The South East Central Railway has officially released the much-awaited RRC SECR Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification for 1,644 apprentice vacancies. This recruitment drive is a golden opportunity for candidates who have completed 10th pass and ITI and want to build a career in the railway sector.
The recruitment is being conducted for various trades in the Raipur Division and Wagon Repair Shop under the Apprentice Act 1961. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online before the last date through the official apprenticeship portal.
The biggest advantage of this recruitment is that there is no written examination. Selection will be completely based on the candidate’s academic performance in 10th and ITI.
In this detailed article, you will get complete information regarding:
- Vacancy details
- Eligibility criteria
- Age limit
- Trade-wise posts
- Selection process
- Important dates
- Required documents
- Application process
- Salary/Stipend
- Benefits of apprenticeship
- Important instructions
RRC SECR Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | South East Central Railway (SECR) |
| Recruitment Board | Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) |
| Post Name | Trade Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 1,644 Posts |
| Job Location | Raipur Division & Wagon Repair Shop |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Training Duration | 1 Year |
| Qualification | 10th Pass + ITI |
| Age Limit | 15 to 24 Years |
| Selection Process | Merit List |
| Application Fee | No Fee |
| Official Sector | Indian Railways |
| Last Date to Apply | 04 June 2026 |
About South East Central Railway (SECR)
South East Central Railway is one of the important railway zones under Indian Railways. It is headquartered in Bilaspur and operates across several major regions of Central India.
Every year SECR releases apprentice recruitment notifications for ITI-qualified candidates to provide technical training and industrial experience. Thousands of students apply because railway apprenticeships offer:
- Practical industrial training
- Railway work environment experience
- Technical skill development
- Better future job opportunities
- Government sector exposure
This year’s recruitment for 1644 posts is considered one of the biggest apprentice recruitments in the railway sector.
Important Dates
Candidates should carefully remember all important dates related to the recruitment process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 05 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 04 June 2026 |
| Last Time to Submit Form | 11:59 PM |
| Merit List Release | To Be Announced |
| Document Verification | Later |
| Training Start | As Per Schedule |
Candidates are advised not to wait until the final day because server issues and heavy traffic may occur near the closing date.
Total Vacancies – 1644 Posts
A total of 1,644 apprentice vacancies have been announced for different technical trades.
These vacancies are available in:
- Raipur Division
- Wagon Repair Shop
This recruitment includes multiple ITI trades, making it suitable for students from various technical backgrounds.
Trade-Wise Vacancy Information
The notification includes many technical and non-technical trades. Some major trades are:
Fitter
Candidates trained in fitting, assembly, and mechanical repair work can apply.
Electrician
Electrician trade candidates are eligible for electrical maintenance and railway electrical systems training.
Welder
Candidates with welding skills can apply for fabrication and repair-related work.
COPA
Computer Operator and Programming Assistant candidates can participate in office and computer-based operations.
Stenographer
Typing and stenography candidates can apply for office support work.
Mechanic
Mechanical repair and machine maintenance candidates are eligible.
Carpenter
Woodwork and carpentry trade students can apply.
Painter
Industrial and railway painting work training will be provided.
Plumber
Candidates skilled in plumbing systems and maintenance can apply.
Additional trades may also be included according to the official notification.
Eligibility Criteria for RRC SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Before applying, candidates must ensure they satisfy all eligibility conditions.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have:
1. Passed Class 10th
Applicants should have passed the 10th class examination under the 10+2 education system from a recognized board.
2. Minimum 50% Marks
General category candidates must have secured at least 50% aggregate marks in Class 10.
3. ITI Certificate
Candidates should possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from a recognized institution affiliated with NCVT or SCVT.
Without ITI qualification, candidates cannot apply for apprentice posts.
Age Limit
The age criteria for this recruitment are as follows:
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 15 Years |
| Maximum Age | 24 Years |
The age calculation will be done according to the official notification date.
Age Relaxation
Reserved category candidates will receive upper age relaxation according to government rules.
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwBD | 10 Years |
Candidates must provide valid certificates during document verification.
Application Fee
One of the best parts of this recruitment is that there is no application fee.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹0 |
| OBC | ₹0 |
| SC/ST | ₹0 |
| Female | ₹0 |
| PwBD | ₹0 |
All eligible candidates can apply free of cost.
Selection Process
The selection process for RRC SECR Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is extremely simple.
There will be:
- No Written Examination
- No Interview
Selection will be based purely on merit.
Step 1: Merit List
The merit list will be prepared using:
- 10th marks
- ITI marks
The average percentage of both qualifications will determine the candidate’s ranking.
Step 2: Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification.
Step 3: Medical Examination
Candidates must pass the required medical fitness standards before final selection.
Merit List Preparation Method
The merit list is one of the most important parts of this recruitment.
The railway department calculates merit based on:
- Academic performance
- ITI performance
- Trade suitability
Higher marks increase the chances of selection.
Because there is no written examination, students with strong academic marks have a significant advantage.
Required Documents
Candidates should prepare the following documents before filling out the online application form.
Essential Documents
- 10th Marksheet
- ITI Certificate
- ITI Marksheet
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate
- Active Mobile Number
- Email ID
Ensure all scanned documents are clear and uploaded in the required format.
How to Apply Online for RRC SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Candidates can apply online by following these steps carefully.
Step 1: Visit Official Apprenticeship Portal
Go to the official apprenticeship registration portal. – https://secr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,2,1903,2197
Step 2: New Registration
Create a new account using:
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Basic details
Step 3: Login
Use your registration credentials to log in.
Step 4: Fill Application Form
Enter:
- Personal details
- Educational qualifications
- Trade details
- Address information
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload:
- Photo
- Signature
- Educational certificates
Step 6: Preview Form
Check all entered details carefully before final submission.
Step 7: Submit Application
Submit the form before the last date.
Step 8: Print Application
Take a printout of the final submitted form for future reference.
Why This Recruitment is Important for ITI Students
This recruitment is highly beneficial for technical students.
1. Railway Sector Experience
Candidates get hands-on training in the railway industry.
2. Skill Development
Practical industrial exposure improves technical skills.
3. Career Growth
Railway apprenticeship experience helps during future government and private job applications.
4. No Written Exam
Students do not need to prepare for competitive exams.
5. Free Application
No fee makes the process accessible to everyone.
Training Duration
Selected candidates will undergo apprenticeship training for:
1 Year Training Program
During training, candidates will learn:
- Railway workshop operations
- Technical maintenance
- Machine handling
- Safety procedures
- Industrial practices
Stipend During Apprenticeship
Candidates selected for apprentice training receive a monthly stipend according to government apprenticeship rules.
The stipend amount depends on:
- Trade category
- Workshop rules
- Apprentice norms
Although the exact amount may vary, apprentices receive financial support during training.
Benefits of Railway Apprenticeship
Completing railway apprenticeship training provides many long-term benefits.
Technical Experience
Candidates gain real industrial experience.
Better Job Opportunities
Railway apprenticeship certificates improve employability.
Government Sector Exposure
Candidates learn government work culture and procedures.
Skill Certification
Practical training strengthens technical knowledge.
Future Competitive Exams
Experience can help in future railway recruitments.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Applicants should follow all instructions carefully.
Use Correct Information
All details entered must match official documents.
Keep Documents Ready
Prepare scanned documents before starting the application.
Apply Early
Avoid last-day server problems.
Check Eligibility
Only eligible candidates should apply.
Save Application Copy
Keep printouts and registration details safe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many candidates make small mistakes during application submission.
Avoid these errors:
- Wrong spelling in name
- Incorrect marks entry
- Uploading blurred documents
- Applying with wrong trade
- Using inactive mobile numbers
- Forgetting final submission
These mistakes may lead to rejection.
Railway Apprentice vs Regular Government Job
Many students confuse apprenticeship with permanent railway jobs.
Apprentice Training
- Temporary training program
- Skill development opportunity
- Stipend provided
- Certificate after completion
Permanent Railway Job
- Full-time government employment
- Salary and allowances
- Pension and benefits
- Competitive exams required
However, apprenticeship experience can significantly improve future employment chances.
Best Preparation Tips for Candidates
Although there is no exam, students should still prepare properly.
- Maintain Documents – Keep all original certificates ready.
- Improve ITI Knowledge – Technical understanding helps during training.
- Stay Updated – Regularly check official notifications and merit list updates.
- Keep Email Active – Important updates are sent through email and SMS.
Who Should Apply?
This recruitment is ideal for:
- ITI students
- 10th pass technical candidates
- Freshers
- Railway job aspirants
- Candidates seeking industrial training
- Students wanting government sector exposure
Expected Competition Level
Because:
- No exam
- Free application
- Railway sector opportunity
- Large vacancies
A high number of candidates are expected to apply.
Students with better academic marks will likely have higher selection chances.
Documents Needed During Verification
Shortlisted candidates must carry original documents during verification.
Required originals include:
- 10th Certificate
- ITI Certificates
- Identity Proof
- Category Certificate
- Medical Certificates
- Passport Photos
Failure to provide valid documents can cancel candidature.
Medical Fitness Requirements
Candidates should be medically fit according to railway standards.
Basic fitness checks may include:
- Vision test
- Physical fitness
- General health examination
Medical standards ensure candidates can safely perform workshop activities.
Final Advice for Candidates
The RRC SECR Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for ITI-qualified students who want practical experience in the railway sector.
With:
- 1644 vacancies
- No written exam
- No application fee
- Direct merit selection
this recruitment is expected to attract thousands of applicants from across India.
Candidates should complete the application process before 04 June 2026 and carefully verify all information before submission.
If you are serious about building technical skills and gaining railway industry experience, this apprenticeship program can become an important step in your career journey.