The South East Central Railway (SECR) has officially released its Apprentice Recruitment Notification 2026, offering a massive opportunity for candidates seeking technical training and career exposure in the Indian Railways sector. This recruitment drive is part of the Skill India initiative and provides hands-on industrial training under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
If you are a 10th pass or ITI-qualified candidate looking to enter the railway ecosystem, this is one of the most important opportunities of the year. In this detailed blog, you will find everything you need to know—from eligibility criteria and vacancy breakdown to application steps and preparation strategy.
📌 Overview of SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The notification released by the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Office, Raipur, outlines the engagement of apprentices in multiple trades across the Raipur Division and Wagon Repair Shop.
According to the official document (page 1 of the PDF), applications are invited online from 05 May 2026 to 04 June 2026 (11:59 PM).
Key Highlights:
- Organization: South East Central Railway (SECR)
- Location: Raipur Division & Wagon Repair Shop
- Total Vacancies: 1300+ (approx. 1363 seats mentioned in PDF)
- Mode of Application: Online
- Training Duration: 1 Year
- Official Portal: apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
📊 Trade-Wise Vacancy Details
The recruitment includes a wide range of technical and non-technical trades, offering flexibility for candidates from various ITI backgrounds.
Major Trades Include:
- Fitter
- Electrician
- Welder (Gas & Electric)
- Turner
- Machinist
- COPA (Computer Operator & Programming Assistant)
- Mechanic Diesel
- Stenographer (Hindi & English)
- Electronics Mechanic
- Carpenter
- Painter
- Mason
- Pipe Line Fitter
From the table on page 1, the highest number of seats are allocated to trades like Fitter, Electrician, and Welder.
Example Breakdown:
- Fitter: 400+ posts
- Electrician: 300+ posts
- Welder: 200+ posts
- COPA: 80+ posts
Additionally, Wagon Repair Shop also has separate vacancies across similar trades.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.
1. Educational Qualification
As mentioned in the official notification (page 2):
- Must have passed 10th class (Matriculation) under the 10+2 system with minimum 50% aggregate marks
- Must possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from a recognized institution
⚠️ Important Note:
Candidates awaiting results are not eligible to apply.
2. Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years (as on 05 May 2026)
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD: 10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: As per rules
The date of birth range is clearly specified in the table on page 2.
💰 Stipend & Training Details
Selected candidates will undergo 1-year apprenticeship training.
- Stipend will be provided as per Railway Board norms
- Training is purely skill-based
- No guarantee of permanent employment after completion
(Details mentioned on page 2 of the PDF)
🧮 Selection Process
One of the most attractive aspects of this recruitment is that there is no written exam.
Merit-Based Selection:
Selection is based on:
- Average percentage of marks in:
- Matriculation (10th)
- ITI
Both are given equal weightage (as per page 2).
👉 Formula:
Merit = (10th % + ITI %) / 2 Additional Steps:
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
🏥 Medical Requirements
Candidates must provide a medical certificate issued by a Government authorized doctor.
- Minimum rank: Assistant Surgeon
- Must meet Apprenticeship Act standards
(Mentioned in page 2 of the notification)
📝 Application Process – Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for SECR Apprentice Recruitment is simple but requires careful attention.
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to: 👉 apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
Step 2: Register Yourself
- Create a profile
- Verify Aadhaar details
Step 3: Fill Application Form
- Enter personal details
- Select trade
- Upload documents
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
- 10th Marksheet
- ITI Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
Step 5: Submit Form
- Review all details carefully
- Submit before deadline
⚠️ Important Instructions
According to page 3 of the notification:
- Only online applications are accepted
- No physical copy is required
- Canvassing leads to disqualification
- Fake documents will result in cancellation
Other key points:
- No TA/DA will be paid
- Railway administration decision is final
- Incomplete applications will be rejected
🎖️ Reservation Policy
The recruitment follows government reservation norms:
- SC / ST / OBC / EWS categories
- PwBD reservation
- Ex-Servicemen quota (10%)
Candidates must provide valid certificates during document verification (page 3).
📅 Important Dates
- Start Date: 05 May 2026
- Last Date: 04 June 2026 (11:59 PM)
👉 Apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
📍 Training Locations
Selected candidates will be trained at:
- Raipur Division
- Wagon Repair Shop, Raipur
These facilities provide hands-on technical exposure in real railway operations.
💡 Why You Should Apply
This apprenticeship is more than just training—it’s a career foundation.
Benefits:
- Industry-level skill development
- Experience in Indian Railways
- Stipend during training
- Enhances employability
- Recognized certification
🧠 Preparation Tips for Selection
Even though there is no exam, competition is high.
Tips:
- Ensure maximum marks in ITI
- Double-check documents
- Apply early
- Choose the correct trade
- Keep certificates ready
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Uploading incorrect documents
- Applying without eligibility
- Missing deadline
- Entering wrong marks
- Ignoring category certificates
🔍 Detailed Trade Insights
Fitter
Most demanded trade with maximum seats. Involves mechanical assembly and maintenance.
Electrician
Focuses on electrical systems, wiring, and repairs.
Welder
Practical trade involving metal joining techniques.
COPA
Ideal for candidates with computer knowledge.
Mechanic Diesel
Specialized in diesel engine maintenance.
📈 Career Opportunities After Apprenticeship
Though not guaranteed, apprentices can:
- Apply for railway jobs
- Join private industries
- Work in manufacturing units
- Start self-employment
The SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for candidates seeking skill-based training in one of India’s largest sectors—railways.
With over 1300 vacancies, simple selection criteria, and nationwide recognition, this recruitment is ideal for ITI holders aiming to build a strong career foundation.
Make sure to apply before the deadline and carefully follow all instructions mentioned in the official notification.
SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 PDF Download
👉 Download Official Notification:
https://img2.freejobalert.com/news/2026/05/785412-69faba7c6e19d42555512.pdf
