued by NCVT/SCVT along with all semester marks sheets.
• Valid community certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL certificates where applicable).
• Income Certificate issued on or after April 1, 2026 (Required only for EBC fee-exempt status).
• Official medical disability certificate issued by an authorized medical board (if applicable).

Important Instructions

• Candidates can submit only one online registration profile. Registering multiple applications across different divisions will lead to immediate disqualification.
• Fill out your division and trade choices carefully. Once a higher-ranked preference is allocated, all lower choices are automatically cancelled by the system.
• Make sure the trade name on your ITI certificate matches your online form choices exactly. Any discrepancies found during document verification will result in immediate cancellation of your candidature.

Important Links Table
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the advertisement number for this recruitment drive?
   The formal reference number for this process is Advt. No. NFR/NAPS/ACT APP./2026.
2. When is the last date to apply online?
   The online registration window closes on August 19, 2026, at 05:30 PM.
3. Is there any written test or CBT scheduled for this recruitment?
   No, this selection process is completely exempt from written tests and competitive exams.
4. What is the age requirement to apply for the apprenticeship?
   Applicants must be between 15 and 24 years old as of the closing date of August 19, 2026.
5. How is the final merit list calculated for selection?
   The system calculates rank using the average percentage of your Class 10th marks and your ITI trade marks.
6. Can general category female candidates claim a fee waiver?
   Yes, all female candidates are completely exempted from paying the application processing fee.
7. What is the monthly stipend provided during the training period?
   Selected ITI trade holders receive a base stipend starting at ₹9,600/- per month.
8. What happens if I submit more than one application form?
   Submitting multiple applications will result in all your registrations being immediately rejected.
9. Can final semester ITI candidates apply for these slots?
   No, you must possess your final pass certificate or provisional trade certificate by the application closing date.
10. Are out-of-state candidates eligible to apply for these positions?
    Yes, any citizen of India who meets the educational and trade criteria can apply online.