Major increase from 1,800 seats last year; new technical and computer-based trades added, applications open till August 31
Prayagraj: North Central Railway (NCR) has announced 3,205 Act Apprentice slots for the 2026-27 training cycle, significantly increasing opportunities for young candidates seeking practical technical training and industry-oriented skills.
The number of seats has risen substantially from 1,800 slots notified in 2025-26, reflecting NCR’s continued focus on skill development, youth empowerment and hands-on training under the Apprentice Act.
Division-wise distribution of seats
The 3,205 apprentice slots have been distributed across various divisions and units of North Central Railway as follows:
- Prayagraj Division: 1,462 slots
- Jhansi Division: 856 slots
- Agra Division: 547 slots
- Jhansi Workshop: 226 slots
- Track Machine Line/HQ: 82 slots
- Headquarters: 32 slots
To promote inclusivity and equal opportunities, 152 seats have been reserved horizontally for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
New technical and computer-based trades introduced
NCR has also introduced several new trades keeping in view the changing requirements of modern industries. These include Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA), Multimedia & Web Page Designer, CAD-CAM Operator Cum Programmer, Surveyor, Mason (Building Construction), Sanitary Hardware Fitter and Building Maintenance Technician, among others.
The addition of these trades is expected to provide candidates with wider opportunities to develop practical and job-oriented technical skills.
One-year training with monthly stipend
The Act Apprentice training will be for approximately one year. During the training period, apprentices will receive a regular stipend of approximately ₹9,000 per month, helping them gain practical experience while receiving financial support.
Candidates who successfully complete their apprenticeship training will be awarded the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC). The certification is issued through the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) under the Directorate General of Training (DGT).
Benefits in Railway recruitment
According to the provisions of Railway Board Circular RBE 51/2022, Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs) trained in railway establishments are eligible for 20% horizontal reservation in Level-1 posts through open-market recruitment.
They are also entitled to a one-third weightage of their NCVT examination marks in the final written examination score and are exempted from the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), subject to the applicable recruitment rules.
Applications open till August 31
North Central Railway said that the expansion of apprentice slots and introduction of new trades are aimed at providing young people with quality hands-on technical training, enhancing their employability and helping them become self-reliant.
Eligible candidates can apply for the notified trades through the official website of RRC Prayagraj: www.rrcpryj.org
Last date for online application: August 31, 2026.
Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification for eligibility criteria, trade-wise vacancies, reservation provisions and other conditions before submitting their applications.