Overview
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, under the Ministry of Railways, has released the Railway ICF Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification for 1,010 vacancies. Eligible candidates can apply online for apprenticeship opportunities in trades such as Fitter, Electrician, Machinist, Carpenter, Painter, Welder and other notified disciplines.
Applicants should read the detailed notification before registering, as educational requirements and the distribution of vacancies may differ by trade and candidate category. The apprenticeship is governed by the applicable provisions of the Apprentices Act and does not automatically guarantee permanent employment in the Railways.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, Ministry of Railways |
| Post Name | Act Apprentice — Fitter, Electrician and Other Trades |
| Total Vacancies | 1,010 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | icf.indianrailways.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | TBA |
| Last Date | TBA |
| Exam Date | TBA |
| Result Date | TBA |
Candidates must check the recruitment portal for the exact registration schedule. They are advised not to wait until the final date, as incomplete applications, delayed fee payments or technical issues may prevent successful submission.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Candidates should have passed Class 10 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board.
- A minimum qualifying percentage may be prescribed in the detailed notification.
- For Ex-ITI apprentice positions, applicants must generally possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from an institute recognised by the National Council for Vocational Training or State Council for Vocational Training.
- Freshers may apply for trades where an ITI certificate is not mandatory, subject to the trade-specific conditions.
- Applicants awaiting final results should confirm whether they are eligible before submitting the form.
- Trade-wise qualifications for Fitter, Electrician, Machinist, Carpenter, Painter, Welder and other posts must be verified from the official notification.
Age Limit
- The minimum age is generally 15 years.
- The upper age limit is generally 24 years, calculated on the cut-off date stated in the notification.
- Upper-age relaxation is expected to apply to SC, ST, OBC, persons with benchmark disabilities and other eligible categories under government rules.
- Candidates must use the date of birth recorded in their Class 10 certificate or equivalent document.
Fees
- The application or processing fee is expected to be Rs. 100 for candidates required to pay it.
- SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates are generally exempt from payment, subject to confirmation in the notification.
- Payment should be completed through the available online facility, such as debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI.
- Any bank or payment gateway charges may be payable separately.
Selection Process
- Merit List: Selection is expected to be based on academic and technical marks prescribed for the relevant apprentice category. A written examination may not be required unless specifically announced by ICF.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates will have to produce original educational certificates, ITI documents, proof of age, category certificate, identity proof and other required records.
- Medical Examination: Candidates clearing document verification must satisfy the medical fitness standards applicable to apprenticeship training before final engagement.
Admission to apprenticeship training will remain provisional until eligibility, certificates and medical fitness are verified by the competent authority.
How to Apply
- Visit the official ICF website at icf.indianrailways.gov.in and open the recruitment or apprenticeship section.
- Select the link for ICF Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 and carefully read the notification, vacancy table and instructions.
- Complete the online registration using an active mobile number and email address. These details should remain accessible throughout the recruitment process.
- Enter personal, educational, ITI, category and communication details exactly as recorded in the supporting documents.
- Select the appropriate trade and applicant category, such as fresher or Ex-ITI, wherever applicable.
- Upload scanned copies of the photograph, signature and required certificates in the specified size and format.
- Pay the application fee online if applicable and retain the transaction receipt.
- Review every entry before submitting the form. Incorrect trade selection, marks or category information may lead to rejection.
- Download and print the final application form and payment acknowledgement for document verification and future reference.
Important Links
FAQs
1. How many vacancies are available under ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The recruitment drive has announced 1,010 Act Apprentice vacancies across Fitter, Electrician and several other trades.
2. Is an ITI certificate compulsory for every post?
Not necessarily. Ex-ITI positions require the relevant ITI qualification, while eligible freshers may apply for specified trades under the conditions given in the notification.
3. Will ICF conduct a written examination?
Selection is generally merit-based, followed by document verification and medical examination. Candidates should check the notification for any change in the selection procedure.
