Western Railway Recruitment 2026: 5,349 Trade Apprentice Positions Available

Western Railway is set to recruit 5,349 trade apprentices in 2026, with no written exams or interviews required. Candidates who have completed their 10th grade and hold an ITI qualification can apply online from February 21 to March 23, 2026. The selection will be based solely on merit, with positions available across various trades and divisions. This recruitment drive offers a unique opportunity for aspiring candidates to join the railway sector without the traditional examination hurdles. For more details on eligibility, application process, and training, read the full article.

By Ambika Singh Feb 21, 2026, 14:17 IST

Overview of Indian Railway Recruitment 2026

Indian Railway Vacancy 2026: The Western Railway has initiated a significant recruitment campaign for trade apprentices, offering a total of 5,349 positions. This opportunity is available for candidates who have completed their 10th grade and possess an ITI qualification. Notably, there will be no written examination or interview; selection will be based entirely on a merit list derived from the marks obtained in the 10th grade and ITI.

Application Timeline

When can you apply?

The online application process is set to commence on February 21, 2026, and will close on March 23, 2026. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official website, www.rrc-wr.com.

Eligibility Criteria

What qualifications are needed?

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

- Completion of 10th grade with a minimum of 50% marks.

- An NCVT-approved ITI certificate in the relevant trade.

Vacancies by Trade

How many positions are available for each trade?

The distribution of vacancies is as follows:

| Trade | Number of Vacancies | |---------------------------|---------------------| | Fitters | 1,614 | | Electricians | 1,217 | | Welders | 532 | | Machinists | 420 | | Electronic Mechanics | 236 | | Diesel Mechanics | 207 | | Turners | 190 | | Refrigeration & AC Mechanics | 184 | | Painters | Various | | Plumbers | Various | | Wiremen | Various | | Instrument Mechanics | Various | | Carpenters | Various | | Sheet Metal Mechanics | Various | | Heat Treaters | Various |

Distribution of Positions

Where are the vacancies located?

The positions are allocated across various divisions and workshops of Western Railway:

| Division/Workshop | Number of Posts | |---------------------------|-----------------| | BCT Division | 1,332 | | BRC Division | 582 | | ADI Division | 1,073 | | RTM Division | 492 | | RJT Division | 256 | | BVP Division | 245 | | PL Workshop | 437 | | MX Workshop | 146 | | BVP Workshop | 181 | | DHD Workshop | 359 | | PRTN Workshop | 73 | | SBI Engineering Workshop | 100 | | SBI Signal Workshop | 25 | | Headquarters Office | 48 | | **Total** | **5,349** |

Age Requirements

What is the age limit?

Candidates must be aged between 15 and 24 years as of the application deadline, March 23, 2026. This means their birth dates should fall between March 24, 2002, and March 23, 2011. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories: 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST, and 10 years for persons with disabilities.

Selection Process

How will candidates be selected?

Selection will be determined solely by merit, with equal weight given to marks from the 10th grade and ITI. A merit list will be automatically generated, and candidates who qualify will be invited for document verification.

Application Fee

What is the application fee?

General and OBC candidates are required to pay an application fee of ₹100. However, SC/ST candidates, persons with disabilities, and female applicants are exempt from this fee. Payment can be made online via credit/debit card, net banking, or SBI e-Pay. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable once paid.

Training and Stipend

What about training and stipend?

Selected candidates will undergo a one-year training program, during which they will receive a stipend according to the applicable rules. Upon successful completion of the training, candidates will be awarded an apprenticeship certificate. This apprenticeship is designated for 20% of the posts in Railway Group D (RRB Group D).