South Central Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2025-26: Complete Guide to 2801 Apprentice Vacancies, Eligibility, Trades, and Application Process
The South Central Railway (SCR) Apprentice Recruitment 2025-26 is one of the largest railway apprenticeship opportunities announced in India for candidates who have completed 10th class and ITI training. The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), South Central Railway, has officially released a notification inviting applications for 2,801 Act Apprentice positions under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
This recruitment drive provides aspiring candidates with a valuable opportunity to gain practical technical training, industry exposure, and experience in railway establishments across multiple states. The apprenticeship program focuses on skill development across several technical trades, preparing candidates for future employment opportunities in engineering and technical fields.
In this comprehensive guide, we present the complete details of the SCR Apprentice Recruitment 2025-26, including important dates, eligibility criteria, trade-wise vacancies, age limits, the application process, and the selection procedure.
SCR Apprentice Recruitment 2025-26 Notification Overview
The South Central Railway Headquarters, Personnel Branch, Secunderabad, has issued the official notification inviting eligible candidates to apply online for apprentice training.
Key Highlights
- Organization: South Central Railway (SCR)
- Recruitment Authority: Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC)
- Total Vacancies: 2,801 Apprentice Posts
- Application Mode: Online
- Opening Date of Application: 12 March 2026 – 17:00 hrs
- Last Date to Apply: 11 April 2026 – 23:59 hrs
- Training Scheme: Apprentices Act, 1961
The recruitment is aimed at candidates residing in districts under the jurisdiction of South Central Railway across several Indian states.
Total Number of Apprentice Vacancies
The notification announces 2,801 apprenticeship training slots across multiple trades and departments of the railway.
These vacancies are distributed among various categories, including
- UR (Unreserved)
- SC (Scheduled Caste)
- ST (Scheduled Tribe)
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section)
- PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities)
- Ex-Servicemen
According to the official trade-wise table, the largest number of vacancies are in electrician and fitter trades, making them highly attractive options for ITI graduates.
Trade-Wise Apprentice Vacancies
The apprenticeship training program includes 13 different technical trades. Some of the major trades include:
Major Apprentice Trades
- Electrician – 1258 Posts
- Fitter – 539 Posts
- Welder – 202 Posts
- COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant) – 181 Posts
- AC Mechanic – 251 Posts
- Diesel Mechanic – 105 Posts
- Electronic Mechanic – 88 Posts
- Machinist – 54 Posts
- Painter – 32 Posts
- Industrial Electronics – 33 Posts
These trades are distributed across different railway departments such as
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Signal & Telecommunications (S&T)
- Personnel Department
Each department offers training at various railway workshops, depots, and divisions.
Railway Training Units Under the Apprenticeship Program
Selected apprentices will receive training at multiple railway establishments across the South Central Railway zone.
Some key training locations include:
- Workshop Lallaguda
- Workshop Rayanapadu
- Workshop Tirupati
- Kazipet Diesel Shed
- Vijayawada Division
- Hyderabad Division
- Guntakal Division
- Secunderabad Headquarters
These training centers provide hands-on experience with railway equipment, electrical systems, mechanical maintenance, and technical operations, helping apprentices gain practical industry skills.
Eligibility Criteria for SCR Apprentice Recruitment
Candidates must satisfy the educational qualifications and eligibility requirements before applying.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must have passed 10th Class (Matriculation) with at least 50% marks
- Must possess a valid ITI certificate in the relevant trade
- • The ITI certificate must be recognized by NCVT or SCVT.
Engineering graduates or diploma holders are not eligible for this apprenticeship program, as they fall under a separate scheme.
Age Limit for SCR Apprentice Recruitment
The age criteria for applicants are:
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years
Age relaxation is provided as per government rules:
- SC/ST Candidates: 5 years relaxation
- OBC Candidates: 3 years relaxation
- PwBD Candidates: 10 years relaxation
- Ex-Servicemen: Additional relaxation depending on service period
The age calculation is based on the closing date of the online application (11 April 2026).
SCR Apprentice Selection Process
One of the most attractive aspects of this recruitment is that no written exam or interview is required.
Selection Method
Candidates are selected based on a merit list prepared using:
- Average percentage of marks in 10th class
- Average percentage of marks in ITI trade
Both qualifications carry equal weightage in the final merit calculation.
If two candidates obtain the same marks:
- Older candidate gets preference
- A candidate who passed 10th earlier gets priority.
Training and Stipend Details
Selected apprentices will undergo training according to the Central Apprenticeship Council standards.
During the training period, apprentices will receive a stipend as per government apprenticeship rules.
The apprenticeship provides:
- Technical skill development
- Industrial experience
- Exposure to railway engineering systems
However, candidates must note that completion of apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent railway employment.
Application Fee
Applicants must pay the following application fee:
- ₹100 for General / OBC / EWS candidates
Fee exemption applies to:
- SC/ST candidates
- Women candidates
- PwBD candidates
Payment can be made through:
- Net banking
- Debit card
- Credit card
- UPI
How to Apply for SCR Apprentice Recruitment 2025-26
Candidates must apply online through the official South Central Railway website.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the South Central Railway official website.
- Click the Online Act Apprentice Application link.
- Register using a mobile number and email ID.
- Verify OTP sent to your phone and email.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and trade preference.
- Upload documents including:
- Photo
- Signature
- 10th marks sheet
- ITI certificate
- Community certificate (if applicable)
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the form and download the application copy.
Candidates must also complete RDAT registration on the Apprenticeship India portal and provide the registration number during application.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must upload the following documents:
- 10th class marksheet
- ITI certificate
- Proof of date of birth
- Community certificate (if applicable)
- EWS certificate
- Disability certificate (for PwBD candidates)
- Medical fitness certificate
- RDAT registration number
Original documents must be produced during document verification.
Important Conditions for Apprentices
Applicants must keep several important conditions in mind:
- The apprenticeship provides training only, not employment.
- Selected candidates cannot change trade or training location later.
- Apprentices who discontinue training may be required to refund stipend and training costs.
- All candidates must produce medical fitness certificates before training begins.
Why SCR Apprentice Recruitment Is a Great Opportunity
The South Central Railway Apprentice Program is one of the best opportunities for ITI graduates because it offers:
- Training in one of India’s largest railway zones
- Practical industrial experience
- Skill development in technical trades
- Exposure to advanced railway engineering systems
- A strong foundation for future government or private sector jobs
With 2,801 vacancies across multiple trades, this recruitment drive provides a major opportunity for thousands of technical candidates seeking career growth in the engineering and railway sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions For Railway Apprentice Jobs 2026
2. What is the last date to apply for SCR Apprentice 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 11 April 2026.
3. How many vacancies are available in SCR Apprentice Recruitment?
A total of 2801 apprentice vacancies are available across multiple trades.
4. What is the minimum qualification for SCR Apprentice?
Candidates must have 10th pass with minimum 50% marks and an ITI certificate in the relevant trade.
5. What is the age limit for Railway Apprentice 2026?
The age limit is 15 to 24 years, with relaxation for SC/ST/OBC and PwBD candidates.
6. Is there any exam for SCR Apprentice selection?
No. Selection is based on merit calculated from 10th class and ITI marks.
7. What is the application fee for SCR Apprentice?
The application fee is ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS candidates, while SC/ST, women and PwBD candidates are exempted.
8. Which trades are available in SCR Apprentice recruitment?
Trades include Electrician, Fitter, Welder, COPA, Diesel Mechanic, Machinist, Painter, Electronic Mechanic and more.
9. Is there a salary during apprenticeship?
Yes, selected candidates will receive a stipend as per government apprenticeship rules.
10. Does railway apprenticeship guarantee a job?
No. The apprenticeship provides training experience but does not guarantee permanent railway employment.
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Final Words
The South Central Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2025-26 stands out as a major skill development initiative that enables young technical candidates to gain valuable experience in railway operations. With a transparent merit-based selection process, no written examination, and extensive training opportunities, this recruitment drive is expected to attract thousands of applicants across multiple states.
Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements should complete the application process before the 11 April 2026 deadline and prepare the required documents in advance. Early application ensures a smooth submission process and increases the chances of successful selection in this highly competitive apprenticeship program.
