The Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, under the Ministry of Railways, has announced 1,010 Act Apprentice training opportunities for the 2026–27 session. The recruitment is open for candidates from different educational backgrounds, including 10th-pass freshers and ITI-qualified candidates.
The online application process has started, and eligible candidates can apply through the ICF recruitment portal. The current notification covers trades such as Carpenter, Electrician, Fitter, Machinist, Painter, Welder, Medical Laboratory Technician and PASAA.
Important: This is an apprenticeship training opportunity, not a direct permanent Railway job. Selection for apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment with Indian Railways.
Railway ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Integral Coach Factory, Chennai |
| Ministry | Ministry of Railways |
| Post | Act Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 1,010 |
| Training Session | 2026–27 |
| Qualification | 10th / ITI / applicable 12th qualification |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 8 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 September 2026 |
| Job Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Selection | Merit-Based |
| Official Website | pb.icf.gov.in |
The 2026–27 recruitment reportedly includes 330 Freshers and 680 Ex-ITI candidates across eight trades.
ICF Apprentice Vacancy 2026
A total of 1,010 apprenticeship slots are available.
The recruitment covers the following trades:
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Fitter
- Machinist
- Painter
- Welder
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- PASAA
Candidates should check the official notification for the exact trade-wise distribution and eligibility requirements applicable to each category.
Educational Qualification
The educational qualification depends on the category of apprentice.
For Freshers
Candidates generally need to have passed Class 10th/SSLC with the prescribed minimum marks, including the required subjects such as Science and Mathematics.
For Ex-ITI Candidates
Candidates should possess the required ITI qualification in the relevant trade from a recognized institution.
For certain Medical Laboratory Technician-related positions, the notification specifies an applicable higher educational qualification.
Candidates should carefully match their qualification with the trade they wish to select.
Age Limit
Candidates should satisfy the age conditions prescribed by ICF as on the specified cut-off date.
The reported age range is generally:
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Maximum Age: Up to 24 years, depending on the applicable category/trade
Age relaxation is available to eligible reserved categories according to Government rules.
Because apprenticeship rules can differ between Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates, applicants should verify the exact age requirement in the official notification before submitting the form.
Stipend
Selected apprentices receive a monthly stipend during the training period rather than a regular employee salary.
The exact stipend depends on the candidate’s educational qualification and the applicable apprenticeship rules. Candidates should check the latest official notification for the precise stipend amount.
Selection Process
One of the major advantages of the ICF Apprentice recruitment is that candidates are generally selected through a merit-based process rather than a conventional competitive written examination.
The selection process broadly involves:
- Preparation of merit based on prescribed educational marks
- Document verification
- Medical examination
- Final selection for apprenticeship training
The exact merit calculation and reservation rules are given in the recruitment notification.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Session | 2026–27 |
| Application Started | 8 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 September 2026 |
| Last Time | 5:30 PM |
| Merit List | To be announced |
| Training Commencement | To be announced |
According to the current recruitment information, online applications are being accepted from 8 August to 7 September 2026.
Application Fee
Candidates should pay the applicable application fee through the online application system.
The reported fee for eligible General/OBC/EWS candidates is ₹100, while exemptions are available for specified categories such as SC/ST, PwBD and women candidates, subject to the notification’s conditions.
How to Apply for ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the ICF recruitment portal.
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the official ICF Personnel Branch website.
- Open the Apprentice Recruitment section.
- Read the 2026–27 notification carefully.
- Click on the online application link.
- Complete the registration process.
- Enter your personal details.
- Enter educational and ITI details, wherever applicable.
- Select the appropriate trade.
- Upload the required documents.
- Upload your photograph and signature.
- Pay the applicable fee.
- Review all information carefully.
- Submit the application form.
- Download and save the final application and acknowledgement.
The ICF Personnel Branch website is the official online portal associated with ICF recruitment activities.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- Class 10th marksheet/certificate
- ITI certificate, where applicable
- Class 12th certificate for applicable trades
- Date of birth proof
- Aadhaar card or valid ID
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Other documents mentioned in the official notification
All uploaded documents should be clear and valid.
Important Instructions
Before applying, candidates should:
- Read the complete notification.
- Check their trade-wise eligibility.
- Verify their age.
- Keep educational certificates ready.
- Enter personal information correctly.
- Check category details carefully.
- Pay the applicable fee.
- Review the application before submission.
- Save the registration number and application details.
- Download the acknowledgement for future reference.
Candidates should also remember that apprenticeship training does not automatically result in permanent employment with Indian Railways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 1,010 Act Apprentice training slots are available for the 2026–27 session.
What is the qualification for ICF Apprentice Recruitment?
Depending on the trade, candidates can apply with 10th/SSLC qualification or the prescribed ITI qualification. Certain trades have additional educational requirements.
What is the last date to apply?
The reported last date for submitting the online application is 7 September 2026 at 5:30 PM.
Is there a written examination?
The recruitment is based primarily on merit, followed by document verification and medical requirements, rather than a conventional written examination.
Is this a permanent Railway job?
No. It is an apprenticeship training opportunity under the Apprentices Act. Selection as an apprentice does not guarantee permanent employment in Indian Railways.
Where is the training conducted?
The recruitment is conducted by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, so the apprenticeship is associated with ICF in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Conclusion
The Railway ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a useful opportunity for candidates who want to gain technical experience through apprenticeship training with the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai. With 1,010 training slots available across multiple trades, both 10th-pass freshers and eligible ITI candidates can consider this opportunity.
Applications are being accepted from 8 August 2026 to 7 September 2026. Candidates should carefully check the trade-wise eligibility, age requirements, documents and selection rules before submitting their application.
