Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 4471 Posts

Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF has been officially released for 4471 Act Apprentice vacancies (163 Fresher + 4308 Ex-ITI). Eligible candidates looking for Railway Jobs 2026, Sarkari Naukri or ITI Apprentice Vacancy 2026 updates can apply online from 28 August 2026 to 27 September 2026. Detailed eligibility criteria, educational qualification, age limit, selection process, stipend details, and direct apply link are provided below.

About Southern Railway

Southern Railway is one of the oldest and largest zones of Indian Railways, with its headquarters in Chennai, and covers Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Through the Office of the Chief Workshop Manager, Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur, it regularly engages young candidates as Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961, to build a skilled technical workforce across its workshops and divisions. This Southern Railway Recruitment 2026 drive is a golden opportunity for 10th, 12th, and ITI pass candidates from South India who are searching for Sarkari Naukri 2026 and hands-on training in a reputed government organization.

Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview

Important Dates

Southern Railway Act Apprentice Vacancy Details 2026

The 4471 posts under Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 are divided between Fresher and Ex-ITI categories, spread across Carriage & Wagon Works Perambur, Central Workshop Ponmalai, S&T Workshop Podanur, Railway Hospital Perambur, and various divisions including Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Palakkad, Salem, and Trivandrum. A summary is given below; candidates should refer to the official notification PDF for the complete unit-wise and trade-wise split.

Note: Candidates should verify the exact trade-wise and category-wise vacancy figures in the official notification PDF, as minor rounding differences may appear between the individual break-up and the announced totals.

Eligibility Criteria 2026

Educational Qualification

Candidates applying under the Fresher category for Fitter, Painter, or Welder trades must have passed 10th Class with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. For the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) post, candidates need 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (minimum 50%). Candidates applying under the Ex-ITI category must have passed 10th/12th Class along with a relevant NCVT/SCVT ITI trade certificate. The 50% minimum in 10th standard is relaxed for SC/ST/PwBD candidates. Candidates are advised to check the official notification PDF for exact trade-wise qualification requirements.

Age Limit (as on 28 August 2026)

• Minimum Age: 15 Years
• Maximum Age: 22 Years (Fresher/Ex-ITI) / 24 Years (MLT)

Age Relaxation

Southern Railway Act Apprentice Stipend Details

This is a training engagement and not a regular government job, so selected candidates receive a monthly stipend instead of a fixed salary. There is no guarantee of employment on completion of the training period:

The stipend increases by 10% during the second year of training and a further 15% during the third year, over the prescribed minimum amount.

Selection Process

Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 does not involve any written exam or interview. Selection is purely merit-based, using the following criteria:

• Fresher Category: Matriculation marks converted to 200 (minimum 50% required, except SC/ST/PwBD)
• Ex-ITI Category: Matriculation marks + ITI marks, each converted to 100 (total 200)
• MLT Category: Higher Secondary marks (Physics, Chemistry, Maths & Biology) converted to 200
• Document Verification (DV) for shortlisted candidates
• Medical Fitness Certificate from a Government-Authorized Doctor

Application Fee

Required Documents for Online Application

• Recent Passport Size Photograph
• Scanned Copy of Signature
• 10th / 12th Mark Sheet and Certificate
• ITI Trade Certificate (for Ex-ITI candidates)
• Age Proof Certificate (10th Class Certificate / Aadhaar Card)
• Category / Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Domicile Proof of Eligible State/District
• Valid Email ID and Mobile Number

How to Apply Online for Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026

1. Visit the official website: sr.indianrailways.gov.in
2. Go to the News & Updates → Personnel Branch Information section on the home page.
3. Select the Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 (Notification No. 01/2026) link.
4. Read the instructions carefully and click on New Registration.
5. Fill in your personal details, category (Fresher/Ex-ITI), preferred unit/division, and educational qualifications.
6. Upload the required scanned documents and pay the application fee online (if applicable).
7. Verify all details before submitting and take a printout of the submitted application form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Important Links & Direct Apply Links