Introduction
South Western Railway (SWR) has announced a new and exciting recruiment drive for Act Apprentices under the Apprentice Act 1961, for the training year 2025-26. This opportunity is golden for aspirants who want to start their carear in the Indian Railways through skill-based training. A total of 904 vacancies have been released across various trades and locations including Hubballi, Mysuru, Bengaluru, and Central Workshop Mysuru.
Table of Contents
The notification is open to ITI pass candidates who are dreaming to join Indian Railways but do not have a chance for direct job yet. The apprenticeship training does not guarantee permanant employment, but it significantly boosts your chances in future railway selections. The online application process started on 2nd July 2025 and will remain open till 2nd August 2025 (till 23:59 hrs). If you’re a dedicated learner from Karnataka or nearby states, this is your time to grab this oppertunity and gain railways-specific work expeirence.
South Western Railway Apprentice 2025 Overivews
South Western Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2025-26
South Western Railway (RRC Hubballi) | |
Engagement of Act Apprentices – 904 Vacancies | |
JobGn.com | |
Important Dates | |
Application Start Date | 14 July 2025 |
Last Date to Apply | 13 August 2025 (till 23:59 hrs) |
Notification Date | 11 July 2025 |
Age – Criteria | |
Minimum Age | 15 Years |
Maximum Age | 24 Years (as on last date) |
Age Relaxation | SC/ST: 5 yrs, OBC: 3 yrs, PwBD: 10 yrs, ExSM: as per rules |
योग्यता (Qualification) | |
Education | 10th Pass (minimum 50%) + ITI certificate in relevant trade (NCVT/SCVT) |
Note | Engineering diploma/degree holders are not eligible |
Post Details | |
Post Name | Apprentice (Act Apprentice under Apprentices Act 1961) |
Total Vacancies | 904 |
Divisions/Units | Hubballi Division, Bengaluru Division, Mysuru Division, Central Workshop Mysuru, Carriage Repair Workshop Hubballi |
Application Fee | |
General/OBC | ₹100/- |
SC/ST/Women/PwBD | Exempted |
Selection Process | |
Merit List | Based on average of 10th & ITI marks |
Tiebreaker | Older age → earlier matriculation |
Final Step | Document Verification + Medical Fitness |
Important Notes | |
Training Period | 1 Year (Apprenticeship only, no job guarantee) |
Accommodation | No hostel facility; self-arranged stay required |
Multiple Applications | Will lead to rejection |
Important Links | |
Apply Online | Apply Now |
Notification PDF | Download PDF |
Official Website | Check Now |
South Western Railway Apprentice 2025 : Division-wise Vacancy Details
The 904 vacancies are distributed among four major divisions: Hubballi Division (237), Carriage Repair Workshop Hubballi (217), Mysuru Division (177), and Central Workshop Mysuru (43). In addition, Bengaluru Division also offers 230 posts in various trades. These include Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Painter, Plumber, Diesel Mechanic, and more. The most sought-after trades like Fitter and Electrician have higher intakes across all divisions.

The notification provides trade-wise bifurcation for each unit, helping candiddates choose as per their skills and location preference. For instance, Hubballi Carriage Workshop has significant vaccancies for Turner, Machinist and Welder trades. Some units have unique trades like Electronic Mechanic or Cable Jointer, so make sure you read the full breakdown in the official PDF. Choosing the right trade can increase your chances of selection. The apprentice training here is comprehensive and industry-level, giving you a solid technicall foundation in railway operations.
South Western Railway Apprentice : Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications
To be eligable, the candidate must have passed 10th class examination (or its equivalent) with minimum 50% marks in aggregate, from a recognized board. Alongside, they must possess a National Trade Certificate (NTC) in the notified trade issued by NCVT/SCVT. Age should be between 15 to 24 years as of 2nd August 2025. There is relaxation for reserved categories—SC/ST candidates get 5 years, OBC 3 years, and PwBD candidates get 10 years.

Ex-servicemen can also avail age relaxation. It’s important that both qualifications—academic and technical—are completed before the closing date. Many applicants ignore this rule and get their form rejectd later during document verification. Also note, your ITI certificate must match the exact trade mentioned in the notification. For example, those with Wireman certificate can’t apply under Electrician trade unless separately mentioned. Reading eligiblity lines carefully can save your application from rejection.
South Western Railway Apprentice : Application Process and Fee
Applying for SWR Apprenticeship 2025 is a straightforward online process. Visit the official website at https://www.rrchubli.in and click on the “Online Apprentice Registration” link. You need to complete basic registration, upload required documents, pay fee (if applicable), and finaly submit the form. The application fee is ₹100 for General and OBC candidates. However, SC/ST, PwBD, and all female candidates are exempted from fee payment.

The fee must be paid online via debit/credit card, UPI, or netbanking. Uploading a recent photo, scanned signature, 10th mark sheet, and ITI certificate is mandatory. Any mismatch or blurred image can lead to your applicatoin being cancelled. Don’t wait till the last day to apply, as the server may get overloaded or you might miss out due to small techincal issues. Once submitted, no changes can be made to your application—so double check every field before clicking on submit.
South Western Railway Apprentice 2025 : Selection Process and Merit List
There is no written exam or interview for selection. Instead, a merit list will be prepared based on the average of marks obtained in both 10th and ITI. Marks will be calculated to the nearest two decimal places, and in case of a tie, older age candidate will be prefered. If age is also same, the one who passed 10th earlier will get the upper hand. The provisional merit list will be released division-wise and trade-wise on the official portal.
Shortlisted candidates will have to go through document verification and medical fitness test. It’s worth noting that apprenticeship training does not guarantee a job, but candidates with completed apprenticeship from railways often get weightage in future Group D or Technician recruitments. Be honest in your marks entry because it will be verified later. Fake entries or inflated scores can get you disqualified at any stage of the process.
South Western Railway Apprentice : Medical Standards and Other Requirements
Selected candidates must pass a medical examination conducted by railway authorities. The medical standards include vision tests, general fitness, and other basic parameters to ensure candidates can work safely in workshops or stations. For trades involving high risk like welder or electrician, the fitness tests are slightly more strict. The cost of medical exam will be bourne by the candidate.
Also, applicants should be willing to undergo training for one year or as specified in the rules, depending on the trade. The training period will be governed by Apprenticeship Act 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules 1992. During training, candidates will be paid a stipend as per government norms. Once you’re selected, you cannot switch trade or division, so choose wisely while applying. You also need to give a self-declaration that you have not done apprenticeship training before, as multiple apprenticeships are not allowed under govt rules.
South Western Railway 2025 : Important Instructions and Final Advice
Here are a few things many aspirants overlook: First, you need to register yourself on the NCVT MIS portal before applying (https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in). Without NCVT registration number, your form will be considered incomplete. Second, you must provide an active email and mobile number—because all future communication will be done digitally. Many times, candidaets miss out just because their mobile number was inactive or they didn’t check emails on time.
Third, keep your caste certificate and other proofs (like PwBD or ESM) ready as per the format given in notification. Forms without proper proof get straightaway rejected. Lastly, make sure your ITI certificate is from a recognized institute (NCVT/SCVT)—private or unapproved centers are not eligible. With over 900 vacancies and zero exam pressure, this is a golden chance. Don’t lose it due to careless mistakes. Apply early, prepare your docs well, and step into the Indian Railways ecosystem with pride!
Conclusion
The South Western Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2025-26 offers an excellent platform for ITI-qualified youth to gain practical experience in the railway sector. While it may not offer permanent jobs immediately, completing such a prestigious apprenticeship significantly improves your employability in future railway and PSU openings. With no exam, low fees, and wide trade variety, it’s an ideal chance for serious aspirants. Make sure you meet all eligibility conditions, prepare your documents carefully, and apply before the deadline. A small mistake can cost you this valuable career stepping stone. Don’t wait till the last minute—start now!
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for SWR Apprentice 2025-26?
A: The last date to apply is 2nd August 2025 (11:59 PM).
Q2. Is there any written exam for selection?
A: No, selection is based purely on 10th and ITI marks.
Q3. How much stipend will be paid during training?
A: Stipend will be paid as per Apprenticeship Act norms (around ₹6,000–₹9,000/month approx).
Q4. Can I apply for more than one trade or division?
A: No, candidates can apply for only one unit and one trade.