The South East Central Railway has officially started the RRC SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 process, opening applications for 1,644 Trade Apprentice vacancies under the Raipur Division and Wagon Repair Shop. The recruitment drive has attracted immediate attention among ITI-qualified candidates because the selection will be purely merit-based, without any written examination.
According to the latest recruitment schedule, the online application window opened on May 5, 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their forms until June 4, 2026. The apprenticeship engagement will be conducted under the Apprentices Act, 1961, offering one year of practical training across multiple technical trades.
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RRC SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Details
The recruitment comes at a time when railway apprenticeship opportunities are witnessing rising competition due to the absence of CBT examinations and relatively simplified selection procedures.
Vacancy Distribution and Trades Expected
The notification includes apprentice positions across several technical trades associated with railway workshop and maintenance operations. Based on previous SECR recruitment patterns, major trades are expected to include:
- Fitter
- Welder
- Electrician
- COPA
- Stenographer
- Turner
- Machinist
- Diesel Mechanic
The Raipur Division and Wagon Repair Shop have historically been among the most active apprenticeship training units in the SECR zone, handling large-scale technical operations and rolling stock maintenance.
Eligibility Criteria for RRC SECR Apprenticeship 2026
Candidates applying for the apprenticeship posts must fulfill both educational and age-related requirements prescribed in the notification.
Applicants must have passed Class 10 examination with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised board. In addition, candidates should possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade issued by an NCVT or SCVT-recognised institution.
The minimum age requirement is 15 years, while the upper age limit is generally 24 years as of the prescribed cut-off date. Reserved-category candidates are expected to receive age relaxation as per the Government of India norms.
No Written Exam: How Selection Will Be Done
One of the biggest reasons behind the popularity of railway apprentice recruitments is the absence of a competitive written examination. Similar to previous cycles, SECR is expected to prepare the merit list based on academic performance.
The merit calculation will likely consider:
- Marks obtained in Class 10
- ITI trade marks
Candidates with strong ITI scores generally gain an advantage during merit preparation, especially in highly competitive technical trades like Electrician and Fitter.
After merit list publication, shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification and medical fitness procedures before final engagement.
Why Railway Apprentice Recruitment is Becoming More Competitive
Over the past few years, apprentice recruitment notifications across Indian Railways have started receiving exceptionally high response rates. Industry observers attribute this trend to several factors.
First, candidates do not need to appear for CBT-based screening exams, which reduces preparation pressure. Second, apprenticeship training in railway establishments provides practical industrial exposure that strengthens future applications for PSU and railway recruitments.
Another important factor is the growing demand for technical training-linked opportunities among ITI pass-outs, especially in states where government technical jobs remain limited.
Compared to earlier SECR apprentice cycles that offered around 800–1000 vacancies, the 2026 drive with 1,644 posts is being viewed as a relatively larger opportunity.
Steps to Apply Online for RRC SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Candidates can complete the online registration process through the official apprenticeship portal by following these steps:
- Visit the official apprenticeship registration portal
- Complete candidate registration with basic details
- Fill the online application form carefully
- Upload photograph, signature, Class 10, and ITI documents
- Verify trade selection and eligibility details
- Submit the application form before the deadline
Candidates are advised to keep scanned copies of all educational and identity documents ready before starting the application process.
Documents Required During Application
Applicants are expected to submit the following documents while filling the form:
- Class 10 marksheet and certificate
- ITI certificate and marksheet
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Aadhaar card or valid ID proof
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
Any mismatch in educational or trade-related details may lead to rejection during verification.
What Candidates Should Do Next
With the application process now active, the next major stage will be merit list preparation after the registration deadline closes in June. Since no examination will be conducted, the accuracy of uploaded academic records will play a decisive role in the final selection.
Candidates are also expected to closely monitor official updates related to document verification schedules, division-wise merit cut-offs, and final engagement notices over the coming weeks.