Central Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 2,861 ITI Vacancies, Apply Online Before December 2.Candidates looking for an apprenticeship opportunity with Indian Railways have a new opening to consider. The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Central Railway, has invited online applications for 2,861 Act Apprentice training slots under Notification No. RRC/CR/AA/2026.
The notification was issued on November 3, 2026. Applications are being accepted from eligible candidates who have passed Class 10 with at least 50% aggregate marks and hold an ITI certificate in the relevant trade. The application window will remain open until December 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Unlike many railway recruitment drives, this selection does not involve a written examination. RRC will prepare the merit list using the average of candidates’ Class 10 and ITI marks. Those shortlisted will be called for document verification and will also have to meet the prescribed medical fitness standards.
The training period is one year, with a monthly stipend of ₹9,600. However, applicants should remember that this is an apprenticeship under the Apprentices Act, 1961, and does not amount to a permanent appointment in the Railways.
Overview of Central Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Central Railway |
| Recruitment Authority | Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Central Railway |
| Notification Number | RRC/CR/AA/2026 |
| Notification Date | November 3, 2026 |
| Post | Act Apprentice |
| Total Training Slots | 2,861 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Educational Qualification | Class 10 with at least 50% marks and relevant ITI |
| Age Limit | 15 to 24 years |
| Training Duration | 1 year |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹9,600 |
| Selection Method | Merit based on Class 10 and ITI marks |
| Application Start Date | November 3, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 2, 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Official Website | www.rrccr.com |
Central Railway Apprentice Vacancy 2026: 2,861 Training Slots
The Railway Recruitment Cell has distributed the 2,861 slots across five clusters: Mumbai, Bhusawal, Pune, Nagpur and Solapur. The Mumbai cluster accounts for the largest share, with 1,712 training slots.
| Cluster | Training Slots |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | 1,712 |
| Bhusawal | 500 |
| Pune | 271 |
| Nagpur | 221 |
| Solapur | 157 |
| Total | 2,861 |
The detailed notification also gives workshop-wise, unit-wise and trade-wise vacancy information. Some of the major training locations include Matunga and Parel workshops, Wadi Bunder, Kurla and Kalyan in the Mumbai cluster; Bhusawal and Manmad in the Bhusawal cluster; Pune and Daund; Ajni in Nagpur; and Kurduwadi in Solapur.
The number of slots is provisional and may change according to the Railway administration’s requirements.
Why the Cluster Selection Matters
Candidates cannot apply separately for multiple clusters. The notification allows each applicant to choose only one cluster and then provide preferences for units within that cluster.
This is an important part of the application. Not every unit offers every ITI trade. Applicants should first check the detailed vacancy table and confirm that their trade is available at the units they want to select.
Once the application is finally submitted, candidates cannot change their cluster or unit preferences. Multiple applications will lead to rejection of all applications submitted by the candidate.
Trades Available in Central Railway Apprentice Recruitment
The notification covers a range of ITI trades across the five clusters. These include:
- Fitter
- Welder
- Electrician
- Machinist
- Turner
- Carpenter
- Painter (General)
- Mechanic (Diesel)
- Mechanic (Motor Vehicle)
- Electronics Mechanic
- Instrument Mechanic
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Wireman
- Cable Jointer
- Plumber/Pipe Fitter
- Mason
- Tailor (General)
- Stenographer (English/Hindi)
- Programming & Systems Administration Assistant
- Computer Operator and Programming Assistant
- Mechanic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Blacksmith (Foundryman)
The exact trades and number of slots differ from one workshop or unit to another. Candidates should use the official notification’s detailed tables to confirm the relevant ITI trade before submitting the form.
Central Railway Apprentice Eligibility Criteria 2026
Applicants must meet the educational qualification and age conditions given in the official advertisement.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must fulfil both of the following requirements:
- Class 10: Passed the 10th standard examination or its equivalent under the 10+2 system, with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised board.
- ITI: Hold a National Trade Certificate (NTC) in the relevant trade issued by NCVT, or the prescribed provisional certificate issued by NCVT/SCVT.
The ITI qualification must be in the trade for which the candidate is applying.
The notification also makes it clear that engineering graduates and diploma holders are not eligible under this particular apprenticeship notification because they are covered by a separate apprenticeship scheme.
Age Limit
The prescribed age range is 15 to 24 years. Candidates should check the official notification for the applicable age calculation date and category-wise relaxation conditions before applying.
| Age Requirement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 15 years |
| Maximum Age | 24 years |
Age Relaxation
Age relaxation is available to eligible categories under the provisions mentioned in the official notification. Candidates claiming relaxation must provide the prescribed supporting certificate or document.
Applicants should refer to the age-relaxation section of the advertisement for the exact conditions applicable to their category.
Central Railway Apprentice Application Fee
The application fee is ₹100 for candidates who are required to pay. The notification exempts SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates from payment.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹100 |
| OBC | ₹100 |
| EWS | ₹100 |
| SC | Nil |
| ST | Nil |
| PwBD | Nil |
| Women Candidates | Nil |
The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online through the payment gateway integrated with the application form. Any transaction charges, if applicable, are payable by the candidate.
Central Railway Apprentice Stipend and Training Period
Selected candidates will receive apprenticeship training for one year in the designated trade and workshop or unit.
According to the official notification, National or State Certificate holders will receive a stipend of ₹9,600 per month.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Period | 1 year |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹9,600 |
| Training Location | Designated Central Railway workshops and units |
Candidates should also make their own accommodation arrangements. The notification states that hostel accommodation will not be provided. Apprentices will be released after completion of their training period.
Central Railway Apprentice Selection Process 2026
There will be no written examination or interview for preparing the merit list. Selection will be based on the marks obtained in Class 10 and ITI.
How Is the Merit List Calculated?
RRC will calculate the merit percentage by taking the simple average of:
- The aggregate percentage obtained in Class 10.
- The percentage obtained in the relevant ITI trade.
Both qualifications carry equal weight.
Merit calculation formula:
[
\text{Merit Percentage}=\frac{\text{Class 10 Percentage}+\text{ITI Percentage}}{2}
]
For example, a candidate with 75% in Class 10 and 85% in ITI will have a merit percentage of 80%.
[
\frac{75+85}{2}=80%
]
For Class 10, the aggregate percentage will be considered rather than marks in individual subjects or groups of subjects. For ITI, RRC will use the average marks in the consolidated statement for all semesters or the marks mentioned in the provisional National Trade Certificate.
Candidates whose education boards award grades instead of percentage marks must calculate the overall percentage using the conversion method explained in the notification. Entering an incorrect percentage can lead to rejection if RRC finds a discrepancy during verification.
Tie-Breaking Rule
If two candidates have the same merit percentage, the older candidate will be preferred. If their dates of birth are also the same, the candidate who passed the Class 10 examination earlier will receive preference.
How Will the Merit Lists Be Prepared?
The final merit lists will be prepared separately according to:
- Cluster
- Unit
- Trade
- Community/category
The official notification specifically states that there will be no centralised merit list. Candidates should therefore give careful attention to their cluster, unit and trade preferences.
Document Verification and Medical Fitness
Candidates shortlisted through the merit process will be called for document verification at the opted Division or Unit. They must produce the original certificates corresponding to the documents uploaded with their online application.
A medical fitness certificate in the prescribed format is also mandatory. The notification says it must be signed by a Government-authorised gazetted doctor not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon at a Central or State hospital. Candidates who do not produce the required medical certificate will not be allowed to complete document verification.
The medical standards and prescribed certificate format are included in the official notification.
Documents Required for Central Railway Apprentice Application
Candidates should keep clear scanned copies of the following documents ready:
- Class 10 marksheet
- Class 10 certificate or other prescribed date-of-birth proof
- Consolidated ITI marksheet for all semesters or relevant provisional certificate showing marks
- NCVT/SCVT National Trade Certificate or provisional National Trade Certificate
- SC/ST/OBC certificate, wherever applicable
- Disability certificate, if applying under PwBD provisions
- Discharge or service certificate, where applicable for the Ex-Servicemen quota
- Recent colour passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
Original documents must be produced during verification. Certificates issued in languages other than English or Hindi must be accompanied by an attested translation in either of those languages.
How to Apply Online for Central Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The application process is online only. Candidates should submit their forms through the official RRC Central Railway website.
Follow these steps:
- Visit https://www.rrccr.com/.
- Open the Central Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 link.
- Read Notification No. RRC/CR/AA/2026 carefully.
- Complete the online registration and enter your personal details.
- Fill in your Class 10 and ITI qualification information.
- Calculate and enter the required percentages accurately.
- Select one cluster only.
- Choose your preferred units within that cluster in order of preference.
- Check that your ITI trade has vacancies in the selected units.
- Upload your photograph, signature and required documents.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Review all the details before final submission.
- Submit the form and download the application for future reference.
A registration number will be generated during the application process. Keep it safe, as it may be required for later stages of the engagement process.
The notification advises candidates to apply well before the closing date to avoid last-minute website or internet-related problems. No physical copy of the application needs to be sent to RRC.
Important Dates: Central Railway Apprentice 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | November 3, 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | November 3, 2026, 11:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply | December 2, 2026 |
| Application Closing Time | 5:00 PM |
| Merit List | To be announced |
| Document Verification | To be announced |
| Training Commencement | To be announced |
Important Instructions Before Applying
A few conditions in the notification deserve particular attention:
- Candidates who are currently undergoing or have already completed apprenticeship training must not apply.
- Only one application is permitted. Multiple applications will be rejected.
- Only one cluster can be selected.
- Unit preferences must remain within the selected cluster.
- The ITI trade must match the vacancy available in the chosen unit.
- The application fee, once paid, is non-refundable.
- No hostel accommodation will be provided.
- Training in the Railways does not create a right to permanent employment or absorption after completion.
- Candidates must bring the prescribed medical fitness certificate at document verification.
Important Links
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | https://www.rrccr.com/ |
| Official Website | https://www.rrccr.com/ |
| Notification Number | RRC/CR/AA/2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many slots are available in Central Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
There are 2,861 Act Apprentice training slots across the Mumbai, Bhusawal, Pune, Nagpur and Solapur clusters.
Q2. What is the last date to apply online?
The online application deadline is December 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Q3. What qualification is required for Central Railway Apprentice 2026?
Candidates must have passed Class 10 with at least 50% aggregate marks and hold an NCVT/SCVT certificate in the relevant ITI trade.
Q4. What is the age limit?
The prescribed age limit is 15 to 24 years, with relaxation for eligible categories as provided in the notification.
Q5. How much is the application fee?
The fee is ₹100. SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates are exempted from payment.
Q6. What is the monthly stipend?
Selected apprentices will receive ₹9,600 per month during the one-year training period.
Q7. Is there a written examination?
No. The merit list will be prepared using the average of Class 10 and ITI marks. There is no written examination or interview for merit-list preparation.
Q8. How is the apprentice merit percentage calculated?
The Class 10 aggregate percentage and relevant ITI percentage are added and divided by two.
Q9. Can I select more than one cluster?
No. Candidates can choose only one cluster and give preferences for units within that cluster.
Q10. Can engineering diploma holders apply?
No. The notification excludes engineering graduates and diploma holders from this apprenticeship scheme.
Q11. Will Central Railway provide accommodation during training?
No. The official notification states that hostel accommodation will not be provided. Candidates must make their own arrangements.
Q12. Does completing the apprenticeship guarantee a railway job?
No. The apprenticeship is training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The notification does not guarantee permanent employment or absorption in Central Railway after training.
