East Coast Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026: East Coast Railway has released a centralized notification for the engagement of Act Apprentices for the training year 2026–27. A total of 1,599 apprenticeship slots are available across different divisions, workshops and departments under East Coast Railway. The Railway Recruitment Cell, Bhubaneswar will conduct the online application process.
The online application process will begin on 26 August 2026 at 5:00 PM and the last date to submit the application is 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM. Eligible candidates with Matriculation and the required ITI qualification can apply online through the official RRC Bhubaneswar website.
East Coast Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
This recruitment offers apprenticeship training opportunities in several technical and non-technical trades. Candidates should carefully check their trade qualification and preferred Unit/Department/Trade before submitting the application.
The selection will be based on academic merit, followed by document verification and medical fitness requirements as prescribed in the notification.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | East Coast Railway |
| Recruitment Authority | Railway Recruitment Cell, Bhubaneswar |
| Post | Act Apprentice |
| Training Year | 2026–27 |
| Total Slots | 1,599 |
| Notification No. | ECoR/Pers/RRC/Act Apprentice/2026-27 |
| Notification Date | 21 August 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start | 26 August 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Last Date | 15 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Official Website | RRC Bhubaneswar |
Odisha East Coast Railway Apprentice Vacancy 2026
The notification contains vacancies across major units and divisions of East Coast Railway. The opportunities cover engineering, electrical, mechanical, medical, personnel, accounts and IT-related departments.
The total number of notified slots is provisional and may be increased or decreased depending on the administrative requirement at the time of final selection.
| Unit / Division | Slots |
|---|---|
| Carriage Repair Workshop, Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar | 250 |
| Rangda (RGDA) Division | 292 |
| Khurda Road Division | 773 |
| Sambalpur Division | 262 |
| Headquarters, East Coast Railway, Bhubaneswar | 22 |
| Grand Total | 1,599 |
The notification shows a category-wise distribution of the 1,599 slots as 633 UR, 251 SC, 116 ST, 435 OBC and 164 EWS. Horizontal reservation provisions include 4% for PwBD and 3% for Ex-Servicemen within the overall notified slots.
East Coast Railway Apprentice Eligibility 2026
Applicants should check the eligibility conditions before starting the online application. The basic qualification requires both Matriculation and the relevant ITI qualification.
The prescribed qualifications must already have been obtained by the date of issue of the notification, which is 21 August 2026.
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed Matriculation/Class 10 under the 10+2 system.
- A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Matriculation is required.
- The candidate must possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade affiliated with NCVT or the applicable recognised system.
- Candidates whose SSC or ITI results are pending on the notification date are not eligible.
- Candidates who have failed ITI should not apply.
- Engineering graduates and diploma holders are not eligible under this particular notification because they come under a separate apprenticeship scheme.
Special Qualification for Medical Laboratory Technician
For the Medical Laboratory Technician (Pathology) trade, candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology and secured at least 50% marks in both Class 10 and Class 12.
Important ITI Trades
The notification includes a wide range of designated trades, giving eligible ITI candidates several options depending on their qualification and available vacancies.
- Fitter
- Welder
- Turner
- Machinist
- Electrician
- Carpenter
- Painter
- Mechanic Diesel
- Plumber
- Wireman
- Refrigeration and AC Mechanic
- Draftsman Civil
- Mechanic Motor Vehicle
- Computer Operator and Programming Assistant
- Laboratory Technician (Pathology)
- Secretarial Assistant/Stenography
- Black Smith
- Driller
- Bridge Erector
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Electronics Mechanic
- Sarang
- Grinder
- Mason
- Draftsman Mechanic
Age Limit for ECoR Apprentice 2026
The age requirement is calculated on the closing date of the online application. Candidates should carefully calculate their age as on 15 September 2026 before applying.
Age relaxation is available to specified reserved and special categories according to the conditions mentioned in the notification.
| Category | Age Requirement / Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General Candidates | 15 to 24 years |
| SC/ST | Upper age relaxation of 5 years |
| OBC | Upper age relaxation of 3 years |
| PwBD | Upper age relaxation of 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Additional relaxation as prescribed in the notification |
The notification specifically states that the age is to be calculated as on the closing date, 15 September 2026.
Application Fee
The application fee for eligible applicants is relatively low, while certain categories are completely exempted from payment. Candidates should complete the payment through the integrated online payment gateway after checking all details.
Once the payment process is completed, applicants should retain the generated application form and registration details safely for future requirements.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Applicable Candidates | ₹100 |
| SC/ST | No Fee |
| PwBD | No Fee |
| Women Candidates | No Fee |
The notification states that the ₹100 fee is non-refundable and must be paid online. Applicable transaction charges are to be borne by the applicant.
East Coast Railway Apprentice Selection Process
There is no written examination or viva-voce for this apprenticeship engagement. Eligible applicants will be considered through a merit-based process using their Matriculation marks.
After preparation of the merit list, shortlisted candidates will be called for Document Verification and must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness requirements.
- Online application submission
- Scrutiny of eligibility and application details
- Preparation of merit list
- Document Verification
- Submission of Medical Fitness Certificate
- Final selection and apprenticeship engagement
The merit list will be prepared using the percentage of marks obtained in Matriculation, with all subjects being considered. In case of equal marks, the older candidate receives preference; if the date of birth is also the same, the candidate who passed Matriculation earlier gets priority.
How Merit Marks Will Be Calculated
Candidates should be especially careful while entering their Matriculation marks because the merit list is prepared from the information submitted in the online application.
The notification does not permit a “best of five” approach for calculating the Matriculation percentage. All relevant subjects shown in the mark sheet are to be considered.
- Marks from all subjects in the Matriculation mark sheet are considered.
- The calculation should not be based on best five subjects.
- Optional, additional and alternate subjects are also to be included as prescribed.
- Candidates with CGPA must convert it into actual marks and enter the equivalent percentage.
- A mismatch between the online application and original documents can result in rejection during Document Verification.
Documents Required for Odisha Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Application
Applicants should keep clear scanned copies of the required documents ready before beginning the application process. Incorrect, unclear or missing documents can create problems during scrutiny or Document Verification.
The original documents must also be produced when the candidate is called for Document Verification.
- Matriculation/Class 10 mark sheet and pass certificate
- Date of birth proof, where required
- ITI consolidated mark sheet or provisional certificate showing marks
- National Trade Certificate or provisional trade certificate
- SC/ST/OBC caste certificate, where applicable
- OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate, where applicable
- EWS Income and Asset Certificate, where applicable
- PwBD certificate, where applicable
- Ex-Servicemen discharge or serving certificate, where applicable
- Recent photograph
- Scanned signature
- Other certificates required for fee or reservation benefits
The notification specifies a recent colour photograph in JPG/JPEG format with a prescribed size and file-size range, while the scanned signature must also follow the specified format.
Training Period and Stipend
Selected candidates will undergo apprenticeship training according to the applicable apprenticeship rules. This is a training engagement rather than a regular Railway appointment.
During the training period, apprentices will receive a stipend at the prescribed rate under the applicable rules and Railway Board directions. No hostel accommodation will be provided, so apprentices will need to make their own arrangements.
Importantly, completion of apprenticeship does not guarantee a regular job in Indian Railways. The notification clearly states that the employer is not obligated to offer employment after apprenticeship training.
How to Apply Online for East Coast Railway Apprentice 2026
The application process is completely online. Candidates should use the official RRC Bhubaneswar website and carefully enter their personal, educational and trade details.
Applicants should remember that only one application is permitted as prescribed, and incorrect or inconsistent information can lead to disqualification.
- Visit the official RRC Bhubaneswar website.
- Open the Act Apprentice 2026–27 online application link.
- Complete the registration process using an active mobile number and email ID.
- Enter personal information exactly as shown in the Matriculation certificate.
- Enter Aadhaar details and educational qualification information.
- Select the applicable trade and one preferred Division/Workshop as permitted.
- Upload the photograph, signature and required documents.
- Check the complete application carefully.
- Pay the applicable application fee online.
- Submit the application and download the final application form.
- Keep the registration number and application printout safely for future reference.
The notification advises candidates to preserve their registration number and application printout. It also states that the registered mobile number and email ID should remain active throughout the process.
Important Points Before Applying
Applicants should not rush through the form simply because the application is online. Small differences in personal details, marks or documents can affect candidature during Document Verification.
Before submitting the form, candidates should cross-check every important detail against their original certificates.
- Apply only through the official RRC Bhubaneswar website.
- Do not wait until the last date to submit the application.
- Use an active personal email ID and mobile number.
- Enter your name, father's name and date of birth exactly as recorded in the Matriculation certificate.
- Check the trade-wise and unit-wise vacancies before choosing your preference.
- Do not submit multiple applications for the same trade.
- Keep copies of the submitted application and payment details.
- Carry original certificates when called for Document Verification.
- Do not trust agents or individuals promising Railway selection.
- Remember that apprenticeship training does not automatically provide a regular Railway job.
Important Links
Use the official Railway Recruitment Cell website for the latest application updates and instructions. The notification identifies www.rrcbbs.org.in as the official website for submitting applications.
| Link | Action |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Apply Online (26 August 2026) |
| Official Website | RRC Bhubaneswar |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in East Coast Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 1,599 Act Apprentice slots have been notified for the 2026–27 training year.
When will the ECoR Apprentice application start?
The online application is scheduled to start on 26 August 2026 at 5:00 PM.
What is the last date to apply for East Coast Railway Apprentice 2026?
The last date for online application submission is 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
What is the minimum educational qualification?
Candidates generally need Class 10/Matriculation with at least 50% aggregate marks along with an ITI certificate in the relevant trade.
Is there any written examination?
No. The notification states that there will be no written test or viva. Selection will be based on the prescribed merit process followed by Document Verification and medical fitness requirements.
What is the application fee?
The application fee is ₹100 for applicable candidates. SC, ST, PwBD and women applicants are exempted from the fee.
Is apprenticeship in East Coast Railway a permanent Railway job?
No. Apprenticeship training does not guarantee regular employment in the Railways after completion of training.
Can diploma holders apply?
No. Engineering graduates and diploma holders are specifically excluded from this notification because they are covered under a separate apprenticeship scheme.
Conclusion
East Coast Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an important opportunity for eligible ITI candidates looking for apprenticeship training in Railway establishments. With 1,599 slots across different units and trades, applicants should carefully check their qualification, age, trade preference and required documents before applying.
The application window is scheduled from 26 August 2026 to 15 September 2026. Since selection is merit-based and there is no written examination or viva, candidates should pay particular attention to entering their Matriculation marks accurately and uploading valid documents. Always rely on the official RRC Bhubaneswar website for the latest instructions and application updates.