The South East Central Railway (SECR) has officially started the recruitment process for Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961, for the 2026-27 cycle. The recruitment drive covers the Raipur Division and Wagon Repair Shop, Raipur, and brings one of the larger railway apprenticeship opportunities currently open in the central region.
According to the notification issued on 5 May 2026, online applications are being accepted through the Apprenticeship India portal from 5 May to 4 June 2026. Candidates who have passed Class 10 and ITI in relevant trades can apply for multiple technical and non-technical apprentice trades.
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RRC SECR Apprentice 2026: Vacancy Overview
This recruitment has been divided into two units:
- DRM Office, Raipur Division
- Wagon Repair Shop, Raipur
Together, the two establishments are offering 1,363 apprenticeship positions across trades such as Fitter, Electrician, Welder, COPA, Turner, Machinist, Mechanic Diesel, Stenographer, Carpenter, Electronics Mechanic and others.
Major Trades With Highest Vacancies
| Trade | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Fitter | 406 |
| Electrician | 337 |
| Welder | 262 |
| Mechanic Diesel | 97 |
| COPA | 81 |
| Electronics Mechanic | 47 |
| Turner | 43 |
| Mechanic Ref. & AC | 26 |
The largest concentration of seats has again gone to core railway workshop trades like Fitter, Electrician and Welder, indicating continued infrastructure and maintenance demand within railway operations.
Application Dates and Important Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 5 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 5 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 4 June 2026 |
| Application Deadline Time | 11:59 PM |
The notification clearly states that no physical application form needs to be sent to the division office or workshop after online submission.
Eligibility Criteria for SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Candidates applying for the apprenticeship program must satisfy both academic and age-related conditions.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have:
- Passed Class 10 under the 10+2 system with at least 50% aggregate marks
- Passed ITI in the relevant trade from a recognised institution
The railway administration has also clarified that candidates whose results are awaited are not eligible for this recruitment cycle.
Age Limit
Candidates should be:
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years as on 5 May 2026
Age relaxation available:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- Ex-Servicemen/PwBD: 10 years
Selection Process: No Written Exam
One major reason railway apprenticeship recruitments attract heavy applications is the absence of a written examination.
SECR has confirmed that the merit list will be prepared using the average percentage of marks obtained in:
- Matriculation
- ITI Examination
Both qualifications will receive equal weightage during merit preparation.
This means candidates with strong academic consistency in both Class 10 and ITI are likely to gain a significant advantage.
Training Period and Stipend Structure
Selected candidates will undergo apprenticeship training for one year in their allotted trade. During the training period, apprentices will receive stipend benefits according to Railway Board rules.
However, the notification also clarifies an important point often overlooked by applicants: completion of apprenticeship training does not guarantee permanent railway employment afterwards.
Still, candidates often consider railway apprenticeship experience valuable because it improves industrial exposure and strengthens eligibility for future PSU and technical recruitment drives.
How to Apply for RRC SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Candidates must submit applications online through the Apprenticeship India portal.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the Apprenticeship India website
- Register using Aadhaar-linked details
- Complete apprentice profile information
- Upload a photograph, signature and required certificates
- Select SECR Raipur Division or Wagon Repair Shop trade preference
- Submit the application before 4 June 2026
The railway administration has advised candidates belonging to reserved categories to upload valid caste and supporting certificates during registration.
Important Instructions Candidates Should Not Ignore
The notification also includes several compliance-related conditions:
- Candidates must produce original documents during verification
- Wrong or fake certificates can lead to cancellation at any stage
- No TA/DA will be paid for document verification
- PwBD candidates must have at least 40% disability certification from a competent medical board
Candidates are also advised to complete Aadhaar verification early to avoid portal-related issues during final submission.