NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – 6777 Act Apprentice Posts, Apply Online

NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

NFR has announced 6777 apprenticeship slots across divisions, workshops and HQ units. The number of slots is provisional and may increase or decrease depending on administrative requirements.

Popular Trades Included

The notification includes apprenticeship training in many trades across Mechanical, Electrical, Engineering, S&T, Personnel, Accounts, Medical and Stores departments.

• Fitter
• Welder (Gas & Electric)
• Electrician
• Lineman
• Machinist
• Turner
• Carpenter
• Plumber
• Mechanic Diesel
• Mechanic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• Electronics Mechanic
• Instrument Mechanic
• COPA
• Secretarial Assistant
• Computer Networking Technician
• Draughtsman (Civil)
• Surveyor
• Health Sanitary Inspector
• Medical Laboratory Technician (Pathology)
• Medical Laboratory Technician (Radiology)

The full trade-wise and unit-wise breakup is available in Annexure I to Annexure VIII of the official notification.

Educational Qualification

For Most Trades

• Candidates must have passed Matriculation (Class 10) or equivalent under the 10+2 system with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board.
• They must also possess a National Trade Certificate (NTC) in the notified trade issued by NCVT, or a provisional certificate issued by NCVT/SCVT.

Note: The minimum 50% aggregate marks in Class 10 are not applicable to candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwBD categories.

For Medical Laboratory Technician Trades

• Candidate must have passed Class 10 and Class 12 under 10+2 system with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
• The candidate must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in both Class 10 and Class 12.

Only completion of the course is not enough. Candidates must already possess the required ITI pass certificate, NTC or provisional trade certificate as on the date of notification.

Training Period

The training period differs by trade as mentioned in the official notification. For most trades, the duration is 1 year.

• Most ITI trades: 1 year
• Medical Laboratory Technician (Pathology / Radiology): 1 year and 3 months
• Some industrial automation trades: 6 months

Age Limit

Age Relaxation

• SC/ST: 5 years
• OBC: 3 years
• PwBD: 10 years
• Ex-Servicemen: 10 additional years plus defence service rendered, subject to rules

Reservation Details

Reservation is applicable as per government rules for SC, ST, OBC (NCL), EWS, PwBD and Ex-Servicemen.

• EWS Reservation: 10%
• PwBD Horizontal Reservation: 4%
• Ex-Servicemen Horizontal Reservation: 10%

Candidates claiming reservation must upload the required category certificate in the prescribed format.

Application Fee

Fee Exemption

• SC candidates
• ST candidates
• PwBD candidates
• EBC candidates
• Women candidates

EBC candidates must have annual family income less than Rs. 50,000 and upload a valid certificate issued on or after 01 April 2026.

Selection Process

The selection will be done purely on the basis of academic merit and successful document verification. There is no written exam and no interview mentioned in the notification.

Merit Calculation

• For most trades, merit will be based on the average of marks obtained in Matriculation and ITI.
• For Laboratory Technician (Pathology / Radiology), merit will be based on the average of Class 10 and Class 12 Science marks.
• Marks of all subjects in Matriculation / Higher Secondary will be considered.
• For ITI, the average marks of all semesters in the relevant trade will be considered.

Tie-Breaking Rule

• If two or more candidates have equal marks, the older candidate will be ranked higher.
• If date of birth is also the same, the candidate who passed Matriculation earlier will be ranked higher.

Shortlisting

• Final merit list will be prepared unit-wise, trade-wise and community-wise.
• Candidates up to 1.5 times the number of vacancies may be called for document verification.

Required Documents

Candidates need to upload legible scanned copies of the following documents while applying online:

• Mark sheet and pass certificate of Matriculation (Class 10)
• Class 12 mark sheet and pass certificate with Physics, Chemistry and Biology for Medical Laboratory Technician trades
• Proof of date of birth if not mentioned in Class 10 certificate
• Consolidated mark sheet of all ITI semesters
• National Trade Certificate issued by NCVT or provisional trade certificate by NCVT/SCVT
• SC/ST/OBC caste certificate, if applicable
• EWS certificate, if applicable
• PwBD certificate, if applicable
• Discharge certificate / serving certificate for Ex-Servicemen quota
• EBC certificate for fee exemption, if applicable

All original documents must be produced during document verification. Documents in languages other than English or Hindi must be accompanied by an attested translation in English or Hindi.

Stipend Details

Selected apprentices will receive monthly stipend as per extant rules.

The stipend rates are subject to revision from time to time. No hostel accommodation will be provided during training, and apprentices will have to arrange their own stay.

How to Apply Online

1. Visit the official NFR website: nfr.indianrailways.gov.in
2. Go to General Info > Departments > Personnel > Act Apprentice Notification
3. Read the official notification carefully before filling the form
4. Register yourself on the online portal
5. Log in using your registration credentials
6. Fill the online application form carefully
7. Select Unit-Department-Trade preferences as per your eligibility
8. Upload photograph, signature and required documents
9. Pay the application fee, if applicable
10. Submit the form and download or print the final application form

Important: Only one application is allowed per candidate. Submission of more than one application will lead to disqualification.

Important Instructions

• Candidates must preserve their registration number for future correspondence.
• Do not change your registered mobile number or email ID during the selection process.
• Any false information in the application will lead to immediate disqualification.
• Candidates must keep extra copies of the same uploaded photograph for document verification.
• No hard copy of application or certificates should be sent by post.
• No TA/DA will be paid for document verification.
• Selection is purely merit-based. Be careful of fraudsters or middlemen promising selection.

Will Apprentices Get Railway Job After Training?

No. The notification clearly states that completion of apprenticeship does not guarantee employment in Railway services.

However, 20% of Level-1 (erstwhile Group D) vacancies are to be filled by giving preference to course-completed Act Apprentices trained in Railway establishments, provided they qualify in the written examination and meet other conditions.

Why This Recruitment Is Important

The NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a major opportunity for ITI pass candidates because it offers 6777 training slots in a reputed Railway zone. It covers a wide range of technical and non-technical trades and can help candidates gain practical industrial experience.

For candidates planning a long-term technical career, apprenticeship training in Indian Railways can strengthen their skill profile and improve future employability.

Important Links

• Official Website
• NFR Apprentice Notification Portal

FAQs – NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026

1. How many vacancies are announced in NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

A total of 6777 apprenticeship slots have been announced.

2. What is the starting date to apply online?

The online application starts on 20 July 2026 at 09:00 hrs.

3. What is the last date to apply?

The last date to submit the online application is 19 August 2026 up to 17:30 hrs.

4. What is the age limit for NFR apprentices?

Candidates must be between 15 and 24 years as on 19 August 2026.

5. What is the qualification required for most apprentice trades?

Candidates must have passed Class 10 with 50% marks and possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade.

6. Is there any written exam in NFR apprentice recruitment?

No. Selection is based on academic merit and document verification.

7. What is the application fee?

The application fee is Rs. 100/-. SC, ST, PwBD, EBC and women candidates are exempted.

8. What is the stipend for selected apprentices?

The minimum monthly stipend is Rs. 9,600/- for NTC/STC holders.

9. Can I submit more than one application?

No. Only one application is allowed. Multiple applications will lead to disqualification.

10. Does apprenticeship guarantee a railway job?

No. Apprenticeship training does not guarantee employment in Railways.