Southern Railway Announces 2026 Apprenticeship Recruitment for 4,471 Positions

Southern Railway has opened applications for 4,471 apprenticeship positions for 2026, targeting both fresher and ex-ITI candidates. The recruitment spans various trades, offering a monthly stipend during training. Interested candidates can apply online from August 28 to September 27, 2026. The selection process will be based on merit without a written exam. This is a significant opportunity for youth to gain practical experience in the railway sector.

By Ambika Singh Sep 3, 2026, 10:30 IST

Southern Railway Apprenticeship Recruitment 2026

Overview: The Southern Railway has issued a notification for the recruitment of apprentices for the year 2026, aiming to fill a total of 4,471 positions. Out of these, 163 are allocated for 'Fresher' candidates, while 4,308 are reserved for 'Ex-ITI' candidates. Eligible individuals can submit their applications online starting from August 28, 2026, until 5:00 PM on September 27, 2026.

This recruitment drive provides apprenticeship opportunities across various trades, including Fitter, Electrician, Welder, COPA, Painter, and more. Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend ranging from ₹8,200 to ₹9,600 during their training period, making it a valuable opportunity for youth to gain hands-on experience at different Southern Railway workshops.
Application Link:

Apply Here

Eligibility Criteria:

For the 'Fresher' category in trades like Fitter, Painter, and Welder, candidates must have achieved at least 50% marks in Class 10. For the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) position, a minimum of 50% marks in Class 12 with subjects including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology is required.

Those applying under the 'Ex-ITI' category must hold an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from an NCVT/SCVT-recognized institution, along with a minimum of 50% marks in Class 10. Engineering graduates and diploma holders are not eligible for this recruitment.

Age Requirements:
The minimum age for the 'Fresher' category is 15 years, while the maximum age is set at 22 years. For 'Ex-ITI' and 'MLT' categories, the upper age limit is 24 years. Age will be calculated as of September 27, 2026. Candidates from SC/ST, OBC, PwD (Persons with Disabilities), and Ex-Servicemen categories will receive age relaxation as per government norms.

Application Process and Fees:
Applicants can apply online through the official Southern Railway website. During the application process, candidates must provide personal, educational, and trade-related information, and upload their photograph, signature, and required certificates.
The application fee is ₹100 for General/UR candidates, while SC/ST/PwD candidates are exempt from this fee.

Selection Method:
No written examination will be conducted for this recruitment. Candidates will be selected based on a merit list created from their marks in the 10th, 12th, and ITI examinations, followed by document verification. The final selection will depend on medical fitness.