Overview
Southern Railway has released the Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification for the engagement of eligible candidates across various divisions, workshops and trades. The recruitment drive offers 4,471 apprentice vacancies, with applications to be submitted through the online portal within the prescribed schedule.
Candidates with the required Class 10 qualification and ITI certification can apply after checking the trade-wise eligibility conditions. Applicants should note that apprenticeship engagement is governed by the Apprentices Act and does not guarantee permanent employment in the Railways.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Southern Railway |
| Post Name | Act Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 4,471 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | sr.indianrailways.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | TBA |
| Last Date | TBA |
| Exam Date | Not Applicable |
| Result Date | TBA |
Applicants must verify the exact registration dates and cut-off time from the detailed notification available on the official website. Applications submitted after the closing deadline will not be considered.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Candidates should have passed Class 10 or Matriculation under the 10+2 system with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board.
- Applicants for notified technical trades must possess a valid ITI certificate in the relevant trade issued by an institution recognized by the National Council for Vocational Training or State Council for Vocational Training.
- The prescribed qualification must have been completed by the eligibility cut-off date stated in the notification.
- Trade-wise requirements may differ, particularly for designated fresher and Ex-ITI categories. Candidates should select only those posts for which they hold the required qualification.
- Applicants awaiting final results of the prescribed qualification may not be eligible unless expressly permitted in the detailed notice.
Age Limit
- The usual minimum age for apprentice engagement is 15 years.
- The upper age limit is generally 24 years as of the specified cut-off date.
- Upper-age relaxation is normally available to SC, ST, OBC and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities in accordance with government rules.
- Additional relaxation may apply to eligible ex-servicemen or other notified categories.
- The date of birth entered in the application must match the candidate’s Class 10 certificate.
Fees
- Application fee: ₹100 for candidates required to pay the fee.
- SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates are generally exempt from payment.
- Any applicable bank or online transaction charges may have to be paid separately.
- Candidates should confirm the category-wise fee details in the official notification before making payment, as fees are normally non-refundable.
Selection Process
- Merit List: Candidates will ordinarily be shortlisted on the basis of marks obtained in Class 10 and the relevant ITI trade. No written examination is generally conducted for Act Apprentice recruitment.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted applicants will be required to produce original educational, caste, identity, ITI and other applicable certificates. Any discrepancy may result in cancellation of candidature.
- Medical Examination: Provisionally selected candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness standards before final engagement as apprentices.
The final selection will remain subject to verification of eligibility, availability of vacancies and compliance with apprenticeship rules.
How to Apply
- Visit the Southern Railway official website at sr.indianrailways.gov.in.
- Open the recruitment, personnel or Act Apprentice section displayed on the homepage.
- Download and read the Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification carefully, including the division-wise and trade-wise vacancy tables.
- Click the online application link and complete registration using an active mobile number and email address.
- Enter personal, educational, ITI, category and communication details exactly as recorded in the supporting certificates.
- Select the preferred division, workshop and trade carefully. Preferences may not be editable after final submission.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and certificates in the prescribed format and file size.
- Pay the application fee online, if applicable, and verify all information through the preview facility.
- Submit the form before the deadline and save the registration number. Download or print the completed application and payment receipt for future reference.
Candidates are advised not to submit multiple applications unless the notification specifically permits them. They should also retain access to the registered email address and mobile number for selection updates.
Important Links
FAQs
1. How many vacancies are available under Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The recruitment drive has announced 4,471 Act Apprentice vacancies across notified trades and units.
2. Is there a written examination for Southern Railway apprentice selection?
A written examination is generally not held. Selection is normally based on an academic and ITI merit list, followed by document verification and medical examination.
3. What is the minimum qualification required to apply?
Applicants generally need to have passed Class 10 with at least 50% marks and possess an ITI certificate in the relevant notified trade.
