RRC Central Railway Act Apprentice 2861 Posts 2026 – Apply Online

Railway Recruitment Cell, Central Railway (RRC CR) has announced recruitment of 2,861 Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This is a significant opportunity for ITI-qualified candidates seeking hands-on railway training and experience. The notification was released on 3 November 2026, and the online application window is open until 2 December 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Overview

RRC Central Railway is inviting eligible candidates to participate in one-year apprenticeship training programmes distributed across five geographical clusters: Mumbai (1,712 slots), Bhusawal (500), Pune (271), Nagpur (221), and Solapur (157). Apprentices will receive practical training at Central Railway workshops, diesel loco sheds, carriage & wagon depots, engineering departments, signal & telecom sections, and other railway facilities.

This apprenticeship is offered under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Successful candidates will sign an apprenticeship contract before commencing training. Monthly stipend of ₹9,600 is provided for the one-year duration. However, please note that completing the apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent railway employment; it is primarily a skill-development and practical experience programme.

The selection process emphasises merit, document verification, and medical fitness. The notification (Ref: RRC/CR/AA/2026) provides detailed eligibility criteria, cluster-wise breakdowns, and application instructions.

Important Dates

Application Fee

Payment may be made online through the application portal. Candidates exempt from fees should ensure they select their category correctly during registration.

Vacancy Details

Apprenticeship positions are distributed across multiple workshops and units within each cluster, including Carriage & Wagon Depots, Diesel Loco Sheds, Engineering Departments, Signal & Telecom Departments, Track Machine Organisations, and Personnel Departments. For detailed workshop-wise vacancy breakdown within each cluster, refer to the official notification PDF.

Eligibility

Academic Qualification

• Class 10 or equivalent: Minimum Class 10 pass (or equivalent under the 10+2 system) with an aggregate of at least 50% marks.
• ITI qualification: National Trade Certificate (NTC) in a notified ITI trade issued by NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training), or Provisional NTC issued by NCVT or SCVT (State Council for Vocational Training).
• Ineligible candidates: Holders of engineering degrees or diplomas are not eligible under this notification.

Age Limit

• Minimum age: 15 years
• Maximum age: 24 years
• Age calculation date: 3 November 2026

Age Relaxation

• SC / ST candidates: 5 years additional relaxation
• OBC candidates: 3 years additional relaxation
• PwBD candidates: 10 years additional relaxation
• Ex-Servicemen: See the official notification for special conditions

Eligible Date of Birth Ranges (Age Calculation: 3 November 2026)

Candidates must verify they fall within the eligible age bracket for their category before applying. Age is calculated as on 3 November 2026 based on the date of birth in official documents.

How to Apply

1. Visit the portal: Go to the official RRC Central Railway online application portal.
2. Register or log in: Create a new account using your email and mobile number, or log in if you already have credentials.
3. Fill application form: Enter all personal details (name, date of birth, category, contact information) accurately. Provide your educational qualification details, ITI trade, Class 10 and ITI mark percentages.
4. Select cluster and preference: Choose your preferred cluster(s) from the available options (Mumbai, Bhusawal, Pune, Nagpur, Solapur) as per your location and trade availability.
5. Upload photograph: Upload a recent colour photograph in JPG/JPEG format, dimensions 3.5 cm × 3.5 cm, file size 20–70 KB.
6. Upload signature: Upload a clear digital signature in JPG/JPEG format, dimensions 3.5 cm × 3.5 cm, file size 20–30 KB.
7. Review details: Carefully review all entered information, including educational marks (used to calculate merit), personal data, and uploaded documents.
8. Pay application fee: If your category requires payment, select the fee payment option and complete the transaction via the online gateway. SC, ST, PwBD, and women candidates are exempt.
9. Submit application: Click the final submit button. You will receive a confirmation message and a unique registration number.
10. Save confirmation: Download and print the application confirmation receipt containing your reference number. Keep it safe for future correspondence.
11. Deadline reminder: Ensure submission is completed before 2 December 2026, 5:00 PM. No late or offline applications are accepted.

Salary and Stipend

Apprentices under this Act Apprenticeship scheme receive a monthly stipend of ₹9,600 for the one-year training period. This is a stipend provided as part of the apprenticeship training allowance, not regular railway employment salary. Upon successful completion, candidates may become eligible for skill certification and future railway recruitment consideration, depending on availability and vacancies. However, permanent railway employment is not guaranteed after the apprenticeship ends. Hostel accommodation is not provided; candidates are responsible for their own arrangements.

Important Links

• Apply Online – Official Application Portal
• Official Notification PDF (English)
• Official RRC Central Railway Website

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the age limit for this recruitment?

The age limit is 15–24 years as on 3 November 2026. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories: SC/ST candidates get 5 years additional, OBC candidates get 3 years additional, and PwBD candidates get 10 years additional relaxation.

2. How much is the application fee?

General and OBC candidates must pay ₹100. SC, ST, PwBD, and women candidates are exempt from the application fee.

3. What qualifications do I need?

You must have passed Class 10 (or equivalent) with at least 50% aggregate marks and hold a National Trade Certificate (NTC) in a notified ITI trade from NCVT or a provisional NTC from NCVT/SCVT. Engineering degree or diploma holders are not eligible for this scheme.

4. What is the monthly stipend and training period?

Apprentices receive ₹9,600 per month for one year of training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This is a stipend, not permanent employment salary. Completion does not guarantee permanent railway employment.

5. What is the selection process?

Selection is based on merit calculated from Class 10 and ITI marks. Shortlisted candidates must undergo document verification and medical fitness examination. Final merit lists will be announced based on aggregate performance.

6. Is permanent employment guaranteed after the apprenticeship?

No. The apprenticeship is a one-year skill training and practical experience programme under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Upon completion, candidates receive a skill certificate and may be considered for future railway recruitment if vacancies arise and eligibility criteria are met. There is no guarantee of permanent employment after training.

Disclaimer: Candidates must verify all details, dates, eligibility criteria, and requirements on the official RRC Central Railway website and in the official notification before submitting their application.