Indian Railways has opened one of the biggest apprentice drives of the year. The Railway Recruitment Cell of Northern Railway has announced 4,651 Act Apprentice training slots across six clusters, and the online application window opens on November 11, 2026. For young candidates holding an ITI certificate, this is a rare chance to get hands-on training inside the country’s largest railway zone, and there is no written examination standing between them and the merit list.
The notification, numbered RRC/NR/03/2026/Act Apprentice, was released on November 6, 2026. Training will run for the 2026-27 session at divisions, units and workshops spread across Lucknow, Delhi, Ambala, Firozpur, Moradabad and Jammu. Candidates have a full month to apply, with the portal closing on December 11, 2026 at 11.59 pm.
Where the 4,651 slots are
Lucknow takes the largest share of the drive, followed by Delhi and Ambala. The cluster-wise break-up is:
- Lucknow: 1,525 slots
- Delhi: 1,312 slots
- Ambala: 979 slots
- Firozpur: 740 slots
- Moradabad: 63 slots
- Jammu: 32 slots
Across categories, 2,433 slots are for unreserved candidates, 1,163 for OBC, 755 for SC and 300 for ST. The notification covers 42 trades, including Fitter, Electrician, Welder and other workshop trades. Candidates must pick the cluster and unit that offers training in their own ITI trade, because applications for trades or units without notified vacancies will not be considered.
Who can apply
The eligibility bar is straightforward. Applicants must have passed Class 10 with at least 50 percent aggregate marks and hold an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from an institution recognised by NCVT or SCVT. Both qualifications must have been completed on or before November 6, 2026, so candidates awaiting results are not eligible this time.
The age limit is 15 to 24 years as on December 11, 2026, with relaxation available under the rules for reserved categories. Candidates belonging to General, OBC and EWS categories pay an application fee of Rs 100, while SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates are exempted from the fee. The fee must be paid online.
It is worth noting what this drive is not. These are apprenticeship training slots under the Apprentices Act, 1961, not regular railway jobs. Selected candidates will receive a stipend as prescribed under the apprenticeship rules and will train at the allotted unit. The experience, however, carries real weight: workshop training with Northern Railway is a strong line on any ITI holder’s resume.
No exam, merit list decides
One feature of this recruitment will appeal to many applicants: there is no written examination and no interview. Selection is based purely on a merit list prepared from the average percentage of marks in Class 10 and ITI, with both qualifications carrying equal weightage. Candidates shortlisted through the merit list will be called for document verification and will have to submit a medical fitness certificate.
The provisional merit list is expected in February 2027. Because selection rests entirely on marks, candidates should enter their Class 10 and ITI percentages exactly as shown on their certificates, converting CGPA into marks wherever the notification requires it. A small error in the marks column can cost a place on the list.
Important dates
- Notification released: November 6, 2026
- Online applications open: November 11, 2026
- Last date to apply and pay the fee: December 11, 2026 (11.59 pm)
- Provisional merit list: expected February 2027
How to apply
Applications are accepted online only, through the official RRC Northern Railway website, rrcnr.org. The steps are:
- Visit rrcnr.org and open the link for Engagement of Act Apprentice 2026-27.
- Register with the required details and complete the login process.
- Fill in personal, educational and ITI details, and select an eligible cluster and unit for your trade.
- Upload the required documents, photograph and signature.
- Pay the fee online, if applicable, review the form and submit it.
- Download and keep a printout of the submitted application.
Only one application per candidate is permitted, so candidates should choose their cluster carefully before submitting. The slot count is provisional and may increase or decrease when the selection is finalised, and candidates are advised to check the detailed notification on rrcnr.org before applying.
FAQs
How many apprentice slots has Northern Railway announced?
A total of 4,651 Act Apprentice slots across six clusters: Lucknow, Delhi, Ambala, Firozpur, Moradabad and Jammu.
When can I apply for RRC NR Apprentice 2026?
The online form opens on November 11, 2026 and closes on December 11, 2026 at 11.59 pm on rrcnr.org.
What is the qualification required?
Class 10 with at least 50 percent marks plus an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from an NCVT or SCVT recognised institution, both completed on or before November 6, 2026.
Is there an exam for RRC NR Apprentice recruitment?
No. Selection is purely on a merit list based on Class 10 and ITI marks, followed by document verification and a medical fitness certificate.
What is the age limit?
Candidates must be between 15 and 24 years as on December 11, 2026, with age relaxation as per rules.
With 4,651 training slots and no exam in the way, this is one of the most accessible railway opportunities of the year for ITI holders. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria should keep their certificates ready and apply as soon as the portal opens on November 11.
