Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026: Apply Online for 1010 Fitter, Electrician & More

Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out Recruitment 2026: Overview & Key Opportunities

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, a premier production unit of Indian Railways, has officially released the Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out notification for the engagement of Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This recruitment drive, announced on 8 August 2026, opens a golden opportunity for thousands of aspiring candidates, particularly those from Tamil Nadu, to undergo skill-based training in various technical and non-technical trades. With a total of 1010 apprentice seats spread across eight distinct trades, the Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026 notification is a significant step towards enhancing employability and hands-on industrial training under the Skill India Mission.

The apprenticeship program is designed to provide practical exposure to candidates, making them industry-ready for future employment opportunities in railways and other sectors. The notification covers both Freshers (school pass-outs) and Ex-ITI candidates, ensuring a wide range of eligibility. The online application window opens on 8 August 2026 at 09:30 hrs and closes on 7 September 2026 at 17:30 hrs. Candidates are advised to read the complete notification carefully before applying, as the selection process is strictly based on merit and adherence to eligibility criteria.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026 recruitment, covering all essential details such as vacancy distribution, eligibility, age limits, stipend, application fee, selection process, and step-by-step application instructions. Whether you are a fresh 10th/12th pass-out or an ITI certificate holder, this guide will help you navigate the application process with confidence.

Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out Notification Highlights 2026

The Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026 notification brings several key highlights that every applicant must know. Here is a quick summary of the most important features:

• Organisation: Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, a unit under the Ministry of Railways.
• Notification No.: APP/01/2026-2027 (No. PB/RR/39/App/2026, dated 08.08.2026).
• Post Name: Act Apprentice (under Apprentices Act, 1961).
• Total Vacancies: 1010 posts (330 for Freshers, 680 for Ex-ITI).
• Trades Offered: Carpenter, Electrician, Fitter, Machinist, Painter, Welder, MLT (Radiology & Pathology), and PASAA.
• Application Mode: Online only, through the official website pb.icf.gov.in.
• Application Start Date: 8 August 2026, 09:30 hrs.
• Application Last Date: 7 September 2026, 17:30 hrs.
• Job Location: Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Age Reckoning Date: 7 September 2026.
• Stipend: ₹8,200 to ₹9,600 per month depending on category.
• Selection Process: Based on merit (marks in qualifying examination) and document verification.

These highlights provide a snapshot of the recruitment, but candidates must delve deeper into each section to understand the full scope and requirements.

About Railway ICF Act Apprentice & Out 2026

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) is one of the largest rail coach manufacturing units in the world, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Established in 1955, ICF has been instrumental in producing modern, safe, and comfortable coaches for Indian Railways. The factory is known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and its contribution to the 'Make in India' initiative. As part of its commitment to skill development, ICF regularly conducts apprenticeship training programs under the Apprentices Act, 1961, to nurture young talent and provide them with practical knowledge in various engineering and non-engineering trades.

The Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026 recruitment is a golden chance for candidates to get trained in a prestigious railway establishment. Apprentices at ICF receive a monthly stipend, exposure to real-world industrial environments, and a certificate upon successful completion, which enhances their employability. The training period varies from 1 year to 2 years depending on the trade and category. This program is not just a job but a stepping stone to a promising career in the railway sector or other industries.

ICF's apprenticeship program is highly sought after due to the quality of training and the reputation of the organization. Candidates selected as Act Apprentices will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, learn modern techniques, and gain insights into the functioning of a major industrial unit. The Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026 notification is a testament to ICF's dedication to fostering skill development and contributing to the nation's workforce.

Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out Vacancy Details & Post Breakdown 2026

The Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026 notification offers a total of 1010 vacancies, divided into two main categories: Freshers (330 posts) and Ex-ITI (680 posts). Each category has trade-wise allocations, ensuring a balanced distribution across various skills. Below is a detailed breakdown of the vacancies for both categories.

Freshers - Trade-Wise Vacancies

Ex-ITI - Trade-Wise Vacancies

Note: MLT (Radiology & Pathology) has no Ex-ITI seats, and PASAA has no Freshers seats, as per the notification.

Category-Wise Vacancy Reservation for Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026

The Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026 notification follows the government's reservation policy, ensuring representation for all categories. The vacancies are distributed among UR, OBC, SC, ST, and PwBD categories as per the rules. Below is a category-wise breakdown for both Freshers and Ex-ITI categories.

Freshers Category-Wise Distribution

Ex-ITI Category-Wise Distribution

Note: PwBD vacancies are reserved for persons with benchmark disabilities, subject to permissible disability categories and a minimum of 40% disability.

Educational Qualification & Eligibility Criteria for Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026

The educational qualifications for the Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026 vary depending on the trade and whether the candidate is a Fresher or an Ex-ITI. It is crucial to meet the exact eligibility criteria to avoid rejection at the time of document verification. Below is a detailed breakdown of the required qualifications for each category and trade.

Ex-ITI Candidates

• Fitter, Electrician, Machinist: Must have passed 10th standard with a minimum of 50% marks, with Science and Maths as subjects under the 10+2 system or equivalent. Additionally, candidates must hold a National Trade Certificate (NCVT/SCVT) in the respective trade, with a duration of one year or more.
• Carpenter, Painter, Welder: Must have passed 10th standard with a minimum of 50% marks under the 10+2 system or equivalent. Additionally, candidates must hold a National Trade Certificate (NCVT/SCVT) in the respective trade, with a duration of one year or more.
• PASAA: Must have passed 10th standard with a minimum of 50% marks, along with a National Trade Certificate in IT/Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA), Database System Assistant (DSA), or Software Testing Assistant (STA) from NCVT/SCVT, with a duration of one year or more.

Freshers (Non-ITI) Candidates

• Fitter, Electrician, Machinist: Must have passed 10th standard with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks, with Science and Maths as subjects under the 10+2 system or equivalent.
• Carpenter, Painter: Must have passed 10th standard with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks under the 10+2 system or equivalent.
• Welder: Must have passed 10th standard with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks under the 10+2 system or equivalent.
• MLT (Radiology & Pathology): Must have passed 12th standard (HSC) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as subjects.

Important Note: Candidates with higher qualifications such as Degree, Diploma, or Engineering Degree are not eligible to apply for Act Apprenticeship, except for MLT where the qualification is 12th/HSC. Additionally, candidates who have already completed Act Apprenticeship training are not eligible.

Age Limit & Category Relaxations

The age limit for the Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026 is calculated as on 7 September 2026. The age requirements differ for ITI and non-ITI candidates, and relaxation is provided for reserved categories as per government norms.

• For ITI Candidates: Must have completed 15 years of age and not completed 24 years of age.
• For Non-ITI Candidates (Freshers): Must have completed 15 years of age and not completed 22 years of age.
• Upper Age Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC candidates, and 10 years for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

SC/ST candidates must produce a caste certificate, and OBC candidates must produce an OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate at the time of document verification. The age relaxation is applicable only to the upper age limit, not the lower age limit.

Salary Details, Pay Scale & Perks

While apprentices are not regular employees, they receive a monthly stipend as per the Apprenticeship Rules. The stipend for the Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026 is as follows:

The prescribed minimum stipend increases by 10 percent during the second year of apprenticeship training. For NCVT/SCVT certificate holders, any training period already undergone is factored into determining the minimum payable stipend. This stipend provides financial support to apprentices during their training period.

Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out Selection Process & Examination Phases 2026

The selection process for the Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026 is based on merit, which is determined by the marks obtained in the qualifying examination. There is no written examination or interview for this recruitment. The selection process involves the following steps:

1. Merit List Preparation: Candidates are shortlisted based on their percentage of marks in the qualifying examination (10th or 12th, as applicable). The merit list is prepared trade-wise and category-wise.
2. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification, where they must produce all original certificates and documents, including educational certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), disability certificates (if applicable), and proof of residence.
3. Medical Examination: Candidates who clear document verification must undergo a medical examination to ensure they are medically fit for the apprenticeship training.
4. Final Selection: The final selection is based on the merit list and successful completion of document verification and medical examination.

It is important to note that the apprenticeship training does not guarantee employment in Indian Railways. However, the training certificate is valuable for future career prospects.

Application Fee Details

The application fee for the Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026 is as follows:

• General/OBC/EWS Candidates: A processing fee of ₹100 plus applicable service charges (non-refundable) must be paid online.
• SC/ST/PwBD/Women Candidates: No application fee is required.

The fee can be paid online through the official website using net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI. After successful payment, a unique Transaction ID starting with "DU" is sent to the registered mobile number and should be preserved for future reference. No request for refund of fee once remitted will be entertained under any circumstances.

Important Dates & Schedule

Candidates are advised to submit their applications well before the last date to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Required Documents for Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out Application 2026

While filling out the online application, candidates must have the following documents ready:

• Scanned copy of passport-size photograph (in JPG/JPEG format, size between 20-50 KB).
• Scanned copy of signature (in JPG/JPEG format, size between 10-30 KB).
• Educational certificates and mark sheets (10th, 12th, ITI, etc.).
• Caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates).
• Disability certificate (for PwBD candidates).
• Proof of residence (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.).
• Employment Exchange registration certificate (if applicable).
• Railway employee ID card/Service certificate (for wards of railway employees).

Ensure all documents are clear and legible before uploading.

How to Apply Online

Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply online for the Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026:

1. Visit the official website of Integral Coach Factory at pb.icf.gov.in.
2. Look for the "Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026" link on the homepage and click on it.
3. Register yourself by providing a valid email ID and mobile number. You will receive login credentials.
4. Log in using the credentials and fill in the online application form with your personal, educational, and contact details.
5. Select the trade and category (Fresher or Ex-ITI) you are applying for.
6. Upload the scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents.
7. Pay the application fee (if applicable) through the online payment gateway.
8. Review all the details carefully before submitting the form.
9. After submission, take a printout of the application form and keep it safe for future reference.

Make sure to complete the application process before the last date to avoid any inconvenience.

Important Instructions & Guidelines for Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out Applicants

• Applicants must be resident and/or registered with a local Employment Exchange within Tamil Nadu, with registration date not beyond the application's last date, except wards of Railway employees.
• Wards of Railway employees must submit the Railway employee's Identity Card/Service Certificate (attested by a Gazetted Officer), along with UMID card and PPO copy as proof.
• Vacancies for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities are reserved trade-wise, subject to permissible disability categories and a minimum of 40% relevant disability; a disability certificate from the Central/State Government is required to claim this benefit.
• Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories must enclose the requisite certificates; otherwise, they will be considered under the UR category with UR age limit.
• PwBD candidates must enclose the requisite disability certificate.
• Candidates with higher qualifications than 10th/Matric/SSLC, such as Degree, Diploma, Engineering Degree, or Course Completed Act Apprentices, are not eligible to apply for Act Apprenticeship, except for MLT where the qualification is 12th/HSC.
• Keep your registered mobile number and email ID active for future communication.

Job Location & Posting Details

The training for the Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026 will be conducted at the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The apprenticeship training is purely for skill development and does not guarantee employment. However, the training period provides valuable industrial exposure and a certificate that is recognized across industries. Candidates from Tamil Nadu are given preference, but candidates from other states can also apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Final Summary & Advice for Candidates

The Railway ICF Act Apprentice Out 2026 recruitment is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking hands-on training in a prestigious railway organization. With 1010 vacancies across multiple trades, the competition is expected to be high. Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification, ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, and apply well before the deadline. Since the selection is based on merit, focus on your academic performance to secure a good rank in the merit list.

Prepare all necessary documents in advance, and double-check your application form before submission. Keep a copy of the application and payment receipt for future reference. Stay updated with the official website for any announcements regarding the merit list and document verification schedule. Good luck with your application!

Senior Government Jobs Editor ✓

Career Content Specialist, SEO Strategist, and Fact-Checking Writer for Sarkari Job Finders

This article has been manually researched, cross-referenced with the official notification, and structured to provide verified, candidate-centric information.

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