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Southern Railway Act Recruitment 2026 | Latest Govt Jobs 2026

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Southern Railway Act Recruitment 2026 – Overview

Organization Name	Southern Railway Act Recruitment 2026
Job Category	Government Jobs
Employment Type	Regular
Total Vacancies	4,471
Job Location	Southern Railway jurisdiction (TN, Puducherry, Kerala, A&N Islands, Lakshadweep, SPSR Nellore & Chittoor (AP), Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka))
Last Date	27-09-2026
Apply mode	Online

Southern Railway Act Recruitment 2026 Officially Released this Notification. Officials are inviting applications from the eligible and interested candidate. For More latest jobs follow our website. In this article we will see the Educational Qualification, Age Limit, Salary, Selection Process, How to Apply…etc

To apply for government jobs in India, candidates need to visit the official website of the respective organization link which is provided below and apply for the vacancies as per the instructions given in the job notification. Additionally, candidates can also check the employment news or government job portals for the latest central government job vacancies.

Post Name and vacanices :

Vacancies are divided into two categories – Fresher (163 posts) and Ex-ITI (4,308 posts) – spread across Carriage & Wagon Works Perambur, Central Workshop Ponmalai, Signal & Telecommunication Workshop Podanur, Railway Hospital Perambur, and multiple divisions (Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Palakkad, Salem, Trivandrum).

Fresher Category – Unit-wise Total

Unit	Trades Covered	Total Posts
Carriage & Wagon Works, Perambur	Fitter, Welder, Painter	80
Central Workshop, Ponmalai	Fitter, Welder (G&E)	43
S&T Workshop, Podanur, Coimbatore	Fitter	20
Railway Hospital, Perambur	MLT (Radiology, Pathology, Cardiology)	20
Fresher’s Grand Total		163

Ex-ITI Category – Group-wise Total

Defence recruitment updates

Group	Units Covered	Total Posts
Carriage & Wagon Works group	Perambur C&W, Chennai Division (multiple sections), Electrical Workshop Perambur, Engineering Workshop Arakkonam, Engineering HQ/SR, Loco Works Perambur, Railway Hospital Perambur	1,528
Central Workshops, Ponmalai group	Ponmalai, Madurai Division, Tiruchirappalli Division	1,292
S&T Workshop Podanur group	Palakkad Division, Salem Division, Podanur Workshop, Trivandrum Division	1,488
Ex-ITI Grand Total		4,308

Note: the Fresher category-wise sum (UR 68 + OBC 43 + SC 24 + ST 13 + EWS 14) computed from the source table equals 162, one less than the stated total of 163. The Ex-ITI category-wise sum (UR 1,744 + OBC 1,144 + SC 628 + ST 319 + EWS 394) computed from the source table equals 4,229, which is 79 less than the stated total of 4,308. Both discrepancies are in the source document and should be verified before publishing

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA :

Only candidates residing within the following areas (Geographical Jurisdiction of Southern Railway) are eligible to apply:

Whole State of Tamil Nadu
Whole Union Territory of Puducherry
Whole State of Kerala
Whole Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands
Only two districts of Andhra Pradesh: SPSR Nellore and Chittoor
Only one district of Karnataka: Dakshina Kannada

Candidates must also meet the minimum standards of physical fitness under Schedule-II of the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, verified through a medical certificate from a Government-Authorized Doctor at the time of document verification.

Educational Qualification

Fresher Category:

Fitter, Painter, Welder – Passed 10th Class (minimum 50% aggregate) under the 10+2 system or equivalent.
Medical Laboratory Technician (Radiology/Pathology/Cardiology) – Passed 12th Class (minimum 50% aggregate) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Ex-ITI Category:

Most trades (Fitter, Machinist, MMV, Turner, Diesel Mechanic, Carpenter, Painter, Welder(G&E), Wireman, Advance Welder, Plumber, Draughtsman-Civil, Instrument Mechanic, Mech. R&AC, Gas Cutter, MMTM, Structural Welder) – Passed 10th Class (min. 50%) + ITI course in the relevant trade with an NCVT/SCVT certificate.
Electrician – Same as above, with Science as a subject in 10th.
Electronics Mechanic – Same as above, with Science (Physics & Chemistry) and Mathematics.
Secretarial Assistant & Stenographer (English) – Passed 12th Class + ITI course with NCVT/SCVT certificate.
ICTSM – Passed 10th Class + ITI course with NCVT/SCVT certificate.
COPA/PASAA – Passed 10th Class (min. 50%) + National Trade Certificate in Computer Operator and Programming Assistant.

Note: The minimum 50% requirement in 10th standard does not apply to SC/ST/PwBD candidates. Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs), Engineering Graduates/Diploma holders, or Vocational Certificate holders with one year or more of training/job experience after these qualifications are not eligible.

Age Limit

As on the date of notification (28-08-2026):

Minimum age: 15 years completed
Maximum age: 22 years (Fresher/Ex-ITI) / 24 years (MLT)
Upper age relaxation: 3 years for OBC-(NCL), 5 years for SC/ST, 10 years for PwBD
Combined relaxation for PwBD candidates: UR/EWS + PwBD = 10 years; OBC-(NCL) + PwBD = 13 years; SC/ST + PwBD = 15 years

To avoid any confusion regarding age eligibility, candidates can use our Age Calculator to calculate their exact age based on the prescribed cut-off date before applying.

Pay Scale Details

Category	Stipend (per month)
Fresher’s – 10th Std	Rs. 8,200/-
Fresher’s – 12th Std	Rs. 9,600/-
Ex-ITI	Rs. 9,600/-

Stipend increases by 10% in the second year of training and a further 15% in the third year, over the prescribed minimum.

Selection Process for Southern Railway Act Recruitment 2026

Selection is based on a Merit List, prepared as follows:

Fresher Category: Matriculation marks converted to 200 (minimum 50% aggregate required, except SC/ST/PwBD).
Ex-ITI Category: Matriculation marks converted to 100 + ITI marks converted to 100 = 200 total, with equal weightage to both.
MLT Category: Higher Secondary marks (Physics, Chemistry, Maths & Biology) converted to 200.

In case of a tie, the older candidate is preferred; if birth dates are also the same, the candidate who passed Matriculation earlier is preferred.

PREPARATION TIPS :

1. First Understand the Selection Process

There is no written examination for this recruitment.

Selection is through a merit list.

Fresher

10th/Matriculation marks → Merit

Ex-ITI

10th marks + ITI marks → Merit

Both are given equal weightage.

MLT

12th/Higher Secondary marks in the specified subjects → Merit

So your preparation should focus on maximising your eligibility, ensuring correct marks, and preparing documents, rather than studying for Maths, Reasoning or General Knowledge.

2. Know the 4,471 Vacancies

The recruitment has:

163 Fresher vacancies
4,308 Ex-ITI vacancies
Total: 4,471

The vacancies are distributed across Southern Railway units including Perambur, Ponmalai, Podanur, Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Palakkad and Trivandrum.

This makes it especially important to check the unit + trade + category you are eligible for before applying.

3. Fresher Candidates – Preparation

Fresher candidates have opportunities in trades such as:

Fitter
Welder
Painter
MLT

For Fitter / Welder / Painter

You need:

10th Pass + minimum 50% aggregate

For MLT

You need:

12th Pass + minimum 50% + Physics, Chemistry and Biology

The 50% requirement has specific exemptions for SC/ST/PwBD candidates as stated in the notification.

Your Main Preparation

Check your:

10th marks
Aggregate percentage
Subject requirements
Date of birth
Community certificate
Residential eligibility

4. Ex-ITI Candidates – Most Important

The majority of the vacancies are for Ex-ITI candidates – 4,308 posts.

Your merit is calculated using:

10th marks – 100 marks

ITI marks – 100 marks

Total Merit – 200 Marks

Therefore, candidates should carefully enter both 10th and ITI marks in the application.

5. Calculate Your Expected Merit

For example:

Candidate A

10th = 80%

ITI = 85%

Merit:

80 + 85 = 165/200

Equivalent merit percentage:

82.5%

Candidate B

10th = 90%

ITI = 75%

Merit:

90 + 75 = 165/200

Both candidates have the same merit score.

This is why you should calculate your marks accurately before applying.

6. Trade Eligibility

Make sure your ITI trade matches the notified trade.

Some important trades include:

Fitter
Machinist
MMV
Turner
Diesel Mechanic
Carpenter
Painter
Welder
Electrician
Wireman
Plumber
Draughtsman-Civil
Instrument Mechanic
Mechanic R&AC
Gas Cutter
COPA
PASAA
Electronics Mechanic
Secretarial Assistant
Stenographer
ICTSM
MMTM
Structural Welder

The exact qualification differs between trades, so candidates should check the individual trade/unit table before selecting their option.

7. Special Trade Requirements

Electrician

10th + relevant ITI qualification, with Science as a subject in 10th.

Electronics Mechanic

10th + relevant ITI qualification with:

Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics

Secretarial Assistant / Stenographer

12th + relevant ITI certificate

COPA / PASAA

10th + National Trade Certificate in COPA.

These trade-specific conditions are important because simply having an ITI certificate does not automatically make you eligible for every trade.

8. Age Preparation

As on 28 August 2026:

Minimum Age

15 years

Maximum Age

22 years for Fresher/Ex-ITI

24 years for MLT

Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories, including:

OBC-NCL
SC/ST
PwBD

as specified in the notification.

Tip

Before applying, calculate your exact age on 28 August 2026 rather than calculating based on today’s date.

9. Residential Eligibility – Very Important

This recruitment is not open to candidates from every part of India.

Eligible geographical areas include:

Tamil Nadu – entire state
Puducherry – entire UT
Kerala – entire state
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Lakshadweep
SPSR Nellore and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh
Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka

So candidates should verify their residential eligibility before applying.

10. Documents Preparation

Prepare these documents before starting the application:

Educational

10th Mark Sheet
10th Certificate
ITI Certificate
ITI Mark Sheets
12th Certificate for MLT/eligible trades

Identity

Aadhaar Card
Valid ID proof

Other

Transfer Certificate
Recent photograph
Signature
Medical certificate when required

11. Document Verification Preparation

Candidates shortlisted for DV should take original certificates + photocopies.

Arrange them in this order:

Application printout
10th Certificate
10th Mark Sheet
ITI Certificate
ITI Mark Sheets
12th Certificate, if applicable
Community Certificate
Aadhaar
Transfer Certificate
Other applicable certificates

Keep 2–3 photocopy sets ready.

12. Medical Fitness

Candidates must meet the prescribed physical fitness requirements under the Apprenticeship Rules.

A medical certificate from the prescribed Government-authorized doctor is required at document verification.

Don’t wait until the last moment to find out about the medical requirements.

13. No Need for Competitive Exam Preparation

This deserves a separate section on your website.

❌ Don’t spend your preparation time on:

Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude
General Knowledge
Current Affairs
English
Railway exam mock tests

There is no written examination mentioned for this Act Apprentice selection.

Instead:

✅ Focus on:

10th Marks + ITI Marks + Correct Trade + Documents + Merit + Medical Fitness

14. Trade Knowledge – Optional Preparation

Although there is no written examination, it is still useful to revise basic trade knowledge because you will undergo practical apprenticeship training.

Fitter

Study:

Measuring instruments
Vernier caliper
Micrometer
Drilling
Filing
Cutting
Workshop safety

Electrician

Study:

Voltage
Current
Resistance
Ohm’s Law
Wiring
Electrical safety
Basic circuits

Welder

Study:

Arc welding
Welding tools
PPE
Welding safety
Welding defects

Machinist

Study:

Lathe
Turning
Cutting tools
Measuring tools
Drilling

COPA/PASAA

Study:

Computer fundamentals
MS Office
Typing
Internet
Basic programming/computer concepts

15. Stipend

The notification provides:

Fresher – 10th Standard

₹8,200/month

Fresher – 12th Standard

₹9,600/month

Ex-ITI

₹9,600/month

The stipend increases during subsequent years according to the prescribed rules.

Remember:

Stipend ≠ Salary

This is an apprenticeship training engagement, not a permanent Railway appointment.

16. Important Merit Strategy

Because selection is merit-based, candidates should understand their position.

Fresher

Your main advantage is:

Higher 10th percentage

Ex-ITI

Your advantage depends on:

10th percentage + ITI percentage

MLT

Your relevant 12th subject marks are important.

Therefore, candidates with higher academic marks generally have an advantage in the merit list.

17. Tie-Breaking

If two candidates have the same merit:

Older candidate gets preference.

If their dates of birth are also the same:

Candidate who passed Matriculation earlier gets preference.

18. Application Fee

General candidates

₹100

No fee for:

SC
ST
PwBD
Women candidates

The fee is non-refundable.

19. 10-Day Preparation Plan

Day 1 – Eligibility

Check:

Age
Qualification
10th percentage
ITI trade
Residential eligibility

Day 2 – Marks

Calculate:

10th percentage

and, for Ex-ITI:

ITI percentage

Day 3 – Trade

Verify:

ITI Trade → Eligible Railway Trade → Eligible Unit

Day 4 – Documents

Collect all original certificates.

Day 5 – Category

Verify:

SC/ST
OBC-NCL
EWS
PwBD

as applicable.

Day 6 – Application

Complete the online application carefully.

Day 7 – Application Verification

Check every entry:

Name
DOB
Marks
Trade
Category
Address
Mobile
Email

Day 8 – Trade Revision

Learn basic concepts related to your ITI trade.

Day 9 – DV Preparation

Prepare originals and photocopies.

Day 10 – Final Check

Save:

Application form
Registration number
Payment receipt
Submitted application
Important certificates

20. Important Dates

Event	Date
Notification	28 August 2026
Application Starts	28 August 2026
Last Date	27 September 2026, 5:00 PM
Tentative Shortlist	15 October 2026

The shortlist date is reported as tentative, so candidates should monitor the official Southern Railway website for updates.

Final Preparation Strategy

For Southern Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026, use this formula:

Eligibility → Calculate Marks → Select Correct Trade → Apply → Merit List → Document Verification → Medical → Training

For Freshers:

10th Marks = Most Important

For Ex-ITI:

50% 10th + 50% ITI = Merit

For MLT:

12th PCB Marks = Important

Application Fees for Southern Railway Act Recruitment 2026

Processing fee of Rs. 100/- (non-refundable), payable online. No fee is required for SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates.

How to Apply for Southern Railway Act Recruitment 2026?

Visit www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in
Navigate to News & Updates → Personnel Branch Information
Complete the online application in all respects before the closing date.
Submit the application online between 28-08-2026 and 27-09-2026 (till 17:00 Hrs).

Southern Railway Act Important Instructions

This notification is purely for apprenticeship training, not employment – there is no guarantee of employment after training.

20% of vacancies in Direct Recruitment to Level 1 posts may give preference to Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs) holding a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC).

All official communication – notifications, document verification lists, selection and eligibility results – will be posted only on the official website link mentioned above.

Candidates availing SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD benefits must produce the relevant certificate at document verification, else they will be treated as UR.

False declarations will lead to disqualification/termination at any stage without notice.

Candidates are responsible for arranging their own accommodation during training.

Ex-ITI candidates must possess the relevant ITI qualification at the time of applying.

Southern Railway Act Recruitment 2026 – Official Apply Link

Official Notification Link

Official apply link

Important Dates

Event	Date
Notification Date	28-08-2026
Online Application Start Date	28-08-2026
Online Application Last Date	27-09-2026 (till 17:00 Hrs)
Tentative Publication of Shortlist for Document Verification	15-10-2026

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