A major employment opportunity has opened up for youth holding 10th-grade and ITI qualifications. The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Southern Railway, has officially commenced the application process for 4,471 apprentice positions across multiple technical trades. This large-scale recruitment encompasses both fresher and ex-ITI categories, offering candidates a valuable stepping stone toward a career in the public sector. Online applications opened on August 28, and candidates have until September 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM to submit their forms.

Overview of the 4,471 Apprentice Vacancies Across Trades

According to the official notification issued by RRC Southern Railway, a total of 4,471 positions are up for grabs. Out of this total count, 177 slots are designated for the fresher category, while 4,308 slots are reserved for the ex-ITI category.

• Fresher Trades: Candidates passing the 10th standard can apply for trades like fitter, painter, and builder. Medical lab technician roles require a 12th-grade qualification with physics, chemistry, and biology.

• Ex-ITI Trades: The extensive list includes fitters, machinists, motor vehicle mechanics, turners, diesel engine mechanics, carpenters, welders, wiremen, plumbers, draftsmen, electricians, electronics mechanics, and COPA-PASSA, among others.

Essential Educational Qualifications and Age Criteria

Applicants must meet specific academic thresholds to qualify:

• Freshers: Must have passed the 10th or 12th standard under the 10+2 system with a minimum of 50% marks (relaxed for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates).

• Ex-ITI Candidates: Require a minimum of 50% marks in the 10th standard alongside an NCVT/SCVT-certified ITI qualification in the relevant trade. Specialized trades like Electrician require science or math backgrounds.

• Age Limits: Age is calculated as of August 28, 2026. The minimum age requirement is 15 years. The upper age limit is capped at 22 years for freshers and 24 years for ex-ITI and MLT categories, with standard age relaxations for reserved categories.

Unique Selection Process Based Entirely on Merit

A standout feature of this railway apprenticeship drive is that no written examination will be conducted. Candidate shortlisting is carried out strictly through a merit-based evaluation:

• For Freshers: Merit is calculated directly from 10th-grade marks.

• For Ex-ITI Candidates: Merit is determined by giving equal weightage to scores obtained in both the 10th-grade examination and the ITI certification.

Shortlisted individuals will subsequently undergo document verification. Note that completion of apprenticeship training does not guarantee a permanent railway job, though it provides vital industry credentials.

Monthly Stipend Structure and Application Fees

During the training period, selected candidates receive financial stipends:

• 10th-Grade Freshers: ₹8,200 per month.

• 12th-Grade Freshers and Ex-ITI Candidates: ₹9,600 per month, with provisions for future increments.

Application Fees: General, EWS, and OBC applicants must pay a modest fee of ₹100, while SC, ST, PwBD, and all female candidates enjoy total fee exemption. Eligible aspirants should complete their submissions before the September 27 deadline.