If you’re a 10th pass candidate with an ITI certificate and dreaming of starting your career with Indian Railways, here’s a huge opportunity for you in 2026. The Railway Recruitment Cell, Western Railway (RRC WR) has officially announced the Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 for a massive 5349 posts across various technical trades. This recruitment drive is one of the biggest rail apprenticeships of the year, offering hands-on industry experience, government-backed apprenticeship training, and strong future scope in the railway sector.
This detailed blog covers everything you need to know — vacancy details, eligibility, training stipend, selection process, age criteria, important dates, and how to apply online.
Recruitment Overview – Western Railway Apprentice 2026
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Western Railway |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Trade Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 5349 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Type | Apprenticeship (Contract) |
| Official Website | https://www.rrc-wr.com/ |
| Notification No. | RRC/WR/04/2025 |
The recruitment is being conducted under Advertisement No. RRC/WR/04/2025 and aims to recruit apprentices across multiple divisions and workshops of Western Railway, including major hubs such as Mumbai, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Ratlam, Rajkot and Bhavnagar.
Important Dates You Must Know
Mark these key dates in your calendar:
- 🗓 Official Notification Release Date: 18 February 2026
- 🗓 Online Application Start Date: 21 February 2026 @ 11:00 hrs
- 🗓 Online Application Last Date: 23 March 2026 @ 17:00 hrs
- 🗓 Last Date to Pay Application Fee: 23 March 2026
👉 Applications must be submitted online before 23 March 2026 (5 PM) via the official portal. No offline forms will be accepted.
Vacancy Distribution – 5349 Trade Apprentice Posts
A total of 5349 Trade Apprentice vacancies have been advertised across various divisions and workshops of Western Railway. These apprenticeship slots encompass a wide range of technical trades covering core railway operations.
Here’s a snapshot of trade-wise allocations:
| Trade | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Fitter | 1614 |
| Electrician | 1217 |
| Welder | 532 |
| PASAA (Computer) | 280 |
| Electronic Mechanic | 236 |
| Mechanic (Diesel) | 207 |
| Painter (General) | 190 |
| Carpenter | 184 |
| Refrigerator/AC Mechanic | 184 |
| Pipe Fitter | 176 |
| Plumber | 136 |
| Wireman | 126 |
| Draftsman (Civil) | 87 |
| Turner | 75 |
| Stenographer | 40 |
| Machinist | 14 |
| Others | Remaining posts |
Vacancies are spread across multiple Western Railway divisions and workshops, including Mumbai Central, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Ratlam and others, reflecting the scale of this recruitment.
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Western Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:
📘 Educational Qualification
✔ 10th Pass (Matriculation) under the 10+2 examination system with minimum 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board.
✔ ITI Certificate in the relevant trade from an NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) affiliated institute.
Both qualifications are mandatory — candidates without an ITI in the relevant trade will not be eligible.
Age Limit
Candidates must adhere to the following age criteria as of 23 March 2026:
- Minimum Age: 15 Years
- Maximum Age: 24 Years
- Age Relaxation: Applicable for reserved categories as per government rules (e.g., SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen etc.)
Applicants should verify age relaxation details in the official notification before applying.
Application Fee
The application fee structure for this apprenticeship recruitment is as follows:
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹100
- SC / ST / PwBD / Female: No fee
Fee payments can be made through online modes such as Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking or UPI. Transaction charges, if any, are to be borne by the applicant.
Selection Process – Merit Basis
Unlike many competitive recruitments, the Western Railway Apprentice selection is purely merit-based. There is no written examination or interview. The final merit list will be prepared by considering:
📌 Equal weightage to marks obtained in Matriculation (10th) and ITI — with both having 50% weightage each.
This means candidates with high scores in both qualifying examinations stand a strong chance of selection. The merit list will be published online by RRC WR after the application window closes.
What You Get – Apprentice Training & Stipend
Selected candidates will be engaged as Apprentices under the Apprenticeship Act, gaining practical exposure to railway operations in technical trades. While this is a training position, it offers key benefits:
- ✔ Hands-on industrial experience in Indian Railways
- ✔ Recognition under the Apprenticeship Act
- ✔ Eligibility for future preference in Level-1 posts if NAC is obtained (up to 20% reservation in some rail recruitments)
📌 Stipend: As per Apprenticeship Act / Railway rules (varies by trade and location).
Earning industry training while exploring career avenues in railways can significantly enhance your profile and future job prospects.
Documents Required for Application
Before applying, ensure you have the following documents ready:
✔ 10th class mark sheet and certificate
✔ ITI Certificate (NCVT)
✔ Aadhar Card and other ID proofs
✔ Recent passport-size photograph
✔ Scanned signature
Having these documents ready in digital format can help you complete the online form smoothly.
How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to successfully submit your application:
- Visit the Official Website of Railway Recruitment Cell (Western Railway): https://www.rrc-wr.com/
- Go to the Recruitment / Careers section.
- Find the link for “RRC WR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – 5349 Posts”.
- Click Apply Online and enter your valid email ID and mobile number to register.
- Fill in personal, educational and contact details carefully.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) and submit your form.
- Take a printout / screenshot of the submitted form for future reference.
⚠️ Be sure to double-check all entered information before the final submission, as corrections may not be allowed later.
Why You Should Apply
Here’s why the Western Railway RRC Mumbai Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is worth your attention:
✔ Huge number of vacancies — 5349 posts
✔ No written exam — merit-based selection
✔ Excellent exposure to Indian Railways operations
✔ Hands-on technical training
✔ Apprentice certification under legal norms
✔ Preference in future rail jobs if NAC obtained
For ITI holders, this apprenticeship is a rare and valuable stepping stone into the vast railways sector, providing practical skills and learning in a structured environment.
Final Words
The Western Railway RRC WR Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a massive opportunity for 10th + ITI pass candidates across India. With 5349 vacancies, merit-based selection, and official apprenticeship certification, this can serve as a launchpad for your career in Indian Railways.
