Dreaming of a stable and rewarding career with Indian Railways? If you’ve got your 10th pass certificate and an ITI qualification, listen up! The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) for Eastern Railway has just swung open its doors with a massive opportunity. They’re inviting applications for 3115 Apprentice positions across various trades. This isn’t just training; it’s your chance to gain hands-on experience, earn while you learn, and build a strong foundation for your future in one of India’s largest employers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to pivot into the railway sector, this apprenticeship could be the perfect springboard. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to grab this chance before the September deadline!
Job Overview
The Eastern Railway, a vital zone of Indian Railways, is looking to train the next generation of skilled technical personnel. Through the Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), they’re launching a significant recruitment drive under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This is a contractual training position, not a permanent job *yet*, but it’s the crucial first step many successful railway professionals have taken. You’ll be immersed in practical work across key divisions like Howrah, Sealdah, Malda, and Asansol, learning directly from seasoned experts.
Key Job Details
| Organization | Eastern Railway, Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Apprentice (Various Trades) |
| Location | Fairlie Place, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700001, India (Training across Eastern Railway divisions: Howrah, Sealdah, Malda, Asansol) |
| Total Vacancies | 3115 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | September 13, 2025 |
| Official Website | https://rrcrecruit.co.in |
Eligibility Criteria
Before you get excited, let’s make sure you tick all the boxes:
- Educational Qualification: This is key! You must have passed your 10th Class (High School) examination under the 10+2 system from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks. Additionally, you need a National Trade Certificate (ITI) in the relevant trade (like Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Machinist, etc.) from an institute recognized by NCVT or SCVT.
- Age Limit: You need to be between 15 and 24 years old as of the closing date of the application, which is September 13, 2025. Don’t worry if you fall under a reserved category – the government provides standard relaxations:
- OBC candidates: 3 years relaxation
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years relaxation
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 10 years relaxation (plus category-specific relaxation if applicable)
- Other: You must meet the medical standards required for the specific trade. Being a citizen of India is essential.
Selection Process
So, how will Eastern Railway pick the apprentices? It’s primarily based on merit. Here’s the breakdown:
- Merit List Formation: RRC will create a merit list for each trade based solely on the average marks you obtained in both your 10th class and your ITI exams. So, dig out those mark sheets – your percentages matter!
- Document Verification: If your name appears high enough on the merit list for your chosen trade and location, you’ll be called in for document verification. This is crucial – bring *all* your original certificates (10th mark sheet, ITI certificate, caste certificate if applicable, age proof, photo ID).
- Medical Examination: Passing the document check means you’ll undergo a medical examination to ensure you’re fit for the demands of the apprenticeship in your specific trade.
There’s no written test or interview for this particular recruitment. Your academic performance is the main gatekeeper.
Salary and Benefits
While this is a training position, you don’t work for free! Apprentices receive a monthly stipend as prescribed by the Apprentices Act and Railway Board guidelines. For this recruitment, the stipend ranges from ₹8,000 to ₹9,000 per month, depending on the specific trade and year of training.
Beyond the stipend, the real benefits are the skills and the certificate:
- Hands-On Experience: Learn directly from skilled railway professionals in a real-world industrial environment.
- Trade Certification: Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship (which typically lasts 1-2 years depending on the trade), you’ll receive a Certificate of Proficiency. This is a valuable asset recognized nationwide.
- Enhanced Employability: This certificate significantly boosts your chances of securing skilled jobs, not just within Indian Railways (when they have direct recruitment for Technician posts) but also in other public sector units and the private industry. You gain a competitive edge.
- Safety & Regulations: Training follows strict safety protocols under the Apprentices Act.
Important Dates
Mark these dates in your calendar immediately – deadlines wait for no one!
- Online Application Start Date: August 14, 2025
- Online Application End Date: September 13, 2025 (This is firm!)
- Tentative Dates: While exact dates for the merit list publication, document verification, and medical exams haven’t been announced yet, expect these processes to happen in the weeks and months *following* the application deadline. Keep a close eye on the official website (https://rrcrecruit.co.in) for updates once the application window closes.
How to Apply
Ready to apply? Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is complete and submitted correctly:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the RRC Eastern Railway recruitment website. Copy and paste this into your browser: https://rrcrecruit.co.in (Always type it or copy-paste directly – avoid clicking links from unofficial sources).
- Find the Notification: Look for the link titled something like “Engagement of Act Apprentices under RRC/ER” or “Apprentice Notification 2025” on the homepage or in the ‘Latest News’ section.
- Read the Notification Thoroughly: DO NOT SKIP THIS! Download the official PDF notification and read every single detail – vacancies per trade/division, eligibility nuances, required documents, etc.
- New User Registration: Click the “New Registration” or “Apply Online” link. You’ll need a valid mobile number and email ID (which will be used for all communication). Complete the registration and note down your registration number and password.
- Log In & Fill the Form: Use your registration details to log in. Carefully fill out the online application form. Double-check all personal, educational, and trade details.
- Upload Scanned Documents: You’ll need clear, legible scans (in the specified format and size, usually JPG/PDF under 500KB) of:
- 10th Class Mark Sheet & Certificate
- ITI Mark Sheets & National Trade Certificate (Provisional/Final)
- Recent Passport-Sized Photograph
- Signature
- Caste Certificate (if applying under SC/ST/OBC)
- PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
- Pay the Application Fee (If Applicable):
- Fee: ₹100 (One Hundred Rupees Only).
- Exemptions: Candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities), and all Women candidates are exempt from paying the fee.
- Payment Mode: Pay online through the integrated payment gateway using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Keep the payment receipt/screenshot.
- Review and Submit: Review your entire application meticulously. Once satisfied, submit it. After submission, you usually cannot make changes.
- Download & Print: After successful submission and fee payment (if required), download and print a copy of your completed application form. Keep it safe with your payment receipt for future reference during document verification.
Important Links
Apply Now: The online application portal opens on August 14, 2025. Access it here:
Copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://rrcrecruit.co.in
Official Notification: Download the detailed notification PDF for all rules and trade-wise vacancies:
Copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://rrcrecruit.co.in/notification (Check the exact link title on the portal when it goes live)
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FAQs
Got burning questions? We’ve got answers:
1. I passed 10th but only got 49%. Can I still apply?
Unfortunately, no. The minimum requirement is 50% marks in your 10th class (under the 10+2 system). This is non-negotiable.
2. My ITI is from a private institute. Is it valid?
Yes, as long as your institute is recognized by either the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) or the State Council for Vocational Training (SCVT). Your National Trade Certificate must be valid.
3. I’m an OBC candidate and 27 years old. Am I eligible for age relaxation?
Yes! The upper age limit is 24 years, but OBC candidates get a 3-year relaxation. So, 24 + 3 = 27 years is the maximum permissible age for OBC candidates as of September 13, 2025.
4. Does completing this apprenticeship guarantee me a permanent railway job?
No, it does not. This is a training contract governed by the Apprentices Act. It doesn’t carry any obligation for future employment with the Railways. However, the Certificate of Proficiency you earn is highly valued and will significantly improve your chances when Indian Railways or other organizations recruit for permanent Technician or similar positions that require your specific trade skills.
5. Where exactly will I be posted during training?
Training will be conducted in the various workshops, units, and depots under the Howrah, Sealdah, Malda, and Asansol divisions of Eastern Railway. The specific location will depend on the trade you are selected for and the vacancies available in each division.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on the details available at the time of writing. All information regarding the RRC Eastern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2025, including eligibility, vacancies, dates, and the application process, is subject to change and must be verified exclusively through the official notification and website of the Railway Recruitment Cell, Eastern Railway (https://rrcrecruit.co.in). We are not affiliated with RRC or Indian Railways and do not guarantee selection. Always refer to the official sources for the latest and most accurate information.
Hi, I’m Rani, co-author at jobsfz.com. I’m passionate about helping job seekers across India find the right opportunities. I focus on curating reliable job updates, especially in the government and private sectors, and love sharing tips that can guide you toward a better career.


