East Coast Railway has invited online applications for 1,599 Act Apprentice slots for 2026-27 under Notification No. ECoR/Pers/RRC/Act Apprentice/2026-27, dated 21 August 2026. Railway Recruitment Cell, Bhubaneswar is the nodal agency. Applications opened at 5:00 PM on 26 August 2026 and close at 5:00 PM on 15 September 2026.
A major attraction is that there is no written examination or viva. Eligible candidates are shortlisted on Matriculation merit, followed by document verification and prescribed medical fitness.
East Coast Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | East Coast Railway |
| Nodal Agency | RRC, ECoR/Bhubaneswar |
| Notification | ECoR/Pers/RRC/Act Apprentice/2026-27 |
| Notification Date | 21 August 2026 |
| Post | Act Apprentice |
| Total Slots | 1,599 |
| Application Start | 26 August 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Last Date | 15 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Age | 15–24 years as on 15 September 2026 |
| Qualification | Generally 10th with 50% + relevant ITI |
| Selection | Matriculation merit + DV + medical fitness |
| Written Exam / Viva | No |
| Fee | ₹100; SC/ST/PwBD/Women exempt |
Unit-Wise Vacancy Details
| Unit / Division | Slots |
|---|---|
| Carriage Repair Workshop, Mancheswar | 250 |
| RGDA Division | 292 |
| Khurda Road Division (ELS, Angul & IOH Depot) | 773 |
| Sambalpur Division | 262 |
| Headquarters, ECoR, Bhubaneswar | 22 |
| Total | 1,599 |
Category-wise total: UR 633, SC 251, ST 116, OBC 435 and EWS 164. The total includes horizontal provisions for 50 PwBD and 42 Ex-Servicemen slots. The notified slots are provisional.
Educational Qualification
For most trades, applicants must have passed Matriculation/Class 10 with at least 50% aggregate marks and possess the relevant ITI trade certificate as prescribed in the notification. Required qualifications must already have been passed by 21 August 2026; candidates awaiting SSC or ITI results are not eligible.
Engineering graduates and diploma holders are not eligible under this Act Apprentice notification.
For Medical Laboratory Technician (Pathology), candidates need Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology and at least 50% marks in both Class 10 and Class 12. Special certificate conditions also apply to Secretarial Assistant/Stenography and Computer Operator & Programming Assistant.
Trades
The notification covers 25 designated trades, including Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Electrician, Carpenter, Painter, Mechanic Diesel, Secretarial Assistant/Stenography, Black Smith, Driller, Bridge Erector, Sheet Metal Worker, Electronics Mechanic, Wireman, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, Plumber, Draftsman Civil, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, COPA, Laboratory Technician Pathology, Sarang, Grinder, Mason and Draftsman Mechanic.
Age Limit
Candidates must be 15 to 24 years old as on 15 September 2026.
| Category | Upper-Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As prescribed |
Application Fee
The non-refundable fee is ₹100. SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates pay no fee. Payment is online through the integrated payment gateway.
Selection Process
There is no written test and no viva. Unit-wise merit is prepared solely from the percentage of Matriculation marks, subject to the 50% aggregate requirement. All subjects are counted; the notification specifically rejects a “best of five” calculation.
For tied marks, the older candidate gets preference. If date of birth is also the same, the candidate who passed Matriculation earlier gets priority.
Shortlisted candidates proceed to Document Verification. Final selection is subject to original-document verification and prescribed medical fitness.
Important: ITI marks are not used to prepare the merit list; the official notification states that the final panel is drawn from Matriculation marks of eligible applicants.
Documents and Upload Specifications
Candidates need Class 10 documents, ITI marksheet/trade certificate, applicable reservation certificates, Aadhaar details, photograph and signature.
The photograph must be JPG/JPEG, 3.5 × 3.5 cm, 100 DPI and 20–70 KB. The signature must be JPG/JPEG, 3.5 × 3.5 cm, 100 DPI and 20–30 KB.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official RRC Bhubaneswar website.
- Open the Act Apprentice 2026-27 application link.
- Read the official notification carefully.
- Register and preserve the Registration Number.
- Enter personal, Aadhaar, qualification and trade details accurately.
- Choose the Division/Workshop carefully; the choice is final.
- Upload photograph, signature and required certificates.
- Pay ₹100 online if applicable.
- Recheck all information before payment/final submission.
- Download and retain the submitted application.
Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Notification | 21 August 2026 |
| Application Opens | 26 August 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Application Closes | 15 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Document Verification | To be notified |
Training and Stipend
Selected applicants undergo apprenticeship training under applicable rules and receive the prescribed stipend. This apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent Railway employment. No hostel accommodation is provided.
Important Links
Official RRC Bhubaneswar Website
Regal Career Application Tools
FAQ
How many slots are available?
There are 1,599 Act Apprentice slots.
What is the last date?
Applications close at 5:00 PM on 15 September 2026.
Is there a written examination?
No. The official notification states there will be no written test or viva.
How is merit prepared?
Merit is prepared from Matriculation/Class 10 marks, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions.
What is the age limit?
15–24 years as on 15 September 2026, with applicable relaxation.
What is the fee?
₹100; SC/ST/PwBD/Women applicants are exempt.
Does apprenticeship guarantee a Railway job?
No. Completion of apprenticeship does not create an automatic right to Railway employment.
Official Source
This article is based primarily on the official 22-page East Coast Railway Notification No. ECoR/Pers/RRC/Act Apprentice/2026-27, dated 21 August 2026. Candidates should read the official notification before applying.
