Job Description
Overview
Southern Railway has announced a significant training opportunity for candidates to join as Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This engagement is conducted by the Office of the Chief Workshop Manager, Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur, to provide hands-on technical training across various railway units. It is important to note that this is a training program and does not constitute an offer of permanent employment within the Indian Railways.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform technical tasks under the guidance of senior supervisors in designated railway workshops.
- Maintain safety standards and follow operational protocols during the training period.
- Acquire practical skills in trades such as Fitter, Welder, Electrician, and Medical Laboratory Technology.
- Participate in routine maintenance and repair activities as part of the learning curriculum.
- Adhere to the discipline and work culture of the railway workshop environment.
- Complete all assigned modules and assessments required for the successful completion of the apprenticeship.
Why Apply
This apprenticeship offers a structured learning environment for individuals to gain industry-relevant technical skills. Participants receive a monthly stipend and gain exposure to the operational standards of a premier government organization, which can be beneficial for future career prospects in the technical sector.
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 28 August 2026
- Application Closing Date: 27 September 2026
- Tentative Shortlist Publication: 15 October 2026
Quick Facts
- Total Vacancies: 4,471
- Stipend: Rs. 8,200 to Rs. 9,600 per month
- Location: Southern Railway Jurisdiction
- Category: Railway Apprentice 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 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 application.
- Register with valid details and fill out the online application form carefully.
- Upload necessary documents, including educational certificates and photographs.
- Pay the required 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 Fresher category, except for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.
Application Fee
A non-refundable processing fee of Rs. 100/- is applicable for General and OBC candidates. The fee is Nil for SC, ST, PwBD, and female candidates. Payment must be made through the online portal.
Age Limit
15-24 years as of 28-08-2026
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 base 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. MLT candidates are selected based on their 12th-standard marks in core science subjects. In the event of a tie, older candidates or those who passed matriculation earlier are given preference.
Exam Pattern
No written examination is conducted for this recruitment. Selection is strictly merit-based, derived from the academic qualifications of the candidates as specified in the notification.
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Organization
Southern Railway
Website: https://www.rrcmas.in/
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 Southern Railway's engagement of candidates as Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961, for training in designated trades across its Divisions/Workshops/Units (Notification No. 01/2026). This program provides practical training and does not guarantee permanent employment.
The notification states 4,471 total posts (163 Fresher + 4,308 Ex-ITI). Please note that the category-wise figures in the source table sum to slightly different totals (162 and 4,229 respectively), so it is recommended to verify the official notification PDF for the exact breakdown.
The online application window for the Southern Railway Act Apprentice recruitment closes on 27 September 2026, at 5:00 PM. Ensure you submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any technical issues on the official portal.
Qualification varies by trade and category. Fresher trades generally require a 10th-standard pass with at least 50% marks. Medical Laboratory Technician roles require a 12th-standard pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Ex-ITI trades require a 10th-standard pass along with a relevant ITI certificate (NCVT/SCVT).
The age limit is 15 to 22 years for most candidates, with an upper limit of 24 years for MLT positions, calculated as of 28 August 2026. Relaxations are provided for OBC-NCL (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), and PwBD (10 years) candidates.
Yes, there is a non-refundable processing fee of Rs. 100/- for General and OBC candidates. The fee is Nil for SC, ST, PwBD, and female candidates. Payment must be completed through the online application portal.
You can apply by visiting the official website at www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in, navigating to 'News & Updates' and then 'Personnel Branch Information'. Follow the instructions to complete your registration and submit the application form before the closing date.
Selection is based on a merit list derived from academic marks. For Freshers, it is based on 10th-standard marks. For Ex-ITI, it is a combination of 10th and ITI marks. MLT candidates are selected based on 12th-standard science marks. No written exam is conducted.
The monthly stipend is Rs. 8,200 for 10th-standard Freshers and Rs. 9,600 for 12th-standard Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates. The stipend increases by 10% in the second year and 15% in the third year of training.
Only candidates residing within the Southern Railway's geographical jurisdiction are eligible. This includes the whole of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala; the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep UTs; SPSR Nellore and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh; and Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka.
