Northeast Frontier Railway has released a centralised notification for engagement of Act Apprentices for the training years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
A total of 6,777 apprenticeship training slots are available across NFR divisions, workshops and headquarters units. Eligible candidates can submit one online application from 20 July 2026 at 9:00 AM to 19 August 2026 at 5:30 PM through the official NFR recruitment portal.
For most notified trades, applicants must have passed Class 10 with the prescribed marks and possess an ITI or National Trade Certificate in the relevant trade. Separate Class 12 Science eligibility applies to Medical Laboratory Technician—Pathology and Radiology.
Selection will be made on academic merit and the Unit–Department–Trade preferences entered in the form. There is no written examination or interview for preparing the apprentice merit list.
This is apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, not a permanent railway appointment. Completion of training does not create an automatic right to employment in Indian Railways.
NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Northeast Frontier Railway |
| Administrative ministry | Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
| Notification number | NFR/NAPS/ACT APP./2026 |
| Notification date | 14 July 2026 |
| Notification publication | 16 July 2026 |
| Engagement | Act Apprentice training |
| Training years | 2025-26 and 2026-27 |
| Total slots | 6,777 |
| Application mode | Online |
| Application opening | 20 July 2026 at 9:00 AM |
| Last date | 19 August 2026 at 5:30 PM |
| General qualification | Class 10 with ITI/NTC/STC in the notified trade |
| Laboratory Technician qualification | Class 10 and Class 12 Science with Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
| General age limit | 15 to 24 years |
| Age cut-off | 19 August 2026 |
| Selection | Academic merit and preferences, followed by document verification |
| Written exam | No |
| Interview | No |
| General application fee | ₹100 |
| Training period | Generally one year; certain trades have a different prescribed duration |
| Current minimum stipend | ₹9,600 per month for NTC/STC holders |
| Official website | View Detail |
Applicants should verify the eligible ITI trade against the designated railway trade before selecting a Unit–Department–Trade combination.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification dated | 14 July 2026 |
| Notification published | 16 July 2026 |
| Online application begins | 20 July 2026 at 9:00 AM |
| Last date to register and apply | 19 August 2026 at 5:30 PM |
| Fee-payment deadline | Complete before final application submission |
| Merit list | To be announced |
| Document verification | To be announced by the respective unit |
| Training commencement | To be notified |
Candidates should apply early and preserve the registration number generated by the portal.
Unit-Wise NFR Apprentice Slots
| Division, workshop or unit | Slots |
|---|---|
| Katihar Division and Tindharia Workshop | 1,103 |
| Alipurduar Division | 651 |
| Rangiya Division | 750 |
| Lumding Division | 1,274 |
| Tinsukia Division | 860 |
| New Bongaigaon Workshop and Engineering Workshop | 881 |
| Dibrugarh Workshop | 763 |
| Headquarters/Maligaon and attached units | 495 |
| Total | 6,777 |
The number of training slots is provisional. NFR may increase or decrease the slots according to administrative requirements when selection is finalised.
Candidates must list their preferred Unit–Department–Trade combinations in the online form. Only one combination will ultimately be allotted according to academic merit, reservation and preference order. Once a candidate is selected against a higher preference, the lower preferences are automatically cancelled.
Trades Covered
The notification covers a wide range of designated trades across mechanical, electrical, engineering, signal and telecommunication, medical, stores, personnel and accounts departments.
Major notified trades include:
- Fitter
- Electrician
- Wireman
- Welder
- Carpenter
- Plumber
- Turner
- Machinist
- Mechanic Diesel
- Mechanic Motor Vehicle
- Mechanic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Electronics Mechanic
- Instrument Mechanic
- Painter
- Surveyor
- Draughtsman Civil
- Mason
- Lineman
- Computer Operator and Programming Assistant
- Information Technology and Electronic System Maintenance
- Computer Networking Technician
- Secretarial Assistant
- Health Sanitary Inspector
- Medical Laboratory Technician—Pathology
- Medical Laboratory Technician—Radiology
- Other compatible NCVT/SCVT trades listed in the notification
A candidate should not select a designated trade merely because its name appears similar to the ITI certificate. The eligibility table in the notification specifies which NCVT/SCVT trades are accepted for each railway apprenticeship trade.
Educational Qualification
Qualification for most trades
For most apprentice categories, candidates must:
- Have passed Matriculation or Class 10 under the 10+2 examination system from a recognised board.
- Have secured at least 50% aggregate marks in Class 10.
- Possess a National Trade Certificate, ITI pass certificate or provisional certificate in the notified trade issued by NCVT or SCVT.
The minimum 50% Class 10 requirement does not apply to SC, ST and PwBD candidates.
Candidates must already possess the required ITI pass certificate, National Trade Certificate or State Trade Certificate on the notification date. Merely completing the course without receiving the prescribed certificate is not sufficient.
Medical Laboratory Technician qualification
For Medical Laboratory Technician—Pathology and Medical Laboratory Technician—Radiology, candidates must have:
- Passed Class 10 with at least 50% aggregate marks
- Passed Class 12 under the 10+2 system
- Studied Physics, Chemistry and Biology
- Secured at least 50% aggregate marks in Class 12
Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets and pass certificates must be uploaded for these two categories.
Calculation of academic marks
Candidates should enter marks from all subjects.
For ITI applicants, the average shown in the consolidated marks statement for all semesters or the marks printed on the provisional National Trade Certificate will be considered.
False or incorrect marks may lead to immediate disqualification.
Age Limit
Candidates must be at least 15 years old and must not have completed 24 years of age as of 19 August 2026.
| Requirement | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 15 years |
| General maximum age | 24 years |
| Cut-off date | 19 August 2026 |
Age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC and ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| Ex-servicemen | Defence service plus 3 years, subject to the conditions in the notification |
Ex-serviceman relaxation applies to the applicant and not to the children of an ex-serviceman.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General and other non-exempt candidates | ₹100 |
| SC | Exempt |
| ST | Exempt |
| PwBD | Exempt |
| Economically Backward Class | Exempt |
| Women candidates | Exempt |
Candidates claiming Economically Backward Class fee exemption must have annual family income below ₹50,000 and upload the prescribed certificate issued on or after 1 April 2026.
The EBC concession mentioned here is for fee exemption and should not be confused with OBC or EWS reservation.
An application-correction charge of ₹50 applies each time a candidate modifies permitted details after submission. Details entered during initial registration cannot be changed.
Selection Process
NFR will not conduct a written examination or interview for this apprentice engagement.
The selection stages are:
- Online application scrutiny
- Unit-wise, trade-wise and community-wise preparation of merit
- Consideration of Unit–Department–Trade preferences
- Shortlisting for document verification
- Verification of original certificates
- Submission and verification of the prescribed medical certificate
- Final unit-wise and trade-wise panel
- Apprenticeship contract and training engagement
Merit formula
For most trades:
Merit score = Average of Class 10 percentage and ITI percentage
For Medical Laboratory Technician—Pathology and Radiology:
Merit score = Average of Class 10 percentage and Class 12 Science percentage
The merit calculation considers marks obtained in all subjects, not only selected subjects.
Tie-breaking
When two or more candidates have the same merit percentage:
- The older candidate will receive the higher rank.
- When the date of birth is also the same, the candidate who passed Matriculation earlier will rank higher.
Document-verification shortlisting
Candidates will generally be called for document verification up to 1.5 times the number of notified slots.
Shortlisting does not guarantee final engagement. Original documents, eligibility, preference and the medical certificate must be verified before the final panel is prepared.
Stipend and Training Period
Apprentices will receive a monthly stipend according to the Apprentices Act, applicable rules and current government instructions.
The notification states that the current minimum stipend for NTC/STC holders is ₹9,600 per month from 11 September 2025.
Where one or two years of exemption are permitted under the apprenticeship curriculum, the applicable rates are:
| Training stage | Stipend |
|---|---|
| First-year/current minimum for NTC/STC holders | ₹9,600 per month |
| Second-year rate where applicable | ₹10,560 per month |
| Third-year rate where applicable | ₹11,040 per month |
Rates may be revised by the competent authority.
Most notified trades have a one-year training period. Certain categories have different periods, including Medical Laboratory Technician trades at one year and three months and some specialised industrial-automation categories with a six-month duration.
No hostel accommodation will be provided. Selected candidates must arrange their own accommodation.
Apprenticeship Is Not Permanent Railway Employment
NFR Act Apprentice engagement is training under the Apprentices Act.
Indian Railways is not legally obligated to offer permanent employment after completion of training, and an apprentice is not obligated to accept employment from the railway administration.
The apprenticeship contract ends when the prescribed training is completed.
The notification notes that Course Completed Act Apprentices may receive preference against a specified portion of future Level 1 vacancies, subject to the rules, suitability and qualifying requirements of the relevant recruitment. This is not a guarantee of appointment.
Documents to Upload
Candidates should upload clear scanned copies of:
- Class 10 marksheet
- Class 10 pass certificate
- Date-of-birth proof when not shown on the Class 10 document
- Consolidated ITI marksheet
- ITI pass certificate
- National Trade Certificate or provisional NCVT/SCVT certificate
- Class 12 Science marksheet and pass certificate for Medical Laboratory Technician applicants
- SC or ST certificate
- OBC certificate
- EWS certificate, where applicable
- PwBD certificate
- Ex-serviceman discharge or serving certificate
- EBC certificate for fee exemption
- Other documents required by the selected category or trade
At document verification, candidates must produce the original certificates. Documents issued in a language other than English or Hindi should be accompanied by an attested English or Hindi translation.
Photograph and Signature Requirements
Candidates must upload a recent colour photograph with a clear front view and without a cap or sunglasses.
NFR may reject an application when the photograph is old, unclear or significantly different from the candidate’s current appearance. Applicants should preserve two additional copies of the same photograph for document verification.
A scanned signature must also be uploaded according to the portal specifications.
Medical Certificate
A candidate called for document verification must submit the medical certificate in the form prescribed in the notification.
The certificate must be signed by a gazetted government-authorised doctor not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon in a Central or State hospital.
Document verification will not be conducted without the required medical certificate, and candidature may be cancelled.
How to Apply for NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official NFR Act Apprentice page.
- Open the online application link for Notification No. NFR/NAPS/ACT APP./2026.
- Complete registration using an active mobile number and email address.
- Log in with the generated credentials.
- Enter personal, educational, ITI and category details.
- Select eligible Unit–Department–Trade preferences in the correct order.
- Upload the photograph, signature and supporting certificates.
- Review every field before submission.
- Pay ₹100 when the candidate is not eligible for fee exemption.
- Use the Verify Payment option if payment succeeds but the form cannot be downloaded.
- Complete the remaining application stages.
- Download and print the final submitted application.
- Preserve the registration number for merit-list and document-verification updates.
Only one application is permitted. Submission of more than one application will result in disqualification.
Important Instructions
- Submit the application before 19 August 2026 at 5:30 PM.
- Submit only one application.
- Select only trades compatible with the ITI or academic qualification.
- Arrange unit and trade preferences carefully.
- Possess the required ITI/NTC/STC certificate on the notification date.
- Enter marks from all subjects accurately.
- Upload clear certificates, photograph and signature.
- Keep the registered mobile number and email active.
- Preserve the registration number and final application printout.
- Pay the fee only through the official payment gateway.
- Use Verify Payment when a successful transaction is not reflected.
- Produce original documents at verification.
- Bring the prescribed government medical certificate.
- Do not rely on agents or unofficial appointment claims.
- Apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent railway employment.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official NFR Act Apprentice page | View Detail |
| Official online application portal | View Detail |
| Official notification PDF | View Detail |
| NFR official website | View Detail |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many slots are available in NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Northeast Frontier Railway has announced 6,777 Act Apprentice training slots.
What is the last date to apply?
The online application closes on 19 August 2026 at 5:30 PM.
What is the qualification for most trades?
Candidates generally need Class 10 with the prescribed marks and an ITI, NTC or STC certificate in the relevant notified trade.
Can Class 12 Science candidates apply without ITI?
Class 12 Science with Physics, Chemistry and Biology is prescribed for Medical Laboratory Technician—Pathology and Radiology. Other trades generally require the relevant ITI qualification.
What is the age limit?
Candidates must be between 15 and 24 years of age as of 19 August 2026. Category relaxation applies according to the notification.
Is there a written examination?
No. Selection is based on academic merit, preferences and document verification.
How is the merit score calculated?
For most trades, NFR uses the average of Class 10 percentage and ITI percentage. For the two Medical Laboratory Technician categories, it uses the average of Class 10 and Class 12 Science percentages.
What is the application fee?
The fee is ₹100 for non-exempt candidates. SC, ST, PwBD, EBC and women candidates are exempt.
What is the apprentice stipend?
The notification states a current minimum stipend of ₹9,600 per month for NTC/STC holders. Higher rates apply where second-year or third-year exemption provisions are relevant.
Is hostel accommodation available?
No. Apprentices must arrange their own accommodation.
Does completing the apprenticeship guarantee a railway job?
No. The apprenticeship does not create an automatic right to permanent employment in Indian Railways.
How many applications may a candidate submit?
Only one application is allowed.
What happens after shortlisting?
Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification. They must produce original certificates and the prescribed medical certificate.
Final Summary
NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers 6,777 apprenticeship training slots across eight Northeast Frontier Railway divisions, workshops and headquarters units.
Eligible Class 10 and ITI candidates, along with Class 12 Science candidates for specified Medical Laboratory Technician trades, can apply online until 19 August 2026 at 5:30 PM.
Selection is based on academic merit and the candidate’s Unit–Department–Trade preferences, without a written examination or interview. Selected apprentices will receive stipend according to applicable rules, but the training does not guarantee permanent railway employment.
