The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) of South Eastern Railway (SER) has released a major notification for the recruitment of 1785 Act Apprentices for the 2025-26 training session. This is an incredible opportunity for technically qualified youth to join the Indian Railways without a written examination.

If you have a 10th pass certificate and a valid ITI qualification, mark your calendars and get ready to apply!

📅 Key Dates You Must Know

The application window is now open, but the deadline is fast approaching. Don't wait until the last minute!

📋 Eligibility Snapshot

Before applying, ensure you meet the essential educational and age criteria:

• Educational Qualification:

  • Must have passed Matriculation (10th Class) or its equivalent (under the 10+2 system) from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate (excluding additional subjects).

  • Must possess a valid ITI Pass Certificate in the relevant trade, granted by NCVT/SCVT.

• Age Limit (as of January 1, 2026):

  • Minimum Age: 15 years

  • Maximum Age: 24 years

  • Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and PwBD (10 years) candidates as per Government rules.

🛠️ Vacancy Highlights and Units

A massive total of 1785 vacancies are available across various units and trades within the South Eastern Railway zone, including:

• Kharagpur Workshop

• Signal & Telecom (Workshop)/Kharagpur

• Track Machine Workshop/Kharagpur

• Carriage & Wagon Depot/Kharagpur

• Electric Loco Shed/TATA

• Engineering Workshop/SINI

• Various other Depots and Sheds in Adra, Chakradharpur, Ranchi, and Bokaro (BKSC) divisions.

Candidates can apply for trades like Fitter, Welder, Electrician, Machinist, Diesel Mechanic, Painter, and more. For a detailed breakdown of unit-wise and trade-wise vacancies, candidates must refer to the official notification.

✅ Selection Process: Merit is Key!

The best part? The selection for the SER Apprentice posts is purely merit-based, ensuring a simple and transparent process.

1. Merit List Preparation: The primary selection criterion is the percentage of marks secured in the Matriculation (10th) examination, combined with marks from your ITI certification (if required by the specific notification). There will be NO written examination or interview.

2. Document Verification (DV): Shortlisted candidates will be called for Document Verification.

3. Medical Examination: Final selection is subject to a satisfactory medical fitness test.

💡 Future Benefit: Completing the Apprenticeship successfully grants a 20% reservation in future direct recruitment to Level-1 (erstwhile Group D) posts in the Indian Railways for Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs).

📝 How to Apply Online

Applications are accepted only through the online mode on the official RRC SER website.

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to rrcser.co.in.

2. Find the Notification: Click on the link for "Apprentice Recruitment 2025-26."

3. Register: Complete the new registration process with your details, email ID, and mobile number.

4. Log In and Fill Form: Log in using your credentials and accurately fill in your personal, academic, and ITI trade details.

5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and necessary certificates.

6. Pay Fee: Pay the application fee online (if applicable).

1. Submit and Print: Submit the final form and take a printout of the confirmation page for your records.

This is a fantastic chance to begin a professional career with the Indian Railways. Make sure all your documents are ready, and apply well before December 17, 2025!