Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification

Southern Railway has announced a recruitment drive for Act Apprentices. This is a training engagement, not a direct employment offer. Applications are invited for various trades across different units under Southern Railway.

Job Highlights

Recruiting Authority: Southern Railway, C&W Works, Perambur

Post Name: Act Apprentice

Notification Number: 01/2026 (CPB/P1/98/Act/TP/Vol.XXI)

Total Vacancies: 4,471 (Fresher: 163, Ex-ITI: 4,308)

Application Mode: Online

Job Location: Southern Railway jurisdiction (Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, A&N Islands, Lakshadweep, SPSR Nellore & Chittoor (AP), Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka))

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

A total of 4,471 vacancies are available for Act Apprentices, divided into two categories:

• Fresher Category: 163 posts
• Ex-ITI Category: 4,308 posts

These vacancies are spread across various units including Carriage & Wagon Works Perambur, Central Workshop Ponmalai, Signal & Telecommunication Workshop Podanur, Railway Hospital Perambur, and several divisions.

Candidates should refer to the official notification PDF for a detailed trade-wise and unit-wise breakdown of vacancies.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must reside within the geographical jurisdiction of Southern Railway, which includes:

• The entire State of Tamil Nadu
• The entire Union Territory of Puducherry
• The entire State of Kerala
• The Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands
• SPSR Nellore and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh
• Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka

Candidates must also meet the minimum physical fitness standards as per the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992.

Educational Qualification

Fresher Category:

• For Fitter, Painter, Welder: Passed 10th Class (minimum 50% aggregate) under the 10+2 system or equivalent.
• For Medical Laboratory Technician (Radiology/Pathology/Cardiology): Passed 12th Class (minimum 50% aggregate) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Ex-ITI Category:

• For most trades (Fitter, Machinist, MMV, Turner, Diesel Mechanic, Carpenter, Painter, Welder(G&E), Wireman, Advance Welder, Plumber, Draughtsman-Civil, Instrument Mechanic, Mech. R&AC, Gas Cutter, MMTM, Structural Welder): Passed 10th Class (minimum 50%) + ITI course in the relevant trade with an NCVT/SCVT certificate.
• For Electrician: Passed 10th Class (minimum 50%) with Science as a subject + ITI course in Electrician trade with NCVT/SCVT certificate.
• For Electronics Mechanic: Passed 10th Class (minimum 50%) with Science (Physics & Chemistry) and Mathematics + ITI course in Electronics Mechanic trade with NCVT/SCVT certificate.
• For Secretarial Assistant & Stenographer (English): Passed 12th Class + ITI course with NCVT/SCVT certificate.
• For COPA/PASAA: Passed 10th Class (minimum 50%) + National Trade Certificate in Computer Operator and Programming Assistant.
• For ICTSM: Passed 10th Class + ITI course with NCVT/SCVT certificate.

Note: The minimum 50% requirement in 10th standard does not apply to SC/ST/PwBD candidates.

Candidates who have completed Act Apprenticeship (CCAAs), Engineering Graduates/Diploma holders, or Vocational Certificate holders with one year or more of training/job experience after these qualifications are not eligible.

Age Limit

As on the date of notification:

• Minimum Age: 15 years completed
• Maximum Age: 22 years (for Fresher/Ex-ITI), 24 years (for MLT)

Age Relaxation:

• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
• SC/ST: 5 years
• PwBD: 10 years
• Combined relaxation for PwBD candidates: UR/EWS + PwBD = 10 years; OBC-(NCL) + PwBD = 13 years; SC/ST + PwBD = 15 years.

Stipend

The stipend for Act Apprentices will be as follows:

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

Application Fee

• A processing fee of Rs. 100/- (non-refundable) is payable online.
• SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.

Selection Process

Selection is based on a merit list prepared from the marks obtained in the 10th standard or ITI examination, as applicable.

How to Apply

Candidates need to apply online through the official website of Southern Railway. The application process involves filling out the application form with correct details and submitting it before the last date.

Ensure all details provided in the application are accurate and supported by valid documents.

Important Instructions

• This is a training engagement and does not guarantee employment after completion.
• Candidates should carefully read the official notification PDF for complete details regarding trades, units, and specific requirements.
• Vacancies are tentative and subject to change.
• Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD will be as per prescribed norms.
• Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying.

Important Links

Official Website → Click Here

Notification PDF → Click Here

FAQs

Q1: What is the total number of vacancies for Southern Railway Act Apprentice recruitment?
A1: There are a total of 4,471 vacancies for Act Apprentices.

Q2: What is the last date to apply for the Southern Railway Act Apprentice posts?
A2: The last date to apply is not specified in the official notification, but applications must be submitted by 17:00 Hrs on that date.

Q3: What is the minimum educational qualification required?
A3: For the Fresher category, it is 10th pass (or 12th pass for MLT). For the Ex-ITI category, it is 10th pass with ITI in the relevant trade.

Q4: Is there any application fee?
A4: Yes, a processing fee of Rs. 100/- is required for General/OBC/EWS candidates. SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates are exempted.

Q5: How will candidates be selected?
A5: Selection will be based on a merit list prepared from the marks obtained in the 10th standard or ITI examination.