East Coast Railway has opened a major apprenticeship opportunity for 10th-pass and ITI-qualified candidates through its 2026–27 Act Apprentice engagement.
The Railway Recruitment Cell, Bhubaneswar has notified 1,599 apprenticeship slots across 25 designated trades, covering units such as Mancheswar Workshop, RGDA, Khurda Road, Sambalpur and ECoR Headquarters.
The notification is particularly relevant for candidates looking for practical railway-sector training because there is no CBT, written examination or interview; selection is prepared through academic merit, followed by document verification and medical fitness requirements.
The notification was issued on 21 August 2026, while the online application window will begin on 26 August 2026 at 5:00 PM and remain available until 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM. Candidates need a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Matriculation along with an ITI certificate in the relevant trade. The application fee is ₹100 for candidates who are not exempted, while SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates are exempt from the fee.
One important point should be understood before applying: this is an apprenticeship engagement, not a regular Railway appointment. Apprentices receive training and stipend according to applicable rules, but completion of training does not itself create a right to permanent employment.
At the same time, qualifying apprentices who obtain the required National Apprenticeship Certificate can receive preference in future Level-1 Railway recruitment as provided under the applicable rules.
East Coast Railway (ECoR) Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview
Notification No. ECoR/Pers/RRC/Act Apprentice/2026-27 — 1599 Apprentice Slots | Apply Online 26 Aug – 15 Sep 2026
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| Particulars | Details |
| Organization Name | East Coast Railway (ECoR), Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Bhubaneswar |
| Recruitment Name | Centralized Notification for Engagement of Act Apprentices over ECoR for the Year 2026–2027 |
| Notification Number | ECoR/Pers/RRC/Act Apprentice/2026-27 dated 21.08.2026 |
| Post Name | Act Apprentice (25 Designated Trades — Fitter, Welder, Electrician, Carpenter, Machinist, etc.) |
| Total Vacancies | 1599 (Provisional, Subject to Variation) |
| Governing Act | The Apprentices Act, 1961 |
| Application Mode | Online Mode Only |
| Job Location | Various Divisions/Workshops under ECoR — Bhubaneswar, RGDA (Rayagada), Khurda Road, Sambalpur |
| Official Website | www.rrcbbs.org.in |
| Help Line Number | 7303484063 | support@ecorbbs.in |
What is an Act Apprentice? — Quick Explainer
An Act Apprentice is a trainee engaged under The Apprentices Act, 1961, a central law that governs skill-based training in industrial establishments, including Indian Railways. Unlike a regular Railway job, this is purely a training engagement — apprentices are paid a monthly stipend during training, but the Railways has no legal obligation to offer permanent employment afterward. However, ITI-trained candidates who complete apprenticeship (CCAA) and hold a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) do get a preference of up to 20% of Level-1 vacancies in future direct-recruitment drives for Railway Level-1 posts — making this a valuable stepping stone toward a permanent Railway career.
Important Dates 2026
- Notification Released: 21 August 2026
- Online Application Start Date: 26 August 2026, 17:00 Hrs
- Last Date to Apply Online: 15 September 2026, 17:00 Hrs
- Merit List Preparation: After Closing Date (Based on Matriculation Marks Only)
- Document Verification (DV): To Be Notified — At RRC, Bhubaneswar Headquarters
- Training Commencement: To Be Announced After DV & Medical Fitness Clearance
Note: There is no written test or interview in this recruitment — selection is based purely on Matriculation percentage. Keep checking rrcbbs.org.in regularly for DV schedule and further updates.
ECoR Apprentice 2026 — Complete Trade-Wise Vacancy List (1599 Slots)
Carriage Repair Workshop, Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar (Sub Total: 250)
| Trade | Total | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS |
| Fitter | 80 | 32 | 12 | 6 | 22 | 8 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | 20 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 2 |
| Welder | 38 | 15 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 4 |
| Machinist | 12 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Mechanic (MV) | 10 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Carpenter | 30 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 3 |
| Painter | 10 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Electrician | 30 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 3 |
| Refrigeration & A.C. Mechanic | 10 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Wireman | 10 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
RGDA Division — Rayagada (Sub Total: 292)
| Trade | Total | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS |
| Fitter | 36 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 4 |
| Welder | 38 | 15 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 4 |
| Black Smith | 38 | 15 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 4 |
| Plumber | 12 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Carpenter | 12 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Sarang | 18 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 |
| Grinder | 36 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 4 |
| Driller | 36 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 4 |
| Draftsman (Civil) | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Painter | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Mason | 18 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 |
| Computer Operator & Prog. Asst. | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Electrician | 14 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Wireman | 10 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Electronics Mechanic | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Lab Technician (Pathology) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Khurda Road Division — ELS, Angul & IOH Depot (Sub Total: 773)
| Trade | Total | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS |
| Fitter (Engineering) | 57 | 23 | 9 | 4 | 15 | 6 |
| Black Smith | 95 | 38 | 14 | 7 | 26 | 10 |
| Welder | 63 | 26 | 9 | 5 | 17 | 6 |
| Plumber | 43 | 18 | 6 | 3 | 12 | 4 |
| Mason | 84 | 34 | 13 | 6 | 23 | 8 |
| Electronics Mechanic (TMO) | 12 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Mechanic (Diesel) (TMO) | 12 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Bridge Erector | 90 | 36 | 14 | 7 | 24 | 9 |
| Draftsman (Civil) | 15 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Fitter (S&T) | 11 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Electrician (S&T) | 19 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 |
| Wireman (S&T) | 19 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 |
| Electronics Mechanic (S&T) | 11 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Electrician | 41 | 17 | 6 | 3 | 11 | 4 |
| Refrigeration & A.C. Mechanic | 11 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Electronics Mechanic | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Lab Technician (Pathology) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Welder (Mechanical) | 25 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Fitter (Mechanical) | 104 | 42 | 16 | 8 | 28 | 10 |
| Turner | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Machinist | 12 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Carpenter | 31 | 13 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 3 |
| Draftsman (Mechanical) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Sambalpur Division — Coachin, BLGR (Sub Total: 262)
| Trade | Total | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS |
| Fitter (Engineering) | 44 | 18 | 7 | 3 | 12 | 4 |
| Engg. Black Smith | 32 | 13 | 5 | 2 | 9 | 3 |
| Welder | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Carpenter | 27 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Sarang | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Painter | 27 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Plumber | 27 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Electronics Mechanic (TMO) | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Mechanic (Diesel) (TMO) | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Mason | 18 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 |
| Fitter (S&T) | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Electrician (S&T) | 10 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Wireman (S&T) | 10 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Electronics Mechanic (S&T) | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Electrician | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Fitter (Mechanical) | 30 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 3 |
| Lab Technician (Pathology) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Headquarters, East Coast Railway, Bhubaneswar (Sub Total: 22)
| Trade | Total | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS |
| Computer Operator & Prog. Asst. | 10 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Secretarial Assistant (Stenography) | 10 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Lab Technician (Pathology) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Grand Total Summary — All Units
| Unit | Total Slots |
| Carriage Repair Workshop, Mancheswar | 250 |
| RGDA Division | 292 |
| Khurda Road Division (ELS/Angul/IOH) | 773 |
| Sambalpur Division | 262 |
| Headquarters, Bhubaneswar | 22 |
| GRAND TOTAL | 1599 (UR-633, SC-251, ST-116, OBC-435, EWS-164, PwBD-50, ESM-42) |
Note: Vacancies are provisional and may increase, decrease, or become nil depending on organisational requirement at the time of finalization. PwBD reservation is 4% and Ex-Servicemen reservation is 3%, both horizontal and included within the overall notified slots (not additional).
25 Designated Trades Covered in This Notification
Fitter • Welder • Turner • Machinist • Electrician • Carpenter • Painter (General) • Mechanic (Diesel)(TMO) • Secretarial Assistant (Stenography) • Black Smith • Driller • Bridge Erector • Sheet Metal Worker • Electronics Mechanic/Electronics Mechanic(TMO) • Wireman/Electrician • Mechanic Refrigeration & AC • Plumber • Draftsman (Civil) • Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) • Computer Operator & Programming Assistant • Laboratory Technician (Pathology) • Sarang • Grinder • Mason • Draftsman (Mechanical)
Age Limit (As on 15 September 2026 — Closing Date)
- Minimum Age: 15 Years
- Maximum Age: 24 Years
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwBD | 10 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (Applying for Self) | 10 Years + Service Rendered + 3 Years (Min. 6 Months Continuous Service Required) |
Note: Ex-Servicemen age relaxation applies only to applicants applying for themselves, NOT to their children. Children of Ex-Servicemen/Armed Forces personnel get the same relaxation as applicable to their own community category.
Eligibility — Educational & Technical Qualification
- Educational Qualification: Matriculation (10th Class) under 10+2 system with minimum 50% aggregate marks from a recognised Board — considering ALL subjects, not “best of five”
- Technical Qualification: ITI Certificate (NCVT/SCVT affiliated) in the relevant designated trade, as per the Apprentices Act 1961
- Special Case — Lab Technician (Pathology): 12th Pass (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry & Biology, minimum 50% marks in BOTH 10th and 12th
- Special Case — Secretarial Assistant/Stenographer: Must hold National Trade Certificate (NTC) approved by NCVT/SCVT
- Special Case — Computer Operator & Prog. Assistant: Board-based basic IT sector training under Centre of Excellence scheme, with NTC approved by NCVT/SCVT
Important Exclusions:
- Applicants whose SSC or ITI results are AWAITED as on the notification date (21.08.2026) are NOT eligible
- Applicants who have FAILED in ITI must not apply — such engagement, if inadvertent, will be terminated immediately
- Engineering graduates and diploma holders are NOT eligible under this notification (they fall under a separate scheme)
Application Fee
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Exempted (No Fee) |
| All Other Candidates (UR/OBC/EWS Male) | ₹100/- (Non-Refundable) |
| Fee Payment Mode | Online Only — Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI / Internet Banking |
Mode of Selection — No Written Test, No Interview
- Selection is based purely on merit — the percentage of marks obtained in Matriculation (10th Class), subject to minimum 50% aggregate
- All subjects in the marksheet are counted — NOT the “best of five” approach; CGPA must be converted to actual percentage
- A trade-wise and community-wise merit list is prepared separately for each Unit/Division
- Candidates are shortlisted for Document Verification (DV) at RRC Headquarters, Bhubaneswar, based on this merit
- Final selection is subject to DV of original documents and submission of Medical Fitness Certificate
- There is NO written test or viva/interview in this recruitment process
Tie-Breaking Rule for Equal Marks
- First: Older candidate (by Date of Birth) is given preference
- If DOB is also same: Candidate who passed Matriculation earlier is given priority
How to Apply Online — Step by Step
- Visit the official website — www.rrcbbs.org.in
- Create a valid personal email ID first, if you don’t already have one active
- Register and log in; note down your Registration Number carefully — it is required at every subsequent stage
- Fill personal details, trade choice, Aadhaar number, Matriculation marks/CGPA, and ONE preferred Division/Workshop very carefully
- Upload scanned Photograph (20–70 KB, JPG/JPEG, 100 DPI, 3.5cm x 3.5cm, taken within the last 3 months) and Signature (20–30 KB)
- Upload all required category/qualification certificates as applicable
- Pay the ₹100/- application fee online (skip if exempted)
- Verify all details — no correction is possible after final submission
- Download and keep a printout of the application form for personal record — do NOT send it by post to RRC
Critical Rule: A candidate can choose only ONE Division/Workshop and will be considered for only ONE Unit–Department–Trade combination, based on merit and order of preference. Once selected against a higher preference, all lower preferences are automatically cancelled. Applicants with ITI qualification in more than one trade may apply separately for each relevant trade (with separate fee for each application).
Documents Required (Scanned Uploads)
- Mark sheet & Pass Certificate of Matriculation (Class X) or equivalent
- Date of Birth proof (if not mentioned in Matriculation certificate)
- Consolidated ITI mark sheet (all semesters) OR Provisional National Trade Certificate with marks
- National Trade Certificate (NCVT) or Provisional Trade Certificate (NCVT/SCVT)
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST candidates) — Annexure B format
- OBC-NCL Certificate + Self-Declaration (OBC candidates) — Annexure C & D format, issued on/after 01.04.2026
- Income & Asset Certificate (EWS candidates) — Annexure E format, family income below ₹8 Lakh/year
- Disability Certificate (PwBD candidates) — Annexure G format
- Discharge Certificate/Serving Certificate (Ex-Servicemen quota candidates)
- 12-digit Aadhaar Number (or 28-digit Aadhaar Enrolment ID if card not yet received)
Medical Fitness Standards — Key Requirements
- Minimum Height: 137 cm | Minimum Weight: 25.4 kg | Chest Expansion: Not less than 3.8 cm
- Visual Acuity: 6/9, 6/12 (with or without glasses), Binocular Vision, Colour Vision required
- Hearing must be good in both ears; no hearing aid permitted
- No evidence of tuberculosis, contagious/infectious disease, or major cardiovascular/respiratory conditions
- Blood Pressure should not exceed 140 Systolic / 85 Diastolic; low BP (below 100 systolic) leads to rejection
- Medical Certificate must be issued by a Government-authorised (Gazetted) doctor, not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon, from a Central/State Government Hospital (Annexure F format)
PwBD Reservation — Trade-Wise Permissible Disabilities
| Trade | Maximum Permissible Disability |
| Fitter | LD, LC, DW, AA, LV & D |
| Welder | LD, LC, DW, AA, LV & D |
| Electrician | LD, LC, DW, AA, D & HH |
| Carpenter | LD, CP, LC, DW, AA, LV, D, HH, AUTISM, ID, SLD |
| Painter | LD, CP, LC, DW, AA, LV, D, HH, AUTISM, ID, SLD, MI |
| Mason | LD, CP, LC, DW, AA, LV, D, AUTISM, SLD, MD |
| Plumber | LD, LC, DW, AA, LV, D |
| Sheet Metal Worker | LD Only |
Abbreviations: AA = Acid Attack, CP = Cerebral Palsy, D = Deaf, DW = Dwarfism, HH = Hard of Hearing, ID = Intellectual Disability, LC = Leprosy Cured, LD = Locomotor Disability, LV = Low Vision, MD = Multiple Disabilities, MI = Mental Illness, SLD = Speech & Language Disability. Full trade-wise list is available in the official notification.
Training, Stipend & Certificate on Completion
- Selected apprentices are paid a monthly stipend during training, as per the rates prescribed under the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 and Railway Board directives (rates vary by year of training)
- No hostel accommodation is provided — apprentices must arrange their own stay near the training location
- On completion of training, apprentices are assessed by the National Council for Training in Vocational Trades and awarded a Certificate of Proficiency
- Apprentices are released from the establishment after training completion; there is no automatic job guarantee under the Apprentices Act, 1961
- Trained apprentices with a valid NAC do get a preference of up to 20% of Level-1 vacancies in future RRB/RRC direct recruitment, subject to fulfilling eligibility criteria at that time
Important Do’s and Don’ts for Applicants
- Only ONE application is allowed per candidate — multiple applications will lead to summary disqualification
- Registered mobile number and email ID CANNOT be changed once entered — keep them active throughout the process
- Name, father’s name, and date of birth must exactly match your Matriculation certificate
- Discrepancy between marks/CGPA entered online and the original mark sheet (found during DV) leads to summary rejection
- No hard copies of documents are to be sent by post to RRC — everything is uploaded online only
- Beware of touts, agents, and fake websites — RRC/BBS has NOT appointed any agent; refer only to www.rrcbbs.org.in
- Any legal matter arising from this notification falls under the jurisdiction of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Cuttack
important links |
|
| Apply Online (ECoR Act Apprentice 2026) | click here (Active 26 Aug – 15 Sep 2026) |
| official notification | click here |
| Official Website | click here |
| Help Desk | 7303484063 | support@ecorbbs.in |
| firstjob24 jobs | click here |
| join whatsapp channel | click here |
| susbscribe on youtube | click here |
ECoR Apprentice 2026 — Important FAQs
Is ECoR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 a permanent Railway job?
No. It is an apprenticeship/training engagement under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Completion does not automatically guarantee permanent employment.
How many apprentice slots are available?
There are 1,599 provisional slots across the notified ECoR units.
Is there an exam?
No written examination or interview is prescribed. Selection is based on merit from Matriculation marks, followed by the required verification and medical process.
What is the minimum qualification?
Candidates generally need 10th with at least 50% aggregate plus ITI in the relevant trade. Certain trades have additional/special qualification conditions.
What is the age limit?
The basic age range is 15 to 24 years as on 15 September 2026, with applicable relaxations.
What is the application fee?
The standard fee is ₹100, while SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates are exempt according to the supplied notification details.
When does the application start?
26 August 2026 at 5:00 PM.
What is the last date?
15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Can engineering diploma/degree holders apply under this notification?
The supplied notification says engineering graduates and diploma holders are not eligible under this particular apprenticeship notification, as they fall under separate schemes.
Is there any benefit after apprenticeship?
Completion and certification may provide preference in applicable future Level-1 Railway direct recruitment, subject to the recruitment rules in force at that time.