Good news for job seekers! Railway Recruitment Cell, Southern Railway has invited applications for 4,471 Trade Apprentice posts under advertisement number CPB/P1/98/Act/TP/Vol.XXI. The recruitment includes 163 vacancies for fresher candidates and 4,308 posts reserved for candidates with an ITI or NCVT qualification.
The online application period is from 28 August 2026 to 27 September 2026. Candidates who are interested in railway apprenticeship work should read the official notification, check their trade-specific eligibility, prepare documents and submit the form before the deadline.
Quick takeaway: Southern Railway RRC SR has announced 4,471 Trade Apprentice vacancies across seven workshop or unit-level allocations. Fresher applications require Class 10 or Class 12 with at least 50 percent marks, while Ex-ITI applicants need the prescribed ITI or NCVT certificate. The application window closes on 27 September 2026.
By the Editorial Team
Published: 16 September 2026
Updated: 16 September 2026
Official verification status: The details below are based on the supplied recruitment information. Applicants must verify the final notification, corrections and application links on the official Southern Railway recruitment portal before submitting an application.
Southern Railway RRC SR Apprentices Recruitment Overview
Railway Recruitment Cell, Southern Railway has released a recruitment notice for various Trade Apprentices. The total advertised vacancy is 4,471 posts. The available opportunities are divided into Trade Apprentices for Fresher Candidates and Trade Apprentices for Ex-ITI Candidates.
| Organisation | Advertisement | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Railway Recruitment Cell, Southern Railway | CPB/P1/98/Act/TP/Vol.XXI | 4,471 |
The application process begins on 28 August 2026 and ends on 27 September 2026. The examination or merit stage is stated as being conducted according to the schedule announced by the recruiting authority.
Important Dates
- Post or update date: 16 September 2026 at 11:00 AM
- Application begins: 28 August 2026
- Last date to apply online: 27 September 2026
- Last date to pay the application fee: 27 September 2026
- Exam date or merit stage: As per the official schedule
Candidates should not wait until the closing date. Portal traffic can be high near the deadline, and payment or document upload problems may occur if the application is submitted late.
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total Posts | Basic Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Apprentices for Freshers | 163 | Class 10 or Class 12 with minimum 50 percent marks |
| Trade Apprentices for Ex-ITI | 4,308 | Class 10 or Matric with an ITI or NCVT certificate in the related trade |
Total advertised vacancies: 4,471 posts. The figures above should be treated as recruitment information and verified against the final official notification before an application is submitted.
Workshop and Unit-Wise Vacancy Breakdown
The vacancies are distributed across the Carriage and Wagon Works at Perambur, Central Workshop at Ponmalai, and Signal and Telecommunication Workshop at Podanur, Coimbatore. A separate allocation is also listed for the Railway Hospital at Perambur under the Medical Laboratory Technician category.
| Workshop or Unit | Candidate Type | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Carriage and Wagon Works, Perambur | Fresher | 80 |
| Central Workshop, Ponmalai | Fresher | 43 |
| Signal and Telecommunication Workshop, Podanur, Coimbatore | Fresher | 20 |
| Railway Hospital, Perambur | Fresher, Medical Laboratory Technician | 20 |
| Carriage and Wagon Works, Perambur | Ex-ITI | 1,528 |
| Central Workshop, Ponmalai | Ex-ITI | 1,292 |
| Signal and Telecommunication Workshop, Podanur, Coimbatore | Ex-ITI | 1,488 |
Candidates should open the notification and identify the trade and workshop carefully. Eligibility may differ by apprenticeship trade, and applicants should ensure that their educational or ITI qualification matches the trade for which they apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification for Fresher Candidates
The stated eligibility for Trade Apprentice Fresher posts is Class 10 or Class 12 with a minimum of 50 percent marks. Candidates must check the trade-specific education requirements mentioned in the full official notification before applying.
Qualification for Ex-ITI Candidates
Ex-ITI applicants must have passed Class 10 or Matric and possess an ITI or NCVT certificate in the related trade. The certificate and academic qualification must match the apprenticeship category selected in the application form.
Age Limit
| Candidate Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Fresher | 15 years | 22 years |
| Ex-ITI | 15 years | 24 years |
The age limit is calculated as of 28 August 2026. Additional age relaxation may be available under Southern Railway rules, but the exact relaxation provisions must be confirmed in the official notification. No fixed relaxation has been specified in the supplied information.
Other Eligibility Conditions
- Candidates must satisfy the physical and medical standards prescribed by the recruiting authority, where applicable.
- The ITI or NCVT qualification should correspond to the relevant trade.
- Candidates should review the official instructions for documents, signatures, photographs and application corrections.
Application Fee
The prescribed application fee is as follows:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General, OBC and EWS | Rs 100 |
| SC, ST and PH candidates | Free |
The fee may be paid through an online or offline payment mode, subject to the options available on the official application portal. Candidates must retain the payment receipt and verify the transaction status after completing the payment.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official Southern Railway recruitment portal and locate the advertisement numbered CPB/P1/98/Act/TP/Vol.XXI.
- Download and read the complete recruitment notification.
- Check whether the applicant is applying as a fresher or an Ex-ITI candidate.
- Register using a valid mobile number and email address if registration is required.
- Enter personal details, academic qualifications, trade information and contact details carefully.
- Upload a recent photograph, signature and other documents required by the portal.
- Select the correct workshop, trade and candidate category before proceeding.
- Pay the applicable application fee and confirm the payment status.
- Preview the completed form and correct any errors.
- Submit the final application before 27 September 2026.
- Download or save the submitted form for future reference.
Required Documents
The exact list may vary by candidate category and trade. Applicants should keep the following documents ready where applicable:
- Class 10 or Class 12 marksheet, as required
- ITI or NCVT certificate for Ex-ITI applicants
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature image
- Valid identity proof
- Address proof
- Category certificate, if applicable
- Valid mobile number and email address
- Other documents requested in the official application portal
Selection Process
The supplied recruitment information states that the examination or merit stage will be conducted according to the official schedule. The complete selection procedure, including any merit calculation, document verification or medical examination, should be read in the official notification. Candidates should not assume the selection method without checking the current official instructions.
Salary and Benefits
The supplied text does not provide a confirmed pay scale or salary range for these apprenticeship posts. Apprenticeship benefits and payment terms may be governed by the applicable rules, engagement conditions and notifications issued for the relevant trade. Candidates should consult the official notification for verified compensation details.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Apply only through the official recruitment channel and avoid sharing OTPs, passwords or payment information with unofficial websites.
- Read the full notification before submitting the application.
- Check the workshop, trade and fresher or Ex-ITI category carefully.
- Ensure that the uploaded photograph and signature meet the portal specifications.
- Use the same mobile number and email address consistently during registration and communication.
- Keep a copy of the application form, fee receipt and supporting documents.
- Check the portal for corrigenda, extensions or revised instructions.
- Do not submit multiple applications unless the official instructions specifically permit it.
Official Verification and Source Information
The recruitment information supplied in this article refers to Railway Recruitment Cell, Southern Railway and advertisement number CPB/P1/98/Act/TP/Vol.XXI. The final application and notification links should be verified through the official Southern Railway website. Search the official recruitment portal using the advertisement number and confirm the closing date, eligibility, fee and document requirements before submitting.
Because the supplied page is a recruitment information page rather than the original government notification, candidates should treat the official Southern Railway notice as the controlling source. This is especially important if the page contains a post date later than the stated application start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Southern Railway RRC SR Apprentices application begin?
The online application process begins on 28 August 2026.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the online application is 27 September 2026.
How many posts are advertised?
The recruitment notification lists 4,471 Trade Apprentice posts, including 163 fresher posts and 4,308 Ex-ITI posts.
What is the age limit for fresher candidates?
The stated age range for fresher candidates is 15 to 22 years as of 28 August 2026, subject to the official rules and any applicable relaxation.
What is the age limit for Ex-ITI candidates?
The stated age range for Ex-ITI candidates is 15 to 24 years as of 28 August 2026, subject to the official rules and any applicable relaxation.
What is the application fee?
General, OBC and EWS candidates are required to pay Rs 100. SC, ST and PH candidates are listed as exempt from the fee.
What qualification is required for Ex-ITI applicants?
Ex-ITI applicants need Class 10 or Matric and an ITI or NCVT certificate in the related trade.
What qualification is required for fresher applicants?
Fresher applicants need Class 10 or Class 12 with a minimum of 50 percent marks, subject to the trade-specific requirements in the notification.
When is the examination or merit stage?
The supplied information states that the examination or merit stage will be conducted according to the official schedule.
Where can applicants check the official notification?
Applicants should search the official Southern Railway recruitment portal using advertisement number CPB/P1/98/Act/TP/Vol.XXI.
What documents may be required?
Possible documents include educational marksheets, an ITI or NCVT certificate, photograph, signature, identity proof, address proof and category certificate, if applicable.
Can candidates edit the application after submission?
Editing options are not confirmed in the supplied information. Applicants should review the preview carefully and check the official portal for any correction window.
Is there a salary mentioned in the recruitment notice?
The supplied information does not state a confirmed salary or pay scale. Candidates should check the official notification and engagement terms for compensation details.
What is the official website for the application?
Applicants should use the official Southern Railway recruitment portal and avoid unofficial payment or registration links.
What should candidates do if the portal is slow?
Candidates should try a reliable network connection, avoid repeated refreshes and keep sufficient time before the deadline. They should save a screenshot or receipt after successful submission.
Final note: Read the official Southern Railway notification carefully, verify every trade-specific requirement and submit the application before 27 September 2026.