The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC), a celebrated ‘Navratna’ enterprise under the Government of India, unveils a golden pathway for young tech enthusiasts. In a strategic move to empower the nation’s youth, the IRCTC East Zone office in Kolkata is rolling out the red carpet for Apprentice Trainees under the Apprenticeship Act. This is not merely a training program; it’s a fully-funded, skill-enhancing residency within a premier public-sector giant. If you are an ITI graduate with a passion for computing, this is your clarion call to transform your theoretical knowledge into practical expertise while earning a handsome stipend.
Crucial Dates at a Glance: Mark Your Calendar
Timeliness is the first step to success. The application window is brief, so proactive action is essential.
- Commencement of Online Application: 13th October 2025
- Last Date for Online Application: 28th October 2025
Pro-Tip: Do not wait until the final hour. Submitting your application well before the deadline safeguards you from last-minute technical glitches and ensures a smooth process.
Application Fee: A Cost-Free Opportunity
In a welcome move, there is no application fee for this apprenticeship program. IRCTC is providing this skill-building platform entirely free of cost, ensuring that every eligible candidate can apply without any financial burden.
Vacancy Details: Find Your Slot
A total of 45 seats are available exclusively for the following trade:
- Trade Name: Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA)
- Number of Vacancies: 45
These vacancies are distributed across various reserved categories as per the Government of India’s norms, including SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen.
Eligibility Criteria: The Prerequisites for Application
Before you proceed, ensure you perfectly fit the following criteria. The cut-off date for all qualifications and age is 1st October 2025.
1. Educational Qualification:
- You must have passed the Matriculation (10th Standard) examination from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate.
- You must possess a valid ITI Certificate in the COPA trade, affiliated to NCVT or SCVT.
2. Age Bracket:
- You must have completed 15 years of age.
- You must not have completed 25 years of age.
Age Relaxation is applicable as follows:
- SC/ST Candidates: 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Candidates: 3 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 10 years
3. Locational Commitment:
- The entire training will be conducted at IRCTC offices in Kolkata. Candidates must be willing and ready to work from this location.
Pay Scale (Stipend): A Rewarding Learning Experience
Selected candidates will be entitled to a monthly financial grant, known as a stipend, for the duration of their training.
- Stipend Amount: ₹9,600 per month
This stipend is designed to support your living expenses as you gain invaluable industry experience.
The Selection Process: A Transparent, Merit-Only Pathway
IRCTC has established a completely transparent and objective selection system that eliminates the stress of examinations and interviews.
- Basis of Selection: Pure merit.
- Process: A merit list will be prepared solely on the basis of the percentage of marks you have secured in your academic and technical qualifications.
- No Written Test/Interview: There will be no written examination or viva voce (interview).
- Tie-Breaker Rule: In case of a tie in marks, the candidate older in age will be preferred. If the age is also the same, the candidate who passed the matriculation exam earlier will be ranked higher.
- Document Verification: The final step is the verification of all original documents. Your offer is provisional and will only be confirmed upon successful verification of your certificates.
The Application Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Follow these steps meticulously to ensure your application is complete and correct.
Step 1: Portal Registration & Application
- Visit the official apprenticeship portal: apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
- Register yourself or log in if you already have an account.
- Find the IRCTC/East Zone/Kolkata notification for COPA apprentices and proceed to apply.
Step 2: Meticulous Form Filling
- Enter all your personal, educational, and technical details with utmost accuracy.
- Critical Check: Ensure your name, father’s name, and date of birth exactly match the details on your 10th standard certificate.
Step 3: Document Upload – The Most Critical Step
Prepare and upload self-attested, scanned copies of the following documents:
- 10th Standard Mark Sheet and Certificate (for age and qualification proof)
- ITI Mark Sheet and NCVT/SCVT National Trade Certificate
- Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC applicants)
- OBC-NCL Certificate (must be issued within the last ONE YEAR)
- EWS Income and Asset Certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD Certificate from a Competent Authority (if applicable)
- Ex-Serviceman Discharge Certificate (if applicable)
- A Recent Passport-Sized Color Photograph (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with a plain background, taken within the last three months. The digital file must be in JPG/JPEG format, between 20-70 KB.
