The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has officially opened its doors for aspiring candidates looking to join Indian Railways as Act Apprentices. This recruitment drive covers a massive intake of 6,777 positions across various trades for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 training cycles. With the application process now live, this serves as a significant opportunity for those seeking hands-on experience under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
Key details of the recruitment drive include:
- Application Start Date: July 20, 2026, at 9 AM IST
- Application Deadline: August 19, 2026, at 5:30 PM IST
- Selection Process: Merit-based (No written exam or interview)
- Age Limit: 15 to 24 years as of August 19, 2026
- Official Website: nfr.indianrailways.gov.in
Merit-Based Selection Criteria
Unlike traditional government job recruitment, the NFR process relies entirely on academic performance. For the majority of trades, the merit list will be prepared by calculating the average percentage of marks obtained in Matriculation (Class 10)—with a mandatory minimum of 50% aggregate—and the marks secured in the relevant ITI trade.
For specialized roles such as Laboratory Technician (Pathology) and Laboratory Technician (Radiology), the criteria shift slightly. Candidates will be evaluated based on the average percentage of their Class 10 marks (minimum 50% aggregate) and their Class 12 Science stream marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Stipend and Application Fees
Selected candidates will be entitled to a monthly stipend starting at a minimum of ₹9,600, effective from September 11, 2025. The program also allows for potential stipend increases during the second and third years of training, depending on the specific trade requirements.
Regarding application costs, a non-refundable fee of ₹100 applies to General, OBC, and EWS candidates. However, the Railways has extended full fee exemptions to women candidates, SC/ST categories, PwBD, and EBC applicants. To qualify for the EBC fee waiver, candidates must present a valid family income certificate issued on or after April 1, 2026, proving an annual income of less than ₹50,000. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the official NFR website promptly to ensure their applications are submitted before the August deadline.