If you’ve completed your ITI and are preparing for a government job, here’s a golden opportunity for you from Western Railway Apprentice 2026. Western Railway has announced the recruitment for 5,349 Apprentice posts. This isn’t just any ordinary recruitment – it’s a big chance to kickstart your career with an organization like Indian Railways. The best part? There’s no written exam, and selection will be purely based on merit.
Think about why this opportunity could work in your favor. During your Apprentice training, you’ll receive a stipend, and the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) you get after completing the training will add real weight to your resume. Plus, in upcoming direct recruitments for Level-1 posts (like Trackman, Assistant Loco Pilot, etc.) in Railways, candidates with this NAC certificate get preference for up to 20% of the vacancies. So this isn’t just one year of training – it’s a smart way to make your path toward a permanent railway job a whole lot easier.
Western Railway Apprentice 2026: Who Should Apply?
This recruitment is specifically designed for young candidates who have completed ITI in any trade after passing 10th. Think of it as the starting point of a new career journey.
- Who can apply: Candidates who have scored at least 50% marks in 10th and also hold an NCVT-affiliated ITI certificate.
- Who cannot apply: Here’s something important to note – if you’ve failed in ITI or if you’re an engineering graduate/diploma holder, please don’t fill this form. There’s a separate apprenticeship scheme running for graduates and diploma holders.
- What career path can you build: Through this recruitment, you’ll receive training at a railway division or workshop. This hands-on experience will sharpen your technical skills and boost your chances of getting a job in Railways or any other government/private sector in the future.
What Will Selected Candidates Actually Do?
Your daily work will depend entirely on the trade you’ve chosen. For example:
- If you’re a Fitter, you’ll be fitting machine parts and repairing them
- If you’re a Welder, you’ll handle welding work
- If you’re an Electrician, you’ll deal with wiring and electrical maintenance
- If you’re a Carpenter, you’ll work with wood
- If you’re a Mechanic (Diesel), you’ll repair diesel engines
All this training will happen alongside Railways’ expert teams, giving you practical knowledge you just can’t get from books alone.
Western Railway Apprentice 2026: Vacancy Details
A total of 5,349 seats are up for grabs. Here’s how they’re distributed across different trades. Just keep in mind that these numbers are provisional – they might increase or decrease slightly based on actual requirements.
| Post Name (Trade) | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Fitter | 1614 |
| Electrician | 1217 |
| Welder | 705 |
| PASSA (Programming & Systems Administration Assistant) | 280 |
| Electronics Mechanic | 236 |
| Other Trades (Mechanic Diesel, Carpenter, Painter, Wireman, Turner, Plumber, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, Pipe Fitter, Draftsman (Civil), Stenographer, Machinist (Grinder), Forger & Heat Treater, Machinist, Mechanic Motor Vehicle) | 1297 |
| Grand Total | 5349 |
Age Limit (as on 23/03/2026)
Your age will be calculated as of March 23, 2026. Different categories get relaxation as per government rules.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 15 years | 24 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 15 years | 27 years (3 years relaxation) |
| SC/ST | 15 years | 29 years (5 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | 15 years | 34 years (10 years relaxation) |
In simple words:
If the maximum age for a General category candidate is 24, then OBC candidates can apply up to 27 years, SC/ST up to 29 years, and PwBD candidates up to 34 years. Ex-Servicemen also get similar relaxation benefits as mentioned in the notification.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | February 21, 2026 (from 11:00 AM) |
| Online Application Last Date | March 23, 2026 (till 5:00 PM) |
Salary (Stipend)
Selected candidates will receive a stipend during their one-year training period, as per the rules set by the Railway Board from time to time. While the exact figure isn’t mentioned in the notification, it’s typically around ₹7,000 to ₹10,000 per month. After completing the training, you’ll have your NAC certificate, which can give you preference in future job opportunities.
Selection Process
Here’s the best part – there’s no written exam at all. Selection will be purely based on merit.
How will the merit list be prepared?
Your merit will be calculated by taking the average of your 10th (Matriculation) and ITI marks, with both given equal weightage (50%–50%).
- Stage 1: Online Application – First, you need to carefully fill out the form on the website. Whatever percentage marks you enter for 10th and ITI will be used to generate a computerized merit list. So entering your marks correctly is absolutely crucial.
- Stage 2: Merit List Release – Merit lists will be prepared division-wise and trade-wise based on the options you chose. Candidates with the highest scores will be called forward.
- Stage 3: Document Verification (DV) and Medical Test – If your name appears in the merit list, you’ll need to visit for DV with all your original documents. You’ll also have to submit a Medical Fitness Certificate (in the format given in Annexure-G) from a government doctor.
- Stage 4: Final Selection – Once DV and medical are cleared, your selection is finalized.
Selection Process Table:
| Stage | What Happens? |
|---|---|
| Merit Preparation Method | Average of 10th (50% marks mandatory) + ITI marks |
| Tie-Breaking (if marks are equal) | Older candidate gets priority, then whoever passed 10th earlier |
| Document Verification | Checking of original certificates |
| Medical Test | Fitness certificate from government doctor is mandatory |
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applying is pretty straightforward. Just follow these steps:
- Visit the Website: Go to the official website www.rrc-wr.com.
- Register: Look for the “Engagement of Apprentices 2025-26” link on the homepage and click it. Register using your name, email ID, mobile number, and your 12-digit Aadhaar number. (If you don’t have an Aadhaar card yet, you can use the 28-digit Enrolment ID).
- Fill the Form: After registration, you’ll get a login ID and password. Log in and fill out the complete application form. Make sure your name, father’s name, and date of birth exactly match your 10th certificate. Choose your preferred division/workshop carefully. (Remember, once chosen, it cannot be changed later.)
- Pay the Fee:
- For General / OBC candidates, the fee is ₹100.
- For SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates, no fee is required.
- Pay the fee online through Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI.
- Upload Documents: Now upload scanned and self-attested copies of all your documents:
- 10th mark sheet and certificate (as proof of date of birth)
- ITI mark sheets for all semesters and National Trade Certificate (Provisional is also acceptable)
- Caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates, in Annexure B, C, D formats)
- EWS certificate (if applicable, in Annexure H format)
- Disability certificate (for PwBD candidates, in Annexure E, F, G formats)
- Passport size photo (3.5cm x 3.5cm, 20-70 KB, JPG/JPEG)
- Signature (3.5cm x 3.5cm, 20-30 KB, JPG/JPEG)
- Submit and Take Printout: After checking everything carefully, submit the form and save a printout for future reference.
Preparation Tips for This Recruitment
Since selection is based purely on merit, your strategy should focus on maximizing your scores.
- Improve Your 10th Marks: If you scored lower in 10th, that could be a challenge. But try to compensate by scoring really well in ITI to balance the average.
- Score Well in ITI: This makes up 50% of your merit. Performing well in all semester exams of ITI is super important. Focus on both theory and practical.
- Keep Documents Accurate: The marks you enter in the form must exactly match your original mark sheets. Even a tiny discrepancy can get your candidature canceled during DV.
- Get Certificates Ready in Time: For OBC-NCL and EWS certificates, they need to be recent (for OBC, issued after April 1, 2025). Get them prepared well in advance.
- Double-Check Before Filling Form: Before you fill the form, calculate everything carefully – total marks in 10th and ITI, marks obtained, converting CGPA to percentage (if applicable) – all of it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can final year ITI students apply?
No, candidates whose ITI results were not declared by February 18, 2026 (the date the notification was issued) are not eligible to apply.
2. Is any experience required for this recruitment?
No, no prior work experience is needed. You just need to meet the educational qualification (10th + ITI).
3. Is there negative marking in the exam?
There is no written exam at all in this recruitment, so the question of negative marking doesn’t arise. Selection is purely based on your 10th and ITI marks.
4. Can candidates from other states apply?
Yes, this recruitment is open to candidates from all across India. Western Railway has issued this as a centralized notification.
5. What if I have ITI in more than one trade?
If you hold ITI certificates in multiple trades, you can submit separate applications for each trade.
6. Is a railway job guaranteed after the apprenticeship?
No, that’s not the case. This is a training program only. Railways is not obligated to give you a job. However, this training and the NAC certificate will help you get 20% preference in future direct recruitments for Level-1 posts in Railways.
7. Can I change my preferred division after applying?
No, once you’ve chosen a division/workshop, it cannot be changed. So check the vacancy table carefully before making your choice.
So what are you waiting for? If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t forget to fill the form between February 21 and March 23, 2026. Make sure to read the official notification on the website thoroughly. Good luck!