Apply for 1599 Act Apprentice Vacancies in East Coast Railway (ECoR) – RRC Bhubaneswar
East Coast Railway (ECoR) has released a centralized notification for the engagement of 1,599 Act Apprentices for the training year 2026–27 under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The notification is dated 21 August 2026, and online applications will open on 26 August 2026 at 5:00 PM and close on 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM. Candidates with 10th/Matriculation qualification with at least 50% marks and a relevant ITI certificate can apply, subject to the trade-specific conditions. Selection will be based on Matriculation marks and merit, with no written examination or viva.
East Coast Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Quick Summary
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | East Coast Railway (ECoR) |
| Recruitment | Act Apprentice 2026–27 |
| Notification No. | ECoR/Pers/RRC/Act Apprentice/2026-27 |
| Notification Date | 21.08.2026 |
| Total Slots | 1,599 |
| Application Start | 26.08.2026 – 5:00 PM |
| Last Date | 15.09.2026 – 5:00 PM |
| Age Limit | 15–24 Years |
| Minimum Education | 10th Pass with 50% |
| Technical Qualification | Relevant ITI Trade |
| Selection | Merit Based |
| Written Exam | No |
| Viva / Interview | No |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Training | Apprenticeship Training |
| Recruitment Year | 2026–27 |
| Official Website | RRC Bhubaneswar Official Website |
The Railway Recruitment Cell, Bhubaneswar is the nodal agency for receiving applications. The notification specifically states that applications must be submitted online through the RRC/BBS website.
Important Dates – ECoR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 21 August 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 26 August 2026 – 5:00 PM |
| Online Application Last Date | 15 September 2026 – 5:00 PM |
| Selection Basis | Academic Merit |
| Document Verification | Shortlisted candidates will be called later |
⚠️ Important Alert
This is not a written-exam recruitment.
Candidates will be shortlisted based on their academic merit, particularly their Matriculation percentage. Therefore, candidates with higher 10th marks may have a better chance, depending on trade, unit and category-wise competition.
Vacancy Details – 1,599 Apprentice Slots
The notification has distributed the vacancies across different divisions, workshops and departments of East Coast Railway.
| Unit / Division | Total Slots |
|---|---|
| Carriage Repair Workshop, Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar | 250 |
| R&GDA Division | 292 |
| Khurda Road Division | 773 |
| Sambalpur Division | 262 |
| ECoR Headquarters, Bhubaneswar | 22 |
| Grand Total | 1,599 |
The official Annexure-A shows the overall distribution of 1,599 slots, including category-wise reservation.
Major Trades Available
| Trade | Available in Notification |
|---|---|
| Fitter | Yes |
| Welder | Yes |
| Electrician | Yes |
| Turner | Yes |
| Machinist | Yes |
| Carpenter | Yes |
| Painter | Yes |
| Plumber | Yes |
| Wireman | Yes |
| Sheet Metal Worker | Yes |
| Black Smith | Yes |
| Driller | Yes |
| Bridge Erector | Yes |
| Electronics Mechanic | Yes |
| Refrigeration & AC Mechanic | Yes |
| Draftsman Civil | Yes |
| Draftsman Mechanical | Yes |
| Mason | Yes |
| Mechanic Motor Vehicle | Yes |
| Computer Operator & Programming Assistant | Yes |
| Secretarial Assistant / Stenography | Yes |
| Laboratory Technician (Pathology) | Yes |
For example, the Mancheswar workshop has 250 slots, including 80 Fitter, 38 Welder, 30 Electrician, 30 Carpenter and other trades.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have already obtained the required qualification on or before 21 August 2026, which is the date of the notification.
| Qualification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Matriculation | 10th Class under 10+2 system |
| Minimum Marks | 50% aggregate |
| Technical Qualification | Relevant ITI certificate |
| ITI Recognition | NCVT / applicable recognized certificate |
| Qualification Result | Must already be declared |
The notification clearly states that candidates whose SSC or ITI results are still awaited on the notification date are not eligible.
⚠️ Important Warning for Engineering Candidates
Engineering graduates and diploma holders are not eligible for this particular notification.
The notification specifically says that engineering graduates and diploma holders fall under a separate apprenticeship scheme.
Trade-Specific Qualification
Most trades require 10th qualification + relevant ITI trade.
Some important examples are:
| Trade | Relevant Qualification |
|---|---|
| Fitter | ITI Fitter |
| Welder | ITI Welder |
| Electrician | ITI Electrician |
| Turner | ITI Turner |
| Machinist | ITI Machinist |
| Carpenter | ITI Carpenter |
| Plumber | ITI Plumber |
| Wireman | ITI Wireman |
| Mechanic Motor Vehicle | Relevant ITI |
| COPA | Specific ITI/NTC conditions |
| Secretarial Assistant/Stenography | NCVT/SCVT-approved NTC |
| Laboratory Technician | 12th with Physics, Chemistry & Biology + prescribed marks |
For Laboratory Technician (Pathology), the notification requires 12th under 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology and minimum 50% marks in both 10th and 12th.
Age Limit
| Category | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 15 Years |
| Maximum Age | 24 Years |
| Age Cut-off | 15.09.2026 |
| SC/ST Relaxation | 5 Years |
| OBC Relaxation | 3 Years |
| PwBD Relaxation | 10 Years |
The age is calculated as on the closing date of the application. Additional provisions are available for eligible Ex-Servicemen as specified in the notification.
Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Other Eligible Candidates | ₹100 |
| SC | Nil |
| ST | Nil |
| PwBD | Nil |
| Women | Nil |
The ₹100 application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online through the integrated payment gateway.
Selection Process
This is one of the most important points in the recruitment.
| Stage | Process |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Online Application |
| Stage 2 | Academic Merit List |
| Stage 3 | Document Verification |
| Stage 4 | Medical Fitness Verification |
| Stage 5 | Final Apprenticeship Engagement |
| Written Examination | No |
| Viva / Interview | No |
The merit list will be prepared using the percentage of marks obtained in Matriculation. All subjects are considered; candidates should not calculate marks using only the best five subjects.
Tie-Breaking Rule
If two candidates have the same marks:
- Older candidate gets preference.
- If date of birth is also the same, the candidate who passed Matriculation earlier gets preference.
Important Warning – Marks Calculation
Candidates should be very careful while entering 10th marks.
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Best of Five | Not allowed |
| Marks Considered | All subjects |
| Optional Subjects | Included |
| Additional Subjects | Included |
| CGPA Candidates | Must convert to actual percentage |
| Wrong Marks Entry | May lead to rejection |
Any difference between the marks/CGPA entered online and the original certificate can result in rejection during Document Verification.
Documents Required
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 10th Mark Sheet | Required |
| 10th Pass Certificate | Required |
| ITI Mark Sheet | Required |
| ITI/National Trade Certificate | Required |
| Date of Birth Proof | If required |
| Caste Certificate | SC/ST/OBC, if applicable |
| OBC-NCL Certificate | If applicable |
| EWS Certificate | If applicable |
| PwBD Certificate | If applicable |
| Ex-Servicemen Certificate | If applicable |
| Aadhaar | Required |
| Photograph | Required |
| Signature | Required |
| Medical Fitness Certificate | At DV as prescribed |
The notification requires original documents to be produced during Document Verification.
Medical Fitness
Candidates shortlisted for Document Verification must submit the prescribed medical fitness certificate from a government-authorized doctor of the required rank.
The notification also specifies physical and visual standards for candidates, depending on the applicable requirements.
Training & Stipend
Selected candidates will undergo apprenticeship training according to the applicable rules.
The notification states that apprentices will receive a stipend at the prescribed rate applicable during the training period. The exact amount should therefore be checked against the applicable Railway Board rules rather than assuming a fixed monthly amount from unofficial sources.
Important Career Point
This is an apprenticeship opportunity, not a permanent Railway job appointment.
The notification states that completion of apprenticeship does not create an automatic right to employment in the Railways.
However, the notification also mentions that candidates who complete apprenticeship training in Railway establishments and obtain a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) may receive preference for up to 20% of vacancies in certain direct Level-1 recruitment, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions.
How to Apply?
- Visit the official RRC Bhubaneswar website.
- Open the Act Apprentice 2026–27 recruitment link.
- Register with a valid mobile number and email ID.
- Enter personal and educational details carefully.
- Enter 10th marks exactly as per the certificate.
- Enter ITI qualification details.
- Select the applicable Division/Workshop and trade.
- Upload photograph, signature and certificates.
- Pay the ₹100 fee if applicable.
- Check the complete application before final submission.
- Download and keep the submitted application for future reference.
The notification allows only one application, and applicants must carefully choose their Division/Workshop. Multiple applications can lead to disqualification.
Official application website: RRC Bhubaneswar – Apply Online
Important Alert 🚨
| Check Before Applying | Status |
|---|---|
| Age 15–24 | Must satisfy |
| 10th Pass | Mandatory |
| Minimum 50% | Mandatory |
| Relevant ITI | Mandatory |
| Result declared by 21.08.2026 | Mandatory |
| Written Exam | No |
| Interview | No |
| Application Fee | ₹100 where applicable |
| Application Start | 26.08.2026 |
| Last Date | 15.09.2026 |
| One Application | Mandatory |
Do not wait for the last day. The Railway notification itself advises applicants to submit applications early because heavy website traffic may create problems near the closing time.
Competition Level
🟠 Competition Level: High
The number of vacancies is large at 1,599, but this should not be taken as an easy selection.
| Reason | Impact |
|---|---|
| No written exam | More candidates may apply |
| Merit-based selection | 10th marks become very important |
| Popular Railway opportunity | High interest expected |
| Trade-wise selection | Competition differs by trade |
| Unit/Workshop preference | Vacancy availability matters |
| Category-wise vacancies | Cut-off may vary |
The actual merit level can differ significantly between trades, units and categories. Therefore, candidates should not assume that 1,599 slots means selection is guaranteed.
Our Verdict
East Coast Railway Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a good opportunity for eligible 10th + ITI candidates who want practical railway-sector training. The biggest advantage is that there is no written examination or interview, and selection is based on academic merit. The 1,599 slots also make this a recruitment worth considering.
But candidates should understand one important point: apprenticeship is not the same as a permanent Railway job. There is no automatic employment guarantee after training.
Our Rating
| Factor | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Vacancies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Eligibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Selection Process | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Competition | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Railway Training Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Permanent Job Guarantee | ❌ No |
| Overall | Good Opportunity |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many vacancies?
1,599 slots.
Q2. Who released this recruitment?
East Coast Railway.
Q3. What is the age limit?
15–24 years.
Q4. What is the minimum 10th mark?
50% aggregate.
Q5. Is ITI required?
Yes, relevant ITI is required.
Q6. Is there a written exam?
No.
Q7. Is there an interview?
No viva.
Q8. How is selection done?
Matriculation merit.
Q9. What is the application fee?
₹100, where applicable.
Q10. Is the fee waived for women?
Yes.
Q11. Can engineering graduates apply?
No, not under this notification.
Q12. When does application start?
26 August 2026 at 5 PM.
Q13. What is the last date?
15 September 2026 at 5 PM.
Q14. Is this a permanent Railway job?
No.
Q15. Where should I apply?
Only through the official RRC/BBS website.
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Disclaimer
This article is prepared from the official East Coast Railway Act Apprentice 2026–27 notification uploaded for reference. We have tried to present the eligibility, vacancies, dates, selection process and important conditions in a simple format. Candidates should always read the complete official notification and verify their individual eligibility before submitting an application. The official notification states that applicants are responsible for the correctness of information entered in the online application and that discrepancies found during Document Verification can lead to disqualification.
Official source: Railway Recruitment Cell, Bhubaneswar — www.rrcbbs.org.in
