A good fit if you...
- Have completed (or are completing) ITI and want practical industry training.
- Want a strong route into railway jobs.
- Prefer selection on marks rather than a competitive exam.
After 10th + ITI · No Written Exam
Railway Act Apprentice
Railway Act Apprenticeship gives Industrial Training Institute (ITI) holders paid, on-the-job training in railway workshops, loco sheds and divisions — with no written exam. Course-completed apprentices also get reserved vacancies in Railway Level 1 recruitment.
QualificationClass 10 (50%) + ITI
Age Limit15–24 years
SelectionMerit on 10th + ITI marks
TrainingAbout 1 year (stipend paid)
Overview
What is Railway Apprentice?
Each railway zone's Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) — for example RRC Western Railway, Northern Railway or South Central Railway — invites applications for Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Thousands of seats are offered every year across trades.
Selection is by a merit list made from the average of Class 10 and ITI marks. Apprentices receive a monthly stipend at government-notified rates and a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) on completion.
Act ApprenticeApprentices Act 1961NACWorkshopsLoco ShedsNo Exam
Fit check
Who should choose Railway Apprentice
Think twice if you...
- Expect a permanent job immediately — apprenticeship is training, not employment.
- Have less than 50% in Class 10 (for general category).
- Are above the age limit.
What gives you an edge
ITI trade
Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Machinist, Turner, Mechanic Diesel, Carpenter, Painter, Wireman, Electronics Mechanic, Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA) and others (as notified).
Good Class 10 and ITI marks
Merit is the average of both.
Interest in machines
Training is hands-on in workshops and sheds.
Step-by-step plan for your background
Arts / Humanities
If you're from Arts
- Class 12 Arts does not qualify — you need Class 10 (50%) plus an ITI in a notified trade.
- COPA, Electrician, Fitter and Welder are common apprentice trades.
- Score well in ITI — merit is the average of Class 10 and ITI marks.
Commerce
If you're from Commerce
- Commerce in Class 12 does not count; ITI marks do.
- Choose an ITI trade with many railway seats (Fitter, Electrician, Welder).
- Keep your ITI percentage high for a better merit rank.
Science
If you're from Science
- Science helps you with ITI trade theory.
- After apprenticeship you can target Railway Recruitment Board – Assistant Loco Pilot (RRB ALP) and technician posts.
- A diploma later is also possible for further growth.
Eligibility
Railway Apprentice eligibility criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Qualification | Class 10 (or equivalent) with minimum 50% aggregate + ITI certificate (NCVT/SCVT) in the notified trade |
| Age limit | 15–24 years on the cut-off date |
| Medical | Medically fit as per railway standards for apprentices |
| Fee | A small application fee for general/OBC; exempt for SC/ST, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) and women (as per recent notifications) |
Upper age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| Ex-servicemen | As per rules |
Step-by-step
Railway Apprentice selection process
Stage 1
Apply online
On your zonal RRC website when the apprentice notification opens.
Stage 2
Merit list
Average of percentage marks in Class 10 (min. 50%) and ITI.
Stage 3
Document verification
For shortlisted candidates.
Stage 4
Medical examination
As per railway apprentice norms.
Stage 5
Training
About one year in the allotted unit, then the NAC trade test.
Marks & timing
Railway Apprentice exam pattern
Stage 1
Selection method
| Stage | Basis | Exam? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit list | Average of Class 10 % and ITI % | No written exam | Both percentages carry equal weight |
| Tie-breaker | Older candidate first, then earlier Class 10 pass year | No | As per recent notifications |
| Document verification & medical | Certificates and fitness | No | Final selection subject to both |
Key rules at a glance
No exam
Selection is on Class 10 and ITI marks only.
Stipend
Paid monthly at rates notified under apprenticeship rules.
Not employment
Apprenticeship does not guarantee a railway job.
NAC
Awarded after clearing the trade test at the end of training.
What to study
Railway Apprentice syllabus
There is no entrance syllabus — training covers these areas.
Workshop practice
Hands-on work in your ITI trade in railway workshops and sheds.
Safety
Railway safety rules and industrial safety practices.
Trade theory
Applied theory linked to railway equipment.
NAC trade test
Final assessment for the National Apprenticeship Certificate.
Pay, perks & work
Railway Apprentice salary, designation & job profile
StipendGovernment-notified monthly rate
Set under the Apprentices Act rules; check the current notification for the amount.
After apprenticeshipLevel 1 reservation
A share of Railway Level 1 (Group D) vacancies is reserved for course-completed Act Apprentices.
ALP eligibilityNAC accepted for RRB ALP
Course-completed Act Apprentices in eligible trades can apply for ALP.
Job role & responsibilities
Workshop trainee
Assist technicians in maintenance and repair.
Loco & carriage sheds
Learn maintenance of locomotives, coaches and wagons.
Electrical & signal units
Training in electrical, signalling and telecom work.
Documentation
Maintain training logbooks.
Career ladder
1Entry
Act Apprentice
About one year of paid training.
2Step 2
NAC holder
National Apprenticeship Certificate.
3Step 3
Railway Level 1 job
Through reserved vacancies in RRB Group D recruitment.
4Step 4
Technician / ALP
Through RRB ALP and Technician recruitments.
Preparation strategy
How to prepare for Railway Apprentice
A practical, phase-by-phase plan. Adjust the timeline to when the next notification is expected.
1Step 1
Check eligibility
- Confirm qualification, age and local language rules in the notification.
- Calculate your percentage exactly as the notification describes.
2Step 2
Prepare documents
- Mark sheets, caste/EWS/PwBD certificate, computer certificate (if needed), photo and signature.
- Make sure your name matches across all documents.
3Step 3
Apply smartly
- Study previous merit lists or cut-offs to pick realistic preferences.
- Apply early; avoid last-day server problems.
4Step 4
Verification and joining
- Carry originals and self-attested copies to document verification.
- Complete the medical examination if required.
Trusted resources
Where to study from
- The official recruitment portal and notification
- Previous merit lists or cut-offs published by the department
- Your board mark sheets and certificates (originals + copies)
- A recognised computer course certificate if required
Keep exploring
Related government exams
Student doubts
Frequently asked questions
No. Selection is based on the average of Class 10 and ITI marks.
Not automatically. But course-completed Act Apprentices get reserved vacancies in Railway Level 1 recruitment and can apply for RRB ALP.
No. There is no exam. Focus on good ITI marks.
Usually each RRC runs its own notification; check the rules of each notification.
Yes. Apprentices receive a monthly stipend at government-notified rates.
No exam — apply in each notification while you are 15–24.
No physical test, but you must pass the railway medical exam for apprentices.
Workshops, loco sheds and divisions within the RRC zone you applied to.
After training you get the NAC; course-completed apprentices get reserved vacancies in Railway Level 1 and can apply for RRB ALP.
*Eligibility, age limits, exam pattern and pay figures are based on recent official notifications and the 7th Central Pay Commission structure as of 2026. In-hand salary estimates are indicative and vary with city (HRA) and the current Dearness Allowance rate. Every recruitment cycle can change the details — always confirm in the latest official notification before applying.
Official source: Apprenticeship India (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) — and your zonal RRC website