Rail Coach Factory Apprentices Recruitment 2025 – Apply Online for 550 Act Apprentice Posts

The Ministry of Railways, Government of India, through Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, has announced a major recruitment drive for the engagement of Act Apprentices under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961. This recruitment aims to provide structured technical training to eligible candidates across multiple engineering and non-engineering trades under the Skill India initiative. A total of 550 apprentice vacancies are available for the 2025 training session. This opportunity is ideal for candidates who have completed their matriculation and ITI qualifications and wish to gain hands-on industrial training in one of India’s most prestigious railway production units. The selection will be conducted purely on merit, ensuring transparency and equal opportunity for all eligible applicants.

Important Dates

• Online Application Start Date: December 2025
• Last Date to Apply Online: 07 January 2026 (up to 24:00 hours)
• Merit List Declaration: Within approximately 15 days after application closure
• Document Verification: Within one month of result declaration

Vacancy Details

Total Vacancies: 550 Posts

The recruitment is being conducted for the following trades:

Reservation Details

• Seats are reserved for SC, ST, OBC, Persons with Disabilities (PWD), and Ex-Servicemen as per Government norms.
• 4% reservation each is applicable for PWD candidates and Ex-Servicemen (including their children).
• Unfilled reserved vacancies may be converted to other categories as per rules.

Application Fee

• General / OBC Candidates: ₹100 (Non-Refundable)
• SC / ST / PWD / Women Candidates: No Fee

The application fee must be paid online only. Once paid, the fee will not be refunded under any circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 15 years
• Maximum Age: 24 years (as on 07 January 2026)

Age Relaxation

• SC / ST: 5 years
• OBC: 3 years
• PWD: 10 years
• Ex-Servicemen: Additional relaxation based on service rendered, as per rules

Educational Qualification

Candidates must fulfill both of the following conditions:

1. Matriculation (10th Class)
   • Passed from a recognized board
   • Minimum 50% aggregate marks
2. ITI Qualification
   • National Trade Certificate in the relevant trade
   • Issued by National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT)

CGPA to Percentage Conversion

If marks are awarded in CGPA, the percentage will be calculated by multiplying CGPA by 9.5.

Selection Process

Selection will be merit-based only, with no written examination or interview.

Merit List Preparation

• Merit will be calculated by taking the simple average of:
  • Percentage marks in Matriculation
  • Percentage marks in ITI

Tie-Breaking Criteria

If two candidates have the same merit score:

1. Older candidate will be given preference
2. If age is also the same, the candidate who passed matriculation earlier will be ranked higher

Separate trade-wise and category-wise merit lists will be prepared based on the number of available seats.

Medical Fitness

• Final selection is subject to medical fitness certification.
• Medical certificate must be issued by a Government-authorized doctor not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon.
• Candidates must meet the physical standards prescribed under the Apprenticeship Act and Rules.

Training Period & Stipend

Training Duration

• Training period will be as per rules issued by the Railway Board under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961.

Stipend

• Apprentices will receive a monthly stipend as per Government norms, which may vary depending on trade and year of training.

Important Notes

• No hostel accommodation will be provided.
• Apprentices will be released after completion of training.
• Completion of apprenticeship does not guarantee employment in Railways.

Reservation & Preference Rules

• Reservation benefits are applicable only on production of valid certificates.
• PWD candidates must have minimum 40% disability.
• Ex-Servicemen and their children must submit relevant service certificates.
• If reserved category candidates are not available, seats may be filled by candidates from other categories according to rules.

Documents Required for Verification

Candidates must produce original documents at the time of verification, including:

• Matriculation Certificate
• ITI Certificate (NCVT)
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Disability Certificate (for PWD)
• Ex-Servicemen Discharge Certificate (if applicable)
• Medical Fitness Certificate
• Printed copy of online application
• Passport-size photographs

Failure to produce original documents will result in cancellation of candidature.

How to Apply

1. Fill the online application form carefully with accurate personal and educational details.
2. Upload recent photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
3. Submit the application and note down the registration number.
4. Pay the application fee (if applicable) after successful submission.
5. Keep a printed copy of the application for document verification.

Only one application per candidate is allowed. Multiple applications will lead to rejection.

Important Instructions

• Name, father’s name, and date of birth must exactly match matriculation records.
• Incorrect or false information will lead to cancellation at any stage.
• Enrollment with Employment Exchange is mandatory (except wards of RCF employees).
• No travel allowance will be provided for document verification.
• Canvassing in any form will result in disqualification.
• Final decision regarding selection rests with the Railway Administration.

Why Choose RCF Apprenticeship?

Training at Rail Coach Factory offers:

• Real-world industrial exposure
• Skill development under Skill India Mission
• Experience in one of India’s premier railway manufacturing units
• Improved employability after completion of apprenticeship

This apprenticeship is especially beneficial for ITI pass-out candidates seeking structured industrial training.