Young job seekers looking for government employment opportunities in the railway sector now have a major chance to secure a position without appearing for a written examination. South East Central Railway has announced recruitment for 1,644 apprentice posts across different divisions under its latest SECR Recruitment 2026 drive.
The recruitment process has already started, and eligible candidates can submit applications online through the official apprenticeship portal until June 4, 2026. One of the biggest highlights of this recruitment is that candidates will be selected based on merit and educational qualifications instead of a written examination.
Recruitment Started From May 5
Applications for SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 began on May 5, 2026. Railway authorities have advised interested candidates to complete the application process before the last date to avoid technical issues during final submission.
Officials say the recruitment drive is part of SECR’s ongoing initiative to provide skill development and apprenticeship opportunities to young candidates interested in railway-related technical trades.
Total Vacancies Under SECR Recruitment 2026
The recruitment will cover apprentice positions in multiple divisions and workshops.
Vacancy Distribution
| Division/Unit | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| DRM Office, Raipur Division | 1,363 Posts |
| Wagon Repair Shop, Raipur | 281 Posts |
The recruitment includes vacancies across several technical and non-technical trades.
Trades Included in Recruitment
Candidates can apply for apprentice positions in trades such as:
- Fitter
- Electrician
- Welder
- COPA
- Mechanic
- Stenographer (Hindi/English)
- Machinist
Experts say apprenticeship programs like these help candidates gain practical industrial experience while improving employability in the railway and technical sectors.
Eligibility Criteria for SECR Apprentice Recruitment
Educational Qualification
To apply for these apprentice posts, candidates must have passed Class 10 under the 10+2 system or its equivalent with at least 50% aggregate marks.
Authorities have clarified that even 49.9% marks will not be accepted under the eligibility rules.
In addition to Class 10 qualification, candidates must also possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from an institution recognized by NCVT or SCVT.
Age Limit
As of May 5, 2026, candidates must be between 15 and 24 years of age.
Relaxation in the upper age limit will be available for reserved category candidates according to government rules:
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years relaxation
- OBC candidates: 3 years relaxation
- Additional relaxation for Divyang (PwD) candidates and ex-servicemen as per applicable regulations
Medical Certificate Requirement
Selected candidates will be required to produce a medical fitness certificate during document verification.
The certificate must be issued in the prescribed format under the Apprenticeship Act and should be signed by a government-recognized doctor who is not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon in a Central or State Government hospital.
How to Apply for SECR Recruitment 2026
Candidates can apply online through the official apprenticeship portal.
Application Process
- Visit the official portal:
Apprenticeship India Portal - Complete registration and generate login credentials.
- Search for “SECR Raipur” under the “Establishment Search” section.
- Select the relevant trade and click on the “Apply” button.
- Upload required documents, including:
- Class 10 marksheet
- ITI certificate
- Aadhaar card
- Photograph and signature
- Submit the application form and save a printout for future reference.
No Written Exam, Merit-Based Selection
Unlike many government recruitment drives that involve written examinations, SECR will prepare the selection list based on academic performance and merit criteria.
This makes the recruitment particularly attractive for candidates who hold ITI qualifications and want direct entry opportunities in railway apprenticeships without facing competitive written tests.
Strong Opportunity for Technical Skill Development
Experts believe railway apprenticeship programs offer valuable exposure to practical technical work and industrial training. Candidates selected under the program may gain experience that could help them in future railway recruitment drives and private-sector technical jobs as well.
With over 1,600 vacancies available and no written examination requirement, the SECR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 drive is expected to attract a large number of applicants from across the country.
Interested candidates are advised to carefully read eligibility conditions, prepare required documents in advance, and complete the online application process before the June 4 deadline.
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