Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Southern Railway has released the official apprenticeship notification for engagement of candidates under the Act Apprenticeship Training Scheme. The recruitment has been announced through Notification No. 01/2026 for various designated trades under Fresher and Ex-ITI categories.
A total of 4,471 apprentice training slots are available, including 163 Fresher and 4,308 Ex-ITI opportunities. The official notification was released on 28 August 2026, and the online application process has also started from the same date.
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online until 27 September 2026, up to 5:00 PM. Candidates should check the prescribed educational qualification, trade requirements, age limit and other conditions before applying.
Important: This is apprenticeship training and does not provide a guarantee of permanent employment in Indian Railways. Candidates who complete the apprenticeship and possess the required National Apprenticeship Certificate may receive 20% preference in Level-1 direct recruitment, subject to the applicable recruitment rules.
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Southern Railway, Indian Railways |
| Department | Carriage & Wagon Works / Personnel Branch, Perambur |
| Recruitment | Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | Notification No. 01/2026 |
| Post/Training | Act Apprentice |
| Total Slots | 4,471 |
| Fresher Slots | 163 |
| Ex-ITI Slots | 4,308 |
| Notification Date | 28 August 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 28 August 2026 |
| Last Date | 27 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Job/Training Location | Southern Railway Jurisdiction |
| Official Website | sr.indianrailways.gov.in |
Southern Railway Apprentice 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 28 August 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 28 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM |
| Tentative DV Shortlist | 15 October 2026 |
Southern Railway Apprentice Vacancy 2026
The recruitment offers 4,471 apprenticeship slots under two major categories.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Fresher Category | 163 |
| Ex-ITI Category | 4,308 |
| Total | 4,471 |
Trade/Qualification-wise Details
| Category / Trade | Vacancies | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Fresher – Fitter, Painter & Welder | 143 | 10th Pass with minimum 50% marks |
| Fresher – Medical Laboratory Technician | 20 | 12th Pass with PCB and minimum 50% marks |
| Ex-ITI – Various Trades | 4,308 | 10th Pass with minimum 50% marks + ITI in relevant trade |
The Ex-ITI category includes various designated trades such as Fitter, Electrician, Welder, COPA, Turner, Machinist and other eligible trades.
Southern Railway Apprentice 2026 Eligibility
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the prescribed educational and technical qualifications according to the category selected.
Fresher Category: Candidates applying for Fitter, Painter and Welder trades should have passed Class 10 with at least 50% marks.
For Medical Laboratory Technician, candidates should have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) and obtained the prescribed minimum marks.
Ex-ITI Category: Candidates should have passed 10th Class with a minimum of 50% marks and possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from a recognized institution.
Candidates should ensure that their ITI trade matches the trade for which they are applying.
Age Limit
The age will be calculated as on 28 August 2026.
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Fresher | 15 to 22 Years |
| Ex-ITI / MLT | 15 to 24 Years |
Age relaxation will be provided to eligible candidates belonging to reserved categories as per the applicable rules.
Candidates can use an to check their age as on the prescribed cut-off date.
Southern Railway Apprentice Stipend 2026
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend during the apprenticeship training period.
| Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Fresher – 10th Pass | ₹8,200/- |
| Fresher – 12th Pass | ₹9,600/- |
| Ex-ITI | ₹9,600/- |
The apprenticeship is intended to provide practical industrial training in the designated trades.
Application Fee
Candidates are required to pay the prescribed processing fee through the online payment facility.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/UR/OBC/EWS | ₹100/- |
| SC/ST/PWD/Female | Nil |
| Payment Mode | Online |
The application/processing fee is non-refundable, wherever applicable.
Southern Railway Apprentice Selection Process
There is no conventional competitive written examination for selection under this apprenticeship recruitment.
The selection process includes:
- Preparation of Merit List
- Document Verification
- Medical Fitness Examination
Merit List
For the Fresher category, the merit list will be prepared using the prescribed Class 10 marks.
For MLT candidates, the prescribed Class 12 marks will be considered.
For Ex-ITI candidates, the merit will be prepared using the prescribed combination of 10th and ITI marks.
Candidates shortlisted on the basis of merit will be called for document verification and subsequent medical fitness formalities.
Training Jurisdiction
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed residence/jurisdiction conditions applicable to the recruitment. The apprenticeship opportunities are associated with units and establishments falling under the Southern Railway jurisdiction, covering areas including:
- Tamil Nadu
- Puducherry
- Kerala
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Lakshadweep
- SPSR Nellore and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh
- Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka
Candidates should check the official notification for the detailed jurisdiction and unit-wise requirements before submitting their application.
How to Apply for Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can apply online through the designated Southern Railway apprenticeship portal.
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the Southern Railway official website or the designated online application portal.
- Open the Act Apprentice Notification No. 01/2026 recruitment link.
- Complete the registration process using the required personal details.
- Select the appropriate applicant category, such as Fresher or Ex-ITI.
- Select the preferred unit and eligible trade.
- Enter educational and technical qualification details.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and certificates.
- Pay the applicable ₹100/- processing fee online.
- Check all information carefully before final submission.
- Submit the application form.
- Download and save the system-generated acknowledgement/application receipt for future reference.
Candidates should submit the application before 5:00 PM on 27 September 2026.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready while completing the online application:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Class 10 marksheet/certificate
- Class 12 certificate, wherever applicable
- ITI certificate and marksheet, for Ex-ITI candidates
- Caste/category certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Residence/domicile-related documents, wherever required
- Valid identity proof
- Other documents specified in the official notification
Southern Railway Apprentice 2026 – Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Online Application Form | Apply Online |
| Southern Railway Official Website | Click Here |
FAQs – Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026
How many vacancies are available in Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 4,471 apprenticeship slots have been announced, consisting of 163 Fresher and 4,308 Ex-ITI slots.
When does the online application start?
The online application process started on 28 August 2026.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date for submitting the online application is 27 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
What is the age limit for Southern Railway Apprentice 2026?
The age limit is 15–22 years for Freshers and 15–24 years for Ex-ITI/MLT candidates, calculated as on 28 August 2026, subject to applicable relaxation.
What is the stipend for apprentices?
The monthly stipend is ₹8,200 for 10th-pass Freshers and ₹9,600 for 12th-pass Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates, as per the provided recruitment details.
Is there a written examination?
The selection is based primarily on a merit list, followed by document verification and medical fitness formalities. There is no conventional competitive written examination mentioned for this apprenticeship selection.
What is the application fee?
The prescribed fee is ₹100 for General/UR/OBC/EWS candidates, while SC/ST/PWD/Female candidates are exempted.
Is Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment a permanent railway job?
No. This recruitment is for apprenticeship training and does not provide an automatic guarantee of permanent employment in Indian Railways.
What is the benefit of completing the apprenticeship?
Eligible Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs) possessing the required National Apprenticeship Certificate may receive 20% preference in Level-1 direct recruitment, subject to the applicable recruitment rules and conditions.
Conclusion
The Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a significant apprenticeship opportunity for 10th-pass, 12th-pass and ITI-qualified candidates, with 4,471 training slots available across the prescribed Southern Railway jurisdiction.
Interested candidates should verify their trade, qualification, age and jurisdiction requirements before applying. The online application window is open from 28 August 2026 to 27 September 2026, with the application process closing at 5:00 PM on the final date.
Candidates are advised to read the complete official notification carefully before submitting the application form.
