The West Central Railway (WCR) has announced a major recruitment drive for the year 2025-26 under the Apprentices Act, 1961. A total of 2865 apprenticeship seats have been opened across various workshops and divisions, including Jabalpur, Bhopal, Kota, CRWS Bhopal, and WRS Kota.
This opportunity is specially designed for candidates who have passed 10th class along with ITI in relevant trades. The program offers practical skill development and on-the-job training in different trades such as Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Computer Operator, and others. Although the apprenticeship does not ensure permanent employment in Railways, it provides industry-standard training, a monthly stipend, and a recognized certificate to boost future career prospects.
Important Dates
- Notification Issued: 20 August 2025
- Application Window Opens: 30 August 2025
- Application Deadline: 29 September 2025 (up to 11:59 PM)
Vacancy Overview
The total number of apprentice positions is 2865, distributed as follows:
- Jabalpur Division (JBP): 1136 posts
- Bhopal Division (BPL): 558 posts
- Kota Division: 865 posts
- CRWS Bhopal: 136 posts
- WRS Kota: 151 posts
- Headquarters Jabalpur: 19 posts
Community-wise Breakup
- General (UR): 1150
- Scheduled Caste (SC): 433
- Scheduled Tribe (ST): 215
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): 778
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS): 289
Additionally, 85 posts are earmarked for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
Application Fee
- General/OBC/EWS applicants: ₹141 (₹100 application + ₹41 processing charges)
- SC/ST/Women/PwBD applicants: ₹41 (Processing charges only)
Payments must be made online, and candidates should keep the receipt for their records.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (as on 20 August 2025)
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD: 10 years (15 years for SC/ST, 13 years for OBC)
- Ex-Servicemen: Service rendered in Defence Forces + 3 years, provided at least 6 months’ service completed
Educational Qualification
- Must have cleared 10th standard (Matriculation) with at least 50% aggregate marks (no rounding off).
- Should hold an ITI Certificate in relevant trade from NCVT/SCVT.
- Candidates awaiting results or still appearing in exams are not eligible.
Eligibility for PwBD Candidates
PwBD applicants with at least 40% disability (or 60 decibels hearing loss for HI category) can apply in certain trades:
- Locomotor Disability: Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Plumber, Computer Operator
- Visual Impairment: Fitter, Electrician, Blacksmith, Computer Operator
- Hearing Impairment: Machinist, Welder, Wireman, Electrician, Fitter
- Multiple Disabilities: Combination of more than one disability
A valid certificate issued by a competent medical authority must be presented during verification.
Selection Process
- Selection will be based strictly on merit, calculated from the average marks of 10th standard and ITI trade exams.
- Lists will be prepared trade-wise, unit-wise, and category-wise.
- If two candidates have identical scores:
- The older candidate will get preference.
- If birth dates are the same, the one who passed Matriculation earlier will be chosen first.
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for Document Verification (DV).
- The final selection list will equal the number of available seats. If any slots remain vacant, candidates from the waiting list may be considered for other divisions.
Training Duration & Stipend
- Training will be provided according to the rules of the Apprentices Act, 1961.
- Apprentices will receive a monthly stipend as fixed by government norms.
- No hostel or accommodation will be provided—candidates must make their own living arrangements.
Documents to Upload While Applying
Applicants should prepare scanned copies (JPG format, 50–200 KB):
- Recent passport-size photo
- Candidate’s signature
- 10th class marksheet and pass certificate
- ITI certificate and marksheet
- Category certificate (if applicable for SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
- Discharge or service certificate (for Ex-Servicemen/Armed Forces applicants)
Key Guidelines for Applicants
- Degree and Diploma holders are not allowed to apply.
- Apprenticeship training does not mean automatic employment in Railways after completion.
- Any false or forged documents will result in immediate disqualification.
- No travel allowance or daily allowance will be paid for attending document verification.
- Once applied, requests to change division/unit/trade will not be entertained.
- Applicants should use a valid mobile number and email address, as all communication will be sent digitally.
Medical Fitness Requirement
Selected candidates must submit a medical fitness certificate issued by a government-approved doctor (not below Assistant Surgeon rank) at the time of document verification.
Salary Scale (Stipend)
Apprentices will receive a stipend as per the minimum standard fixed under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The stipend will be credited monthly and may differ depending on the trade.
