Rajkumar Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 has opened applications for 4,471 Act Apprentice positions under Notification No. 01/2026. The recruitment is divided into 4,308 Ex-ITI positions and 163 Fresher positions, so the correct qualification route matters before starting the application. Freshers can apply for the notified trades where their educational qualification matches the requirement, while Ex-ITI applicants need a relevant ITI certificate along with the prescribed 10th-standard qualification. The recruitment also has separate age limits for Freshers and Ex-ITI/MLT candidates. Applications are being accepted from 28 August 2026 and must be completed by 5:00 PM on 27 September 2026. Since this is an apprenticeship engagement rather than direct permanent Railway employment, applicants should check the training terms, trade, eligibility, unit preference and documents carefully before submitting the form.
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 at a Glance
What Has Been Announced in Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Southern Railway has issued Notification No. 01/2026 for engagement of Act Apprentices in different designated trades and units. The combined intake is 4,471, with separate provisions for Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates.
The online form became available on 28 August 2026. The closing deadline is 27 September 2026 at 5:00 PM, making the exact submission time important for applicants who plan to apply near the end of the recruitment window.
The notified training opportunities cover units and locations falling within the geographical jurisdiction specified by Southern Railway, including areas in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep and specified districts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
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Southern Railway Apprentice Vacancy 2026: Category-Wise Details
Which Candidates Can Apply?
The qualification route depends on the category and trade. A 10th-pass qualification by itself does not make an applicant eligible for every vacancy, particularly within the Ex-ITI intake.
Southern Railway Apprentice Age Limit 2026
The age requirement is calculated with reference to 28 August 2026.
Applicable age relaxation will be provided according to the prescribed rules. Candidates claiming relaxation should keep the relevant supporting documents ready.
Southern Railway Apprentice Stipend 2026
₹8,200
₹9,600
₹9,600
The listed amount is the monthly apprenticeship stipend during training. It should not be confused with the regular salary structure of a permanent Railway employee.
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The supplied recruitment information does not mention a conventional written examination. Selection is based on the prescribed academic merit, followed by document verification and medical fitness.
Merit List
Document Verification
Medical Fitness
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Is There a Written Exam for Southern Railway Apprentice 2026?
No separate written examination is mentioned in the supplied recruitment details.
Southern Railway Apprentice Application Fee
Documents to Keep Ready
Before opening the application form, keep the documents and information relevant to your selected category available. This makes it easier to enter details consistently with the original records.
- 10th-standard educational details and certificate.
- 12th and PCB details for eligible MLT applicants.
- ITI certificate and trade details for Ex-ITI applicants.
- Photograph and signature as required in the application.
- Age-relaxation certificate, wherever applicable.
- Other supporting documents prescribed for verification.
How to Apply for Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026
01. Open the recruitment information
02. Read Notification No. 01/2026
03. Complete registration
04. Select your category and trade
05. Enter academic and technical details
06. Upload documents
07. Pay the applicable fee
08. Submit and save the application
Before You Apply: Candidate Checklist
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
What Does This Apprenticeship Mean for Your Railway Career?
Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an apprenticeship engagement, so applicants should distinguish it from a regular Railway recruitment process. Selection as an Act Apprentice does not itself amount to permanent appointment in Southern Railway.
According to the supplied recruitment information, Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs) holding a National Apprenticeship Certificate receive 20% preference in Level-1 direct recruitment posts.
For this reason, applicants should assess the recruitment based on its actual apprenticeship terms, including the training opportunity, stipend, selected trade, eligibility conditions and the stated preference applicable to eligible CCAAs.
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Important Links
FAQs About Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026
What is Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
It is an Act Apprentice engagement conducted by Southern Railway for 4,471 positions across notified trades and units under Notification No. 01/2026.
How many vacancies are available in Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
There are 4,471 vacancies, including 163 Fresher positions and 4,308 Ex-ITI positions.
What is the last date to apply for Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The online application can be submitted up to 27 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Can a 10th-pass candidate apply for Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Yes, a 10th-pass candidate can apply for eligible Fresher trades where the prescribed conditions are met. A 10th qualification alone does not make a candidate eligible for the Ex-ITI category.
What qualification is required for Ex-ITI candidates?
Ex-ITI applicants require 10th with at least 50% marks along with an ITI certificate in the relevant trade, according to the supplied recruitment information.
What is the age limit for Southern Railway Apprentice 2026?
The age limit is 15 to 22 years for Freshers and 15 to 24 years for Ex-ITI/MLT candidates, with age calculated as on 28 August 2026.
Is there a written examination for Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The supplied recruitment details do not mention a written examination. The stated process is merit-based selection followed by document verification and medical fitness.
What is the stipend in Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The listed stipend is ₹8,200 per month for 10th-pass Freshers and ₹9,600 per month for 12th-pass Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates.
What is the application fee for Southern Railway Apprentice 2026?
The application fee is ₹100 for UR/General/OBC/EWS candidates, while SC/ST/PwD/Female candidates are listed as exempt.
Is Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 a permanent Railway job?
No. It is an Act Apprentice engagement and does not itself constitute direct permanent Railway employment. The supplied information states that eligible CCAAs holding a National Apprenticeship Certificate receive 20% preference in Level-1 direct recruitment posts.
Where can I apply for Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Applicants can use the Southern Railway Apprentice online application portal provided in the Important Links section and should read Notification No. 01/2026 before completing the form.