Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Southern Railway has announced a major apprenticeship opportunity for candidates looking to build technical skills through Indian Railways. A total of 4,471 Act Apprentice training slots are available under Notification No. 01/2026.
The online application process started on August 28, 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until September 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The recruitment includes opportunities for both Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates in multiple trades.
Candidates should note that this is an apprenticeship training engagement under the Apprentices Act, 1961, and not a direct permanent Railway job.
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Southern Railway |
| Recruitment | Act Apprentice 2026 |
| Notification No. | 01/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 4,471 |
| Freshers | 163 |
| Ex-ITI | 4,308 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | August 28, 2026 |
| Last Date | September 27, 2026 |
| Last Time | 5:00 PM |
| Age Limit | 15–22 years / up to 24 years for specified Ex-ITI/MLT categories |
| Selection | Merit List + Document Verification |
| Official Website | Southern Railway |
The notification covers apprenticeship slots across various workshops, divisions and units under Southern Railway.
Southern Railway Apprentice Vacancy 2026
Southern Railway has announced 4,471 vacancies under two broad categories:
- Act Apprentice – Fresher: 163 Posts
- Act Apprentice – Ex-ITI: 4,308 Posts
- Total: 4,471 Posts
The vacancies are distributed among several trades and railway establishments.
Major Ex-ITI Trades
Some of the trades included in the recruitment are:
| Trade | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Fitter | 959 |
| Electrician | 576 |
| COPA | 404 |
| Welder (G&E) | 342 |
| Draughtsman (Civil) | 281 |
| MMTM | 200 |
| Structural Welder | 190 |
| Gas Cutter | 190 |
| Painter | 171 |
| Carpenter | 137 |
| Fitter (Mechanical) | 129 |
| Electronics Mechanic | 123 |
| Diesel Mechanic | 105 |
| Fitter (Engineering) | 68 |
| Wireman | 62 |
| Mechanic R&AC | 60 |
| Machinist | 59 |
| PASAA | 58 |
| MMV | 35 |
Trade-wise availability can vary by unit/workshop. Candidates should verify the official notification before selecting their preferred trade.
Who Can Apply for Southern Railway Apprentice 2026?
The eligibility requirements depend on whether the applicant is applying under the Fresher or Ex-ITI category.
For Fresher Candidates
Candidates applying for eligible Fresher trades generally need the required Class 10/SSLC and/or Class 12 qualification, depending on the particular trade.
For Ex-ITI Candidates
Candidates applying under the Ex-ITI category must have:
- Passed Class 10/Matriculation
- Obtained the required ITI certificate
- Possessed the relevant trade qualification from a recognized institution/authority, wherever prescribed.
Because eligibility differs between trades, applicants should carefully check the trade-specific requirements in the official notification before submitting the form.
Southern Railway Apprentice Age Limit 2026
The minimum age generally starts at 15 years.
The maximum age is:
- 22 years for Freshers
- 24 years for Ex-ITI and specified MLT candidates
Age is calculated with reference to the notification date, August 28, 2026, subject to the conditions and relaxations mentioned in the official notification.
Age relaxation is applicable to eligible reserved-category candidates according to government rules.
Southern Railway Apprentice Stipend 2026
Selected apprentices will receive a stipend during the apprenticeship training period.
Reported stipend levels for the recruitment are approximately ₹8,200 to ₹9,600 per month, depending on the applicable apprenticeship/training category.
Southern Railway Apprentice Selection Process 2026
One of the biggest attractions of this recruitment is that candidates are not required to appear for a conventional written examination or interview.
The selection process primarily involves:
1. Merit List
A merit list is prepared based on the prescribed educational marks/criteria applicable to the respective category and trade.
2. Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification.
3. Medical Fitness
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness requirements before engagement.
The tentative date for publication of the shortlist for document verification is October 15, 2026.
Is There Any Written Exam for Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment?
No.
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an apprenticeship engagement where selection is based on the prescribed merit process, followed by document verification and other required formalities. There is no regular competitive written examination or interview for selection to these apprentice slots.
This makes the opportunity particularly attractive for eligible 10th-pass, ITI and other qualifying candidates.
Southern Railway Apprentice Application Fee
The reported application fee is:
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹100
- SC/ST/PwBD/Women: No fee
Applicants should verify the fee and payment conditions in the official notification before making payment.
Important Dates – Southern Railway Apprentice 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | August 28, 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | August 28, 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | September 27, 2026 |
| Last Time | 5:00 PM |
| Tentative DV Shortlist | October 15, 2026 |
How to Apply for Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates can follow these steps to submit their application:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official Southern Railway website and locate the recruitment/apprenticeship notification.
Step 2: Open the Apprentice Notification
Find Act Apprentice Notification No. 01/2026 and read the eligibility conditions carefully.
Step 3: Register Online
Complete the registration process using your required personal and contact details.
Step 4: Select the Appropriate Category and Trade
Choose the relevant Fresher or Ex-ITI category and select the trade/unit according to your eligibility.
Step 5: Enter Educational Details
Enter your Class 10, ITI and other qualification details accurately.
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload the required certificates, photograph and other documents in the prescribed format.
Step 7: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the applicable fee through the available online payment method.
Step 8: Submit the Application
Review the complete application carefully before final submission.
Step 9: Save the Application
Download or print a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
Do not wait until the final day. Heavy traffic or payment issues can occur near the deadline.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready, as applicable:
- Class 10/SSLC certificate and mark sheet
- ITI certificate
- ITI marksheets
- Date of Birth proof
- Community certificate, if applicable
- EWS certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Recent photograph
- Signature
- Aadhaar/valid identity proof
- Other certificates specified in the notification
Candidates called for verification may be required to produce original certificates along with photocopies. Southern Railway’s apprenticeship documentation specifically requires educational, community and medical documents at verification.
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Important Things to Know
Before applying, candidates should understand that an Act Apprentice position is not the same as a permanent Railway post.
The purpose of the engagement is to provide structured apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Completion of apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee permanent employment with Southern Railway.
However, apprenticeship training can provide valuable technical experience and a recognized training pathway for eligible candidates.
Why Should You Apply for Southern Railway Apprentice 2026?
There are several reasons eligible candidates may consider this opportunity:
- 4,471 apprenticeship seats
- Opportunities for Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates
- Multiple technical and non-technical trades
- No conventional written examination
- Merit-based shortlisting
- Training experience with Indian Railways
- Monthly apprenticeship stipend
- Opportunities available across Southern Railway establishments
Southern Railway Apprentice 2026 – FAQs
What is the total vacancy in Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Southern Railway has announced 4,471 Act Apprentice training slots.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the online application is September 27, 2026, up to 5:00 PM.
Is there an exam for Southern Railway Apprentice 2026?
No conventional written examination is conducted. Selection is based on the prescribed merit process followed by document verification and other requirements.
What is the age limit?
The minimum age is generally 15 years. The maximum age is 22 years for Freshers and 24 years for Ex-ITI/MLT candidates, subject to the notification’s conditions.
What is the Southern Railway Apprentice stipend?
The stipend is reported to be approximately ₹8,200–₹9,600 per month, depending on the applicable category/training provisions.
How many Ex-ITI vacancies are available?
There are 4,308 Ex-ITI apprenticeship slots, while 163 slots are earmarked for Freshers.
Can 10th-pass candidates apply?
Yes, eligible 10th-pass candidates can apply for the applicable Fresher trades, while Ex-ITI candidates must meet the relevant ITI/trade requirements.
Is Southern Railway Apprentice a permanent government job?
No. It is apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and does not itself guarantee permanent employment with Indian Railways.
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Direct Link
Candidates should use the official Southern Railway recruitment information and application portal and carefully verify the notification before applying.
Notification: Act Apprentice Notification No. 01/2026
Total Seats: 4,471
Application Start: August 28, 2026
Last Date: September 27, 2026, 5:00 PM
| Official Notification | Notification PDF |
| Apply Online | Apply Online |
| Official Website | Visit Website |
Final Words
The Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a major opportunity for eligible candidates seeking apprenticeship training with Indian Railways. With 4,471 seats across Fresher and Ex-ITI categories, candidates from various technical trades can apply.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, complete your application well before September 27, 2026, and make sure every detail and uploaded document is accurate.
Always read the official notification before applying, because trade-wise eligibility, vacancy allocation, document requirements and other conditions may vary.
