RRC Southern Railway Act Apprentice 2026: 4,471 Openings for 10th, 12th and ITI Holders
Southern Railway has opened online applications for 4,471 Act Apprentice places under Notification No. 01/2026. This is one of the biggest openings of the year for 10th pass and ITI holders, and the stipend runs from Rs.8,200 to Rs.9,600 a month during training. Training happens at workshops and divisions from Perambur and Arakkonam to Ponmalai, Madurai, Salem, Palakkad and Trivandrum. If you already hold an ITI certificate, look at this seriously — it is the largest single batch of railway jobs currently open.
One thing to settle before anything else: this engagement is only for candidates living inside Southern Railway’s geographical jurisdiction, and that boundary is narrower than most people assume. The window runs from 28 August 2026 to 27 September 2026 (5:00 PM). Below we cover the trade-wise breakdown, the exact qualification for each trade, the age rule, the stipend and the conditions that can end your candidature. Bookmark GovtJobsAlert.in so you do not miss a Southern Railway update.
What are the Key Highlights of RRC Chennai Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Southern Railway (Chief Workshop Manager, Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur) |
| Notification | No. 01/2026, dated 28 August 2026 |
| Engagement | Act Apprentice under the Apprentices Act 1961 |
| Total Vacancies | 4,471 |
| Categories | Fresher and Ex-ITI |
| Stipend | Rs.8,200 / Rs.9,600 per month |
| Application Window | 28 August 2026 to 27 September 2026 |
| Mode of Selection | Merit list of academic marks |
How Many Vacancies Are There in Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The engagement is split into two streams. The Fresher stream needs no ITI; the Ex-ITI stream is far larger and needs a trade certificate in hand on the day you apply. The category figures below are reproduced exactly as printed in the notification — its category columns do not add up to its own printed totals in places, and where they differ the printed total is the one the Railway will work with.
| Stream | Category-wise Split | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Fresher | UR 68 / OBC 43 / SC 24 / ST 13 / EWS 14 | 163 |
| Ex-ITI | UR 1,744 / OBC 1,144 / SC 628 / ST 319 / EWS 394 | 4,308 |
PwBD reservation is 4% and is horizontal — those places sit inside the numbers above, not on top of them.
| Stream | PwBD Split (inside the above) | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Fresher | VI 3 / HI 4 / LD 2 / ID & MD 0 | 9 |
| Ex-ITI | VI 42 / HI 52 / LD 61 / ID & MD 12 | 167 |
Fresher Stream — Trade-wise
| Trade | Places |
|---|---|
| Fitter | 85 |
| Welder | 20 |
| Painter | 20 |
| Welder (G&E) | 18 |
| MLT (Cardiology) | 9 |
| MLT (Pathology) | 8 |
| MLT (Radiology) | 3 |
Ex-ITI Stream — Trade-wise
| Trade | Places |
|---|---|
| Fitter | 1,156 |
| Electrician | 576 |
| COPA | 404 |
| Welder (G&E) | 342 |
| Draughtsman (Civil) | 281 |
| MMTM | 200 |
| Structural Welder | 190 |
| Gas Cutter | 190 |
| Carpenter | 137 |
| Painter (G) | 131 |
| Electronics Mechanic | 123 |
| Diesel Mechanic | 105 |
| Wireman | 62 |
| Mechanic R&AC | 60 |
| Machinist | 59 |
| PASAA | 58 |
| Painter | 40 |
| MMV (Mechanic Motor Vehicle) | 35 |
| Turner | 35 |
| SSA (Stenographer-English & Secretarial Assistant) | 30 |
| Plumber | 30 |
| COPA / PASAA | 20 |
| Mechanic ICTSM | 20 |
| Instrument Mechanic | 20 |
| Advance Welder | 4 |
Vacancies are stated as tentative and are subject to change.
Look at that Ex-ITI column honestly before you choose. Fitter alone accounts for 1,156 of the Ex-ITI places, Electrician 576 and COPA 404, so a candidate holding one of those three certificates is competing in a genuinely deep pool. At the other end, Advance Welder has only four places across the whole zone — a trade like that will close at a very high merit mark, and you should apply knowing it. You choose your unit as well as your trade, and units differ enormously in size, so weigh where you can realistically travel to and live.
Who Can Apply for Southern Railway Apprentice 2026? Jurisdiction Rule
This is the rule that decides everything else, so read it before you fill a single box. Only candidates residing in the areas listed below are eligible to apply.
| Area | How much of it qualifies |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | Whole state |
| Kerala | Whole state |
| Puducherry | Whole Union Territory |
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Whole Union Territory |
| Lakshadweep Islands | Whole Union Territory |
| Andhra Pradesh | Only two districts — SPSR Nellore and Chittoor |
| Karnataka | Only one district — Dakshina Kannada |
If you live in Andhra Pradesh outside Nellore and Chittoor, or anywhere in Karnataka other than Dakshina Kannada, you are not eligible here — however good your marks are. Do not pay the fee first and check afterwards.
What is the Eligibility for RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Educational Qualification
| Trade | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Fresher — Fitter, Painter, Welder, Welder (G&E) | Passed 10th Class with at least 50% aggregate marks under the 10+2 system of education or its equivalent |
| Fresher — MLT (Radiology, Pathology, Cardiology) | Passed 12th Class with at least 50% aggregate marks under the 10+2 system with Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
| Ex-ITI — Fitter, Machinist, MMV, Turner, Diesel Mechanic, Carpenter, Painter, Painter (G), Welder (G&E), Wireman, Advance Welder, Plumber, Draughtsman (Civil), Instrument Mechanic, Mechanic R&AC, Gas Cutter, MMTM, Structural Welder | Passed 10th Class with at least 50% aggregate marks or its equivalent, plus an ITI course in the relevant trade at a Government recognised ITI with an NCVT or SCVT certificate |
| Ex-ITI — Electrician | Same as above, but the 10th must include Science as one of the subjects or its equivalent |
| Ex-ITI — Electronics Mechanic | Same as above, but the 10th must include Science (Physics and Chemistry) and Mathematics or its equivalent |
| Ex-ITI — Secretarial Assistant & Stenographer (English) | Passed 12th Class under the 10+2 system or its equivalent, plus ITI in the relevant trade with NCVT / SCVT certificate |
| Ex-ITI — Mechanic ICTSM | Passed 10th Class under the 10+2 system, plus ITI in the relevant trade with NCVT / SCVT certificate |
| Ex-ITI — COPA / PASAA | Passed 10th Class with at least 50% aggregate marks, plus an NCVT National Trade Certificate in Computer Operator and Programming Assistant |
The 50% rule is not applied to SC, ST and PwBD candidates. If you are browsing by qualification, our ITI jobs and 10th pass jobs pages carry every similar opening.
Age Limit
Age is counted as on 28 August 2026, the notification date — not the date you apply.
| Applicant | Age on 28 August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Fresher trades — Fitter, Painter, Welder, Welder (G&E) | Must have completed 15 years and must not have completed 22 years |
| Ex-ITI and MLT candidates | Must have completed 15 years and must not have completed 24 years |
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD (UR & EWS) | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC (NCL) | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC / ST | 15 years |
🎂 Not sure if you meet the age criteria? Use our free Age Calculator for Government Exams to find your exact age on the cut-off date and instantly check your eligibility — including SC / ST / OBC / PwBD age relaxation. →
What is the Salary and Stipend for Southern Railway Act Apprentice 2026?
| Category | Stipend |
|---|---|
| Fresher — 10th standard trades | Rs.8,200 per month |
| Fresher — 12th standard (MLT) | Rs.9,600 per month |
| Ex-ITI | Rs.9,600 per month |
| NCVT / SCVT holders | Training already undergone at a recognised school or institution is taken into account when your minimum payable stipend rate is determined |
The stipend rises by 10% in the second year of training and by a further 15% in the third year. Training runs 2 years for Fresher Fitter and Painter, and 1 year 3 months for Fresher Welder and the MLT trades; Ex-ITI candidates get a rebate in duration under Schedule-I of the Apprentices Rules 1992. Be clear-eyed about what this is: it is training, not a job. The notification says plainly that there is no guarantee of employment and the contract ends when training ends. What it does give you is the National Apprenticeship Certificate — and 20% of Level-1 direct recruitment through the RRCs may be filled giving preference to course-completed Act Apprentices holding that certificate.
What is the Selection Process for RRC SR Apprentice 2026?
Everything is decided by marks you already have. A nominated Committee prepares the merit list, and the notification sets out exactly how.
| Stream | How merit is calculated |
|---|---|
| Fresher | Matriculation marks converted to 200, subject to a minimum 50% aggregate in Matriculation (not insisted for SC / ST / PwBD) |
| Ex-ITI | Matriculation marks converted to 100 (minimum 50% aggregate, not insisted for SC / ST / PwBD) plus ITI marks converted to 100 — equal weightage, 200 in all |
| MLT | Higher Secondary marks (Physics, Chemistry, Maths & Biology) converted to 200, drawn only while also ensuring a minimum 50% aggregate in Matriculation (not insisted for SC / ST / PwBD) |
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Merit list | Prepared by the Committee from the converted academic marks |
| Shortlist published | Tentatively 15 October 2026, on the Southern Railway website |
| Medical certificate | You obtain it yourself and carry it to document verification — prescribed format, fitness under Schedule-II of the Apprenticeship Rules 1992, signed by a Government authorised Gazetted doctor not below Assistant Surgeon rank of a Central or State Government hospital |
| Document verification | Originals, including the Transfer Certificate for Std X / XII / ITI |
| Contract | Execution of the apprenticeship contract; a minor’s contract is signed by the guardian |
If two candidates tie, the older candidate is preferred; if the dates of birth also match, whoever passed Matriculation earlier goes ahead.
This matters more than it sounds. Because nothing you do between now and October can change your score, the only place you can gain or lose anything is the form itself and the certificates you carry to verification. Enter your marks exactly as they appear on the marksheet, and if you passed 10th or 12th in 2019-2020, arrange the marks statement your school issues under the Tamil Nadu Education Department instructions — those batches need it. Kerala candidates whose 10th came under the nine-point grade scale will have the midpoint of each grade band converted for them, each subject treated as out of 100.
How to Apply Online for RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the online application portal (see Essential Links) |
| 2 | Register and complete the form in all respects |
| 3 | Choose your unit and trade, and the correct PwBD sub-category if it applies |
| 4 | Pay the Rs.100 processing fee online, unless you are exempt |
| 5 | Submit before 5:00 PM on 27 September 2026 |
| 6 | Print the system-generated acknowledgement |
Pick your PwBD sub-category carefully — no change of sub-category is allowed afterwards, under any circumstances. Keep the acknowledgement printout, your Transfer Certificate and your caste or EWS certificate together; those are the papers whose absence forfeits a claim on verification day. Students finishing school can also track 12th pass jobs with us.
What are the Important Dates for Southern Railway Apprentice 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification date | 28 August 2026 |
| Online application opens | 28 August 2026 |
| Last date and time to apply | 27 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Last date to pay the fee | 27 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Shortlist for document verification (tentative) | 15 October 2026 |
What is the Application Fee for RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General, OBC and EWS male candidates | Rs.100 |
| SC, ST, PwBD and all women candidates | Nil |
The Rs.100 is a processing fee, payable online only, and it is non-refundable — another reason to confirm your jurisdiction and your trade eligibility first.
Conditions That Can Cost You the Southern Railway Apprenticeship 2026
These are the lines candidates skip. Each one is in the notification, and each one can end your candidature.
| Condition | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Prior training or experience | Course Completed Act Apprentices, Engineering Graduates, Diploma Holders and Vocational Certificate holders with one year or more of training or job experience after that qualification are not eligible |
| PwBD trade suitability | Engagement in a designated trade is subject to the medical fitness standards in the notification’s RPWD suitability table, which lists the disabilities each trade is suitable for — check yours before you choose |
| False declaration | If any declaration you furnish is found false, you will be disqualified or terminated at any stage of the training period without any notice |
| Recognised boards only | Academic and technical qualifications acquired through recognised Boards or Institutes will only be considered |
| ITI in hand | Ex-ITI applicants must already possess the ITI qualification in the relevant trade at the time of applying |
| Caste certificate | SC / ST must produce a caste certificate and OBC an NCL certificate valid for the current year with a self-declaration at verification; otherwise you are treated as UR with UR age limits |
| PwBD certificate | Only a benchmark disability of not less than 40% qualifies for PwBD reservation or the 10 / 13 / 15-year age relaxation, and the certificate must be issued by a Medical Board constituted by the Central or State Government (Form V, VI or VII) |
| Transfer certificate | The original Transfer Certificate for Std X / XII / ITI must be produced at document verification |
| Wilful absence | Candidates wilfully absent during the apprenticeship, or whose surety is represented on their behalf, must refund the full cost of training and any stipend received, as determined by the Central Apprenticeship Adviser |
| Final say | The Railway administration’s decision on eligibility, acceptance or rejection of an application and on the mode of selection is final |
| Withdrawal | Selected candidates are not allowed to withdraw except for reasons beyond their control |
| Unit of choice | You are engaged in your chosen unit subject to vacancies, and may be posted to another unit under the jurisdiction if administration requires it |
| Accommodation | You are responsible for arranging your own accommodation and other facilities |
| Where results appear | Notifications and the lists for document verification, selection and eligibility are published only under News & Updates → Personnel Branch Information on the Southern Railway website |
Essential Links — RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for RRC SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Visit Southern Railway Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
If you live inside the jurisdiction above, are under the age cap and hold a 10th or ITI certificate — and have not had a year or more of training or work after a degree, diploma or vocational certificate — this is worth your evening. Your marks are already earned — all that is left is filling the form correctly and getting your papers in order. Apply well before 5:00 PM on 27 September 2026 rather than on the last afternoon, and watch News & Updates → Personnel Branch Information on the Southern Railway site for the October verification list, and follow Tamil Nadu government jobs on GovtJobsAlert.in.