Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2025 – Apply Online for 3,500+ Vacancies

The Southern Railway has officially released the Act Apprentice Notification 2025-26, inviting online applications from eligible candidates for training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This golden opportunity is open for both freshers and ex-ITI candidates across various trades. With thousands of apprenticeship slots available in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, and select districts of Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka, this recruitment is one of the most awaited chances for aspirants seeking to build a strong career foundation in the Indian Railways.

In this article, we provide complete details about the Southern Railway Act Apprentice 2025, including vacancy details, eligibility, the application process, stipend, selection procedure, and important dates.

Overview of Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2025

• Recruiting Authority: Southern Railway (SR)
• Notification Number: 01/2025
• Training Act: Apprentices Act, 1961
• Training Type: Apprenticeship Training (Not Employment)
• Total Vacancies: More than 3,500+ posts (tentative, subject to change)
• Application Mode: Online
• Official Website: www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in
• Job Location: Across Southern Railway units

Important Dates

• Online Application Start Date: 25th August 2025
• Last Date to Apply Online: 25th September 2025 (till 17:00 Hrs)
• Tentative Document Verification List: 7th October 2025

Eligibility Criteria for Southern Railway Apprentice 2025

Age Limit (as of 25.08.2025)

• Minimum Age: 15 Years
• Maximum Age:
  • 22 Years for Freshers
  • 24 Years for Medical Lab Technician (MLT)
• Age Relaxation:
  • OBC (NCL): +3 Years
  • SC/ST: +5 Years
  • PwBD: +10 Years (additional relaxation applicable with category)

Educational Qualification

For Freshers:

• Fitter, Painter, Welder: Passed 10th Class with at least 50% aggregate marks.
• Medical Lab Technician (Radiology, Pathology, Cardiology): Passed 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry & Biology (minimum 50%).

For Ex-ITI Candidates:

• Must have passed 10th Class with 50% marks and hold an ITI Certificate in the relevant trade from a government-recognized institute.
• Trades include Fitter, Machinist, Turner, Diesel Mechanic, Carpenter, Electrician, Welder, Wireman, Plumber, COPA, PASAA, Draughtsman, Mechanic R&AC, Electronics Mechanic, etc.

Southern Railway Apprentice Vacancy 2025 – Trade-wise Slots

The notification has announced thousands of apprenticeship positions across divisions and workshops.

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• Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur – Fitter, Welder, Painter, Carpenter, Machinist, Turner, PASAA, MMV, MMTM.
• Loco Works, Perambur – Fitter, Welder, Painter, PASAA.
• Central Workshops, Ponmalai – Electrician, Machinist, Welder, Fitter, Diesel Mechanic, COPA, Painter.
• Electrical Workshop, Perambur – Electrician, Wireman, Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic R&AC.
• Divisions (Chennai, Madurai, Palakkad, Salem, Trivandrum, Tiruchirappalli)—Multiple trades like electrician, welder, COPA, fitter, SSA, ICTSM, blacksmith, draughtsman, etc.
• Railway Hospitals – Medical Lab Technician (Radiology, Pathology, Cardiology).

Note: Vacancies are tentative and may change depending on administrative requirements.

Reservation Policy in Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2025

The reservation policy is strictly followed in line with Government of India rules. Seats are reserved for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwBD candidates as per prescribed percentages.

• SC Candidates: 15%
• ST Candidates: 7.5%
• OBC-NCL Candidates: 27%
• EWS Candidates: 10%
• PwBD Candidates: 4% across various categories (LD, VI, HI, ID, MD).

Candidates claiming reservation must upload valid caste or category certificates issued by competent authorities during the application process. At the time of document verification, original certificates will be strictly checked.

Training Period

• Fresher Welder & MLT: 1 Year 3 Months
• Fitter & Painter (Freshers): 2 Years
• Ex-ITI Candidates: Training period reduced as per Apprenticeship Rules 1992.

Physical Fitness & Medical Standards

All selected candidates must undergo a medical examination conducted by a government-authorized doctor (not below the rank of assistant surgeon).
The medical standards include:

• Vision Requirements: Normal eye vision or corrected vision with glasses (no color blindness for technical trades).
• General Health: No chronic illness; the candidate should be physically fit for workshop activities.
• PwBD Eligibility: Apprenticeship is available in select trades suitable for benchmark disabilities like locomotor disability, hearing impairment, low vision, autism, and ID.

Stipend for Apprentices

• Freshers (10th Pass): ₹6,000 per month
• Freshers (12th Pass): ₹7,000 per month
• Ex-ITI Candidates: ₹7,000 per month

Additionally:

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• 2nd Year: 10% increment in stipend
• 3rd Year: 15% increment in stipend

Selection Process

• Merit-Based Shortlisting (No Written Exam/Interview)
  • Freshers: Based on 10th Class marks (minimum 50%).
  • Ex-ITI: Combined weightage of 10th Marks (100) + ITI Marks (100) = Merit out of 200.
  • MLT: Based on 12th Marks (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
• Tie-breaking Rule:
  • Older candidate preferred.
  • If DOB is the same, the candidate who passed earlier will be considered.
• Document Verification: Candidates must produce original marksheets, caste certificates, medical certificates, and apprenticeship contract forms.

Application Fees

• General/OBC/EWS: ₹100 (Non-Refundable)
• SC/ST/Women/PwBD: Exempted from fee.
• Payment Mode: Online only.

How to Apply Online for Southern Railway Apprentice 2025

1. Visit the official website: www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in
2. Navigate to “News & Updates → Personnel Branch Information.”
3. Click on the Apprentice Recruitment 2025 link.
4. Complete registration with personal and academic details.
5. Upload documents (photo, signature, and certificates).
6. Pay the application fee (if applicable).
7. Submit and download acknowledgment slip for future reference.

Documents Required During Application & Verification

Applicants must keep the following documents ready while applying and during verification:

1. Recent Passport-Size Photograph & Signature (scanned copies).
2. SSC (10th Class) Marks Memo & Passing Certificate.
3. ITI Certificate (for Ex-ITI trades).
4. 12th Class Marks Memo (for MLT).
5. Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS).
6. PwBD Certificate (if applicable).
7. Aadhaar Card or valid ID proof.
8. Fee payment receipt.

Important Instructions

• The apprenticeship is not a job guarantee. Employment is not assured after training.
• Candidates must arrange their own accommodation and expenses.
• If any false declaration is found, candidature will be cancelled immediately.
• Candidates withdrawing mid-training must refund stipend & training costs.

Tips for Applicants

• Apply early instead of waiting till the last date to avoid technical glitches.
• Ensure all details in the application form match official certificates.
• Double-check uploaded documents for clarity and correctness.
• Keep a copy of the application acknowledgment for future reference.
• Follow updates only on the official Southern Railway website—avoid third-party rumors.

Why Apply for Southern Railway Apprentice 2025?

• Opportunity to undergo hands-on skill training in railway workshops and divisions.
• Training under India’s largest employer, improving future employability.
• Apprenticeship holders get preference in 20% of vacancies in future Railway Level-1 recruitments (subject to possessing NAC).
• Monthly stipend ensures financial support while training.

Why Choose Apprenticeship in Indian Railways?

• Prestige & Recognition: Indian Railways is one of the largest government sectors offering apprenticeships with national-level recognition.
• Skill Development: Apprentices get practical, hands-on training in real railway workshops, preparing them for future industrial jobs.
• Employment Advantage: Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs) receive special preference in future Railway recruitments.
• Exposure to Multiple Trades: Candidates can learn from a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and digital trades.

Conclusion

The Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2025 presents a golden opportunity for both fresh school leavers and ITI graduates to acquire technical skills in a prestigious government sector. With more than 3,500 vacancies across trades, candidates should not miss this chance to enhance their career prospects. Interested aspirants must ensure timely application before 25th September 2025 and keep all documents ready for verification.