Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Southern Railway has released the latest notification for engagement of Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The recruitment is being conducted by Southern Railway, Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur, Chennai, through Notification No. 01/2026.
A total of 4,471 Act Apprentice training slots have been announced under the recruitment. These include 163 vacancies for Fresher candidates and 4,308 vacancies for Ex-ITI candidates. Candidates can apply online from 28 August 2026 to 27 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
The recruitment covers various trades and units under Southern Railway, including Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur; Central Workshop, Ponmalai; Signal & Telecommunication Workshop, Podanur; Railway Hospital, Perambur and several railway divisions and workshops.
An important feature of this recruitment is that selection is based on merit, using the prescribed educational/ITI marks. There is no separate written examination or interview for selection as an Act Apprentice. Shortlisted candidates are subsequently called for document verification and must satisfy the prescribed medical and other conditions.
Candidates should also note that this is an apprenticeship training opportunity and not a direct permanent Railway job. Completion of apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee appointment in Indian Railways.
Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Southern Railway |
| Recruitment Type | Act Apprentice Engagement |
| Notification Number | 01/2026 |
| Training Establishment | Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur, Chennai |
| Total Apprentice Slots | 4,471 |
| Fresher Category | 163 |
| Ex-ITI Category | 4,308 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 28 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Tentative DV Shortlist Date | 15 October 2026 |
| Selection Process | Merit List + Document Verification |
| Written Exam | Not Conducted |
| Interview | Not Conducted |
| Training Under | Apprentices Act, 1961 |
| Official Railway Website | Southern Railway |
Southern Railway’s official website currently lists Act Apprentice 2026-27 under its Personnel Branch information.
RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should carefully note the important dates for the Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 28 August 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 28 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 27 September 2026 |
| Last Time for Application | 5:00 PM |
| Tentative Shortlist for Document Verification | 15 October 2026 |
| Document Verification | To Be Announced |
| Training Commencement | To Be Announced |
The online application window opened on 28 August 2026 and will close on 27 September 2026 at 5:00 PM. Candidates should complete the application well before the deadline to avoid payment, document-upload or server-related issues.
RRC Southern Railway Apprentice Vacancy 2026
Southern Railway has announced 4,471 apprenticeship slots.
The vacancies are divided into two major categories:
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Fresher | 163 |
| Ex-ITI | 4,308 |
| Total | 4,471 |
Fresher Category – 163 Posts
The Fresher category contains 163 training slots.
The major units and trades include:
| Unit | Trade/Category | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur | Fitter | 40 |
| Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur | Welder | 20 |
| Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur | Painter | 20 |
| Central Workshop, Ponmalai | Fitter/Welder | 43 |
| S&T Workshop, Podanur | Fitter | 20 |
| Railway Hospital, Perambur | MLT – Radiology | 3 |
| Railway Hospital, Perambur | MLT – Pathology | 8 |
| Railway Hospital, Perambur | MLT – Cardiology | 9 |
| Total | 163 |
The Fresher category is particularly useful for candidates who meet the prescribed educational qualification but do not have an ITI qualification for the applicable trade.
Ex-ITI Category – 4,308 Posts
The largest portion of the recruitment is reserved for candidates who have completed ITI in the relevant trade.
A total of 4,308 Ex-ITI apprentice slots have been announced.
The recruitment covers multiple railway units and trades, including technical trades such as:
- Fitter
- Machinist
- Turner
- Electrician
- Wireman
- Welder
- Carpenter
- Painter
- Plumber
- Diesel Mechanic
- Motor Vehicle Mechanic
- Electronics Mechanic
- Draughtsman
- COPA
- Instrument Mechanic
- Mechanic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
- Other notified trades
Candidates should check the official notification for the exact trade-wise, unit-wise and category-wise vacancy before selecting their preferred option.
RRC SR Apprentice Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before applying, candidates must carefully check the eligibility requirements.
The eligibility depends on whether the candidate is applying under the Fresher or Ex-ITI category.
The major requirements include:
- Prescribed educational qualification
- Relevant ITI qualification, wherever required
- Minimum qualifying marks
- Prescribed age limit
- Residential/geographical eligibility
- Medical fitness
- Other conditions mentioned in the notification
Educational Qualification for Fresher Candidates
For Fresher trades such as Fitter, Welder and Painter, candidates should have passed Class 10th under the 10+2 system or equivalent with at least 50% aggregate marks, subject to the specific trade requirements.
For the Medical Laboratory Technician category, candidates should have passed 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, with the prescribed minimum percentage.
Candidates should make sure that their qualification meets the exact requirement of the trade they select.
Educational Qualification for Ex-ITI Candidates
Candidates applying under the Ex-ITI category generally need:
- Passed 10th Class under the 10+2 system or equivalent
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks in Class 10th
- ITI certificate in the relevant trade from an institution recognized by NCVT/SCVT or another recognized authority, as applicable.
The ITI trade should correspond to the trade for which the candidate is applying.
For example, candidates applying for an Electrician apprenticeship should possess the prescribed Electrician ITI qualification, while candidates applying for Fitter should have the relevant Fitter trade qualification.
The detailed trade mapping should be checked in the official notification before submission.
RRC SR Apprentice Age Limit 2026
The age limit is calculated as on 28 August 2026.
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 15 Years |
| Maximum Age – Fresher | 22 Years |
| Maximum Age – Ex-ITI | 24 Years |
| Maximum Age – MLT | 24 Years |
Age relaxation is available to eligible reserved-category candidates according to the applicable government rules and recruitment notification. Current recruitment information specifies relaxation for categories such as SC/ST, OBC and PwBD candidates.
Candidates should use their date of birth from their official Class 10 certificate while filling out the application.
RRC SR Apprentice Application Fee 2026
The application processing fee is:
| Candidate Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST | Exempted |
| PwBD | Exempted |
| Women Candidates | Exempted |
The applicable fee is non-refundable.
Candidates should make sure that their online payment is completed successfully before the final submission of the application.
RRC SR Apprentice Selection Process 2026
The Southern Railway Apprentice recruitment does not involve a conventional competitive written examination.
The selection process is primarily merit-based.
Stage 1 – Merit List
A merit list is prepared using the marks obtained in the prescribed educational qualifications.
For Ex-ITI candidates, the merit calculation is based on the prescribed Matriculation and ITI marks.
For applicable Fresher categories, the prescribed educational marks are considered.
For MLT candidates, the relevant higher-secondary qualification is considered according to the notification.
Stage 2 – Document Verification
Candidates shortlisted in the merit list are called for document verification.
Candidates must produce original documents supporting:
- Date of birth
- Educational qualification
- ITI qualification
- Category
- Residence
- Identity
- Other applicable claims
Stage 3 – Medical Fitness
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness requirements.
Final Selection
Candidates who satisfy the merit, document verification and medical requirements are considered for apprenticeship engagement according to the available slots and applicable rules.
Is There Any Written Exam for RRC SR Apprentice 2026?
No.
The Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is merit-based. There is no separate written examination or interview for selecting apprentices.
This means candidates should focus on their academic and ITI marks and ensure that all certificates and eligibility documents are correct.
Important Geographical Eligibility for Southern Railway Apprentice 2026
This is one of the most important conditions that candidates should check before applying.
The recruitment is not simply an unrestricted All India Apprentice recruitment.
Candidates must meet the prescribed residential/geographical jurisdiction requirement for Southern Railway.
The eligible geographical areas include:
- Entire State of Tamil Nadu
- Entire Union Territory of Puducherry
- Entire State of Kerala
- Entire Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Entire Union Territory of Lakshadweep
- SPSR Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh
- Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh
- Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka
Therefore, candidates from states or districts outside the specified Southern Railway jurisdiction should not assume that they are eligible.
For example, candidates residing in Bihar should carefully note that Bihar is not included in the listed geographical jurisdiction for this recruitment.
Candidates should read the residential eligibility clause in the official notification before applying.
RRC SR Apprentice Stipend 2026
Apprentices receive a stipend during the apprenticeship training period according to the applicable apprenticeship rules and category.
The current recruitment information indicates approximately:
| Category | Stipend |
|---|---|
| Fresher – 10th Level | ₹8,200 per month |
| Fresher – 12th Level / MLT | ₹9,600 per month |
| Ex-ITI | ₹9,600 per month |
The exact stipend and applicable conditions are governed by the apprenticeship rules and notification.
Candidates should understand that stipend is different from the regular salary of a permanent Railway employee.
Apprenticeship Training Period
The training period varies according to the trade and applicable apprenticeship rules.
Depending on the trade, apprenticeship training may extend over different durations.
Candidates selected for apprenticeship should follow the training schedule and conditions prescribed by Southern Railway.
The apprenticeship is intended to provide practical industrial and railway-related training in the candidate’s designated trade.
Does RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment Give a Permanent Railway Job?
No.
Candidates should understand this point clearly.
Selection as an Act Apprentice means the candidate is engaged for apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
It does not automatically result in permanent employment in Indian Railways.
Southern Railway has previously clarified that completion of apprenticeship does not by itself create an automatic right to appointment. Apprentices may receive preference in applicable open recruitment according to the rules, but they must still follow the prescribed recruitment process.
Therefore, candidates should not consider this recruitment as direct permanent Railway recruitment.
RRC SR Apprentice 2026 Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification.
Candidates should keep their original documents and required copies ready.
Important documents may include:
- Class 10 certificate/marksheet
- Class 12 certificate/marksheet, where applicable
- ITI certificate
- ITI marksheet
- NCVT/SCVT certificate, where applicable
- Date of birth proof
- Aadhaar/valid identity proof
- Caste certificate
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Residence/domicile proof
- Passport-size photographs
- Application form
- Fee payment receipt
- Other documents required by the notification
Candidates should ensure that the name and date of birth on their documents are consistent.
RRC SR Apprentice Merit List 2026
The merit list is prepared according to the marks prescribed in the recruitment notification.
For Ex-ITI candidates, the selection is based on the prescribed combination of Matriculation and ITI marks.
Because there is no written examination, academic performance becomes especially important.
The merit list may be prepared separately according to:
- Trade
- Unit
- Category
- Fresher/Ex-ITI status
- Available training slots
Candidates should wait for the official shortlist/merit list rather than relying on unofficial expected cut-offs.
RRC SR Apprentice Cut Off 2026
There is no fixed cut-off announced in advance for the recruitment.
The effective merit level can vary according to:
- Number of applications
- Number of vacancies
- Trade
- Unit
- Category
- Matriculation marks
- ITI marks
- Candidate competition
- Reservation
- Available slots
Candidates with higher prescribed qualification marks are generally in a stronger position in a merit-based selection.
How to Apply for RRC Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can follow these steps to apply online.
Step 1: Visit the Official Southern Railway Website
Open the official Southern Railway website and go to the Personnel Branch / Act Apprentice 2026-27 section.
Step 2: Read Notification No. 01/2026
Download and carefully read the complete notification.
Pay special attention to:
- Geographical eligibility
- Trade eligibility
- Age limit
- Educational qualification
- ITI qualification
- Vacancy
- Fee
- Document requirements
Step 3: Open the Online Application Portal
Use the official online application link provided by Southern Railway for the 2026-27 apprentice recruitment.
Step 4: Register Yourself
Enter the required basic details and create the registration credentials.
Step 5: Fill the Application Form
Enter accurate information including:
- Name
- Father’s/Mother’s name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Educational details
- ITI details
- Trade
- Category
- Other required information
Step 6: Select Trade and Unit
Select the appropriate trade and available training unit according to your eligibility.
Step 7: Upload Documents
Upload the required photograph, signature and certificates in the prescribed format.
Step 8: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the applicable ₹100 processing fee if you belong to a fee-paying category.
Step 9: Review the Application
Check every field carefully before submitting the form.
Step 10: Submit and Save
Submit the application and download the final confirmation/application copy.
Keep the registration number and payment details safe until the entire recruitment process is completed.
Important Instructions Before Applying
Candidates should remember the following points:
- This is an Act Apprentice training recruitment, not direct permanent employment.
- There are 4,471 total apprentice slots.
- 163 slots are for Fresher candidates.
- 4,308 slots are for Ex-ITI candidates.
- The application started on 28 August 2026.
- The last date is 27 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
- Minimum age is 15 years.
- The maximum age is generally 22 years for Freshers and 24 years for Ex-ITI/MLT candidates.
- Selection is based on merit.
- There is no written examination.
- There is no interview.
- Document verification is conducted for shortlisted candidates.
- Medical fitness is required.
- Check the geographical jurisdiction before applying.
- Candidates should use only the official application portal.
- Read the complete notification before submitting the form.
RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
| Apply Online Link | Click Here |
| Check Official Notification | Click Here |
| Check result | Click Here |
| Railway RRC SR Official Website | Click Here |
The official Southern Railway website lists the Act Apprentice 2026-27 section, while the recruitment application and notification are provided through the designated online application system.
RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
1. What is RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an Act Apprentice engagement conducted by Southern Railway under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
2. How many vacancies are available?
A total of 4,471 apprenticeship slots are available.
- Fresher – 163
- Ex-ITI – 4,308
3. When did the application process start?
The online application process started on 28 August 2026.
4. What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the application is 27 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
5. What is the age limit for Southern Railway Apprentice 2026?
The minimum age is 15 years. The maximum age is generally 22 years for Fresher candidates and 24 years for Ex-ITI/MLT candidates, subject to the notification’s conditions.
6. What qualification is required?
Fresher candidates generally need the prescribed 10th/12th qualification, depending on the trade. Ex-ITI candidates generally need 10th qualification with the prescribed percentage plus relevant ITI certification.
7. Is ITI compulsory for all posts?
No. ITI is required for the Ex-ITI category, while specified Fresher positions have separate educational requirements.
8. Is there any written examination?
No. Selection is based on merit according to the prescribed educational/ITI marks.
9. Is there an interview?
No separate interview is conducted for apprentice selection.
10. What is the application fee?
The processing fee is ₹100 for applicable candidates. Women, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempted according to the recruitment conditions.
11. What is the stipend for Southern Railway Apprentices?
The current recruitment information indicates stipend rates of approximately ₹8,200 to ₹9,600 per month, depending on the category and qualification.
12. Is this a permanent Railway job?
No. It is an apprenticeship training opportunity. Completion of apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee permanent employment in Indian Railways.
13. Can candidates from Bihar apply?
Candidates should be careful. The recruitment has a prescribed geographical jurisdiction, which includes Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, specified districts of Andhra Pradesh and Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka. Bihar is not included in this listed jurisdiction.
14. When will the Southern Railway Apprentice merit list be released?
The tentative date for the shortlisted list for document verification is 15 October 2026, subject to the official schedule.
15. How will the RRC SR Apprentice merit list be prepared?
The merit list is prepared using the prescribed marks from Matriculation and ITI qualifications for Ex-ITI candidates and the relevant educational qualification for Fresher candidates.
16. What is the selection process?
The selection process consists primarily of:
Merit List → Document Verification → Medical Fitness → Apprenticeship Engagement
17. What trades are available?
Various trades are available, including Fitter, Welder, Painter, Electrician, Machinist, Turner, Carpenter, Plumber, COPA, Diesel Mechanic, Electronics Mechanic and other notified trades.
18. Where can I apply?
Candidates should apply through the designated online application portal linked from the official Southern Railway recruitment information.
Conclusion – Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The Railway RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a major apprenticeship opportunity offered by Southern Railway for candidates looking to obtain practical training in railway workshops, divisions and units.
A total of 4,471 Act Apprentice training slots have been announced, including 163 Fresher and 4,308 Ex-ITI opportunities. Applications are being accepted from 28 August 2026 to 27 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
The biggest advantage of this recruitment is that candidates do not have to appear for a separate written examination. Selection is based on the prescribed educational and ITI marks, followed by document verification and the applicable medical requirements.
However, candidates must pay special attention to the geographical eligibility condition. This recruitment is intended for candidates residing within the specified Southern Railway geographical jurisdiction. Candidates from Bihar and other states outside the listed jurisdiction should not apply unless they independently satisfy the exact residential eligibility condition contained in the official notification.
Candidates should also remember that an Act Apprentice position is a training opportunity and does not automatically provide permanent employment in Indian Railways.
Interested candidates should therefore read the complete RRC SR Apprentice Notification 2026, verify their trade and residential eligibility, check their educational/ITI qualification and submit the online application before the deadline.
For the latest updates regarding the Southern Railway Apprentice Merit List 2026, Document Verification, Apprentice Shortlist and other recruitment updates, candidates should regularly check the official Southern Railway portal.