Job Description
Overview
Southern Railway has announced a recruitment drive for Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This engagement is strictly for training purposes across various workshops and units within the Southern Railway jurisdiction. It is important to note that this is not an offer of permanent employment, and no guarantee of a job is provided upon the successful completion of the training period.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform hands-on technical tasks in designated railway workshops under the guidance of senior supervisors.
- Adhere strictly to safety protocols and operational guidelines established by the Indian Railways.
- Maintain accurate records of daily training activities and technical progress.
- Participate in regular skill assessments to ensure proficiency in the assigned trade.
- Collaborate with team members to complete maintenance and repair tasks efficiently.
- Follow all instructions provided by the training authority to ensure high standards of workmanship.
Why Apply
This apprenticeship offers a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience in a premier government organization. Successful completion of the training provides a National Apprenticeship Certificate, which is highly regarded in the industrial sector and may offer preference in future direct recruitment for Level 1 posts within the Indian Railways.
Important Dates
- Notification Date: 28 August 2026
- Application Start Date: 28 August 2026
- Application Closing Date: 27 September 2026
Quick Facts
- Total Vacancies: 4,471
- Stipend: Rs. 8,200 to Rs. 9,600 per month
- Location: Southern Railway Jurisdiction
- Category: Railway Jobs
Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
Registration Date
28 Aug 2026 –
27 Sep 2026
Salary
8200-9600
Vacancies
4471
Eligibility
10th, 12th, ITI
Application Link
Vacancy Details
- Fresher Category: 163 Posts
- Ex-ITI Category: 4,308 Posts
- Total: 4,471 Posts
How to Apply
- Visit the official Southern Railway website at www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in.
- Navigate to the 'News & Updates' section and select 'Personnel Branch Information'.
- Locate the link for the Act Apprentice 2026 online application.
- Register using a valid email address and mobile number to generate login credentials.
- Fill in the application form with accurate personal, educational, and trade details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents, including photographs and certificates.
- Pay the application fee online if applicable.
- Submit the final application and download a copy for future reference.
Cutoff Marks
Minimum 50% aggregate in 10th standard is required for general candidates; this requirement is waived for SC/ST/PwBD applicants.
Application Fee
The application processing fee is Rs. 100/- for General and OBC candidates. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid online. SC, ST, PwBD, and female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
Age Limit
15-24 Years
Selection Process
The selection process is based on a merit list prepared using academic performance. For the Fresher category, the merit is determined by converting 10th-standard marks to a scale of 200. Ex-ITI candidates are evaluated based on a combined score of 10th-standard and ITI marks, each contributing equally to a total of 200. For the Medical Laboratory Technician category, selection is based on 12th-standard marks in core science subjects. Ties are resolved by prioritizing older candidates or those who passed their matriculation earlier.
Exam Pattern
There is no written examination for this recruitment. Selection is purely merit-based, derived from the academic records of the candidates as specified in the notification.
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Organization
Southern Railway, headquartered in Chennai, is one of the 19 zones of the Indian Railways. Established in 1951, it serves the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and the Union Territories of Puducherry and Lakshadweep. The organization is responsible for the operation and maintenance of a vast rail network, focusing on passenger and freight transportation. It operates under the Ministry of Railways and plays a crucial role in the economic and social connectivity of Southern India.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a recruitment drive by Southern Railway to engage candidates as Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This program provides training in various technical trades across different railway workshops and units. Please note that this is a training engagement and does not guarantee permanent employment with the Indian Railways upon completion.
The notification lists a total of 4,471 vacancies. This includes 163 posts for the Fresher category and 4,308 posts for the Ex-ITI category. Candidates are advised to check the official notification PDF for a detailed breakdown of vacancies by trade and unit to ensure they apply for the correct position.
The online application window is open until 27 September 2026, closing at 17:00 Hrs. It is highly recommended to submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any potential technical issues or server congestion on the official portal.
Qualifications depend on the trade and category. Fresher candidates generally need a 10th-standard pass with at least 50% marks. For Medical Laboratory Technician roles, a 12th-standard pass with science subjects is required. Ex-ITI candidates must have a 10th-standard pass along with an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from an NCVT or SCVT-recognized institution.
The age limit is 15 to 22 years for most candidates, with an upper limit of 24 years for the Medical Laboratory Technician role. Age is calculated as of 28 August 2026. Relaxations are provided for reserved categories, including 3 years for OBC-NCL, 5 years for SC/ST, and up to 10 years for PwBD candidates.
Yes, there is a non-refundable application processing fee of Rs. 100/-. This fee must be paid online during the application process. However, SC, ST, PwBD, and female candidates are fully exempted from paying this fee.
Selection is based on a merit list derived from academic performance. For Fresher candidates, 10th-standard marks are used. Ex-ITI candidates are evaluated based on a combined score of 10th-standard and ITI marks. Medical Laboratory Technician candidates are selected based on 12th-standard science marks. No written exam is conducted for this recruitment.
Apprentices receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 8,200 for 10th-standard Freshers and Rs. 9,600 for 12th-standard Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates. The stipend amount increases by 10% in the second year and 15% in the third year of training, as per the prescribed government norms.
