South Eastern Railway Opens 1,785 Apprentice Vacancies: Applications Begin November 18

South Eastern Railway has announced a major recruitment drive for Apprentice positions, offering a significant opportunity for candidates looking to begin their careers with Indian Railways. The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), SER, has released the official notification, inviting applications from eligible candidates for 1,785 apprentice posts across various divisions. Interested applicants can submit their applications online from November 18 to December 17, 2025, through the official website rrcser.co.in.

This recruitment campaign is one of the largest apprentice intakes of the year, making it an attractive chance for aspirants aiming to acquire technical training and hands-on experience within the railway system.

Eligibility Criteria: Educational Requirements

To apply for the Apprentice roles, candidates must meet the following academic qualifications:

• They must have completed Matriculation (Class 10) under the 10+2 examination system from a recognized board.

• Applicants are required to have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Class 10, excluding additional subjects.

• Candidates must also possess a valid ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate in the trade relevant to the apprenticeship. This certificate must be issued by an institution recognized by NCVT or SCVT.

Complete details regarding eligible trades and specific requirements are available on the official website of South Eastern Railway.

Application Fee Details

South Eastern Railway has set the application fee at ₹100 for general applicants. However, the fee is waived for SC, ST, women candidates, and persons with disabilities (PwD).

Applicants can conveniently pay the fee through multiple digital modes, including:

• Debit Card

• Credit Card

• Net Banking

• UPI

• E-wallets

This digital payment flexibility ensures a smooth and hassle-free application process.

Age Limit for Applicants

Candidates applying for the Apprentice posts must fall within the following age bracket as of January 1, 2026:

• Minimum Age: 15 years

• Maximum Age: 24 years

The age will be strictly verified using the date of birth mentioned in either the Class 10 certificate or birth certificate. No other document will be accepted for age calculation.

Selection Process: Merit-Based Shortlisting

Unlike many competitive recruitment exams, South Eastern Railway’s selection process for apprentices does not involve any written test or interview. Instead, candidates will be chosen purely based on merit, ensuring a transparent and fair process.

Key points regarding the selection method include:

• A separate merit list will be generated for each trade.

• The merit list will be prepared using the percentage of marks obtained in Class 10, with at least 50% marks being mandatory.

• All subjects in Class 10 will be considered while calculating the percentage, rather than marks obtained in any particular subject.

This merit-based system benefits students with strong academic scores and eliminates the stress of competitive exams.

Why This Recruitment Matters

With 1,785 positions available, this recruitment offers one of the best opportunities to join the Indian Railways ecosystem. Apprentices receive structured technical training, which enhances their employability in various industries even beyond the railways. For young aspirants seeking practical learning and stable career prospects, this notification is a golden opportunity.

How to Apply

Candidates can follow these steps to submit their applications:

1. Visit the official RRC SER website: rrcser.co.in

2. Open the Apprentice recruitment section

3. Read the detailed notification and trade-wise vacancy list

4. Register and fill out the application form with accurate details

5. Upload required documents, including certificates and photograph

6. Pay the applicable fee online

7. Submit the form and keep a copy for future reference