The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), North Central Railway (NCR), Prayagraj has published the Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026–27 notification for engagement of 1,853 apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Eligible 10th pass + ITI (NCVT/SCVT) candidates can apply online from 8 July 2026 to 7 August 2026 for apprenticeship training at Prayagraj, Agra, and Jhansi divisions, Jhansi Workshop, and selected NCR headquarters units.
Apply online: 8 July 2026 to 7 August 2026 · Fee: ₹100 (exempted for SC/ST/PwBD/Female) · Selection: Merit list — no written exam
This is a training engagement, not a permanent Group D or technician appointment. However, NCR apprenticeship is a major entry route for ITI youth targeting Indian Railways careers, including future Course Completed Act Apprentice (CCAA) and GDCE opportunities.
Browse more alerts on our Railway Jobs page and Latest Job Notifications.
Official Links — RRC NCR Act Apprentice 2026
| Resource | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click here to apply online |
| Download Notification PDF | Click here to download notification PDF |
| RRC NCR Official Website | Click here to visit official website |
| Act Apprentice (01/2026) notices | Click here — RRC NCR apprentice page |
Always download the official PDF and read trade-wise eligibility before selecting a post on the application portal.
RRC NCR Apprentice 2026 — Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), North Central Railway, Prayagraj |
| Notification | Act Apprentice (01/2026) — Zonal engagement under Apprentices Act, 1961 |
| Post Name | Act Apprentice (trade training) |
| Total Slots | 1,853 |
| Training Year | 2026–27 |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Selection | Merit list → Document Verification → Medical Examination |
| Written Exam | None |
| Official Website | rrcpryj.org |
Important Dates — RRC NCR Act Apprentice 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Detailed notification released | 7 July 2026 |
| Online application starts | 8 July 2026 |
| Last date to apply online | 7 August 2026 |
| Merit list publication | To be announced on RRC NCR website |
| Document verification | After merit list (date-wise schedule) |
| Medical examination | After document verification |
Submit your application at least 2–3 days before 7 August 2026 to avoid last-minute server load on the examerp.com portal.
Division-Wise Apprenticeship Slots — 1,853 Total
RRC NCR has distributed 1,853 Act Apprentice slots across its operating divisions and workshop. Use this table to understand where training is likely to be allotted — final posting follows merit rank and trade availability.
| Division / Unit | Apprentice Slots |
|---|---|
| Prayagraj (PRYJ) Division | 703 |
| Jhansi (JHS) Division | 514 |
| Agra (AGC) Division | 296 |
| Jhansi Workshop | 226 |
| Track Machine Line / HQ units | 82 |
| NCR Headquarters, Prayagraj | 32 |
| Grand Total | 1,853 |
Trade-Wise Vacancies
Each division advertises apprenticeships in designated ITI trades such as Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Machinist, Turner, Carpenter, Wireman, Electronics Mechanic, Instrument Mechanic, and other workshop trades depending on operational need.
The complete trade-wise and unit-wise vacancy table is printed in the official notification PDF. On the apply portal, you can select only those trades for which you hold a matching NCVT/SCVT NTC certificate.
What Is an Act Apprentice Under Indian Railways?
An Act Apprentice is a trainee engaged under the Apprentices Act, 1961 to acquire structured on-the-job training in a railway workshop or depot for a notified training period (typically one to two years depending on trade, as specified in the notification).
Key points every applicant should understand:
- This is apprenticeship training, not direct recruitment to a permanent railway post.
- Trainees receive a stipend during training as per Apprenticeship Rules and railway guidelines mentioned in the notification — not the full 7th CPC salary of a regular employee.
- Successful completion makes you a Course Completed Act Apprentice (CCAA), which strengthens eligibility for future railway recruitment drives that reserve quotas for ex-apprentices.
- North Central Railway covers a vast network across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi NCR fringe areas — training locations include Prayagraj, Agra, Jhansi, and the Jhansi Carriage Workshop.
If your goal is an immediate permanent technician job, also track RRB Technician Recruitment 2026 — but if you are a fresh ITI pass-out, RRC NCR apprenticeship is often the more realistic first step.
Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply?
Educational Qualification
Candidates must satisfy both conditions:
- 10th / Matriculation / SSC or equivalent under the 10+2 system from a recognized board, with minimum 50% aggregate marks.
- ITI / National Trade Certificate (NTC) in the relevant trade issued by NCVT or SCVT recognized by the Government of India.
Both qualifications are mandatory. A 10th pass candidate without ITI cannot apply. An ITI holder who scored below 50% in 10th aggregate is also ineligible unless the notification specifies an exemption (verify in the PDF).
Trade Matching Rule
Your ITI trade must match the apprenticeship trade you apply for. Examples:
| If You Hold ITI In | You May Apply For Apprenticeship In |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Electrician trade slots at workshop/division |
| Fitter | Fitter trade slots |
| Welder | Welder trade slots |
| Electronics Mechanic | Electronics / S&T related slots (if notified) |
Applying for a non-matching trade leads to disqualification at document verification even if your merit rank is high.
Domicile / Residency
RRC NCR may apply domicile or zone-specific criteria for certain units as stated in the detailed notification. Read the domicile clause in the official PDF carefully — some apprenticeship drives prioritise candidates from NCR’s operational jurisdiction.
Other Conditions
- Must be an Indian citizen (or meet citizenship norms in the notification).
- Must be medically fit for railway workshop/field training as per prescribed standards.
- Must not have been previously engaged as an Act Apprentice in the same trade beyond permitted limits (check notification for repeat engagement rules).
Age Limit — As on 7 July 2026
| Category | Age Criteria |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 15 years |
| Maximum age (General) | 24 years |
| SC / ST | Upper age relaxed by 5 years |
| OBC (NCL) | Upper age relaxed by 3 years |
| PwBD | Upper age relaxed by 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Additional relaxation as per Government rules (service period + 3 years, subject to minimum service norms) |
Calculate your age precisely against 7 July 2026 — the notification’s reference date. If you are 24 years and a few months on that date, you are ineligible under general category even if still 24 at the time of applying in August.
Selection Process — Merit-Based, No Written Test
RRC NCR Act Apprentice selection is fully merit-driven. There is no CBT, no interview, and no skill test.
Stage 1 — Merit List Preparation
RRC NCR prepares a division-wise and trade-wise merit list using the average percentage of marks obtained in:
- Matriculation / 10th board examination, and
- ITI / NTC trade examination in the relevant trade.
Example (illustrative): If you scored 62% in 10th and 78% in ITI Electrician, your average is (62 + 78) ÷ 2 = 70%. Higher averages rank higher on the merit list.
The exact weighting formula (simple average or weighted) is defined in the official notification — always confirm the calculation method in the PDF before estimating your chances.
Stage 2 — Document Verification (DV)
Candidates shortlisted on merit are called for document verification in date-wise batches. Carry original certificates and self-attested photocopies.
Stage 3 — Medical Examination
After successful DV, candidates undergo a medical fitness examination as per railway medical standards for workshop apprentices.
Tie-Breaking
When two candidates have identical merit scores, RRC NCR applies tie-breaking rules stated in the notification — commonly older candidate preferred or higher 10th marks as the first tie-breaker. Check the official PDF for the exact sequence.
Application Fee — Category-Wise
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (male) | ₹100 (non-refundable) |
| SC / ST | Exempted |
| PwBD | Exempted |
| All Female candidates | Exempted |
Payment is made online through the payment gateway integrated with the application portal during registration. Save the payment receipt and application confirmation page.
Stipend and Training Duration
During Act Apprenticeship training, selected candidates receive a monthly stipend governed by the Apprentices Act and Railway Board apprenticeship guidelines — not regular employee pay scales.
- Training duration varies by trade (commonly 12 to 24 months as notified for each trade).
- Stipend rates are revised periodically by the Government of India; the notification PDF lists the applicable stipend structure for 2026–27 engagement.
- Apprentices are not entitled to regular railway employee allowances (HRA, TA, pension) during training.
Treat apprenticeship as paid skill-building that opens doors to future railway recruitment, not as a permanent job on day one.
Documents Required for Application & Verification
Keep these ready in scanned PDF/JPEG format (file size limits as per portal instructions):
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Recent passport-size photograph | Online form upload |
| Signature (black ink on white paper) | Online form upload |
| 10th / Matriculation mark sheet & certificate | Proof of 50% aggregate |
| ITI mark sheets & NTC certificate | Trade eligibility & merit marks |
| Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC) | Fee exemption & age relaxation |
| PwBD certificate | Relaxation & fee exemption |
| Domicile / residence proof | If required for specific units |
| Valid photo ID (Aadhaar / voter ID / passport) | Identity verification |
| Ex-Servicemen discharge book | Age relaxation claim |
At document verification, names and dates of birth must match exactly across 10th certificate, ITI certificate, and Aadhaar. Even minor spelling mismatches can delay or cancel candidature.
How to Apply Online — Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the official RRC NCR website at rrcpryj.org and open the Act Apprentice (01/2026) section.
- Click the Online / E-Application link — the portal is hosted at examerp.com.
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number you will keep active for at least 12 months.
- Note your registration number and password securely.
- Log in and select Act Apprentice 2026 recruitment.
- Fill personal details exactly as on 10th certificate (name, father’s name, DOB, gender, category).
- Enter educational marks carefully — these directly affect your merit score.
- Choose division preference and trade matching your ITI NTC.
- Upload photograph, signature, and certificates in the prescribed format.
- Pay ₹100 fee online if applicable (General/OBC/EWS male).
- Review every field before final submit — corrections after submission may not be allowed.
- Submit the application and download/print the confirmation page for your records.
Direct apply link: Click here to apply online
Merit Score Strategy — How to Maximise Your Rank
Because selection is purely marks-based, your preparation window is already behind you — but you can still optimise:
| Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Enter correct ITI and 10th percentages | Data entry errors become merit errors |
| Apply for matching trade only | Wrong trade = rejection despite high marks |
| Choose division with more slots | Prayagraj (703) and Jhansi (514) offer wider merit cut-off room |
| Keep NTC and mark sheets ready | DV delays for missing originals benefit others on the wait list |
| Apply early | Avoid portal crashes on the last day |
There is no benefit to delaying submission hoping for a lower cut-off — merit lists are fixed by your marks, not application date.
RRC NCR Apprentice vs RRB Technician 2026 — Know the Difference
Many ITI candidates confuse RRC Act Apprentice with RRB Technician CEN 02/2026. They are separate processes:
| Factor | RRC NCR Act Apprentice 2026 | RRB Technician CEN 02/2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Apprenticeship training | Direct technician recruitment |
| Vacancies | 1,853 training slots | 6,565 technician posts (indicative) |
| Selection | Merit of 10th + ITI marks | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Experience | Fresher ITI welcome | Fresher eligible (post-wise) |
| Age | 15–24 years | 18–33 / 36 years |
| Apply portal | examerp.com via RRC NCR | Respective RRB websites |
| Outcome | CCAA training certificate | Direct railway technician job |
Fresh ITI pass-outs should prioritise RRC NCR Apprentice if they meet the age bar. Candidates seeking immediate employment should also apply for RRB Technician Recruitment 2026 in parallel if eligible.
After Apprenticeship — Career Pathways on Indian Railways
Completing NCR Act Apprenticeship strengthens your profile for:
- Railway recruitment with CCAA quota — many CEN notifications reserve seats for course-completed apprentices.
- GDCE (General Departmental Competitive Examination) — departmental promotion route for railway staff; apprenticeship builds the foundational workshop experience employers value.
- Private sector and PSU technical roles — NCR workshop training on rolling stock, carriage, and track machines is respected across industrial employers in North India.
Treat these 1,853 slots as long-term career investments, not short-term stipend jobs.
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection
- Selecting a trade different from your ITI NTC.
- Entering wrong percentage marks in the online form (always cross-check mark sheets).
- Missing the 50% aggregate rule in 10th — individual subject passes are not enough if aggregate is below 50%.
- Assuming application fee exemption without proper category certificate upload.
- Waiting until 11:59 PM on 7 August when servers are overloaded.
- Using unofficial third-party websites to apply instead of examerp.com.
- Ignoring domicile restrictions for specific units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can final-year ITI students apply?
Only if you have completed ITI and received NTC before the application deadline and can upload the certificate. Provisional or incomplete ITI candidates are generally not eligible.
Can I apply for multiple trades or divisions?
The notification and portal rules define whether multiple applications are allowed. In most RRC apprenticeship drives, candidates submit one application per trade/notification cycle. Read the official PDF before filing duplicate forms.
Will female candidates pay the application fee?
No. All female candidates are exempted from the ₹100 application fee regardless of category.
Is railway experience required?
No prior railway experience is required. This drive targets fresh ITI-qualified youth for apprenticeship training.
How do I check the merit list?
Merit lists are published on the official RRC NCR website rrcpryj.org under the Act Apprentice (01/2026) section. Bookmark the page and check regularly after August 2026.
Related Recruitment Alerts
- RRB Technician Recruitment 2026 — 6,565 Posts
- NHSRCL Technician Recruitment 2026 — 237 Posts
- Railway Jobs — all RRB & RRC alerts
- Government Jobs — central & state notifications
- Search jobs by keyword
EasyApplications.in publishes this guide for informational purposes only. RRC North Central Railway, Prayagraj is the sole authority on eligibility, trade-wise vacancies, merit rules, and dates. Always verify details in the official notification PDF and apply only through the official online portal before 7 August 2026.