East Coast Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 1599 Posts, Eligibility, Stipend, Selection & Apply Online
East Coast Railway has invited online applications for 1,599 Act Apprentice training slots across 25 designated trades. Check eligibility, age limit, vacancy details, application fee, stipend, merit list and online application process.
- East Coast Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
- Important Dates
- Vacancy Details
- Unit-Wise Vacancy
- Designated Trades
- Eligibility Criteria
- Educational & ITI Qualification
- Age Limit
- Application Fee
- Apprentice Stipend
- Selection Process
- How Merit List is Prepared
- Division / Workshop Preference
- Documents Required
- How to Apply Online
- Nature of Apprenticeship
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
East Coast Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview
East Coast Railway (ECoR), through the Railway Recruitment Cell, Bhubaneswar, has released a centralized notification for engagement of Act Apprentices for the training year 2026–27.
The recruitment covers 1,599 apprenticeship training slots across 25 designated trades and five major establishments under the jurisdiction of East Coast Railway.
The notification number is ECoR/Pers/RRC/Act Apprentice/2026-27 and the notification date is 21 August 2026.
Online registration started on 26 August 2026 at 5:00 PM and the closing date is 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
East Coast Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 21 August 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 26 August 2026 at 5:00 PM |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM |
| Age Cut-Off Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Qualification Requirement | Must be possessed as on 21 August 2026 |
East Coast Railway Act Apprentice Vacancy 2026
A total of 1,599 Act Apprentice slots are available. The vacancies are distributed across five establishments under East Coast Railway.
| Unit / Establishment | Major Departments / Areas | Total Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Carriage Repair Workshop, Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar | Mechanical, Electrical | 250 |
| RGDA Division | Engineering, Electrical, Medical | 292 |
| Khurda Road Division – ELS, Angul & IOH Depot | Engineering, S&T, Electrical, Medical, Mechanical | 773 |
| Sambalpur Division – Coaching & BLGR | Engineering, S&T, Electrical, Mechanical, Medical | 262 |
| East Coast Railway Headquarters, Bhubaneswar | Personnel, Accounts, IT Cell, Medical | 22 |
| Grand Total | 1,599 | |
Category-Wise Vacancy
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 633 |
| SC | 251 |
| ST | 116 |
| OBC | 435 |
| EWS | 164 |
| PwBD | 50 |
| ESM | 42 |
| Total | 1,599 |
PwBD and Ex-Servicemen reservations are horizontal reservations included within the overall notified vacancies and are not additional posts.
Where Are the Apprentice Slots Available?
The largest concentration of vacancies is under the Khurda Road Division, which has 773 notified slots. Other opportunities are available at Mancheswar Workshop, RGDA, Sambalpur and East Coast Railway Headquarters.
Candidates should carefully select their preferred Division/Workshop while completing the application because the choice is final and binding.
East Coast Railway Apprentice Trades 2026
The recruitment covers 25 designated trades. Major trades included in the notification are:
- Fitter
- Welder
- Turner
- Machinist
- Electrician
- Carpenter
- Painter (General)
- Mechanic (Diesel)
- Secretarial Assistant / Stenography
- Black Smith
- Driller
- Bridge Erector
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Electronics Mechanic
- Wireman / Electrician
- Mechanic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
- Plumber
- Draftsman (Civil)
- Mechanic (Motor Vehicle)
- Computer Operator & Programming Assistant
- Laboratory Technician (Pathology)
- Sarang
- Grinder
- Mason
- Draftsman (Mechanical)
East Coast Railway Apprentice Eligibility 2026
Candidates must satisfy both the educational and technical qualification requirements prescribed for the relevant trade.
| Requirement | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Matriculation / Class 10th under 10+2 system |
| Minimum Marks | 50% aggregate in Class 10th |
| Technical Qualification | ITI certificate in relevant trade affiliated to NCVT/SCVT |
| Minimum Age | 15 Years |
| Maximum Age | 24 Years |
Educational & Technical Qualification
10th / Matriculation
Candidates must have passed Class 10th / Matriculation under the 10+2 system with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised Board.
The essential educational qualification must have been obtained by 21 August 2026, the date of the notification.
ITI Qualification
Candidates must possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade affiliated with NCVT or SCVT, as applicable under the Apprentices Act.
Special Requirement – Laboratory Technician
Candidates applying for the Laboratory Technician (Pathology) trade must have passed 12th / 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, along with the prescribed minimum marks in Class 10th and 12th.
Special Trade Conditions
Certain trades have additional technical requirements. Candidates should therefore verify the exact trade-specific qualification before submitting the application.
Engineering graduates and diploma holders are not eligible under this particular Act Apprentice notification. They fall under separate apprenticeship schemes.
East Coast Railway Apprentice Age Limit 2026
Age is calculated as on the closing date, 15 September 2026.
| Category | Age Limit / Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General | 15 to 24 Years |
| SC / ST | 5 Years upper-age relaxation |
| OBC | 3 Years upper-age relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 Years upper-age relaxation |
| Ex-Servicemen | Relaxation as prescribed under the applicable rules |
East Coast Railway Apprentice Application Fee 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS Male | ₹100 |
| SC / ST | Nil |
| PwBD | Nil |
| Women | Nil |
The application fee is non-refundable and is payable online through the integrated payment gateway. Debit card, credit card, UPI and internet banking options may be available.
East Coast Railway Apprentice Stipend 2026
Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend during their apprenticeship training.
The exact stipend amount is not specified as a fixed figure in the current notification. Payment will be made at the rate prescribed by the Railway Board and applicable rules/directives from time to time.
East Coast Railway Apprentice Selection Process 2026
The selection process is comparatively straightforward because there is no written examination and no interview.
The broad process is:
- Online application
- Preparation of merit list
- Shortlisting based on academic merit
- Document / certificate verification
- Medical fitness as applicable
- Final engagement as Act Apprentice
How the ECoR Apprentice Merit List is Prepared
The merit list is prepared based on the percentage of marks obtained in Matriculation, subject to the minimum 50% aggregate requirement and other eligibility conditions.
All Subjects Are Considered
The percentage is calculated using marks obtained in all subjects. Candidates should not calculate their eligibility using a "best of five" method unless specifically permitted by the applicable rules.
CGPA Candidates
Candidates whose marksheets contain CGPA or grade points must convert their CGPA into the equivalent percentage according to the applicable Board's conversion formula.
Tie-Breaking
If two candidates have the same marks, the older candidate is given preference. If the dates of birth are also identical, the candidate who passed Matriculation earlier receives preference.
Division / Workshop Preference
Candidates can choose only one Division or Workshop while submitting the application. This choice is final and binding.
Candidates with ITI qualification in more than one trade may apply separately for each relevant trade, subject to the notification rules. However, they must carefully follow the application restrictions and preference rules.
The candidate is considered according to the Unit – Department – Trade preference entered in the application. Once a candidate is selected against a higher preference, lower preferences are automatically cancelled.
What is an Act Apprentice in Indian Railways?
An Act Apprentice is engaged for structured technical training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The purpose is to provide practical workplace exposure and trade-specific training.
Apprentices work and learn under the prescribed training framework and receive a stipend during the training period.
Completion of the apprenticeship does not automatically result in permanent Railway employment. Apprentices should separately apply for future Railway recruitment whenever they meet the applicable eligibility conditions.
Does ECoR Apprentice Recruitment Guarantee a Railway Job?
No. This recruitment is for apprenticeship training, not direct recruitment to a permanent Railway post.
The training can provide valuable technical experience and an apprenticeship qualification, but there is no automatic claim to employment with East Coast Railway after successful completion of the training.
Important: Engineering Graduates and Diploma Holders
Engineering graduates and diploma holders should not apply under this particular notification merely because they have a higher technical qualification.
The current notification is designed around 10th + relevant ITI eligibility. Graduate and diploma apprenticeship opportunities are covered under separate apprenticeship schemes.
Documents Required for ECoR Apprentice Application
- Class 10th / Matriculation marksheet
- Class 10th pass certificate
- Date of birth proof, if required
- ITI certificate / National Trade Certificate
- ITI marksheet, where applicable
- SC/ST caste certificate, where applicable
- OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate, where applicable
- EWS Income & Asset Certificate, where applicable
- PwBD certificate, where applicable
- Ex-Servicemen discharge/serving certificate, where applicable
- Aadhaar Card or valid Aadhaar Enrolment ID
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Other certificates required for the selected trade/category
Photograph and Signature
Candidates should prepare the photograph and signature in the size and file format prescribed by the online application portal.
How to Apply Online for ECoR Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official Railway Recruitment Cell, Bhubaneswar website.
- Open the Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification.
- Read the complete notification carefully.
- Register on the online application portal.
- Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your Matriculation certificate.
- Enter Class 10th marks and ITI qualification details.
- Select the relevant trade and one Division/Workshop preference.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and documents.
- Pay the applicable ₹100 fee if you are required to pay the fee.
- Carefully review the complete application.
- Submit the application before 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
- Download and save a copy of the submitted application.
Important Instructions Before Applying
- Your name, father's name and date of birth should match your Matriculation certificate.
- Do not apply if your Class 10th or ITI result was pending on 21 August 2026.
- Choose the correct ITI trade.
- Choose only one Division/Workshop.
- Your Division/Workshop and trade preference should be selected carefully because changes are not ordinarily permitted later.
- Keep your registered mobile number and email address active throughout the recruitment process.
- Do not submit multiple applications for the same recruitment in violation of the application rules.
- No hard copy of the application needs to be sent by post unless specifically instructed.
- RRC Bhubaneswar has not appointed agents for selection. Candidates should beware of touts and fraudulent job offers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Applying without ITI
The majority of the notified trades require the prescribed relevant ITI qualification. A simple 10th-pass qualification is not sufficient for these trades.
2. Choosing an unrelated trade
Candidates should ensure that their ITI trade corresponds to the trade selected in the application.
3. Selecting multiple Workshops
The notification restricts candidates to one Division/Workshop choice. Do not assume that multiple choices can be changed later.
4. Using incorrect marks
Since selection is merit-based, incorrect Matriculation marks can affect the merit calculation and may lead to cancellation during document verification.
5. Assuming there will be a written exam
There is no written test or interview under this recruitment. Selection is based on the prescribed academic merit process.
6. Assuming apprenticeship means permanent employment
Apprenticeship is training. It should not be presented as a guaranteed permanent Railway job.
Why ECoR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is Important
With 1,599 training slots across 25 trades, the recruitment provides a substantial opportunity for ITI-qualified candidates to gain practical experience in railway workshops and divisions.
The absence of a written examination also makes this recruitment different from many Railway competitive examinations. Academic merit, trade eligibility and correct documentation are especially important.
Who Should Apply?
- 10th-pass candidates with the required minimum marks.
- ITI-qualified candidates from relevant NCVT/SCVT trades.
- Candidates aged 15–24 years, subject to applicable relaxation.
- Candidates interested in railway technical apprenticeship training.
- Eligible candidates who can select one suitable Division/Workshop.
ECoR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Quick Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | East Coast Railway |
| Recruiting Body | Railway Recruitment Cell, Bhubaneswar |
| Post | Act Apprentice |
| Total Slots | 1,599 |
| Trades | 25 |
| Minimum Qualification | 10th with 50% + relevant ITI |
| Minimum Age | 15 Years |
| Maximum Age | 24 Years |
| Application Start | 26 August 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Last Date | 15 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Application Fee | ₹100; exemptions as prescribed |
| Written Exam | No |
| Interview | No |
| Selection | Matriculation Merit |
| Nature | Apprenticeship Training |
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
East Coast Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a major apprenticeship opportunity offering 1,599 training slots across 25 designated technical and other trades.
Candidates who have completed 10th standard with at least 50% marks and possess the relevant ITI qualification can apply if they satisfy the age and other conditions. Certain trades, such as Laboratory Technician, have additional qualification requirements.
The biggest advantage for eligible candidates is that there is no written examination or interview. Selection is based on the prescribed academic merit process, followed by document verification and other applicable formalities.
Interested candidates should complete their application before 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM and carefully verify their trade, ITI qualification, Division/Workshop preference and documents before final submission.
East Coast Railway Apprentice 2026 – Quick Summary
Organisation: East Coast Railway
Recruiting Body: RRC Bhubaneswar
Post: Act Apprentice
Total Slots: 1,599
Trades: 25
Qualification: 10th with 50% + relevant ITI
Age: 15–24 Years
Application Start: 26 August 2026 at 5:00 PM
Last Date: 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM
Fee: ₹100; applicable exemptions available
Selection: Matriculation Merit + Document Verification
Written Exam: No
Interview: No
Nature: Apprenticeship Training
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