South Central Railway has just announced a big opportunity for young people interested in technical training and a career in the railways. They're offering 2801 Act Apprentice positions for the 2025-26 training year under the Apprentices Act 1961. This is a great chance for ITI-qualified candidates to gain hands-on experience in various trades at one of India's major railway zones.

If you're from certain regions in southern and central India and have completed your 10th grade plus an ITI course in a relevant trade, this could be perfect for you. Let's break down everything you need to know in simple terms.

What Is This Recruitment About?

South Central Railway (SCR), through its Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) in Secunderabad, is inviting applications for Act Apprentices. These aren't permanent jobs — they're apprenticeship training programs. You'll learn practical skills in railway workshops, divisions, and sheds across departments like Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, S&T, and Personnel.

After completing the training (usually 1–2 years depending on the trade), you'll get a certificate, which can help in future job searches, including possible railway recruitments. Note that there's no guarantee of a regular job in the railways after this.

The official notification was released on March 11, 2026, and applications are open now.

Total Vacancies and Popular Trades

There are 2801 posts spread across several trades. Here's a quick look at the breakdown:

Electrician — 1258 posts (the highest number, great demand)
Fitter — 539 posts
AC Mechanic — 251 posts
Welder — 202 posts
COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant) — 181 posts
Diesel Mechanic — 105 posts
Electronic Mechanic — 88 posts
Machinist — 54 posts
Painter — 32 posts
Industrial Electronics — 33 posts
Carpenter — 22 posts
MMTM — 24 posts
Motor Mechanic — 12 posts

Total adds up to 2801. Electrician and Fitter have the most openings, so if you have ITI in those, your chances might be better depending on merit.

Training happens at various SCR units like Lallaguda Workshop, Rayanapadu, Tirupati, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntakal, Guntur, Nanded, and others.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Basics

To be eligible, you need to meet these requirements:

Educational Qualification

Pass 10th class (under 10+2 system) with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board.
Hold an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from an institute recognized by NCVT or SCVT.
Engineering graduates or diploma holders aren't eligible under this notification (they have separate schemes).

Age Limit (as on April 11, 2026)

Minimum: 15 years
Maximum: 24 years

Relaxations apply: +5 years for SC/ST, +3 years for OBC-NCL, +10 years for PwBD, and special rules for Ex-Servicemen.

Your date of birth should fall within the ranges given in the notification (e.g., UR/EWS: roughly 2002 to 2011).

Residency Requirement

You must live in specific districts under SCR's jurisdiction and provide proof like a residence certificate. Eligible areas include:

All districts in Telangana
Most districts in Andhra Pradesh (excluding Manyam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram)
Certain districts in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu (Vellore), and Madhya Pradesh

Other Points

Register on the apprenticeship portal www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and get an RDAT/NAPS number — it's mandatory.
If you have ITI in multiple trades, you can apply separately for each.

Application Fee

₹100 for male candidates in UR, OBC, or EWS categories.
No fee for SC/ST, women, transgender candidates, or PwBD applicants.
Pay online during application via net banking, card, or UPI.

Selection Process — No Exam Needed!

Good news — there's no written test or interview. Selection is purely merit-based:

They take the average percentage of your 10th marks (min 50%) and ITI marks (equal weightage to both).
Higher average = better chance.

In case of ties:

Older candidate gets preference.
Then earlier 10th passer.

Shortlisted people go for Document Verification (DV). Bring originals of 10th certificate, ITI marksheet, caste/EWS/PwBD certificates (if applicable), residence proof, medical fitness certificate, photos, and more. A government doctor must issue the medical certificate.

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How to Apply Online — Step-by-Step Guide

Applications are only online through the official SCR site. Here's how to do it simply:

Go to the South Central Railway website: scr.indianrailways.gov.in
Click on "About Us" → "RRC-SCR" and find the link for "ONLINE ACT APPRENTICE APPLICATION".
Read the full notification carefully to confirm you qualify (especially your district and trade).
Register first: Select your state/district, upload address proof, enter mobile/email, create a password, and verify with OTPs.
Log in and fill the form: Add personal info (name, DOB, category), education details (10th marks, ITI trade/marks, RDAT number), and choose preferred training units/divisions.
Upload documents: Recent color photo (JPEG, under 1MB, not older than 3 months), signature, scanned certificates (10th, ITI, caste/EWS/PwBD, etc.) in PDF (max 2MB each).
Preview everything, make corrections if needed, then submit.
Pay the fee if required and save the e-receipt.
Download/print the application form and keep copies with you for DV.

Last date to apply: April 11, 2026 (23:59 hrs). Start date was March 12, 2026 (17:00 hrs). Don't wait till the last minute — sites can get slow near deadlines.

Important Tips and Reminders

Double-check all uploads and details; no changes after submission.
Keep checking the RRC/SCR website for merit lists, DV dates, and updates (they'll also send email/SMS).
Stipend: You'll get paid a monthly stipend during training as per Railway Board rules — exact amount varies but it's decent for learning.
This is training only — use it to build skills for future opportunities in railways or private sectors.

This is a solid opening for thousands of ITI holders in the region. If you're eligible, go ahead and apply soon. For the official notification PDF and apply link, head straight to scr.indianrailways.gov.in or search for "SCR Act Apprentice 2025-26".

South Central Railway Apprentice Jobs 2026 – 2801 ITI Vacancies Apply Online