Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Railway Recruitment Cell Southern Railway (RRC SR) has officially released the recruitment notification (Notification No. 01/2026) for the engagement of Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This recruitment drive aims to fill 4,471 trade apprentice slots across various divisions, workshops, and units situated within the jurisdiction of Southern Railway, including Carriage & Wagon Works (Perambur), Central Workshop (Ponmalai), and Signal & Telecommunication Workshop (Podanur).This recruitment notification offers a direct gateway for 10th pass, 12th pass, and ITI certificate holders to gain hands-on technical training inside premier Indian Railways workshops. Beyond monthly stipends ranging from Rs. 8,200 to Rs. 9,600, completing this apprenticeship yields a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC). Under Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) rules, 20% of direct recruitment vacancies in Level 1 (Group D) posts are reserved for Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs) trained in railway establishments.Candidates residing within the geographic jurisdiction of Southern Railway—specifically Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, SPSR Nellore & Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh, and Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka—are eligible to submit their online applications before the deadline.Quick Overview Table

Important DatesThe complete timeline for the Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is provided below:Application FeeCandidates applying for the Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Apply Online process must pay a non-refundable processing fee through the online portal.Age LimitThe age limit for candidates applying for the Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is calculated as on the date of notification release (28 August 2026).

• Minimum Age: 15 Years (for all categories and trades)
• Maximum Age (Fresher Category - X Std): 22 Years
• Maximum Age (Ex-ITI & MLT Trades): 24 Years

Upper Age RelaxationUpper age relaxation is extended to reserved category candidates in accordance with Railway Board rules:Vacancy DetailsThe Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Vacancy distribution spans 4,471 total slots, divided into two primary categories: Fresher Category (163 Slots) and Ex-ITI Category (4,308 Slots) across various workshops and divisions.1. Fresher Category Vacancies (163 Slots)2. Ex-ITI Category Vacancies (4,308 Slots)Educational QualificationApplicants must fulfill the specific Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Eligibility criteria defined for each trade stream prior to the closing date of application.A. Fresher Category

1. Fitter, Painter & Welder Trades:

• Passed Class 10th (Matriculation) under the 10+2 education system or its equivalent with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
• Note: The 50% minimum aggregate condition is relaxed for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates.

1. Medical Laboratory Technician (Radiology, Pathology, Cardiology):

• Passed Class 12th (Higher Secondary) under the 10+2 education system with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB), securing a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.

B. Ex-ITI Category

1. Standard Technical Trades (Fitter, Machinist, MMV, Turner, Diesel Mechanic, Carpenter, Painter, Welder G&E, Wireman, Plumber, Advance Welder, Draughtsman Civil, Instrument Mechanic, Mech R&AC, Gas Cutter, MMTM, Structural Welder):

• Passed Class 10th (Matriculation) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks under 10+2 system.
• Passed ITI Course in the relevant trade from a Government-recognized ITI with NCVT or SCVT National Trade Certificate.

1. Electrician Trade:

• Passed Class 10th with Science as one of the subjects (min 50% aggregate marks) + ITI Certificate in Electrician trade (NCVT/SCVT).

1. Electronics Mechanic Trade:

• Passed Class 10th with Science (Physics and Chemistry) and Mathematics (min 50% aggregate marks) + ITI Certificate in Electronics Mechanic trade.

1. Secretarial Assistant & Stenographer (English):

• Passed Class 12th examination or its equivalent + ITI Certificate in Stenographer / Secretarial Assistant trade.

1. Information & Communication Technology System Maintenance (ICTSM):

• Passed Class 10th examination + ITI Certificate in ICTSM trade.

1. COPA / PASAA Trades:

• Passed Class 10th examination (min 50% aggregate) + NCVT/SCVT National Trade Certificate in "Computer Operator and Programming Assistant" or PASAA.

Note: Engineering Graduates, Diploma Holders, or candidates who have already completed apprenticeship training or have post-qualification work experience of 1 year or more are not eligible to apply.Salary / Pay Scale (Stipend Structure)Apprentices engaged under the Apprentices Act, 1961 receive a monthly consolidated stipend as per prescribed Central Government & Railway Board rules.Yearly Stipend Escalation

• 2nd Year of Apprenticeship: Stipend increases by 10% over the base amount.
• 3rd Year of Apprenticeship: Stipend increases by a further 15% over the base amount.

Selection ProcessThe Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Selection Process is strictly merit-based. There is NO Written Exam, Computer Based Test (CBT), or Oral Interview.Selection is conducted by a committee based on converted academic and technical marks:

1. Fresher Category (Fitter, Painter, Welder): Merit is drawn purely on total marks obtained in Matriculation (Class 10th), converted out of 200 marks.
2. Fresher Category (MLT Trades): Merit is drawn based on total marks obtained in Higher Secondary (Class 12th with PCB), converted out of 200 marks (ensuring min 50% aggregate in 10th).
3. Ex-ITI Category: Merit is computed by giving equal 50% weightage to Matriculation and ITI marks:

• Matriculation marks converted out of 100 + ITI trade marks converted out of 100 = Total Score out of 200.

1. Tie-Breaking Rule: In case of equal aggregate scores, the candidate older in age is placed higher in rank. If dates of birth match, the candidate who passed Matriculation earlier is preferred.
2. Document Verification (DV): Shortlisted candidates must present original academic certificates, ITI mark sheets, Transfer Certificate (TC), Community Certificate, and Medical Fitness Certificate.
3. Medical Examination: Selected candidates must satisfy physical fitness standards specified in Schedule-II of Apprenticeship Rules 1992 and produce a Medical Certificate signed by a Government Authorized Doctor (not below Asst. Surgeon rank).

Exam PatternThere is no written examination or CBT for Southern Railway Act Apprentice engagement. The selection relies 100% on the academic merit score calculated from Class 10th, Class 12th, and ITI trade marks.SyllabusBecause selection is conducted without any written test, there is no syllabus published for this recruitment. Candidates do not need to prepare for any competitive examination subjects.How to ApplyFollow these step-by-step instructions to submit your application for Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Apply Online:

1. Visit Official Website: Go to the official Southern Railway portal at www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in.
2. Navigate to Recruitment Link: Click on News & Updates $\rightarrow$ Personnel Branch Information $\rightarrow$ Act Apprentices Notification 01/2026.
3. New Registration: Register using a valid mobile number and personal email ID.
4. Select Category & Unit: Choose your category (Fresher or Ex-ITI) and select your preferred workshop/division unit and trade.
5. Fill Application Details: Enter your personal credentials, communication address, academic marks (10th/12th), and ITI trade details accurately.
6. Upload Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, 10th marksheet, ITI certificate, and community certificate in the prescribed format.
7. Pay Processing Fee: Pay the Rs. 100/- processing fee online using UPI, Net Banking, or Credit/Debit Card (if applicable). Exempted candidates (SC/ST/PwBD/Women) can skip directly to final submission.
8. Final Submit & Print: Review all entered details carefully, submit the online form, and print the computer-generated acknowledgment slip for Document Verification.

Required DocumentsKeep the following document copies ready before filling out the online registration form and for the Document Verification stage:

• Passport-size color photograph (recent, digital format)
• Clear specimen signature
• Class 10th (Matriculation) Marksheet & Passing Certificate
• Class 12th Marksheet (for MLT and Stenographer posts)
• ITI Marksheets (all semesters/years) and NCVT/SCVT National Trade Certificate (for Ex-ITI posts)
• Transfer Certificate (TC) from the last attended educational institute (Mandatory during DV)
• Caste / Community Certificate (SC / ST / OBC Non-Creamy Layer in prescribed format)
• EWS Income & Asset Certificate (if applicable)
• Benchmark Disability Certificate (Form V, VI, or VII for PwBD candidates)
• Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Driving License)

Important Instructions

• Geographical Restriction: Only candidates residing within the designated areas of Southern Railway (Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, SPSR Nellore & Chittoor in AP, and Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka) are eligible.
• No Job Guarantee: Engagement as an Act Apprentice is strictly for training and carries no right or guarantee of permanent absorption in Indian Railways.
• 20% Preference in Group D: Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs) trained in Railway Establishments will receive 20% reservation in direct recruitment to Level 1 (Group D) posts conducted by RRCs.
• Own Accommodation: Selected apprentices must arrange their own lodging and board during the training tenure; no hostel accommodation is provided by Railway Administration.
• Contract Execution: Selected candidates must sign an Apprenticeship Contract under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Premature withdrawal without valid cause will require refunding the full cost of training and stipend received.

Important Links Table
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the total vacancy count in Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

A: Southern Railway has announced a total of 4,471 apprentice slots, comprising 163 slots for Freshers and 4,308 slots for Ex-ITI candidates.

Q2. What is the last date to apply online for RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

A: The last date to submit online applications is 27 September 2026 up to 17:00 Hrs (5:00 PM).

Q3. Is there any written exam for Southern Railway Act Apprentice recruitment?

A: No. There is no written exam or CBT. Selection is based entirely on a merit list prepared from Class 10th, 12th, and ITI marks.

Q4. What is the age limit for Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates?

A: Candidates must be at least 15 years old. The upper age limit is 22 years for Freshers and 24 years for Ex-ITI and MLT applicants as of 28 August 2026. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories.

Q5. Who is eligible under the geographical jurisdiction rule?

A: Candidates residing in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, SPSR Nellore & Chittoor districts (AP), and Dakshina Kannada district (Karnataka) are eligible.

Q6. What is the application fee for SC/ST and Female candidates?

A: SC, ST, PwBD, and all Female candidates are fully exempted from paying the Rs. 100/- application fee.

Q7. What monthly stipend is paid during Railway apprenticeship training?A: Class 10th Freshers receive Rs. 8,200/- per month, while Class 12th Freshers (MLT) and Ex-ITI apprentices receive Rs. 9,600/- per month.

Q8. What is the benefit of completing Railway Act Apprenticeship training?

A: Apprentices earn a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) and get 20% preference/reservation in RRB Level 1 (Group D) direct recruitment posts.

Q9. Can candidates from other states like Bihar, UP, or Rajasthan apply?A: No. Candidates residing outside the defined geographical jurisdiction of Southern Railway are not eligible for this specific notification.

Q10. When will the shortlist for Document Verification be published?

A:The tentative date for publishing the shortlisted candidate list for Document Verification is 15 October 2026.