SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 1191 Posts

The South East Central Railway (SECR), specifically its Personnel Department at the Divisional Railway Manager Office, Bilaspur, has issued an important recruitment notification for Act Apprentice (Trade Apprentice) positions. This initiative, under advertisement number P/विलासपुर/भर्ती/एक्ट अप्रेंटिस/2026-27/E-176508 dated 12-05-2026, aims to fill a substantial number of vacancies across various trades, providing a crucial pathway for skill development and career entry into the railway sector. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to review the details carefully and prepare their applications.

This recruitment drive presents a significant opportunity for young individuals seeking to gain practical experience and formal training as per the Apprentices Act 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules 1962. With 1191 total vacancies available, the SECR is looking to onboard qualified candidates who have completed their 10th standard and possess an ITI certificate in relevant trades. The application process is entirely online, ensuring accessibility for eligible applicants across the country. Understanding the eligibility criteria, application procedure, and selection methodology is key for a successf

Quick Facts

Organisation	South East Central Railway (SECR), Personnel Department, Divisional Railway Manager Office, Bilaspur
Post Name	Act Apprentice (Trade Apprentice) - Various Trades
Advertisement / Notification No.	P/विलासपुर/भर्ती/एक्ट अप्रेंटिस/2026-27/E-176508 dated 12-05-2026
Total Vacancies	1191
Application Mode	online
Application Start Date	2026-05-12
Application Last Date	2026-06-11
Educational Qualification	Academic | Must have passed 10th class examination under 10+2 system or its equivalent. | Technical | Must have passed ITI course in relevant trades from a recognized institution.
Application Fee	Nil (No application fee mentioned in official source)
Salary / Pay Scale	Notification No. | P/विलासपुर/भर्ती/एक्ट अप्रेंटिस/2026-27/E-176508 dated 12-05-2026 | Act / Rules | Apprentices Act 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules 1962 | Total Vacancies | 1191 (including 115 Ex-SM and 45 PWD horizontal) | Stipend | As per rules of State Government of Chhattisgarh (paid during training period)
Selection Process	Merit List (average % marks of Matriculation + ITI with equal weightage to both) | Merit Criteria | Selected candidates may be asked to bring a medical certificate at the time of document verification (signed by Government authorized Doctor Gazetted, not below rank of Asstt.
Job Location	Bilaspur
Official Notification	Download Notification
Apply Online	Apply Here
Official Website	Visit Website

About the recruitment

The South East Central Railway (SECR), through its Divisional Railway Manager Office in Bilaspur, has announced a recruitment drive for Act Apprentice (Trade Apprentice) positions. This notification, bearing advertisement number P/विलासपुर/भर्ती/एक्ट अप्रेंटिस/2026-27/E-176508 dated 12-05-2026, outlines the opportunity for individuals to undertake apprenticeship training in various trades. The recruitment is governed by the Apprentices Act 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules 1962, which define the framework for such training programs in India.

Apprenticeship programs are designed to provide practical, on-the-job training combined with theoretical instruction, enabling participants to develop specialized skills relevant to their chosen trade. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, individuals gain valuable experience and a recognized qualification, enhancing their employability. The SECR's initiative to recruit 1191 apprentices underscores its commitment to skill development and contributing to the national workforce.

Important Dates

Candidates interested in the SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 must adhere to the specified timeline for application submission. The online application window is open for a defined period, and missing these deadlines will result in the inability to apply.

• Opening of Online Application: 12-05-2026
• Last Date for Online Application: 11-06-2026 (till 23:59 hrs)

It is highly recommended that applicants complete their online submissions well in advance of the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical issues or server congestion. The last date is firm, and no extensions are typically granted. Planning to apply early ensures a smooth process and allows time to address any discrepancies or gather necessary documents.

Vacancy Details

A total of 1191 vacancies have been announced for the Act Apprentice (Trade Apprentice) posts across various trades under the South East Central Railway, Bilaspur. These vacancies are distributed across different categories and include provisions for Ex-Servicemen (Ex-SM) and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) on a horizontal reservation basis.

The substantial number of positions indicates a broad scope for aspiring apprentices to secure a training opportunity within the railway system. Candidates should refer to the official notification for a detailed breakdown of vacancies per trade and category, which will help in understanding the competition and specific opportunities available for their chosen trade. The inclusive nature of the recruitment, with reservations for specific groups, aims to provide equitable opportunities.

Eligibility

To be considered for the SECR Act Apprentice positions, candidates must meet specific academic and technical qualifications as of the last date of application, which is 11-06-2026. Adherence to these criteria is mandatory, and applications that do not meet these requirements will be rejected.

### Academic Qualification Candidates must have successfully passed the 10th class examination under the 10+2 system or possess an equivalent qualification. This foundational educational requirement ensures that applicants have a basic level of general education necessary to comprehend the theoretical aspects of the apprenticeship training.

### Technical Qualification In addition to the academic requirement, applicants must have passed an ITI (Industrial Training Institute) course in relevant trades from a recognized institution. The ITI qualification is crucial as it signifies that the candidate has already acquired basic vocational skills and knowledge specific to a trade, which will be further honed during the apprenticeship period. It is important to ensure that the ITI certificate is from an institution recognized by the appropriate authorities.

Candidates are specifically advised to accurately fill in their 10th and ITI marks in the qualification section of the online application portal. The official notification explicitly states that no higher qualifications should be entered, as doing so may lead to automatic rejection of the application. This emphasis highlights the importance of following instructions precisely during the application process. For candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC communities, uploading a recent caste certificate issued by a competent authority is also a necessary step to avail of any applicable relaxations or reservations.

Age Limit

The age criteria for the SECR Act Apprentice recruitment are defined as of 11-06-2026. Candidates must ensure they fall within the specified age brackets to be eligible for these positions. The minimum age for applicants is 15 years, and the maximum age is 24 years.

Age relaxations are provided for candidates belonging to specific categories, as per government rules. These relaxations are crucial for ensuring fair opportunities for all eligible candidates. For Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates, the upper age limit is relaxable by 05 years. Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates receive a relaxation of 03 years in the upper age limit. Furthermore, Ex-Servicemen and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) are granted a relaxation of 10 years in the upper age limit. It is important for candidates to verify their eligibility based on these age limits and provide valid supporting documents, such as caste certificates, to claim age relaxation.

Application Mode

The application process for the SECR Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is strictly online. Candidates are required to submit their applications through the designated official portal. There is no provision for offline applications, and physical copies of application forms will not be accepted.

This online mode streamlines the application process, making it convenient for candidates to apply from any location with internet access. Applicants must visit the official Apprenticeship India website to register and complete their application. It is advisable to have all necessary documents and information ready before starting the online application to ensure a smooth and error-free submission. The online portal will guide candidates through various sections, including personal details, educational qualifications, and document uploads. Candidates should ensure they have a stable internet connection and use a compatible browser for the application process.

Selection Process

The selection of candidates for the Act Apprentice positions at SECR will be based on a merit list. This merit list will be prepared by giving equal weightage to the percentage marks obtained in both Matriculation (10th class) and the ITI examination. There will be no written examination for this recruitment, making the academic performance in these two qualifications the sole determinant for selection.

### Merit Criteria Candidates must have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in their Matriculation (10th class) examination. The average percentage of marks from the 10th class and the ITI examination will be calculated, and candidates will be ranked based on this average. This method, as per Establishment Rule 201/2017, ensures that candidates with strong academic and technical foundations are prioritized. It is crucial for applicants to accurately enter their 10th and ITI marks on the online portal, as any incorrect entry or omission can lead to the rejection of the application. The official notification explicitly states that no higher qualification should be filled in the application, as only 10th and ITI marks are considered for merit calculation.

### Medical Certificate Selected candidates may be required to produce a medical certificate at the time of document verification. This certificate must be signed by a Government authorized Doctor Gazetted, not below the rank of an Assistant Surgeon of a Central or State Hospital. This requirement ensures that candidates are medically fit to undertake the duties and training associated with the apprenticeship. It is advisable for provisionally selected candidates to prepare for this medical examination as part of the final selection stages.

### Apprenticeship Contract Upon selection, candidates (or their guardian if the candidate is a minor) will be required to enter into a contract of apprenticeship with the employer. This contract formalizes the apprenticeship arrangement, outlining the terms and conditions of training, duration, and other relevant aspects. The apprenticeship duration is typically one year for each trade. During the training period, apprentices will receive a stipend as per the rules of the State Government of Chhattisgarh. It is important to note that completing the apprenticeship does not obligate the employer to offer permanent employment, nor does it obligate the apprentice to accept any employment if offered, as the primary purpose is training and skill development.

How to Apply

Applying for the SECR Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an online process. Candidates must follow the steps outlined below to ensure their application is submitted correctly and on time. The application window is from 12-05-2026 to 11-06-2026 (till 23:59 hrs).

1. Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the official Apprenticeship India website: `https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/`.

1. Registration: If you are a new user, you will need to register on the portal. This typically involves providing basic personal details, creating a user ID and password, and verifying your email or mobile number. Ensure all details are accurate as they will be used for further communication.

1. Login: After successful registration, log in to your account using your credentials.

1. Find the Advertisement: Search for the SECR Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification on the portal. You might need to use the search function or browse through the available apprenticeship opportunities in Bilaspur.

1. Fill the Application Form: Carefully fill in all the required details in the online application form. This includes personal information, educational qualifications (10th class and ITI marks), contact details, and category information. As per the notification, only 10th and ITI marks should be filled in the qualification section; do not enter details of higher qualifications.

6. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of necessary documents. This typically includes: Recent passport-size color photograph. Scanned signature. 10th class mark sheet and certificate. ITI mark sheet and certificate in the relevant trade. Caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates) issued by a competent authority. Disability certificate (for PWD candidates). * Ex-Servicemen certificate (if applicable). Ensure that the uploaded documents are clear, legible, and meet the specified file size and format requirements.

1. Review and Submit: Before final submission, thoroughly review all the information entered to check for any errors or discrepancies. Once satisfied, submit the application form.

1. Print Application: After successful submission, it is advisable to download and print a copy of the submitted application form for your records. No physical copy needs to be sent to the SECR office.

Important Considerations: Ensure that the name of the applicant and father's name on the 10th mark sheet, ITI mark sheet, Aadhaar card, and PAN card match exactly. Discrepancies can lead to rejection during document verification. If options for EWS/Ex-Serviceman are not available on the portal, apply under your actual category (UR, OBC, SC, ST) and physically submit the EWS/Ex-Serviceman certificate to the SECR office. * Apply well before the closing date to avoid any technical difficulties.

Why this matters

This recruitment drive by the South East Central Railway (SECR) for Act Apprentice positions holds significant importance for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a structured pathway for young individuals to enter the skilled workforce, particularly in the vital railway sector. Apprenticeships are crucial for bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry requirements, providing hands-on experience that is highly valued by employers.

Secondly, the opportunity to train with an organization like the Indian Railways, one of the largest employers in the country, provides invaluable exposure and a strong foundation for future career growth. Even though the apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment, the skills acquired and the experience gained are highly transferable and can open doors to various opportunities within the railway system or other industries. Furthermore, the provision of a stipend during the training period offers financial support to apprentices, making the program accessible to a wider range of candidates. This initiative contributes to national skill development goals and empowers youth with practical competencies, fostering economic growth and individual career progression.

Summary

The South East Central Railway's recruitment drive for 1191 Act Apprentice posts offers a valuable opportunity for eligible candidates to embark on a career path in various trades. With a straightforward online application process and selection based purely on merit from academic and ITI qualifications, aspiring apprentices should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and submit their applications before the deadline of June 11, 2026. For detailed information and to apply, visit the official Apprenticeship India website: `https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/`.

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