RRC Southern Railway Closes Applications for 4,471 Apprentice Slots Tomorrow

Aspiring railway apprentices have only until tomorrow, Sunday, September 27, 2026, to complete their online application process for 4,471 technical apprentice positions announced by the Railway Recruitment Cell, Southern Railway (RRC SR). Geared toward 10th and 12th pass youth possessing technical trade qualifications, this recruitment drive serves as a major training opportunity across workshops, locomotive sheds, and carriage maintenance units across the Southern Railway zone. The recruitment cell has issued an urgent reminder advising candidates not to wait until the final hours to avoid portal slowdowns or technical payment gateway errors.

Academic Qualifications and Age Limit Norms Across Categories

The recruitment encompasses specific minimum educational standards alongside standard age parameters for candidates across the country:

• Academic Criteria: Candidates must have cleared Class 10th Matriculation, Class 12th Senior Secondary, or equivalent examinations from a recognized educational board in India with the prescribed minimum percentage.

• Mandatory ITI Credential: Applicants must also hold a valid National Trade Certificate (ITI) issued by NCVT or SCVT in the designated technical trade for which they are applying.

• Age Windows and Relaxations: The minimum age requirement is 15 years, while the upper age threshold ranges between 22 and 24 years depending on the specific trade category. Upper-age relaxations are applicable under government norms: 5 years for SC and ST candidates, 3 years for OBC candidates, and up to 10 years for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

Monthly Stipend Structure and Registration Fee Guidelines

The apprenticeship scheme provides structured monthly stipends along with nominal registration charges for submission:

• Monthly Remuneration: Selected trainees will receive regular financial support throughout their apprenticeship term; candidates inducted on the basis of Class 10th qualifications will receive a monthly stipend of ₹8,200, whereas those with Class 12th and technical ITI certification will draw ₹9,600 per month.

• Nominal Application Fee: General, OBC, and EWS category applicants are required to pay a non-refundable processing fee of ₹100 through online banking channels.

• Full Fee Concessions: Female applicants, candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), as well as differently-abled individuals, are completely exempt from the registration fee.