Indian Railways remains one of the most reliable and respected employment sectors in the country—offering job stability, hands-on training, and long-term career prospects. For the year 2025, Southern Railway (SR) has announced a major notification inviting applications for 3518 Apprentice positions across multiple workshops and divisions.
The biggest advantage? There is no written exam.
Selections will be made purely on merit.
Whether you are 10th pass, 12th pass, or ITI qualified, this recruitment is an excellent opportunity to start your career with one of India’s largest government organizations.
🔔 Quick Snapshot
- Total Posts: 3518
- Application Method: Online
- Eligible Applicants: Freshers + Ex-ITI candidates
- Required Qualification: 10th / 12th (Science) / ITI
- Selection Mode: Merit-Based (No Exam)
- Work Location: Southern Railway Zone
🚆 About Southern Railway Zone
Southern Railway is among the oldest zones of Indian Railways. Headquartered in Chennai, the zone covers:
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Puducherry
- Parts of Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka
It operates several major workshops responsible for railway repair, maintenance, and manufacturing:
- Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur
- Central Workshop, Golden Rock
- Signal & Telecom Workshop, Podanur
These facilities regularly train apprentices in technical trades essential for railway operations.
📊 Total Vacancies – 3518 Posts
The 2025 apprentice notification covers three major units:
| Unit | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur | 1394 |
| Central Workshop, Golden Rock | 857 |
| Signal & Telecom Workshop, Podanur | 1267 |
This recruitment drive is among the largest apprentice intakes announced this year.
📅 Important Dates
- Application Opens: 25 August 2025
- Last Date to Submit Form: 25 September 2025
📌 Tip: Apply well before the deadline to avoid technical delays.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Freshers
- Must have passed 10th Class (SSLC/Matric) with a minimum of 50% marks.
- For MLT (Medical Lab Technician) trades:
- Must have passed 12th Class (Science) with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
Ex-ITI Candidates
- Must have passed 10th Class (50% marks).
- Must hold a valid ITI Certificate (NCVT/SCVT) in the relevant trade.
🎯 Age Criteria (As on 25 August 2025)
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 15 years |
| Freshers | 15–22 years |
| Ex-ITI / MLT | 15–24 years |
Age Relaxation
- OBC: +3 years
- SC/ST: +5 years
- PwBD: +10 to +15 years
💳 Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹100
- SC / ST / PwBD / Women: No Fee
Payment accepted via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
🛠️ Trade-Wise Vacancies
Approximate distribution:
- Fitter – 1070
- Welder – 503
- Electrician – 711
- Diesel Mechanic – 117
- Carpenter – 92
- Painter – 123
- Machinist – 77
- Turner – 49
- Plumber – 50
- Wireman – 55
- Electronics Mechanic – 124
- Refrigeration & AC Mechanic – 83
- MLT (Radiology) – 3
- MLT (Pathology) – 8
- MLT (Cardiology) – 9
- COPA – 137
- PASAA – 96
- MMV – 34
- MMTM – 20
- Trimmer – 15
- Draughtsman (Civil) – 10
- Other trades (ICTSM, SAA, Block Smith etc.)
This diverse list ensures opportunities for both technical and non-technical applicants.
💰 Stipend Structure
- 10th Pass Freshers: ₹6,000 per month
- 12th (Science) Freshers: ₹7,000 per month
- Ex-ITI Apprentices: ₹7,000 per month
Stipend is provided as per the Apprenticeship Act, 1961.
📝 How to Apply – Step-by-Step Instructions
- Visit the official website: sr.indianrailways.gov.in
- Open the Recruitment / Notifications section.
- Select “Apprentice Recruitment 2025”.
- Read the detailed notification.
- Register using your active mobile number and email.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload required documents:
- Recent photograph
- Signature
- 10th / 12th / ITI certificates
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Pay the application fee (if required).
- Submit the form and download the acknowledgment slip.
✔️ Selection Process – 100% Merit-Based
Selection will be done through:
1️⃣ Merit List
Prepared based on:
- Class 10th marks
- Class 12th marks (only for MLT)
- ITI marks (for Ex-ITI trades)
2️⃣ Document Verification
3️⃣ Medical Fitness Examination
No written exam, no interview. The process is simple and transparent.
⭐ Why Consider Southern Railway Apprenticeship?
- No competitive exam
- Government-approved skill training
- Monthly stipend
- Strong future job opportunities (Railways + Private sector)
- Training in reputed railway workshops
📌 Key Details at a Glance
| Particular | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Southern Railway |
| Post | Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 3518 |
| Units | Perambur, Golden Rock, Podanur |
| Qualification | 10th / 12th (Science) / ITI |
| Age Limit | 15–22 (Freshers), 15–24 (Ex-ITI) |
| Selection | Merit List + Document Verification |
| Stipend | ₹6,000–₹7,000 |
| Application Fee | ₹100 for Gen/OBC/EWS, Free for others |
| Official Website | sr.indianrailways.gov.in |
⚠️ Disclaimer
This rewritten article is for informational purposes only. Applicants must check the official Southern Railway notification for verified details. Any modifications in dates, eligibility, or procedure will be published only on the official website.