Railway jobs in India have always been one of the most prestigious and secure career opportunities. They offer long-term stability, growth chances, and a variety of benefits that attract lakhs of candidates every year.
In 2025, the Southern Railway (SR) has come up with a huge opportunity for freshers and ITI-qualified candidates. The zone has released a notification for 3,518 Apprentice vacancies under its Apprenticeship Training Program. This is one of the largest apprentice intakes by Indian Railways in recent years.
If you are interested in a career with the railways, this article will guide you through everything you need to know—eligibility, age limits, trade-wise vacancies, stipend, how to apply, important dates, and selection process.
About Southern Railway
The Southern Railway Zone is one of the largest and oldest zones of Indian Railways. Its headquarters is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The zone covers major states and regions like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Southern Railway also has some of the most important workshops of Indian Railways:
- Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur
- Central Workshop, Golden Rock
- Signal & Telecom Workshop, Podanur
Every year, these workshops hire apprentices to provide hands-on technical training in different trades, creating a skilled workforce that supports railway operations in the future.
Total Vacancies – 3,518
This year, 3,518 apprentice seats have been announced across the following major units:
- Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur – 1,394 posts
- Central Workshop, Golden Rock – 857 posts
- Signal & Telecom Workshop, Podanur – 1,267 posts
👉 With such a large number of openings, this recruitment drive is expected to attract candidates from across the country.
Important Dates
Make sure you remember these dates if you are planning to apply:
- Application Start Date: 25 August 2025
- Application Closing Date: 25 September 2025
⚠️ Tip: Don’t wait till the last day—apply early to avoid server slowdowns or payment failures.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is divided into Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates.
For Freshers:
- Must have passed 10th Class (Matric/SSLC) with at least 50% marks.
- For Medical Lab Technician (MLT) posts, candidates must have passed 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
For Ex-ITI Candidates:
- Must have passed 10th Class with 50% marks.
- Additionally, should hold a National Trade Certificate (NTC) issued by NCVT/SCVT in the relevant trade.
Age Limit (as on 25 August 2025)
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Maximum Age:
- Freshers – 22 years
- Ex-ITI / MLT – 24 years
Age Relaxation:
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): +3 years
- SC/ST: +5 years
- PwBD: +10 years (with further relaxation for OBC/SC/ST PwBD candidates)
This ensures that candidates from all backgrounds have a fair chance.
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹100
- SC / ST / PwBD / Women: Exempted (No Fee)
- Payment Mode: Online (UPI, Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking)
⚠️ Note: Once paid, the fee is non-refundable.
Trade-Wise Vacancy List (Approx.)
- Fitter – 1,070
- Welder – 503
- Electrician – 711
- Diesel Mechanic – 117
- Carpenter – 92
- Painter – 123
- Machinist – 77
- Turner – 49
- Plumber – 50
- Wireman – 55
- Electronics Mechanic – 124
- Mechanic Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning – 83
- COPA – 137
- PASAA – 96
- Medical Lab Technicians (Radiology, Pathology, Cardiology) – 20+
- Other small trades – Remaining
👉 A mix of technical and non-technical trades are included, giving wider opportunities to candidates.
Stipend (Monthly)
- Freshers (10th pass): ₹6,000
- Freshers (12th pass): ₹7,000
- Ex-ITI candidates: ₹7,000
The stipend is fixed as per the Apprenticeship Act, 1961.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the official website – sr.indianrailways.gov.in
- Go to “Recruitment / Notification” section.
- Open the Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2025 notification.
- Register with valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill out the online form carefully.
- Upload:
- Recent photo
- Signature
- Educational and category certificates
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the application and download the acknowledgment slip.
Selection Process
Good news: No written exam is required.
Selection will be based on:
- Merit List – prepared using marks from 10th/12th/ITI.
- Document Verification – original certificates will be checked.
- Medical Examination – to ensure fitness.
This makes the recruitment transparent and merit-based.
Benefits of Joining Southern Railway Apprenticeship
- Secure career path with Indian Railways
- Skill development in world-class workshops
- Monthly stipend during training
- No exam pressure – purely merit-based selection
- Future scope in both government and private industries
Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Southern Railway (RRC) |
| Post Name | Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 3518 |
| Units Covered | Perambur, Golden Rock, Podanur |
| Application Start Date | 25 August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 September 2025 |
| Minimum Qualification | 10th Pass / 12th Pass (Science) / ITI |
| Age Limit | 15–22 (Freshers), 15–24 (Ex-ITI/MLT) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (General/OBC/EWS); Free for SC/ST/Women/PwBD |
| Selection Process | Merit List + Document Verification |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹6,000–₹7,000 |
| Official Website | sr.indianrailways.gov.in |
Important Tips for Candidates
- Apply well before the deadline.
- Keep scanned copies of all documents ready.
- Double-check spellings, marks, and dates before submission.
- Track updates only on the official website.
- Keep a printout of your submitted form for future reference.
Disclaimer
This article is meant only for informational purposes. Although we have provided the most accurate details available, candidates must verify everything from the official Southern Railway notification and website (sr.indianrailways.gov.in) before applying. Rules, eligibility, and dates are subject to official changes. We are not responsible for any errors or modifications in the official notice.
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