Age
15-24 Years
Min Qualification
10th
Location
Chhattisgarh
The South East Central Railway, Raipur Division, and the Wagon Repair Shop (Raipur) have officially released a notification for the engagement of Act Apprentices for the year 2026-27. This initiative, falling under the prestigious "Skill India" mission, aims to bridge the gap between theoretical vocational training and the grueling demands of the industrial workspace. For a student looking for long-term career stability, an apprenticeship in the Railways is highly prized; it not only enhances your resume but often provides a distinct advantage in future Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Level-1 job openings.
Imagine working in an environment where the nation’s lifeline—the locomotives and wagons—are maintained and repaired. This role offers you the chance to learn from the finest senior technicians in the country. The stability and prestige associated with the Indian Railways are unmatched, making this a lucrative starting point for any ITI holder seeking to turn their technical skills into a lifelong profession.
You must have completed your Matriculation (10th) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. Additionally, an ITI certificate in the trade you are applying for is mandatory. Importantly, you must have already passed these exams; candidates awaiting results are not eligible.
Generally, for Railway Apprentice portals, there is a nominal fee for UR/OBC candidates, while SC/ST/PwBD and Female candidates are often exempted. However, as per this specific notification, candidates must register and apply via the Apprenticeship India portal.
The life of a Railway Apprentice is one of meticulous learning and hands-on execution. Depending on your trade—be it Fitter, Welder, or Electrician—you will be stationed at either the DRM Office Raipur Division or the Wagon Repair Shop. For instance, a Welder ensures the structural integrity of heavy wagons, while an Electrician manages the complex circuitry that powers railway infrastructure. This isn't just desk work; it is high-impact field work where your precision directly affects the safety of thousands of passengers. You will learn to handle advanced machinery, interpret technical blueprints, and maintain the high standards of safety that the Indian Railways is known for.
Best For: Individuals with a mechanical mindset who enjoy working with their hands. If you are a student from a tier-2 or tier-3 city looking to gain practical industrial experience and want to eventually secure a permanent government job, this is your best bet. It suits those who are disciplined and ready to work in a workshop environment.
Not Ideal For: Those looking for a pure "9-to-5" air-conditioned office job. Many trades involve working in heat, dust, and noise within the Wagon Repair Shop. If you are not comfortable with physical labor or technical troubleshooting, this may be a grueling experience for you.
The base age is 15-24 years. However, the Railways provide significant relaxations:
SC/ST: Upper limit relaxed by 5 years (up to 29 years).
OBC: Upper limit relaxed by 3 years (up to 27 years).
PwBD/Ex-SM: Upper limit relaxed by 10 years.
While apprentices are trainees, not permanent employees, you receive a monthly Stipend to cover your living expenses. Based on the 7th Pay Commission guidelines for Railway Apprentices, the stipend usually ranges between ₹7,000 to ₹9,000 per month, depending on whether you have a one-year or two-year ITI certificate.
Beyond the cash, the real "perks" include the Apprenticeship Certificate, which is a golden ticket in the private sector and grants you a 20% reservation in certain permanent Railway (Level-1) recruitments. You also get a taste of the Railway culture, including potential access to medical facilities in case of workplace injuries during training.
With a staggering 1,644 total vacancies, this is one of the largest recruitment drives for Raipur.
DRM Office Raipur Division: 1,363 Posts.
Wagon Repair Shop, Raipur: 281 Posts.
Major Trades | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Total |
Fitter | 206 | 142 | 78 | 38 | 52 | 516 |
Welder | 149 | 102 | 56 | 28 | 37 | 372 |
Electrician | 141 | 98 | 54 | 26 | 36 | 355 |
COPA | 36 | 24 | 13 | 7 | 9 | 89 |
(Note: Numerous other trades like Stenographer, Machinist, and Turner are also available.)
10th Marksheet (for age and marks proof).
ITI Semester-wise Marksheet & National Trade Certificate.
Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC) in the Central Government format.
Disability Certificate (if applicable, minimum 40% disability).
Aadhar Card (must be linked and verified on the portal).
Recent Color Passport Photo and Scanned Signature.
Portal Registration: Click on the Apply Online button and register as a "Candidate".
Profile Completion: Complete your profile to 100%. This includes bank details and Aadhar verification, which is now mandatory.
Find Opportunity: Search for Establishment Numbers: E05202200048 (DRM Office) or E11152200001 (Wagon Repair Shop).
Trade Selection: Select your specific ITI trade and click 'Apply'.
Upload Documents: Upload clear, legible scans of your photos and certificates.
Final Review: Check all details before the final "Submit." Warning: Ensure your photo background is plain and your signature is not blurry, as these are common grounds for rejection.
There is no written exam or interview for this role, which is a huge relief for many! The selection is based entirely on a Merit List. This list is calculated by taking the average percentage of your marks in both 10th Class and ITI, giving equal weightage to both.
Expert Strategy: Since selection depends on your past marks, your "preparation" now involves meticulous documentation. Ensure that your name, father’s name, and date of birth match exactly across your 10th marksheet, ITI certificate, and Aadhar card. Even a minor spelling mismatch can lead to disqualification during the Document Verification stage.
Q1: Can I apply if I am currently in the final year of ITI?
Ans: No, you must have already passed and possess your marksheets as of May 5, 2026.
Q2: Is there any application fee for SC/ST candidates?
Ans: No, the registration on the Apprenticeship India portal is generally free for all candidates.
Q3: Will I get a permanent job in the Railways after one year?
Ans: No, it is not obligatory for the Railways to offer permanent employment after the 1-year training.
Q4: What is the training duration?
Ans: The apprenticeship training period is exactly one year.
Q5: Can I apply for more than one trade?
Ans: You should apply only for the trade in which you hold a valid ITI certificate.
Q6: What happens if my 10th marks are less than 50%?
Ans: Unfortunately, a minimum of 50% aggregate in 10th is a mandatory requirement for eligibility.
Q7: Do I need to send a hard copy of the application to Raipur?
Ans: No, physical copies are not required; the entire process is online.
Q8: What is the maximum age for an OBC candidate?
Ans: With the 3-year relaxation, the maximum age for OBC candidates is 27 years.
Q9: Is a medical certificate required at the time of application?
Ans: No, the medical certificate is required at the time of Document Verification.
Q10: What if I upload a blurry photo?
Ans: Your candidature will likely be cancelled if there is any discrepancy or unreadable document.