Southern Railway opens applications for 4471 apprentice positions

Kush Singh31 August 20263 min read16 viewsImportant

Southern Railway has officially released notification 01/2026 to fill 4,471 apprentice positions across its extensive operational jurisdiction covering Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and designated districts in Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Karnataka. This massive recruitment drive offers a golden opportunity for job aspirants looking to build a career in the railway sector through hands-on technical training. The available vacancies are broadly divided into 163 positions for the Fresher category and 4,308 positions for the Ex-ITI category. Online application submission has already commenced from August 28, 2026, and candidates can submit their forms until September 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Interested applicants must note that they need to be permanent residents of the notified districts within the jurisdiction of Southern Railway. Let us take a detailed look at the eligibility criteria, age limits, stipends, and application procedures to help you apply seamlessly.

Important Dates and Application Fee Details

The application window is open for a limited period, so candidates must complete their submissions well before the deadline. The online application link went live on August 28, 2026, and will close on September 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Regarding the application processing charges, a nominal fee of ₹100 is applicable for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. However, full exemption from the application fee is granted to all SC, ST, PwBD, and female applicants, making it accessible for a wider section of aspirants.

Eligibility Criteria and Educational Qualifications

Eligibility requirements for these apprentice posts vary depending on the chosen trade and category. For Fresher candidates applying for Fitter, Painter, or Welder roles, applicants must have passed the 10th grade with at least 50% marks. Those applying for Medical Laboratory Technician roles need to have completed their 12th-grade education in PCB with 50% marks. Ex-ITI candidates are required to hold a 10th-grade certificate with 50% marks along with an NCVT or SCVT-recognized ITI certificate in the relevant trade. It is crucial to note that engineering graduates and diploma holders are strictly ineligible for these positions. Furthermore, the mandatory 50% marks requirement is relaxed for SC, ST, and PwBD applicants in line with government guidelines.

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Age Limits and Relaxation Rules

Aspirants must meet the prescribed age criteria as of August 28, 2026. The minimum age requirement for all applicants is 15 years. The maximum age limits are set at 22 years for Freshers and 24 years for Ex-ITI and MLT candidates. Standard age relaxations apply according to government rules, offering an extension of 3 years for OBC applicants, 5 years for SC and ST applicants, and 10 years for PwBD applicants.

Stipend Structure and Training Benefits

Selected candidates will receive financial support during their training period. The monthly stipend rates are fixed at ₹8,200 per month for 10th-pass Freshers and ₹9,600 per month for 12th-pass Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates. To encourage continuous learning and skill enhancement, stipends will see a progressive increase, with a 10% hike in the second year and an additional 15% hike in the third year of training.

Selection Process and Employment Terms

The selection of candidates will be strictly based on a merit list derived from 10th, 12th, and ITI examination marks. There is no written examination scheduled for this recruitment drive, simplifying the selection procedure. Finally, Southern Railway has explicitly clarified that this is strictly a training-related appointment under the Apprentices Act and does not guarantee subsequent regular employment within the railway network upon completion of the training program.

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