South Eastern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2025
The South Eastern Railway (SER) has opened a major recruitment drive in 2025 for apprenticeships — an excellent opportunity for technically trained youth looking to begin a career in one of India’s key rail networks. In this article we cover all aspects: eligibility, vacancies, how to apply, selection process, trade-wise breakdown, important dates, and tips for success.
Why this recruitment matters
The railway sector continues to be one of the most important public-sector employment zones in India, offering stable work, technical training and growth possibilities. The South Eastern Railway zone covers a large region and includes multiple workshops, loco sheds, carriage & wagon depots, and heavy-engineering units. By offering apprenticeships, SER provides a launch pad for young people to gain trade-specific training, hands-on experience, and be part of a large infrastructure organisation.
In 2025, SER is offering 1,785 apprentice posts across various units and trades. This volume of vacancies makes it a significant opportunity for fresh ITI holders and matriculation pass candidates who are eligible. The fact that selection is merit-based (rather than exam-based) further increases accessibility for many aspirants.
The apprenticeship scheme not only helps candidates build skills but also aligns with India’s broader skill development initiatives. For young people who may not yet have a full degree, this opens a tangible pathway into a technical career.
Key facts at a glance
| Parameter |
Detail |
| Number of vacancies |
1,785 posts |
| Application start date |
18 November 2025 |
| Application end date |
17 December 2025 |
| Qualification required |
Matriculation (10th class) with minimum 50% + ITI certificate in relevant trade |
| Age limit |
15-24 years (as on 1 January 2026) |
| Application fee |
₹100 for General/OBC; SC/ST/PwD/Women exempt |
| Selection method |
Trade-wise merit list based on matric percentage |
Detailed vacancy breakdown
The 1,785 vacancies are distributed across different workshops, sheds and depots under the SER zone. Some of the unit-wise numbers (for illustration) are:
- Kharagpur Workshop: 360 posts
- Signal & Telecom Workshop, Kharagpur: 87
- Track Machine Workshop, Kharagpur: 120
- Carriage & Wagon Depot, Kharagpur: 121
- Diesel Loco Shed, Kharagpur: 50
- Sr. DEE (G) Kharagpur: 90
- EMU Shed / Electrical TPKR: 40
- Electric Loco Shed Santragachi: 36
- Sr. DEE (G) Chakradharpur: 93
- Carriage & Wagon Depot, Chakradharpur: 65
- Electric Loco Shed TATA: 72
- Engineering Workshop Sini: 100
- Track Machine Workshop Sini: 7
- Electric Loco Shed Bondamunda: 50
- Diesel Loco Shed Bondamunda: 52
- Sr. DEE (G) Adra: 30
- Carriage & Wagon Depot, Adra: 65
- Diesel Loco Shed BKSC: 33
- Electric Loco Shed ROU: 25
- Carriage & Wagon Depot Ranchi: 30
- Sr. DEE (G) Ranchi: 30
- TRD Depot/Electrical Ranchi: 10
- SSE (Works) Engg Ranchi: 10
These numbers illustrate the wide spread of units and trades within the zone, offering choices across maintenance, electrical, mechanical, signal & telecom, loco sheds and depots.
Eligibility criteria
Educational qualification
To apply, candidates must satisfy:
- Have passed matriculation (10th class) under the 10+2 system from a recognised Board, securing at least 50% aggregate marks (excluding additional/optional subjects).
- Possess an ITI certificate (recognized by NCVT/SCVT) in the trade in which the apprenticeship is to be done.
This dual requirement ensures the candidate has both a basic academic foundation and trade-specific training.
Age limit
- The minimum age is 15 years as on 1 January 2026.
- The upper age limit is 24 years as on that date.
- Age as recorded in the matriculation certificate or birth certificate will be reckoned.
- Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per Government rules (SC/ST/OBC/PwD etc.).
Keeping track of the age cut-off is important (e.g., someone born after 1 January 2001 would be under the age limit for 2025 recruitment if eligible).
Nationality & other conditions
- Applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Must satisfy any other conditions prescribed in the official notification (such as medical fitness, character verification etc.).
- There is no specified prior work experience requirement (as this is an apprenticeship scheme).
Selection process
The selection for these apprenticeship posts is done purely on a merit-list basis trade-wise (i.e., within each trade category). Key features:
- The basis for merit is the percentage of marks obtained in matriculation (10th class) across all subjects. There is no weightage for any particular subject (such as Maths or Science) or any separate test.
- Only candidates who have secured the minimum of 50% in matric are eligible to have their marks considered in the merit list.
- After the merit list is drawn up, selected candidates will be called for document verification and medical examination (as per standard railway recruitment procedure).
- No separate written exam or interview is indicated — which simplifies the process and makes it more accessible for candidates whose strength is trade training rather than competitive examination.
This merit-based model means that applicants should aim to round up their matriculation marks and ensure their ITI certificate is ready and valid for the trade they wish to apply for.
Application fee and mode of payment
- For General and OBC category candidates: ₹ 100 (one-time payment).
- Applicants belonging to SC, ST, PwD categories, and Women candidates are exempted from the application fee.
- Payment modes include: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, e-Wallets.
- Before paying the fee (if applicable), candidates should fill the online application form, upload required documents, and verify the correctness of details — once submitted and fee paid, modifications may not be allowed.
How to apply: Step-by-Step
- Visit the official recruitment portal of SER’s Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) — ensure you access the site early on the start date (18 November 2025) to avoid last‐minute congestion.
- Look for the section titled “Apprentice Recruitment 2025 – SER” (or similar). Download and read carefully the official notification: it contains trade-wise details, reservation breakup, application instructions, documents required, and terms & conditions.
- Click on the “Apply Online” link. In the registration section, you will need to enter personal details: name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, address etc. Create a login ID and password (if required).
- Fill the online application form: educational details (matriculation board, year of passing, percentage of marks), ITI certificate details, category (General/OBC/SC/ST/PwD), choice of trade (if listing is allowed), and unit preferences (if applicable).
- Upload scanned passport-size photograph, signature, matriculation certificate, ITI certificate, category certificate (if applicable) and any other required document. Ensure file sizes and formats are as per instructions.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) using the available modes. Obtain payment confirmation/receipt.
- Submit the form and print/save a copy of the submitted application form and fee receipt/confirmation for future reference.
- After submission, keep logging in periodically to check status: shortlisting announcements, merit list publication, document verification schedule, medical exam schedule and further joining instructions.
Important dates to remember
- Online application begins: 18 November 2025
- Online application ends: 17 December 2025 (Last date for fee payment also same)
- Merit list publication: To be announced on the official website/portal.
- Document verification and medical exam: Following merit list, dates will be published.
It is strongly advised to submit the form well ahead of the last date to avoid any technical or payment issues.
Trades and units: What you should know
One of the attractive aspects of this recruitment is its spread across multiple trades and workshop/maintenance units in the SER zone. Examples include mechanical trades (workshops, track machines), electrical trades (electrical units, EMU sheds, electric loco sheds), signal & telecom, carriage & wagon depots, etc.
For a candidate, choosing the right trade is vital because:
- Your ITI certificate must match the trade in which you apply. An ITI in a non-matching trade may make you ineligible.
- Some units/trades may have more competition (more applicants per vacancy) whereas others may be less competitive — choosing wisely can improve chances.
- Location matters: Units are spread across places like Kharagpur, Chakradharpur, Adra, Ranchi, Bondamunda, BKSC, Rourkela etc. Candidates should consider willingness to relocate or commute.
- Career progression: In future, working in a specific trade/unit can lead to internal opportunities (supervision, senior technician roles etc). So trade selection should align with your long term interest.
Since the official notification will list the exact trade-wise vacancy numbers, applicants should review that carefully and prioritise their preferences accordingly.
Reservation & category-wise benefits
As with all government sector recruitments, the SER apprenticeship drive adheres to reservation norms (SC, ST, OBC, PwD, Women, Ex-Servicemen). Key points:
- Age relaxation will apply for reserved categories as per Government rules (for example 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC in general).
- Fee exemption for SC/ST/PwD/Women applicants helps reduce barriers.
- Candidates belonging to reserved categories should attach the valid category certificate while applying/uploading documents.
- Merit list may have reserved-category seats flagged; some units may have separate quotas for each category.
- Even for free-seats (unreserved), reserved category candidates can apply and their candidature will be considered in the unreserved pool as well (if eligible).
Understanding reservation implications (and planning accordingly) will help applicants strategise their application—in some cases applying under the unreserved category (if eligible) may yield better chances, in others reserved category may be safer.
Why apprenticeships are important – long term view
Participating in an apprenticeship programme under a large organisation like SER offers more than just a “job”. Here’s why:
- Skill acquisition: You gain technical trade skills (mechanical, electrical, signal, overhaul etc) under structured guidance in workshops and depots.
- Work experience: Real-life exposure to railway infrastructure, maintenance regimes, heavy machinery and operations builds your resume and confidence.
- Pathway to employment: Many apprentice tracks lead to further employment opportunities (depending on performance, openings, internal assessments). While this specific drive is for apprentice posts, future opportunities may open up for successful trainees.
- Stability & public-sector environment: Railway jobs often provide job security, defined career progression, standard allowances and infrastructure—benefits attractive especially in tier-2/3 cities and regions.
- Growth and mobility: You may start in a specific trade/unit, but with experience and good performance you may shift to other units or supervisory roles.
For a young person who has completed matric + ITI, this bridge into the railway world is extremely valuable.
How to improve your chances
Given competition can be strong, you should plan your application and preparation. Here are some practical tips:
- Check your eligibility early: Ensure your matriculation certificate shows correct date of birth, percentage ≥ 50%. Ensure your ITI certificate is valid and in the correct trade. Fix any discrepancies (e.g., name mismatches) before application date.
- Select suitable trade/unit: Analyse the trade list and units. If you have multiple ITI trades, choose the one with fewer applicants (if such information is available) or one that aligns with your interest and future goals. Don’t just pick the most popular trade blindly.
- Compile scanned documents: Have high-quality scanned copies of your photograph, signature, matric certificate, ITI certificate, category certificate (if applicable). Ensure correct file type (often .jpg/.jpeg/.pdf) and size as per portal instructions.
- Submit early: Don’t wait until the last day. The website may face heavy traffic, payment gateways may fail, etc. Early submission gives time for correction or troubleshooting.
- Double-check entries: Once you submit, you may not get a chance to edit. So verify all data – name spelling, date of birth, percentage, category, trade, mobile number & email.
- Keep printout and acknowledgement: After submission, save/print the application form and payment receipt. These will be useful at document verification stage.
- Prepare for document verification & medical exam: Even though there is no written test here, shortlisted candidates will still undergo document verification and medical examination. Ensure you physically meet the medical standards (as per railway norms) and have all original documents ready.
- Stay updated: Regularly visit the official SER RRC portal for updates — merit list announcements, schedule of verification, any corrigendum, FAQ updates etc. Also keep your email/mobile active for notifications.
Common queries (FAQs)
Q. Is there any written exam or interview for the apprentice posts?
No, the selection is through a trade-wise merit list based on matriculation marks (with minimum 50%) and ITI trade qualification. There is no separate written exam indicated.
Q. Can someone with 12th class qualification apply?
Yes, technically if you have passed matric (10th) plus ITI in the trade, you meet the minimum. Having 12th is not a disqualification—but the ITI trade requirement remains critical.
Q. What happens after being selected as an apprentice?
Once selected, you will join the assigned unit as an apprentice, undergo training for the prescribed period (as per Apprentices Act/Rules). On successful completion, your training certificate or experience may help in future technical/operational roles within railways or externally.
Q. Can I apply for more than one trade or multiple units?
Typically the application form allows you to indicate trade preference(s) or unit(s) as per the notification. However you need to apply only once, choosing your trade/unit preference carefully. Multiple applications by one candidate may lead to cancellation.
Q. What about stipend/salary during apprenticeship?
The official notification would specify the stipend amount per month during apprenticeship training. It is important to refer to the notification for the exact value.
Q. Will accommodation/transport be provided?
Some units may provide accommodation or facilitate railway colony housing for apprentices, or at least guidance. It depends on the unit. The recruitment notification may mention this. If not, candidates should enquire after selection.
Q. Can women apply for these apprenticeship posts?
Yes, if they meet the eligibility criteria (matric + ITI in relevant trade + age limit). Also women candidates are exempt from application fee.
What to keep an eye on in the official notification
When the official PDF notification is released, carefully check for:
- Trade-wise vacancy list (each trade has a certain number of seats)
- Unit/Workshop/Depot wise breakdown (some units may have fewer seats)
- Category-wise reservation details (SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Women)
- List of eligible ITI trades (whether your ITI trade qualifies for your chosen post)
- Stipend amount and duration of training
- Medical fitness criteria (visual/hearing/physical requirements)
- Document list required at verification (matric certificate, ITI certificate, category certificate, DOB certificate, passport photo, identity proof etc.)
- Weightage or tie-breaker criteria (in case matriculation marks tie, what is the policy)
- If any state-domicile requirement exists (though for SER apprentices this may not apply)
- Date of merit list publication and schedule of verification & medical.
Region & unit details: Why “South Eastern Railway” zone matters
The South Eastern Railway zone serves a vital region of the Indian rail network — it includes divisions such as Kharagpur, Chakradharpur, Adra, Ranchi, among others. These divisions harbour heavy engineering workshops, loco sheds (electric and diesel), track machine workshops, carriage & wagon depots and signalling units. For a young apprentice, being posted to a workshop or shed under SER means access to substantial infrastructural assets, experienced technical staff, and real-life industrial training environment.
This recruitment drive therefore offers not just a job but an environment where technical skill meets industrial application. For example, working in a loco shed or track machine workshop means you may deal with heavy locomotives, track renewal machinery, overhaul of rolling stock — all of which provide robust experience.
Also, many of these units are located in or around engineering-towns or industrial hubs (e.g., Kharagpur, Ranchi, TATA region). This can be favorable in terms of local transport, connectivity, and opportunities for growth.
What apprentices can expect after joining
Once you are selected and join as an apprentice, here’s what you typically can expect:
- Induction training: You will be introduced to the unit, safety norms, work discipline, tools & equipment.
- On-the-job training: You will be attached to a trade in the workshop/maintenance unit. For example, mechanical trade may involve overhauling of wagons/locos; electrical trade may involve wiring, drive systems; signal & telecom may involve signalling equipment diagnostics; carriage & wagon maintenance may involve structural repairs etc.
- Classroom or trade school training: Many railway workshops partner with technical institutes to provide classroom sessions (safety, basic engineering, IT, trade theory) alongside practical work.
- Evaluations/assessments: Periodic evaluations may happen (attendance, work quality, theory tests).
- Stipend payment: During the apprenticeship period you will receive a stipend (amount defined in notification).
- Completion certificate: After successful completion you will get certificate of apprenticeship. This adds to your credentials for future jobs/troles.
- Future opportunity: While not guaranteed, high-performing apprentices may be considered for employment or invited to apply for technical supervisor or multi-skilled roles in the railway or allied industries.
Strategy for candidates from less urban areas
If you are coming from a non-metropolitan area (for example smaller towns or rural regions) here are some tips:
- Document readiness: Ensure your certificates, age proof, ITI certificate, and photograph are in digital form securely before applying. Rural areas sometimes face scanning/printing issues.
- Internet access: Use reliable internet connection when the application opens. Application servers may lag—use before the last date.
- Trade selection aligned to local commuting: If units are far, transportation/boarding can be an issue. Choose units/trades closer to your home if possible, or consider relocating cost when selecting.
- Peer group support: Connect with others who are applying in your region/trade; shared information (about portal issues, document uploads, instructions) is helpful.
- Prepare early: Although there is no exam, ensure that your matric marksheet and ITI certificate are safely kept; rectify if any discrepancy exists at early stage.
- Local hostel/accommodation plans: If posted far from home you may need to plan for accommodation; investigate whether the unit provides apprentice hostels or allowances.
The broader significance for job-seekers
For many young job-seekers, the combination of “10th + ITI” is a popular path, but job opportunities may feel limited. This SER apprenticeship drive offers a meaningful link between such qualifications and employment in an organised public-sector infrastructure body.
The fact that selection is purely merit-based with minimal barriers (no competitive exam, no expensive preparatory cost) means that candidates who might not be able to invest heavily in exam coaching still have a fair chance — provided they meet eligibility and apply carefully.
Furthermore, apprenticeship training increases the employability of candidates — whether within the railways or in industry. When the railways train you, your skill set counts.
Quick checklist before you click “Submit”
- [ ] Confirm you have passed 10th class with ≥ 50% aggregate (excluding additional subjects)
- [ ] Confirm you have an ITI certificate in the relevant trade (NCVT/SCVT recognised)
- [ ] Confirm you are within age limit: 15-24 years as on 1 January 2026 (with any reservation relaxations checked)
- [ ] Choose the trade/unit you are most eligible for and that aligns with your interest
- [ ] Scan photograph, signature, certificates in correct format as per website instructions
- [ ] Register/login early on 18 November, fill form, upload documents, pay fee (if applicable)
- [ ] Print/save application form and fee payment confirmation
- [ ] Keep originals of certificates handy for document verification
- [ ] Regularly check official portal for merit list updates and post-selection instructions
- [ ] Plan for joining unit: travel, accommodation, medicals, joining date etc.
Final words
If you are a young candidate with a 10th class pass and an ITI certificate, the South Eastern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2025 is an opportunity worth grabbing. The window (18 November to 17 December 2025) gives you time to prepare and apply carefully—once the last date passes you may miss a valuable chance.
Remember: this is more than just a job—it’s a technical training platform, a stepping-stone into the railway ecosystem, and a chance to build your long term career. Choose your trade smartly, ensure your documents are in order, apply early, and keep track of updates.
Take action now: make sure you meet the eligibility, gather your credentials, and mark your calendar for 18 November. The railway tracks to your future might begin right here with this apprentice recruitment drive. Good luck!
