South Central Railway (SCR) has released the official SCR Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification, inviting eligible candidates to apply online for 2801 Act Apprentice vacancies across various trades. This is a central government job offering a stipend during training. The last date to apply is 11 April 2026.
This recruitment presents a significant opportunity for 10th pass candidates with an ITI qualification to gain valuable experience and training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. With no written examination, selection is purely merit-based, making it an attractive pathway for aspiring railway professionals. The apprenticeship program aims to equip candidates with practical skills essential for various railway departments.
The selection process emphasizes academic performance, ensuring that deserving candidates are chosen for this prestigious apprenticeship. Successful applicants will undergo comprehensive training in designated workshops, divisions, and sheds across multiple states, contributing to their professional development and future career prospects in the railway sector.
The total number of vacancies is 2801, distributed across various Act Apprentice trades as follows:
| Post Name (Trade) | Total Posts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| AC Mechanic | 251 | 10th Pass + ITI in AC Mechanic |
| Carpenter | 22 | 10th Pass + ITI in Carpenter |
| COPA | 181 | 10th Pass + ITI in COPA |
| Diesel Mechanic | 105 | 10th Pass + ITI in Diesel Mechanic |
| Electrician | 1258 | 10th Pass + ITI in Electrician |
| Electronic Mechanic | 88 | 10th Pass + ITI in Electronic Mechanic |
| Fitter | 539 | 10th Pass + ITI in Fitter |
| Industrial Electronics | 33 | 10th Pass + ITI in Industrial Electronics |
| Machinist | 54 | 10th Pass + ITI in Machinist |
| MMTM | 24 | 10th Pass + ITI in MMTM |
| Motor Mechanic Vehicle | 12 | 10th Pass + ITI in Motor Mechanic Vehicle |
| Painter | 32 | 10th Pass + ITI in Painter |
| Welder | 202 | 10th Pass + ITI in Welder |
| TOTAL | 2801 |
These vacancies are distributed across various workshops, divisions, and sheds under South Central Railway's jurisdiction, including locations like Lallaguda, Rayanapadu, Tirupati, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntakal, Guntur, and Nanded.
Candidates must possess the following qualifications as on the date of online application submission:
Important Note: Engineering graduates and diploma holders are NOT eligible to apply for this Act Apprentice notification, as they are covered under separate schemes.
Selected candidates for the SCR Act Apprentice program will be paid a stipend during their apprenticeship training. The stipend will be provided at the prescribed rates as per extant instructions and guidelines issued by the Railway Board and the Central Apprenticeship Council. While a fixed salary or pay scale like regular employees is not applicable during the apprenticeship, the stipend ensures financial support for the trainees throughout their learning period.
The selection for South Central Railway Act Apprentice 2026 will be done purely on merit, based on the academic performance of the candidates. There will be no written test or viva-voce.
Tie-breaking Rule: In case two candidates have the same aggregate percentage, the older candidate (higher age) will be preferred. If the date of birth is also the same, the candidate who passed Matriculation earlier will be given preference.
Training & Stipend: Selected candidates will undergo apprenticeship training as per the Central Apprenticeship Council syllabus and receive a stipend at prescribed rates during the training period.
No Job Guarantee: It is important to note that the SCR apprenticeship 2026 provides training only; there is no guarantee of a regular railway job after the completion of the apprenticeship.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Free |
| Female Candidates | Free |
| Transgender Candidates | Free |
| Payment Mode | Online (Net Banking, UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card) |
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 11 March 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 12 March 2026 (17:00 hrs) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 11 April 2026 (23:59 hrs) |
| Cut-off Date for Age Calculation | 11 April 2026 |
| SCR Apprentice Merit List & Document Verification Dates | To Be Announced (on RRC/SCR website) |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced |
Follow these steps carefully to submit your application before the last date and ensure a smooth application process for the South Central Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026:
⚠️ Pro Tip: Keep your Aadhaar card, educational certificates (10th, ITI), caste certificate (if applicable), EWS/PwBD certificates, and a recent passport-size photo ready before starting the form to avoid last-minute issues. Also, ensure your RDAT/NAPS registration is complete beforehand.
| Apply Online | 🚀 Apply Now |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here ↗ |
| Official Website | Click Here ↗ |
The last date to submit the online application for South Central Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is 11 April 2026, by 23:59 hrs. Candidates are strongly advised to complete their application well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues on the official portal and ensure timely submission for the SCR Act Apprentice positions.
Selected candidates for the SCR Act Apprentice 2026 will receive a stipend during their apprenticeship training. The stipend will be paid at prescribed rates as per the extant instructions and guidelines issued by the Railway Board and the Central Apprenticeship Council, ensuring fair compensation for the trainees throughout the SCR Act Apprentice program.
For the South Central Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026, candidates must be between 15 and 24 years of age as on 11 April 2026. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC-NCL, and 10 years for PwBD and Ex-Servicemen as per government rules for the Act Apprentice positions.
To apply online for SCR Act Apprentice 2026, visit scr.indianrailways.gov.in, navigate to RRC-SCR, and click the online application link. Register, fill in personal and educational details, upload documents (photo, signature, certificates), pay the fee (if applicable), and submit. Remember to complete RDAT/NAPS registration first for the SCR Act Apprentice application.
The selection process for South Central Railway Apprentice 2026 is purely merit-based. It involves no written test or viva-voce. A merit list is prepared by taking the average of 10th class marks (minimum 50% aggregate) and ITI marks, with equal weightage given to both. Shortlisted candidates proceed to document verification and medical fitness tests for the SCR Act Apprentice roles.
Yes, there is an application fee of ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS male candidates for the SCR Act Apprentice 2026. However, SC/ST, female, transgender, and PwBD candidates are fully exempted from paying any application fee. Payment is made online through various modes for the South Central Railway Apprentice application.
For the SCR Act Apprentice 2026 application, essential documents include 10th marksheet, ITI certificate, date of birth proof, caste/EWS/PwBD certificates (if applicable), Aadhaar card, recent passport-size photograph, and scanned signature. Ensure all documents are ready in specified formats for upload, along with your RDAT/NAPS registration details for the SCR Act Apprentice.
The official notification for the South Central Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 was released on 11 March 2026. This notification detailed the engagement of 2801 Act Apprentices across various trades under the Apprentices Act, 1961, inviting eligible candidates to apply online for the SCR Act Apprentice positions.
Yes, candidates possessing ITI qualifications in more than one relevant trade are permitted to submit separate application forms for each trade for the SCR Act Apprentice 2026. Each application must be complete and submitted individually through the RRC/SCR online portal, adhering to all guidelines for the South Central Railway Apprentice recruitment.
To be eligible for South Central Railway Apprentice 2026, candidates must have passed the 10th class (under 10+2 system) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board. Additionally, an ITI certificate in the relevant notified trade from an NCVT/SCVT recognized institute is mandatory for the SCR Act Apprentice positions.