Railway Recruitment Cell, Central Railway has opened one of the largest railway apprenticeship intakes currently available, with 2,861 Act Apprentice training slots across workshops, sheds, depots and technical units under Central Railway. Notification RRC/CR/AA/2026 was issued on 3 November 2026, and the online application window runs from 3 November to 2 December 2026 at 5:00 PM. The opportunity covers a wide range of designated ITI trades in major Central Railway clusters including Mumbai, Bhusawal, Pune, Nagpur and Solapur. For candidates who have completed Class 10 with the required marks and hold the relevant ITI trade certificate, this recruitment offers a direct route into structured railway apprenticeship training rather than a written competitive examination. Selection is based on merit drawn from Matriculation and ITI marks, followed by document verification and medical fitness. The training period is one year, and the notified stipend for National or State Trade Certificate holders is ₹9,600 per month. Candidates should choose their cluster and unit carefully because only one application is permitted and the selected cluster determines the units available for preference.
Recruitment Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting authority | Railway Recruitment Cell, Central Railway |
| Recruitment | Act Apprentice engagement under Apprentices Act, 1961 |
| Notification No. | RRC/CR/AA/2026 |
| Notification date | 3 November 2026 |
| Total slots | 2,861 |
| Applications open | 3 November 2026, 11:00 AM |
| Last date | 2 December 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Training period | 1 year |
| Stipend | ₹9,600 per month |
| Selection | Matriculation + ITI merit |
| Main clusters | Mumbai, Bhusawal, Pune, Nagpur, Solapur |
Vacancy Details
The 2,861 slots are distributed across Central Railway workshops, depots, sheds and departments in multiple clusters. Notified trades include Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Machinist, Carpenter, Painter, Mechanic Diesel, Electronics Mechanic, COPA and other designated ITI trades.
Candidates must select one cluster and should confirm that their exact ITI trade is available in the units under that cluster before submitting the form.
Eligibility and Educational Qualification
The basic requirement is Class 10 or equivalent with at least 50% aggregate marks plus the relevant NCVT/SCVT ITI trade certificate.
Engineering graduates and diploma holders are not eligible through this particular Act Apprentice scheme unless they also satisfy the notified ITI route.
Age Limit
| Category | Rule |
|---|---|
| Basic age | 15 to 24 years as on 3 November 2026 |
| SC/ST | 5 years upper-age relaxation |
| OBC | 3 years upper-age relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 years upper-age relaxation |
| Ex-servicemen | As specified in the notification |
Use the Regal Naukri Age Calculator with 3 November 2026 as the cut-off date.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Applicable candidates | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | No fee |
Selection Process
There is no written examination. The merit list is prepared using the simple average of Matriculation and ITI marks. Final engagement is subject to document verification and medical fitness. In a tie, the older candidate gets preference; if date of birth is also the same, the candidate who passed Matriculation earlier is considered first.
Stipend and Training
The training period is one year. National or State Trade Certificate holders will receive ₹9,600 per month as notified. Hostel accommodation is not provided, and candidates must arrange their own stay. Completing the apprenticeship does not guarantee regular railway employment.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification issued | 3 November 2026 |
| Online application starts | 3 November 2026, 11:00 AM |
| Online application closes | 2 December 2026, 5:00 PM |
How to Apply for Central Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Read the official notification and match your ITI trade with the available cluster/unit.
- Check your age using the Age Calculator.
- Prepare your certificates using the Government Job Document Checklist.
- If the portal specifies a photograph size, use the Photo Resizer only after checking the exact requirement.
- Open the official application portal and register as a new applicant.
- Choose one cluster, complete the form carefully and pay the fee if applicable.
- Submit before 2 December 2026 at 5:00 PM and save the registration number and receipt.
- For a broader application workflow, see How to Apply for Government Jobs in India.
Documents to Keep Ready
- Class 10 certificate and marksheet
- Relevant ITI / National or State Trade Certificate
- Category/PwBD/ex-servicemen certificate where applicable
- Photograph and signature in the portal-prescribed format
- Identity and other records requested by RRC/CR
Important Candidate Notes
- Submit only one application.
- Choose the cluster carefully because unit preferences depend on it.
- Enter Matriculation and ITI marks exactly as supported by your records.
- Candidates already undergoing or who have undergone apprenticeship should check the notification restriction.
- Apprenticeship does not create a right to permanent railway appointment.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official notification | Download Notification |
| Online application | Apply Online |
| RRC Central Railway | Official Website |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Central Railway apprentice slots are available?
There are 2,861 Act Apprentice training slots.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date is 2 December 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Is there a written examination?
No. Selection is based on Matriculation and ITI merit, followed by document verification and medical fitness.
What is the basic qualification?
Class 10 with at least 50% aggregate marks and the relevant notified NCVT/SCVT ITI trade certificate.
What is the age limit?
The basic age range is 15 to 24 years as on 3 November 2026, with notified relaxations.
What stipend is offered?
The notification states ₹9,600 per month for National or State Trade Certificate holders.
Does apprenticeship guarantee a railway job?
No. Completion of training does not guarantee regular employment with Central Railway.