Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 4,471 Apprentice Posts, Eligibility, Age Limit, Stipend and How to Apply
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Southern Railway has announced a major apprenticeship recruitment drive for candidates seeking practical training and industry experience in the railway sector. Under this recruitment, a total of 4,471 Apprentice posts are available across different units and trades of Southern Railway.
Candidates who meet the required educational and technical qualifications can submit their applications online. The last date to apply for the Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is September 27, 2026, up to 5:00 PM. According to the recruitment schedule, the list of selected candidates is expected to be published on October 15, 2026.
This recruitment is being conducted specifically for apprenticeship training. Therefore, candidates should understand that selection under this recruitment does not provide regular employment in Indian Railways. The apprenticeship is intended to provide practical skills and workplace training in the relevant trade.
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview
The Southern Railway apprenticeship programme offers opportunities to both fresh candidates and candidates who have already completed ITI training. The vacancies are divided mainly into Fresher and Ex-ITI categories, along with specific opportunities for candidates applying for MLT-related trades.
The recruitment covers several railway units and a wide range of technical and non-technical trades. Candidates should carefully check the trade-wise eligibility requirements before submitting their applications.
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Important Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment | Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 |
| Recruiting Organisation | Southern Railway |
| Total Vacancies | 4,471 |
| Post/Training | Apprentice |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | September 27, 2026 |
| Last Time for Application | 5:00 PM |
| Selection List | October 15, 2026 |
| Recruitment Type | Apprenticeship Training |
| Official Website | sr.indianrailways.gov.in |
Southern Railway Apprentice Vacancy 2026
A total of 4,471 Apprentice vacancies have been announced under the Southern Railway recruitment drive. These vacancies are distributed among different railway units and trades.
The recruitment includes 163 Fresher posts and 4,308 Ex-ITI posts. Candidates should check the trade- and unit-wise vacancy details before applying.
Fresher Category
Candidates applying under the Fresher category can find opportunities in various railway workshops and establishments.
| Unit | Major Trades | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur | Fitter, Welder, Painter | 80 |
| Central Workshop, Ponmalai | Fitter, Welder (G & E) | 43 |
| Signal & Telecom Workshop, Podanur, Coimbatore | Fitter | 20 |
| Railway Hospital, Perambur | MLT – Radiology, Pathology, Cardiology | 20 |
| Total Fresher Posts | — | 163 |
Ex-ITI Category
The majority of vacancies under Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 are available for candidates who have completed ITI training.
| Group | Units Included | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Carriage & Wagon Works Group | Perambur C&W, Chennai Division, Electrical Workshop Perambur, Engineering Workshop Arakkonam, Engineering Headquarters, Loco Works Perambur, Railway Hospital Perambur | 1,528 |
| Central Workshop, Ponmalai Group | Ponmalai, Madurai Division, Tiruchirappalli Division | 1,292 |
| Signal & Telecom Workshop, Podanur Group | Palakkad, Salem, Podanur Workshop, Trivandrum Division | 1,488 |
| Total Ex-ITI Posts | — | 4,308 |
Who Can Apply for Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Candidates should carefully check the educational and technical qualification requirements before applying. The eligibility criteria differ according to the trade selected by the applicant.
Fitter, Machinist, MMV, Turner, Diesel Mechanic, Carpenter, Painter, Welder, Wireman, Plumber and Draftsman (Civil)
Candidates applying for these trades must have:
- Passed Class 10th examination.
- Secured at least 50% marks in Class 10.
- Completed an ITI course in the relevant trade.
- Possess a valid NCVT/SCVT certificate in the relevant trade.
Candidates should ensure that their ITI qualification matches the trade for which they are applying.
Electrician
For the Electrician trade, candidates must have:
- Passed Class 10th.
- Studied Science as part of the qualifying examination.
- Secured a minimum of 50% marks.
- Completed the required ITI course.
- Possess an NCVT/SCVT certificate in the relevant trade.
Electronics Mechanic
Candidates applying for the Electronics Mechanic trade must have passed Class 10th with the required subjects.
The eligibility includes:
- Class 10th qualification.
- Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as required subjects.
- At least 50% marks.
- Relevant ITI qualification.
- Valid NCVT/SCVT certificate.
Secretarial Assistant and English Stenographer
Candidates applying for Secretarial Assistant and English Stenographer trades must:
- Have passed Class 12th.
- Possess the required ITI qualification.
- Hold an NCVT/SCVT certificate in the relevant trade.
ICTSM
For the ICTSM trade, applicants must:
- Have passed Class 10th.
- Complete the relevant ITI course.
- Possess an NCVT/SCVT certificate.
COPA/PASA
Candidates applying for COPA/PASA must:
- Have passed Class 10th.
- Secured at least 50% marks.
- Possess a National Trade Certificate in Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA).
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
Age is another important eligibility condition for candidates applying for the apprenticeship programme.
As per the recruitment notification, candidates must be at least 15 years old as of August 28, 2026.
The maximum age limit is:
- 22 years for Fresher and Ex-ITI candidates.
- 24 years for MLT candidates.
Age relaxation will be provided to eligible candidates belonging to reserved categories according to the applicable rules.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC-NCL | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
Candidates should calculate their age according to the date mentioned in the official notification before completing the application form.
Southern Railway Apprentice Stipend 2026
Candidates selected for apprenticeship training will receive a monthly stipend during their training period. The stipend amount varies according to the candidate’s qualification and category.
| Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Fresher – 10th Pass | ₹8,200 |
| Fresher – 12th Pass | ₹9,600 |
| Ex-ITI | ₹9,600 |
It is important to remember that an apprenticeship stipend is different from the regular salary offered to permanent railway employees. Apprentices are engaged for training and skill development under the apprenticeship programme.
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is primarily based on merit. Candidates should understand how marks are considered for their respective categories.
Selection for Fresher Candidates
For candidates applying under the Fresher category, the merit list will be prepared using their Class 10 marks.
The marks obtained in Class 10 will be converted to a scale of 200 marks for preparing the merit list.
Selection for Ex-ITI Candidates
For Ex-ITI candidates, equal importance will be given to Class 10 and ITI marks.
The merit calculation will include:
- 100 marks based on Class 10
- 100 marks based on ITI
Therefore, the final merit will be prepared on the basis of a total of 200 marks.
Selection for MLT Candidates
For MLT candidates, the merit list will be prepared using marks obtained in the relevant Class 12 subjects, including:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
These marks will be converted to a scale of 200 marks for preparing the merit list.
Candidates should make sure that all information provided in their application matches their educational certificates because discrepancies in documents can affect their candidature.
Is Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 a Permanent Railway Job?
No. This is an important point that candidates should understand before applying.
The Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is for apprenticeship training and not for direct regular employment in Indian Railways. Selected candidates will receive practical training in their respective trades and a stipend according to the applicable category.
Completing apprenticeship training can provide candidates with valuable technical experience and practical knowledge. However, apprenticeship selection should not be considered a guarantee of permanent employment with the Railways.
How to Apply for Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official Southern Railway website. Applicants should keep their educational certificates, ITI documents, photographs, identity details, and other required information ready before starting the application process.
Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official Southern Railway website at sr.indianrailways.gov.in.
Step 2: Find the Recruitment Section
On the homepage, look for the News & Updates section and select Personnel Branch Information.
Step 3: Open the Apprentice Notification
Find the notification related to Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 and carefully read the eligibility criteria, trade details, vacancy information and other instructions.
Step 4: Open the Online Application
Click on the online application link provided in the recruitment notification.
Step 5: Enter Your Details
Fill in all required information, including:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Educational qualifications
- ITI details
- Trade information
- Category details
- Contact information
- Other required particulars
Applicants should carefully check all details before submitting the form.
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload the required documents in the prescribed format and size. Make sure that the uploaded documents are clear and readable.
Step 7: Pay the Application Fee
If an application fee is applicable to your category, complete the payment through the available online payment method.
Step 8: Submit the Application Form
After checking all information, submit the application form before the deadline.
Candidates are advised to save or download a copy of the completed application form and payment confirmation for future reference.
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Last Date
Candidates interested in this apprenticeship opportunity should not wait until the last day to apply. The online application process will remain open until September 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
The selection list is scheduled to be released on October 15, 2026.
Applicants should complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid problems caused by heavy website traffic, payment issues, or document upload errors.
Important Points for Candidates
Before applying for Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026, candidates should keep the following points in mind:
- There are 4,471 Apprentice vacancies in total.
- The application process is conducted online.
- The last date to apply is September 27, 2026, up to 5:00 PM.
- The minimum age is 15 years.
- The maximum age is generally 22 years, while the maximum age for MLT candidates is 24 years.
- Eligible reserved-category candidates can receive age relaxation.
- ITI qualification is mandatory for several trades.
- Selection is based on merit according to the candidate’s category.
- The apprenticeship is for training purposes, not regular railway employment.
- Candidates should verify all eligibility conditions in the official notification before submitting the application.
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Final Words
The Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an important opportunity for candidates who want to gain practical experience in railway-related trades. With 4,471 apprenticeship positions, the recruitment provides opportunities for both fresh candidates and ITI-qualified applicants across different Southern Railway units.
Candidates who meet the educational and technical requirements should complete their applications before September 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Before applying, applicants should carefully check their trade eligibility, age limit, required certificates, and other conditions.
Since this recruitment is specifically for apprenticeship training, candidates should also understand the nature of the engagement and not consider it a direct permanent railway job. Those selected will receive practical training and a monthly stipend during the apprenticeship period.
For the latest updates, candidates should regularly check the official Southern Railway website and carefully follow the instructions given in the official recruitment notification.