SR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 — 4471 Vacancies

Southern Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview

Southern Railway is engaging Act Apprentices for designated-trade training in its divisions, workshops and units under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The drive covers both freshers and candidates who already hold the relevant ITI trade certificate, with training based mainly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala railway establishments.

This is apprenticeship training, not a regular Railway appointment. Completing the programme does not guarantee employment, although course-completed railway apprentices with a National Apprenticeship Certificate may receive preference in a limited share of future Level-1 direct recruitment under the applicable rules.

Posts and Disciplines

• Mechanical trades: Fitter, Machinist, Turner, Diesel Mechanic, Motor Mechanic Vehicle and Mechanic Machine Tool Maintenance.
• Fabrication trades: Welder, Advanced Welder, Structural Welder, Gas Cutter and Painter.
• Electrical and electronics trades: Electrician, Wireman, Electronics Mechanic, Instrument Mechanic and Mechanic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
• Construction support trades: Carpenter, Plumber and Draughtsman Civil.
• Computer and office trades: COPA, PASAA, Secretarial Assistant, Stenographer English and Information and Communication Technology System Maintenance.
• Medical laboratory trades: Radiology, Pathology and Cardiology laboratory training at Railway Hospital, Perambur.

Post-wise Duties

Mechanical and Maintenance Apprentices

You will learn inspection, fitting, repair and preventive maintenance under a trade instructor, while using workshop tools and measuring equipment safely.

Welding, Fabrication and Painting Apprentices

You will practise joint preparation, cutting, welding, finishing and protective coating on supervised jobs, with close attention to fire and workshop safety.

Electrical and Electronics Apprentices

You will help test circuits, wiring, motors, controls and communication equipment, record readings and isolate faults under authorised technical supervision.

Computer and Office Apprentices

You will work with data entry, basic programming, office systems, records or secretarial processes and maintain accurate digital and paper files.

Medical Laboratory Apprentices

You will support supervised sample handling, equipment preparation and laboratory records in the Radiology, Pathology or Cardiology unit.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Residence condition: Only candidates residing within the geographical jurisdiction listed in the notice can apply. This covers Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, specified Andhra Pradesh districts and Dakshina Kannada.
• Training contract: Selected candidates must execute an apprenticeship contract; a guardian may execute it for a minor.
• Training period: Fresher training varies by trade, while eligible Ex-ITI candidates receive the rebate allowed by the Apprenticeship Rules.
• Physical fitness: Engagement depends on meeting the prescribed apprenticeship fitness standards and producing a medical certificate from an authorised government doctor.
• Unit allocation: The chosen unit is considered against available slots, but Southern Railway may place you in another unit within its jurisdiction when required.
• Accommodation: You must arrange your own accommodation and related facilities during training.
• Withdrawal: Leaving without an accepted reason may lead to recovery of the training cost and stipend under the apprenticeship contract.
• Official updates: Shortlists and document-verification notices will be published through Southern Railway’s notified channel.

• Attend practical and classroom apprenticeship sessions regularly
• Learn the approved tasks and methods for the allotted designated trade
• Use tools, machines, instruments and safety equipment correctly
• Follow instructions from trade instructors and Railway supervisors
• Keep training records, work logs and assigned materials in order
• Maintain workshop, office or laboratory discipline and safety standards
• Complete practical exercises and assessments within the training schedule