South East Central Railway (SECR) has officially released the recruitment notification for Trade Apprentices for the training year 2026-27. Under this recruitment drive, a total of 1,644 positions are set to be filled across various technical trades. This presents a significant opportunity for youth seeking a career in the Indian Railways, as the entire selection process is designed to be direct and merit-based. Notably, there will be no written examination or personal interview conducted for these roles, while the recruitment is specifically targeted at the Raipur Division and the Wagon Repair Shop, covering a wide array of technical trades. The application process has already commenced, allowing eligible candidates to submit their forms through the designated online portal.
Vacancy Details and Trade Distribution
The SECR recruitment for 1,644 Trade Apprentice positions encompasses several key technical departments. The vacancies are available for various trades including Fitter, Electrician, Welder, COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant), Machinist, Mechanic, and Stenographer (both Hindi and English). These positions are distributed between the Raipur Division and the Wagon Repair Shop of the South East Central Railway. By offering such a diverse range of trades, the railway administration aims to provide comprehensive technical training to ITI-qualified candidates, enhancing their employability in the industrial sector. Each trade has a specific number of allocated seats, ensuring a broad scope for applicants from different technical backgrounds.
Eligibility Criteria and Age Requirements
To be eligible for this recruitment, candidates must fulfill specific educational and age-related criteria as mentioned in the official notification. Applicants are required to have passed the 10th class (Matriculation) from a recognized board with a minimum of 50 percent marks. In addition to the basic schooling, candidates must possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade issued by an institute recognized by NCVT or SCVT. Regarding the age limit, the minimum age for applicants is 15 years, while the maximum age is capped at 24 years. The crucial date for age calculation is set as May 5, 2026. Candidates belonging to reserved categories will be granted age relaxation in the upper limit as per the prevailing government regulations and norms.
Selection Process: Direct Merit-Based System
The selection methodology for the SECR Apprentice recruitment is strictly based on academic performance, ensuring a transparent and exam-free process, while there is no requirement for candidates to appear for any written test or viva-voce. The final selection will be determined by a merit list prepared by the railway authorities. While calculating the merit, equal weightage will be given to the marks obtained in the 10th-grade examination and the marks secured in the ITI certification. The final merit list will be formulated based on the average percentage of both these qualifications. Candidates whose names appear in the merit list will subsequently be called for document verification and a mandatory medical examination to confirm their fitness for the training program.
Application Procedure and Important Deadlines
Candidates interested in applying for these apprentice positions must complete the process through the online mode only. in. The first step involves registering on the portal to create a candidate profile. Once registered, applicants need to search for 'SECR Raipur' and select the specific trade they wish to apply for. During the application process, it's mandatory to upload scanned copies of essential documents, including the 10th-grade marksheet, ITI certificate, Aadhaar card, and a recent photograph along with the candidate's signature. The deadline for submitting the online application is June 4, 2026, until 11:59 PM. Applicants are advised to complete their submissions well before the closing time to avoid any last-minute technical issues.