Job Description

South Central Railway has released an official notification for the engagement of Act Apprentices for the year 2025-26 under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules, 1962. A total of 2801 apprentice positions are available in various technical trades such as Electrician, Fitter, COPA, Diesel Mechanic, Welder, Machinist, Carpenter and others. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications through the online mode within the specified dates.

The online application process begins on 12 March 2026 and the last date to apply is 11 April 2026. Candidates must carefully read the official notification and ensure that they meet all eligibility criteria before submitting their application form. Applicants must belong to the districts that fall under the jurisdiction of South Central Railway including parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh.

To apply for these apprentice positions, candidates must have passed 10th class or equivalent with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board. In addition, applicants must possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade issued by institutes recognized by NCVT or SCVT. Engineering graduates or diploma holders are not eligible to apply for this apprenticeship program because they are covered under a separate apprenticeship scheme.

The age limit for applicants should be between 15 and 24 years as on the closing date of application submission. Age relaxation will be provided as per government rules. Candidates belonging to SC/ST categories will receive 5 years of relaxation, while OBC candidates will receive 3 years of relaxation. Additional relaxation is also applicable for persons with benchmark disabilities and ex-servicemen according to the rules mentioned in the notification.

The selection process for South Central Railway Apprentice Recruitment will be based purely on merit. The merit list will be prepared by calculating the average percentage of marks obtained in 10th class and ITI examinations, giving equal weightage to both qualifications. There will be no written examination or interview for the selection process. Candidates with higher merit scores will be shortlisted and called for document verification.

Selected candidates will undergo apprenticeship training at various workshops, divisions, depots and sheds under South Central Railway. During the apprenticeship period, candidates will receive a stipend as per the rules and regulations of the Apprenticeship Act and Railway Board guidelines. However, it is important to note that completion of apprenticeship training does not guarantee permanent employment in Indian Railways.

Candidates applying for this recruitment must submit their application online and upload required documents such as 10th mark sheet, ITI certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), disability certificate (if applicable), photograph, signature, and other relevant documents. The application fee for General, OBC and EWS candidates is ₹100, while SC/ST, female and PwBD candidates are exempted from paying the fee.

This apprenticeship recruitment provides a valuable opportunity for ITI-qualified candidates to gain practical training and technical experience in the railway sector. Candidates interested in building a career in technical trades should apply before the last date and ensure that all information provided in the application form is correct.