The Indian Railways continues to provide excellent career opportunities for young candidates who want to build a stable future in the government sector. One of the latest opportunities comes from South Central Railway (SCR), which has officially released the Apprentice Recruitment Notification 2026 under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
This recruitment drive is a golden opportunity for candidates who have passed 10th and ITI and want to gain technical training in the railway sector. The apprenticeship program helps candidates develop practical skills in various trades while receiving a monthly stipend during the training period.
According to the official notification, South Central Railway is inviting online applications for 2,801 Apprentice posts for the 2025–26 training cycle. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official website before the closing date.
In this detailed blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about the South Central Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026, including vacancy details, important dates, eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualification, stipend, application fee, selection process, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
South Central Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | South Central Railway (SCR) |
| Post Name | Act Apprentice (2025-26 Batch) |
| Total Vacancies | 2,801 Posts |
| Application Start | 12 March 2026 (17:00 hrs) |
| Application Deadline | 11 April 2026 (23:59 hrs) |
| Selection Basis | Merit (10th + ITI Marks) — No Exam |
| Age Limit | 15 to 24 years (as of 11.04.2026) |
| Education | 10th/SSC (min. 50%) + ITI (NCVT/SCVT) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (General/OBC/EWS); Nil (SC/ST/PwBD/Female) |
| Training Duration | 1 Year |
| Official Website | scr.indianrailways.gov.in |
This recruitment is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) of South Central Railway.
About South Central Railway
South Central Railway is one of the most important zones of Indian Railways. It was established in 1966 and has its headquarters in Secunderabad, Telangana.
SCR covers several states including:
- Telangana
- Andhra Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Madhya Pradesh
The zone operates multiple railway divisions such as:
- Secunderabad Division
- Hyderabad Division
- Vijayawada Division
- Guntakal Division
- Guntur Division
- Nanded Division
Every year, South Central Railway recruits apprentices in various technical trades to provide skill development and training to young candidates.
South Central Railway Apprentice Vacancy 2026
As per the official notification, a total of 2,801 apprentice vacancies have been announced for various trades.
These posts are distributed across different railway divisions and workshops under South Central Railway.
SCR Apprentice Vacancy details (Trade & Category Wise)
| S.No | Trade Name | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Total | PwBD | ExSM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrician | 511 | 339 | 189 | 95 | 124 | 1,258 | 51 | 38 |
| 2 | Fitter | 219 | 146 | 81 | 40 | 53 | 539 | 22 | 16 |
| 3 | AC Mechanic | 102 | 67 | 38 | 19 | 25 | 251 | 10 | 8 |
| 4 | Welder | 82 | 55 | 30 | 15 | 20 | 202 | 8 | 6 |
| 5 | COPA | 73 | 49 | 27 | 14 | 18 | 181 | 7 | 5 |
| 6 | Diesel Mechanic | 43 | 28 | 16 | 8 | 10 | 105 | 4 | 3 |
| 7 | Electronic Mechanic | 36 | 24 | 13 | 7 | 8 | 88 | 4 | 3 |
| 8 | Machinist | 22 | 15 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 54 | 2 | 2 |
| 9 | Industrial Electronics | 14 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 33 | 1 | 1 |
| 10 | Painter | 13 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 32 | 1 | 1 |
| 11 | MMTM | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 24 | 1 | 1 |
| 12 | Carpenter | 9 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 22 | 1 | 1 |
| 13 | Motor Mechanic Vehicle | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1,139 | 756 | 421 | 211 | 274 | 2,801 | 112 | 85 |
The apprenticeship program helps candidates gain real work experience in railway workshops and technical departments.
Important Dates
Candidates must keep track of the important dates related to the recruitment process.
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | 11 March 2026 | — |
| Online Application Starts | 12 March 2026 | 05:00 PM |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 11 April 2026 | 11:59 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 11 April 2026 | 11:59 PM |
| Merit List Release Date | To be Announced | Expected May/June 2026 |
| Document Verification | To be Announced | — |
Applicants are advised not to wait until the last date to submit their application forms to avoid technical issues.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements specified in the official notification.
The eligibility criteria mainly include:
- Educational qualification
- Age limit
- Nationality
- Trade eligibility
Only candidates who meet all the requirements will be considered for the recruitment process.
Age Limit
The minimum and maximum age limits are defined as per the government rules.
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years
The age will be calculated according to the date mentioned in the official notification.
Candidates must ensure that they fall within the required age bracket before applying.
Age Relaxation
Age relaxation is provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories.
The relaxation is given according to government rules.
| Category | Upper Age Limit Extension | Maximum Age Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years | Up to 29 years |
| OBC – NCL | 3 Years | Up to 27 years |
| PwBD | 10 Years | Up to 34 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 10 Years | Up to 34 years |
Candidates claiming age relaxation must provide valid supporting documents during the verification process.
Educational Qualification
To apply for the South Central Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026, candidates must have the following educational qualifications.
Mandatory Qualifications
- 10th Class/SSC: Must have passed Matriculation (10th standard) or its equivalent under the 10+2 system from a recognised board.
- Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is required in the 10th class.
- Technical Qualification: Must possess an ITI Certificate in the relevant trade (e.g., Fitter, Electrician, Welder) issued by an institute recognised by NCVT or SCVT.
Stipend / Salary
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend during the apprenticeship training.
The stipend is provided according to the Apprenticeship Rules of the Government of India.
The approximate stipend may range between:
₹7,000 to ₹10,000 per month
The exact amount may vary depending on the trade and division.
It is important to note that this is a training program, not a permanent job.
However, the experience gained during the apprenticeship can help candidates secure better job opportunities in the future.
Application Fee
Candidates applying for the recruitment must pay the required application fee.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General (UR) / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Nil (Exempted) |
| Female / Transgender | Nil (Exempted) |
Important Payment Details
- Mode of Payment: You can pay using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI through the official portal.
- Non-Refundable: Once the fee is paid, it will not be refunded under any circumstances, even if your application is rejected.
- Transaction Charges: Nominal service charges from your bank may apply during the online payment process.
- Confirmation: Ensure you download the payment receipt or check that your application status shows “Submitted” after the transaction.
Selection Process
The selection process for the South Central Railway (SCR) Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is straightforward as it is purely merit-based. There is no written exam and no interview.
Stage-by-Stage Selection Process
| Stage | Activity | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Online Application | Candidates apply at scr.indianrailways.gov.in and provide 10th and ITI marks. |
| Stage 2 | Merit List Preparation | Marks are calculated by taking the average of 10th Class (min. 50%) and ITI marks. |
| Stage 3 | Shortlisting | Candidates are called for verification in a 1.5 times ratio (1.5x the number of vacancies). |
| Stage 4 | Document Verification (DV) | Physical checking of original certificates (Age, Caste, Education, ITI, etc.) at designated centres. |
| Stage 5 | Medical Examination | Shortlisted candidates must produce a Medical Fitness Certificate signed by a Government Surgeon (Gazetted). |
| Stage 6 | Final Enrollment | Selected candidates sign an Apprenticeship Contract and begin their 1-year training. |
How the Merit Score is Calculated
The formula used is:
(Percentage in 10th + Percentage in ITI) ÷ 2
Example: If you got 80% in 10th and 90% in ITI, your merit score is 85%.
How to Apply for South Central Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Candidates must apply online through the official website.
Follow the steps below to complete the application process.
Step 1: Registration on NAPS Portal (Mandatory)
Before applying to the Railways, you must register on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal.
- Visit apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
- Register as a “Candidate” and complete your profile to 100%.
- Note down your Registration Number (e.g., A032XXXXXXXX), as it is required for the SCR form.
Step 2: Visit the Official SCR Website
- Go to the South Central Railway official website: scr.indianrailways.gov.in.
- Navigate to the “About Us” tab → click on “Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC)”.
- Look for the link: “Online Application for Act Apprentice 2025-26”.
Step 3: New User Registration
- Click on “New Registration”.
- Enter your Name, Mobile Number, and Email ID.
- Verify your details using the OTP sent to your phone/email.
- Log in using the credentials sent to you.
Step 4: Fill the Application Form
- Personal Details: Enter your Father’s name, Date of Birth, and Community (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS).
- Educational Details: Enter your 10th Class (SSC) marks and ITI marks. (System calculates the 50% merit automatically).
- Trade & Unit Selection: Select your ITI Trade and choose your preferred Division/Workshop (e.g., Secunderabad, Vijayawada, Lallaguda).
Step 5: Upload Scanned Documents
Upload the following in the prescribed size (usually 10KB to 100KB):
- Passport size photograph (Color).
- Signature.
- 10th Class Marksheet (PDF/JPEG).
- ITI Certificate (NCVT/SCVT).
- Community Certificate (if applicable).
Step 6: Payment of Fee
- If you are General/OBC/EWS, pay the ₹100 fee via UPI, Net Banking, or Debit Card.
- SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates can skip this step as they are exempted.
Step 7: Final Submission
- Preview your application carefully (no corrections are allowed after submission).
- Click “Submit”.
- Download and Print the application form and payment receipt for your records.
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE | CLICK HERE |
| OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION PDF | CLICK HERE |
| APPLY ONLINE | CLICK HERE |
| WHAT’S APP LINK | CLICK HERE |
| TELEGRAM LINK | CLICK HERE |
| FACEBOOK LINK | CLICK HERE |
| INSTAGRAM LINK | CLICK HERE |
| MORE UPDATES | CLICK HERE |
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Priyadarshani Palei is a Content Executive at OnlyAspirants.in, responsible for researching and publishing the latest government and private job updates. With over 2 years of experience in job research and recruitment news writing, he/she ensures that all information shared on the platform is accurate, verified, and easy to understand.
He/She completed Graduation and has a strong interest in competitive exams, career opportunities, and employment trends in India. His/Her focus is to help students and job seekers stay updated with timely notifications, eligibility details, important dates, and application procedures.
Through consistent research and dedication, he/she contributes to making OnlyAspirants.in a trusted platform for aspirants looking for reliable job updates and career guidance.