Southern Railway Recruitment 2026 – 4471 Act Apprentice Posts
Southern Railway has announced a massive recruitment drive for 4471 Act Apprentice positions across various workshops and divisions in its jurisdiction. Candidates who have completed their [10th pass](/qualification/10th-pass/) or [intermediate pass](/qualification/intermediate-pass/) along with an [ITI pass](/qualification/iti-pass/) are eligible to apply online. The selection is based on a merit list derived from academic performance, and the application window remains open until September 27, 2026. This training engagement offers a monthly stipend ranging from Rs. 8,200 to Rs. 9,600 depending on the qualification.
Southern Railway (SR), has announced recruitment for Act Apprentice, with 4471 vacancies, open to candidates with 10th pass with 50% marks or 12th pass with relevant ITI certificate in the designated trade., Last date to apply is 27-Sep-2026. Pay scale: Rs. 8,200/- to Rs. 9,600/- per month (stipend).
| Organisation | Southern Railway (SR) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Act Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 4471 |
| Last Date | |
| Qualification | 10th pass with 50% marks or 12th pass with relevant ITI certificate in the designated trade. |
| Salary / Pay Scale | Rs. 8,200/- to Rs. 9,600/- per month (stipend) |
| Category | Railway Jobs·Central Government Jobs |
| District | All Districts |
Act Apprentice Vacancy Details
| Category | Total Posts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Fresher | 163 | 10th pass / Intermediate pass |
| Ex-ITI | 4,308 | 10th pass + ITI pass |
Eligibility Criteria for Act Apprentice
Candidates must be residents of the geographical jurisdiction of Southern Railway, which includes Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and specific districts in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Applicants must meet the physical fitness standards prescribed under Schedule-II of the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992.
For the Fresher category, candidates must have passed the 10th class with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. For the Ex-ITI category, candidates must possess a National Trade Certificate in the relevant trade issued by NCVT/SCVT. Please note that engineering graduates and diploma holders are not eligible for this apprenticeship.
Age Limit & Relaxation
The age limit is calculated as of 28-08-2026. The minimum age is 15 years, and the maximum age is 22 years for Fresher/Ex-ITI candidates (24 years for MLT). Age relaxation is provided as follows: 3 years for OBC-(NCL), 5 years for SC/ST, and 10 years for PwBD candidates. Combined relaxations apply for PwBD candidates belonging to reserved categories.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | Rs. 100/- |
| SC/ST/PwBD/Women | Nil |
Salary & Pay Scale
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend as per the Apprenticeship Act: Rs. 8,200/- for 10th-standard Freshers and Rs. 9,600/- for 12th-standard Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates. The stipend is subject to an annual increment of 10% in the second year and 15% in the third year.
Selection Process
The selection process is strictly merit-based. For the Fresher category, the merit list is prepared based on the aggregate marks obtained in the 10th standard. For the Ex-ITI category, the merit is calculated by giving equal weightage (50:50) to the marks obtained in the 10th standard and the ITI course. For the MLT category, the merit is based on the marks obtained in the 12th standard (Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and Biology). In the event of a tie, the older candidate is given preference.
About Southern Railway
Southern Railway (SR), headquartered in Chennai, is one of the 19 zones of the Indian Railways, operating under the Ministry of Railways. Established in 1951, it serves as the lifeline for the southern peninsula, covering the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of SPSR Nellore and Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh, as well as the Union Territories of Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The organization is responsible for the maintenance and operation of a vast network of tracks, rolling stock, and signaling systems that facilitate the movement of millions of passengers and essential freight daily.
As a premier public sector entity, Southern Railway plays a critical role in the nation’s infrastructure development. The Carriage & Wagon Works in Perambur, along with various workshops in Ponmalai and Podanur, serve as the backbone for the maintenance of locomotives and coaches. These facilities are centers of engineering excellence, employing advanced mechanical and electrical technologies to ensure the safety and efficiency of rail transport.
For a candidate, securing an apprenticeship with Southern Railway is a significant career milestone. It provides hands-on exposure to industrial-grade machinery and standardized railway maintenance protocols that are rarely available in private sector training. While this is a training engagement under the Apprentices Act, 1961, and does not guarantee permanent employment, the certification earned is highly valued across the industrial sector. It builds a strong foundation for future careers in the public sector, including potential opportunities within the Indian Railways, where Act Apprentices often receive preference in specific recruitment drives. Working here means becoming part of a legacy institution that values discipline, technical precision, and national service. The exposure to diverse trades—ranging from Fitter and Welder to Medical Laboratory Technology—ensures that apprentices gain a comprehensive understanding of the operational requirements of a major government organization, setting them apart in the competitive job market.
How to Apply for Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official Southern Railway website at www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in.
- Navigate to the ‘News & Recruitment’ section and select the link for Act Apprentice 2026.
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the online application form with accurate personal and educational details.
- Upload scanned copies of the required documents: 10th/12th mark sheets, ITI certificate, community certificate (if applicable), and a recent passport-size photograph.
- Pay the application fee online, if applicable.
- Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 28-08-2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 28-08-2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 27-09-2026 |
| Tentative Shortlist Publication | 15-10-2026 |
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Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Download Our App | Click Here |
| Best APPSC Books | Click Here |
| Join Our Telegram Channel – AP Govt Jobs | Get real-time AP govt job updates on Telegram — follow @APGovtJobsNet |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Southern Railway Act Apprentice 2026?
Candidates who have passed 10th class with 50% marks or 12th class with relevant ITI certification and reside within the Southern Railway jurisdiction are eligible to apply. This includes residents of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and specific districts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
What is the salary for an Act Apprentice at Southern Railway?
The stipend is Rs. 8,200/- per month for 10th-standard Freshers and Rs. 9,600/- per month for 12th-standard Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates. This stipend increases by 10% in the second year and 15% in the third year of training.
What is the selection process for Southern Railway Act Apprentice recruitment 2026?
The selection is based on a merit list prepared from academic marks. For Ex-ITI candidates, equal weightage is given to 10th and ITI marks, while for Freshers, the 10th standard marks are converted to a base of 200.
Is Southern Railway a Central Government or State Government organisation?
Southern Railway is a Central Government organization under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. This means the apprenticeship is conducted under national standards, providing candidates with a recognized certification for future government and industrial employment.