Southern Railway has released Notification No. 01/2026 for the engagement of Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 across various Divisions, Workshops, and Units within its jurisdiction
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
| Organization | Southern Railway |
| Department / Unit | Various Divisions, Workshops, and Units under Southern Railway |
| Advertisement Number | Notification No. 01/2026 (No.CPB/P1/98/Act/TP/Vol.XXI) |
| Post | Act Apprentice |
| Apprentice Category | Fresher Category and Ex-ITI Category |
| Total Vacancies | 4,471 Posts (163 Fresher + 4,308 Ex-ITI) |
| Qualification | 10th Class, 12th Class, or ITI in relevant trade/discipline |
| Training Location | Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, SPSR Nellore & Chittoor (Andhra Pradesh), and Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka) |
| Stipend | Rs. 8,200 to Rs. 9,600 per month depending on category |
| Training Period | 1 Year 3 Months to 2 Years (as per trade rules) |
| Selection Process | Merit-based list prepared from educational qualification marks |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 28-08-2026 |
| Last Date | 27-09-2026 till 17.00 Hrs |
| Official Website | www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
I. Fresher Category
| Trade / Discipline | Qualification | Location / Unit | Vacancies |
| Fitter | 10th Class | Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur | 40 |
| Welder | 10th Class | Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur | 20 |
| Painter | 10th Class | Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur | 20 |
| Fitter | 10th Class | Central Workshop, Ponmalai | 25 |
| Welder (G&E) | 10th Class | Central Workshop, Ponmalai | 18 |
| Fitter | 10th Class | Signal & Telecommunication Work Shop/Podanur, Coimbatore | 20 |
| MLT (Radiology) | 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Railway Hospital/Perambur | 3 |
| MLT (Pathology) | 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Railway Hospital/Perambur | 8 |
| MLT (Cardiology) | 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Railway Hospital/Perambur | 9 |
II. Ex-ITI Category (Summary across Units)
- Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur: Fitter , Welder , Painter , MMV , MMTM , COPA/PASAA . Total-250
- Chennai Division (Personnel, Elec/RS/RPM, Elec/RS/AVD, ELS/RS/AJJ, DSL/TNP, Elec/RS/TBM, Mechanical C&W, Engineering): Various trades including PASAA, Fitter, Electrician, Welder (G&E), Mechanic R&AC, Advance Welder, Electronics Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Carpenter, Structural Welder, Gas Cutter, Painter (G), Draughtsman (Civil), MMTM, COPA, Wireman, SSA, and Electronic Mechanic totaling 866 posts.
- Electrical Workshop, Perambur: Electrician , Mechanic R&AC (, Wireman (25), PASAA (10), Elec. Mechanic (20), SSA (5). - Total-135
- Engineering Workshop/Arakkonam: Fitter (14), Welder (7), Turner (7), Machinist (7). Total-35
- Engineering/HQ/SR: Draughtsman (Civil) , COPA .Total-31
- Loco Works/Perambur: Fitter , Welder , PASAA , Painter . Total-228
- Railway Hospital/Perambur: PASAA 3.
- Central Workshops, Ponmalai (Mechanical, Electrical, Personnel): Dsl. Mechanic (40), Fitter (117), Welder (42), Machinist (29), MMV (15), Painter (19), Electrician (40), Mech. R&AC (15), Elec. Mechanic (5), COPA (25). Total-347
- Madurai Division (Electrical, Mechanical, Personnel, Engineering): Electrician (42), Fitter (51 + 36), Welder (11), COPA (9 + 42), Structural Welder (36), Gas Cutter (36), Painter (18), Carpenter (18), Draughtsman-Civil (48), MMTM (36).Total-383
- Tiruchirappalli Division: COPA (57 + 37), Fitter (78 + 32), Welder (2), Diesel Mechanic , Electrician , Elec. Mechanic , Structural Welder , Gas Cutter , Painter , Carpenter , Draughtsman-Civil , MMTM Total-562
- Palakkad Division: Plumber , Carpenter , Welder, Painter, Electrician , Fitter, Mechanic R&AC , ICTSM (, Inst. Mechanic , Elec. Mechanic , SSA , COPA , Draughtsman-Civil , Structural Welder, Gas Cutter , MMTM . TOTAL-488
- Salem Division: Electrician, Turner (, Welder, Fitter , Diesel Mechanic, Machinist (, Wireman, COPA, Structural Welder , Gas Cutter, Painter, Carpenter, Draughtsman-Civil , MMTM . Total-628
- Signal & Telecommunication Work Shop/Podanur, Coimbatore: Fitter , Turner , Machinist, Welder , Electrician , Elec. Mechanic COPA. Total-83
- Trivandrum Division: Welder , Electrician , Fitter, Carpenter , Elec. Mechanic, Plumber , Diesel Mechanic , Painter , Structural Welder , Gas Cutter , Draughtsman-Civil , MMTM, COPA . Total-289
Total Vacancies: 4,471
Educational Qualification
ITI / Trade Apprentice
- For Fitter, Painter, Welder, Machinist, MMV, Turner, Diesel Mechanic, Carpenter, Wireman, Plumber, Gas Cutter, MMTM, Structural Welder, Instrument Mechanic, Mech.R&AC: Should have passed 10th Class under 10+2 system or its equivalent with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks, and possess an ITI Course certificate in the relevant trade recognized by NCVT/SCVT.
- For Electrician: Passed 10th Class under 10+2 system with Science as a subject (or equivalent) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks, along with an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from a recognized institute.
- For Electronics Mechanic: Passed 10th Class with Science (Physics and Chemistry) and Mathematics (or equivalent) with 50% aggregate marks, plus an ITI certificate in the trade.
- For Secretarial Assistant & Stenographer (English): Passed 12th class under 10+2 system (or equivalent) and passed ITI in the relevant trade with NCVT/SCVT certificate.
- For ICTSM: Passed 10th class under 10+2 system and passed ITI in the relevant trade.
- For COPA/PASAA: Passed 10th Class with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks under 10+2 system and National Trade Certificate in COPA issued by NCVT.
- Note: Minimum 50% marks in 10th standard is not applicable for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.
Fresher Category
- For Fitter, Painter, Welder: Passed 10th Class with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks under 10+2 system or equivalent.
- For Medical Laboratory Technician (Radiology, Pathology, Cardiology): Passed 12th Class under 10+2 system with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: Candidates must have completed 15 years of age.
- Maximum Age:
- Freshers: Should NOT have completed 22 years of age.
- Ex-ITI / MLT: Should NOT have completed 24 years of age.
- Age Relaxation:
- OBC (NCL): Up to 3 years.
- SC / ST: Up to 5 years.
- PwBD: Up to 10 years.
- PwBD + OBC (NCL): Up to 13 years.
- PwBD + SC/ST: Up to 15 years.
Stipend
| Category | Monthly Stipend |
| Fresher's - 10th standard | Rs. 8,200/- |
| Fresher's - 12th standard | Rs. 9,600/- |
| Ex-ITI | Rs. 9,600/- |
Note: A 10% increase in the prescribed minimum stipend occurs during the second year, and a 15% increase during the third year of training where applicable.
Selection Process
- Selection will be based on a Merit List prepared for all eligible candidates who apply against the notification.
- Fresher Category: Marks obtained in Matriculation will be converted out of 200 to draw the merit list, ensuring a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
- Ex-ITI Category: Marks obtained in Matriculation (converted to 100 marks) plus ITI marks (converted to 100 marks) will be combined out of 200 marks, giving equal weightage to both.
- MLT Category: Marks obtained in Higher Secondary (Physics, Chemistry, Maths & Biology) will be converted out of 200 to draw the merit list.
- Original certificates and document verification will follow the shortlisting phase.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Released | 28-08-2026 |
| Application Start Date | 28-08-2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27-09-2026 till 17.00 Hrs |
| Tentative Date for Publishing Shortlisted List for Document Verification | 15-10-2026 |
How to Apply
- Applications must be submitted strictly ONLINE
. - Visit the official website:
www.sr.indianrailways.gov.inand navigate viaNews & Updates ---> Personnel Branch Information. - Complete the application form with accurate details and upload necessary documents.
- Pay the non-refundable processing fee of Rs. 100/- via online mode (exempted for SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates).
- Take a printout of the system-generated acknowledgement for submission during document verification.
Documents Required
- 10th / Matriculation Mark Sheet and Certificate
- 12th / Higher Secondary Mark Sheet (where applicable)
- ITI Certificate and Mark Sheets (for Ex-ITI category)
- Transfer Certificate (TC) for completion of qualifying examination
- Community Certificate (SC/ST/OBC with Non-Creamy Layer certificate valid for the current year, along with self-declaration)
- Disability Certificate (in prescribed Form V, VI, VII) issued by the competent authority for PwBD candidates
- Income and Asset Certificate for EWS or Income Certificate for EBC fee waivers where applicable
- System-generated application acknowledgement printout
Important Instructions
- Geographical Restriction: Only candidates residing within the geographical jurisdiction of Southern Railway (Whole state of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, and specific districts of Andhra Pradesh [SPSR Nellore and Chittoor] and Karnataka [Dakshina Kannada]) are eligible to apply
. - Employment Guarantee: There is NO GUARANTEE OF EMPLOYMENT upon completion of the training contract
. However, 20% of vacancies in direct recruitment to Level 1 posts may give preference to Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs) trained in railway establishments with a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) . - Accommodation: Selected candidates must arrange their own accommodation and facilities.
- Previous Training Restriction: Candidates who have already undergone or are undergoing training/job experience for one year or more under the Apprentices Act are not eligible.
Who Can Apply?
Candidates who possess the required 10th, 12th, or ITI qualifications, meet the age limits (15-22 or 15-24 years depending on the category with applicable relaxations), and permanently reside within the specified geographical jurisdictions of Southern Railway (such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, etc.) are eligible to apply
Useful Links
Official Notification / Advertisement PDF: Official link not provided in the advertisement
Apply Online / Application Link: www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in ---> News & Updates ---> Personnel Branch Information
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit online applications is 27-09-2026 till 17.00 Hrs
2. How many vacancies are available?
A total of 4,471 apprentice vacancies are notified across various trades and units
3. What qualification is required?
Candidates must have passed 10th class, 12th class, or hold an ITI certificate in the relevant trade/discipline depending on whether they apply for the Fresher or Ex-ITI category.
4. What is the stipend?
The monthly stipend ranges from Rs. 8,200/- to Rs. 9,600/- based on the educational qualification and training category.
5. Where is the training location?
Training locations include various divisions, workshops, and units across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, and specified districts in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka under Southern Railway
6. How will candidates be selected?
Selection is strictly merit-based, calculated using marks obtained in Matriculation, ITI, or Higher Secondary examinations depending on the applicant category.
7. How can candidates apply?
Applications must be submitted online through the official Southern Railway website
8. Is there an application fee?
Yes, a non-refundable processing fee of Rs. 100/- is applicable, which is exempted for SC, ST, PwBD, and Women candidates.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the official recruitment notification