The South East Central Railway has announced one of the most significant apprenticeship opportunities of the year with the release of the RRC SECR Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification. This recruitment drive offers a total of 1644 vacancies across multiple ITI trades, making it a major opportunity for candidates who are looking to build a career in the railway sector.
The application process has already started from May 5, 2026, and interested candidates can apply online until June 4, 2026. This article covers everything you need to know about the recruitment, including eligibility, important dates, vacancy details, selection process, and how to apply.
Overview of RRC SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
This recruitment is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Cell under the South East Central Railway zone. The apprenticeship training will be provided mainly in the Raipur Division and Wagon Repair Shop, Raipur.
A total of 1644 apprentice posts have been announced across different technical trades. The training duration will be one year, and candidates will be selected purely on a merit basis without any written exam or interview.
Important Dates You Should Not Miss
The timeline for this recruitment is straightforward and important for all applicants to follow carefully.
The notification was released on May 5, 2026, and the online application process also started on the same day. The last date to apply is June 4, 2026, and candidates must complete their form submission before 11:59 PM. The age calculation will also be considered as of May 5, 2026.
Total Vacancy Details
The recruitment includes 1644 total vacancies divided into two major units.
The DRM Office Raipur Division has 1363 posts, while the Wagon Repair Shop Raipur offers 281 posts. This wide distribution of vacancies gives candidates a better chance of selection depending on their trade.
Trade Wise Vacancy Distribution
The majority of vacancies are concentrated in high-demand trades.
In the Raipur Division, Fitter has the highest number of posts with 406 vacancies, followed by Electrician with 337 and Welder with 262. Other trades include Mechanic Diesel, COPA, Electronics Mechanic, Turner, and more.
In the Wagon Repair Shop, Fitter and Welder dominate again with 110 vacancies each. Other trades such as Machinist, Electrician, Turner, and COPA also have limited seats.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To apply for this recruitment, candidates must meet specific educational and age requirements.
Applicants must have passed Class 10 under the 10+2 system with at least 50 percent aggregate marks. In addition, they must possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from a recognized institution. Candidates who are still waiting for their results are not eligible to apply.
The minimum age required is 15 years, and the maximum age limit is 24 years as of May 5, 2026.
Age Relaxation Rules
Certain categories are eligible for age relaxation as per government norms.
SC and ST candidates get a relaxation of 5 years, while OBC candidates receive 3 years. Persons with Benchmark Disabilities are eligible for a 10-year relaxation. Ex-servicemen are also granted a 10-year relaxation.
Application Fee Details
One of the best aspects of this recruitment is that there is no application fee for any category. All candidates can apply free of cost, which makes this opportunity accessible to everyone.
Selection Process Explained
The selection process is simple and completely merit-based. There will be no written examination or interview.
The merit list will be prepared by giving equal weightage to both Class 10 and ITI marks. Fifty percent weight will be given to 10th marks and fifty percent to ITI marks. The final merit will be calculated by averaging both scores.
Candidates who are shortlisted will be called for document verification and medical examination before final selection.
Documents Required for Application
Candidates need to keep several documents ready while filling out the application form.
These include a passport-size photograph, signature, Class 10 marksheet, ITI certificate, Aadhaar card, caste certificate if applicable, OBC non-creamy layer certificate, EWS certificate, and PwBD certificate if required.
Providing incorrect or incomplete documents may lead to rejection of the application.
Step by Step Process to Apply Online
The application process is fully online and must be completed through the official apprenticeship portal.
Candidates need to first register using their Aadhaar number and mobile number. After registration, they must complete their profile details carefully and select the SECR Raipur Division recruitment.
Next, they need to upload all required documents and verify the details before final submission. After submitting the form, it is advisable to take a printout for future reference.
Official Website and Application Link
Candidates can apply online and check detailed notifications through the official platforms:
Official Website: Click here
Apply Online: Click here
Official Notification PDF: Click here
Applicants should always rely on these official sources for accurate and updated information.
Why This Recruitment is a Big Opportunity
This recruitment drive stands out because of the high number of vacancies and the absence of any written examination. Candidates with ITI qualifications have a strong chance of selection based purely on their academic performance.
The training provided under the Apprentices Act helps candidates gain practical experience in railway operations, which can significantly improve their chances of future employment in the government sector.
Trades like Fitter, Electrician, and Welder have a large number of seats, which increases the probability of selection for eligible candidates.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates must ensure that they meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Applications will only be accepted online, and no hard copies are required to be sent.
All original documents will be verified during the document verification stage. Providing false information can lead to cancellation of candidature.
No travel allowance or daily allowance will be provided for any stage of the recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for RRC SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The last date to submit the online application is June 4, 2026.
How many vacancies are available in this recruitment
There are a total of 1644 apprentice vacancies available across different trades.
What qualification is required to apply
Candidates must have passed Class 10 with at least 50 percent marks and must hold an ITI certificate in the relevant trade.
Is there any application fee
No, there is no application fee for any category.
What is the selection process
Selection is based purely on merit calculated from Class 10 and ITI marks. No exam or interview will be conducted.
What is the duration of training
The apprenticeship training duration is one year.
Can final year ITI students apply
No, candidates awaiting their ITI results are not eligible to apply.
Conclusion
The RRC SECR Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for ITI-qualified candidates who want to gain valuable experience in the railway sector. With zero application fees, a simple merit-based selection process, and a large number of vacancies, this recruitment is expected to attract a high number of applicants.
Candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible and ensure that all details are filled accurately to avoid rejection. This could be a crucial step toward building a stable and rewarding career in the government sector.