South Central Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 2801 Vacancies, Eligibility, Selection & Application Details
📢 Recruitment Status: The application deadline for South Central Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 was 11 April 2026. Therefore, applications under this recruitment are now closed. This article is retained as a detailed reference for candidates who applied and for understanding the recruitment process.
South Central Railway (SCR) announced a major apprenticeship opportunity for ITI-qualified candidates by inviting applications for 2801 Act Apprentice positions for the 2025-26 training year under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The recruitment provided candidates with an opportunity to receive practical industrial training in different railway workshops, divisions and sheds.
The opportunity was particularly useful for candidates who had completed 10th class along with ITI in a relevant trade. Apprenticeship training can provide valuable practical exposure and help candidates develop trade-specific skills that may be useful for future employment opportunities.
South Central Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | South Central Railway (SCR) |
| Recruitment Cell | Railway Recruitment Cell, Secunderabad |
| Post | Act Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 2801 |
| Training Year | 2025-26 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Minimum Qualification | 10th Pass + Relevant ITI |
| Minimum Age | 15 Years |
| Maximum Age | 24 Years |
| Selection | Merit Based |
| Written Exam | No |
| Interview | No |
What Was This Recruitment About?
South Central Railway (SCR), through its Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) in Secunderabad, invited applications for Act Apprentices. These positions were apprenticeship training opportunities rather than permanent railway jobs.
Selected apprentices receive practical training in railway workshops, divisions and sheds. Training areas can include departments such as Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Signal & Telecommunication (S&T) and Personnel, depending on the trade and training unit.
The duration of training generally depends on the particular trade and apprenticeship requirements. After successful completion, candidates receive apprenticeship-related certification. However, completing an apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment in Indian Railways.
South Central Railway Apprentice Vacancy 2026
A total of 2801 Act Apprentice vacancies were announced across different trades and training establishments.
- Electrician — 1258 posts
- 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
The largest number of vacancies were reported for Electrician and Fitter trades. However, candidates should not assume that a higher number of vacancies automatically means selection will be easier because selection depends on merit, trade, unit, category and other applicable conditions.
Training establishments included locations such as Lallaguda Workshop, Rayanapadu, Tirupati, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntakal, Guntur and Nanded, among other SCR units.
South Central Railway Apprentice Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Candidates should have passed 10th class under the 10+2 system from a recognised board.
- A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Class 10th was required.
- Candidates should possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade recognised by NCVT or SCVT.
- Engineering degree and diploma holders were not eligible for these Act Apprentice seats merely on the basis of those qualifications.
Age Limit
The age was calculated as on 11 April 2026.
- Minimum Age: 15 Years
- Maximum Age: 24 Years
Age relaxation was applicable according to the prevailing government rules, including 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC-NCL candidates and 10 years for PwBD candidates, subject to the notification's conditions. Specific provisions for Ex-Servicemen were also applicable.
Residency Requirement
Candidates were required to satisfy the applicable residence/domicile conditions for the districts covered by South Central Railway and provide the prescribed proof of residence.
The eligible areas included districts from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, subject to the specific district conditions mentioned in the recruitment notification.
Apprenticeship Registration
Candidates were required to register on the Apprenticeship India portal and obtain the applicable apprenticeship registration/RDAT/NAPS details before applying, wherever required by the notification.
Application Fee
- ₹100 application fee was applicable to eligible male candidates belonging to UR, OBC or EWS categories.
- No application fee was required from SC/ST, women, transgender and PwBD candidates as per the applicable provisions.
- Fee payment was made through the online payment methods provided during the application process.
Selection Process – No Written Examination
One of the most important features of this apprenticeship recruitment was that candidates did not have to appear for a written examination or interview. Selection was based on merit prepared using the candidate's Class 10 and ITI marks.
- Class 10 marks and ITI marks were considered with equal weightage as prescribed.
- The average percentage formed the basis for preparing the merit list.
- Higher merit candidates received preference subject to trade, unit, category and vacancy conditions.
- Shortlisted candidates were called for Document Verification (DV).
- Candidates also had to satisfy the prescribed medical fitness requirements.
Where candidates obtained the same merit score, tie-breaking provisions mentioned in the official notification were applicable, including preference based on age and other prescribed criteria.
Documents Required for Document Verification
Candidates shortlisted for further processing should keep their original documents and required copies ready. Important documents can include:
- Class 10 certificate and marksheet
- ITI certificate
- ITI marksheets
- Apprenticeship registration details
- Caste certificate, where applicable
- EWS certificate, where applicable
- PwBD certificate, where applicable
- Residence/domicile proof
- Medical fitness certificate as prescribed
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Valid photo identity proof
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 11 March 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 12 March 2026, 17:00 Hrs |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 April 2026, 23:59 Hrs |
⚠️ Important: The application window has already closed. Candidates who submitted applications should monitor the official SCR/RRC website for merit-list, document-verification and further apprenticeship-related updates.
How the Online Application Process Worked
- Visit the official South Central Railway website at scr.indianrailways.gov.in.
- Open the RRC-SCR section and locate the Act Apprentice recruitment link.
- Read the complete recruitment notification and verify the applicable trade and district conditions.
- Complete the required registration and enter personal, educational and apprenticeship details.
- Enter the Class 10 and ITI marks accurately because these details were important for merit preparation.
- Upload the photograph, signature and other documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee if applicable.
- Preview the application carefully before final submission.
- Submit the application and save the final application/e-receipt for future reference.
What Candidates Should Do After Applying
- Keep the submitted application form safely stored.
- Check the official SCR/RRC website regularly for merit-list updates.
- Keep all original certificates ready for Document Verification.
- Make sure caste, EWS, PwBD and residence certificates are valid wherever applicable.
- Keep the registered mobile number and email account active.
- Do not rely on unofficial social-media messages for important recruitment updates.
Important Things to Know About Railway Apprenticeship
Railway apprenticeship is different from regular railway recruitment. An apprentice is engaged for structured training under the apprenticeship framework. Candidates should therefore understand that completing training does not automatically result in appointment to a permanent railway post.
The main benefit is practical exposure. Candidates can gain experience working around railway equipment, workshops, maintenance activities and trade-specific processes. This can strengthen their technical skills and may be useful when applying for future employment or recruitment opportunities.
Why ITI Candidates Should Pay Attention to Apprentice Recruitments
Candidates who have completed ITI often need practical exposure in addition to classroom or workshop training. Apprenticeship programs can provide an opportunity to understand how technical skills are applied in a large organisation.
For trades such as Electrician, Fitter, Welder, Diesel Mechanic, Electronic Mechanic, COPA and AC Mechanic, industrial training can help candidates become more familiar with workplace procedures, safety practices and equipment.
Common Mistakes Candidates Should Avoid
- Entering incorrect Class 10 marks while applying.
- Selecting a trade that does not match the ITI qualification.
- Ignoring district or residence eligibility conditions.
- Uploading unclear or incorrect documents.
- Failing to retain the submitted application form.
- Assuming apprenticeship automatically means a permanent railway job.
- Depending only on unofficial websites for merit-list or DV updates.
Related Latest Government Jobs
Candidates looking for other government and public-sector opportunities can also check these JobsHint updates:
🔹 Bank of Baroda Local Bank Officer Recruitment 2026 – 2482 Local Bank Officer vacancies.
🔹 NGEL Recruitment 2026 – Engineer and Executive opportunities in renewable energy.
🔹 Nainital Bank Specialist Officer Recruitment 2026 – Specialist Officer vacancies across multiple domains.
🔹 Indian Navy Agniveer MR Recruitment
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies were announced in SCR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
South Central Railway announced 2801 Act Apprentice vacancies for the 2025-26 training year.
What was the minimum qualification?
Candidates generally needed to have passed 10th class with at least 50% marks and possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade recognised by NCVT or SCVT.
Was there a written examination?
No. Selection was based on merit using the prescribed Class 10 and ITI marks. Shortlisted candidates were subsequently required to complete document verification and satisfy applicable medical requirements.
What was the age limit?
The minimum age was 15 years and the maximum age was 24 years, with applicable relaxations for eligible categories.
Was this a permanent railway job?
No. It was an Act Apprenticeship training opportunity. Completion of apprenticeship did not guarantee permanent employment in Indian Railways.
What was the last date to apply?
The last date for submitting the online application was 11 April 2026 at 23:59 Hrs.
Can candidates still apply?
No. The application window has closed. Candidates who already applied should follow the official SCR/RRC website for further updates.
Final Takeaway
The South Central Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 provided 2801 apprenticeship opportunities for ITI-qualified candidates. With no written examination or interview and merit-based selection, the recruitment was particularly relevant for candidates who had strong Class 10 and ITI marks.
Although the application process is now closed, candidates who submitted their forms should keep their documents ready and regularly check the official SCR/RRC website for merit-list and Document Verification updates. Candidates who missed this opportunity can continue monitoring future Railway apprenticeship notifications and other government recruitment opportunities.
Disclaimer: Recruitment conditions, vacancy details, eligibility rules, dates and selection procedures are based on the applicable recruitment notification. Candidates should always verify any further update, corrigendum, merit-list notice or DV instruction from the official South Central Railway/RRC source before taking action.
.jpeg)
venkydora89@gmail.com
ReplyDelete