Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Southern Railway has announced the Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 for 4,471 apprentice posts in different trades. The online application process will start on 28 August 2026 and continue until 27 September 2026. eligible candidates can apply online through the official website of Southern Railway at sr.indianrailways.gov.in. The apprentices will be engaged for training in various Divisions, Workshops, and Units under Southern Railway.
This article provides all the important information about the recruitment, including the application process, eligibility requirements, age limit, and other key details. Candidates should note that this is only a training opportunity and not a regular job, and completing the apprenticeship does not guarantee a permanent job in the Railway.
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
| Application Start Date | 28 August 2026 |
| Last Date | 27 September 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 27 September 2026 |
| Document Verification | 15 October 2026 |
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Application Fee
The application fee for the Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 varies according to the candidate’s category. Candidates can check the applicable fee and available payment methods below:
| Category | Application Fee |
| UR /General /OBC /EWS | ₹100/- |
| SC /ST /PwD /Female Candidates | ₹0/- (No Fee) |
| Payment Mode | Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI |
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Age Limit
The age limit for candidates applying for the Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is given below. The candidate’s age will be calculated as on 28 August 2026, the date of notification
| Age Criteria | Details |
| Minimum Age | 15 years completed |
| Maximum Age | 22 years for Fresher/Ex-ITI candidates |
| Maximum Age for MLT | 24 years |
| OBC-(NCL) Relaxation | 3 years |
| SC/ST Relaxation | 5 years |
| PwBD Relaxation | 10 years |
| UR/EWS + PwBD | Up to 10 years relaxation |
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Vacancy
Southern Railway has announced a total of 4,471 Act Apprentice vacancies across different categories and trades. The category-wise vacancy details are given below:
| Category /Trade | Vacancy |
| Fresher Category (Fitter, Painter, Welder) | 143 |
| Fresher Category (Medical Laboratory Technician – MLT) | 20 |
| Ex-ITI Category (Various Trades) | 4308 |
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Qualification
required educational qualifications for their respective category and trade details are provided in the table below. Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs), Engineering Graduates/Diploma holders, or Vocational Certificate holders with one year or more of training/job experience after these qualifications are not eligible.
| Category /Trade | Eligibility |
| Fresher Category (Fitter, Painter, Welder) | Class 10th (Matriculation) Pass under 10+2 system with Minimum 50% aggregate marks. |
| Fresher Category (Medical Laboratory Technician – MLT) | Class 12th Pass under 10+2 system with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) with Minimum 50% marks. |
| Ex-ITI Category (Various Trades) | Class 10th Pass (Min 50% marks) + NCVT/SCVT National Trade Certificate (ITI) in relevant trade (Fitter, Electrician, Welder, COPA, Turner, Machinist, etc.). |
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Selection Process
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Selection will be done on the basis of a merit list. No written examination or interview is mentioned for selection.
- Merit List: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their educational marks.
- Fresher Category: Class 10th marks.
- MLT Category: Class 12th marks.
- Ex-ITI Category: Class 10th + ITI marks.
- Document Verification (DV): Shortlisted candidates will have to verify their required documents.
- Medical Fitness Test: Candidates will have to qualify the prescribed medical fitness test.
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: How To Apply
Candidates can follow the steps below to apply online for the Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026:
- Visit the official Southern Railway website at sr.indianrailways.gov.in.
- Go to the News & Updates > Personnel Branch Information section.
- Click on the online application link for Act Apprentice Notification 01/2026.
- Complete the registration by entering your basic details and obtain your login credentials.
- Select the Fresher or Ex-ITI category, unit preference, trade, and enter your educational/technical marks.
- Upload scanned copies of the required documents, certificates, photograph, and signature.
- If applicable, pay the ₹100 non-refundable processing fee through the available online payment method.
- Carefully check all the details and submit the application form.
- After submission, download the system-generated acknowledgement slip and keep a printed copy.
Important Link
| Apply Link | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
Conclusion
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a good opportunity for candidates looking to gain practical training in various railway trades. eligible candidates should check the eligibility criteria carefully and submit their applications before the last date. Since selection is based on merit, candidates should ensure that all details and documents provided in the application form are correct
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FAQ’s
Q1). What is the educational qualification for Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Ans: Candidates need Class 10th with at least 50% marks for Fresher/Ex-ITI categories, while MLT candidates require Class 12th with PCB and at least 50% marks, along with the prescribed ITI qualification where applicable.
Q2). How can candidates apply?
Ans: Eligible candidates can apply online through the official Southern Railway website at sr.indianrailways.gov.in.
Q3). Is apprenticeship training a permanent railway job?
Ans: No, Apprenticeship is a training engagement and completion of training does not guarantee permanent employment in the Railways.
