The Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, a flagship production unit under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, has officially released the notification for the engagement of Act Apprentices for the year 2026–2027. Under Notification No. APP/01/2026-2027, ICF Chennai is inviting online applications from eligible Freshers (Non-ITI) and Ex-ITI candidates for a total of 1,010 apprentice training slots across various engineering and technical trades.
The online application portal went live on August 8, 2026, and candidates can complete their online registration until September 7, 2026 (up to 5:30 PM). Selection for these apprenticeship positions is conducted purely on a merit basis (Class 10th marks), meaning there is no written examination or viva-voce.
If you are a 10th-pass student or an ITI certificate holder looking to kickstart your career in Indian Railways, this guide provides all the comprehensive details regarding eligibility, trade-wise vacancy distribution, age limits, stipend rates, step-by-step application guidelines, and important links.
ICF Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights
| Parameters | Details |
| Recruiting Organization | Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
| Notification Number | APP/01/2026-2027 |
| Name of Engagement | Act Apprentice Training (Apprentices Act, 1961) |
| Total Training Slots | 1,010 Posts |
| Category Breakdown | 330 Freshers (Non-ITI) | 680 Ex-ITI Candidates |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Application Start Date | August 8, 2026 (09:30 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | September 7, 2026 (05:30 PM) |
| Selection Process | Merit List (Class 10th Marks) + Document Verification + Medical Fitness |
| Job Location / Training Spot | ICF, Perambur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Official Web Portal | pb.icf.gov.in |
Important Dates
Candidates must strictly track the application timeline to submit their forms before the official portal closes.
| Event Description | Date / Timeline |
| Official Notification Release Date | August 8, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | August 8, 2026 (09:30 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | September 7, 2026 (up to 05:30 PM) |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | September 7, 2026 |
| Cut-off Date for Age & Qualification | September 7, 2026 |
| Merit List Release Date | To be announced soon on official portal |
| Document Verification Schedule | Will be notified after merit list publication |
Trade-Wise Vacancy Details
The 1,010 apprenticeship slots are split into Freshers (Non-ITI) and Ex-ITI quotas across various technical trades.
1. Freshers (Non-ITI Quota) — 330 Vacancies
| Trade Name | UR | OBC | SC | ST | PwBD | Total Slots |
| Fitter | 36 | 22 | 12 | 6 | 4 | 80 |
| Welder | 37 | 22 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 80 |
| Electrician | 18 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 40 |
| Machinist | 18 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 40 |
| Carpenter | 18 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 40 |
| Painter | 18 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 40 |
| MLT – Radiology | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| MLT – Pathology | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Total Freshers | 151 | 90 | 50 | 24 | 15 | 330 |
2. Ex-ITI Quota — 680 Vacancies
| Trade Name | UR | OBC | SC | ST | PwBD | Total Slots |
| Fitter | 81 | 49 | 27 | 14 | 9 | 180 |
| Welder | 83 | 49 | 27 | 13 | 8 | 180 |
| Electrician | 72 | 43 | 24 | 12 | 9 | 160 |
| Machinist | 22 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 50 |
| Carpenter | 22 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 50 |
| Painter | 22 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 50 |
| PASAA (Programming & System Admin. Asst.) | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| Total Ex-ITI | 306 | 186 | 104 | 52 | 32 | 680 |
Eligibility Criteria
Before submitting your online application, candidates must ensure they meet the educational qualifications, age parameters, and domicile conditions.
1. Educational Qualifications
The educational requirement varies depending on whether you are applying under the Freshers or Ex-ITI category.
- For Freshers (Fitter, Electrician, Machinist):
- Must have passed Class 10th (Standard X) under the 10+2 system with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
- Science and Mathematics must be studied as subjects in Class 10th.
- For Freshers (Carpenter, Painter, Welder):
- Must have passed Class 10th (Standard X) with at least 50% aggregate marks.
- For Freshers (MLT – Radiology & Pathology):
- Must have passed Class 12th (10+2 system) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).
- For Ex-ITI Candidates (All Technical Trades):
- Must have passed Class 10th with at least 50% aggregate marks.
- Must possess a National Trade Certificate (NTC) issued by NCVT or SCVT in the relevant trade.
- For Ex-ITI (PASAA Trade):
- Must have passed Class 10th (50% marks) + NTC/National Apprenticeship Certificate in COPA / IT / Database System / Software Testing Assistant.
Special Eligibility Note (Domicile / Employment Exchange):
As per official guidelines, preference is given to applicants residing in Tamil Nadu or those registered with a local Employment Exchange within the State of Tamil Nadu as on September 7, 2026.
2. Age Limit (As on September 7, 2026)
Age is calculated as of the closing date of the online application.
- Freshers (Non-ITI Candidates): 15 to 22 Years
- Ex-ITI Candidates: 15 to 24 Years
Upper Age Relaxation Rules:
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Relaxed by 3 Years (Up to 27 years for Ex-ITI / 25 years for Freshers).
- SC / ST Candidates: Relaxed by 5 Years (Up to 29 years for Ex-ITI / 27 years for Freshers).
- PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): Relaxed by 10 Years.
Stipend Structure & Training Period
Engaged Act Apprentices will receive a monthly stipend during their training at ICF, Perambur, Chennai.
| Candidate Category | Training Duration | Monthly Stipend Rate |
| Freshers (Class 10th Pass) | 2 Years (1 yr 3 mos for Welder) | ₹8,200 per month (1st Year) |
| Freshers (Class 12th Pass / MLT) | 1 Year 3 Months | ₹9,600 per month |
| Ex-ITI Candidates | 1 Year | ₹9,600 per month |
Note: For 2-year training programs, the monthly stipend increases by 10% during the second year of training.
Application Fee & Mode of Payment
- General / OBC / EWS Male Candidates: ₹100/-
- SC / ST / PwBD / Female Candidates: No Fee (Exempted)
- Payment Gateway: Online payment via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
Selection Process & Tie-Breaking Mechanism
The selection process is straightforward, transparent, and strictly merit-driven.
- Preparation of Merit List:
- The merit list is prepared purely based on the aggregate percentage of marks obtained in Standard X (10th Board Exam).
- For COVID-pass candidates without board percentages, IX class marks or X class half-yearly mark sheets authenticated by the school Principal are evaluated as per official norms.
- Tie-Breaking Criteria:
- If two or more candidates secure identical marks:
- Age Priority: The older candidate is placed higher in the merit list.
- Passing Year Priority: If dates of birth are also identical, the candidate who passed Class 10th in an earlier year is given priority.
- If two or more candidates secure identical marks:
- Document Verification (DV): Shortlisted candidates from the merit list must present original mark sheets, NTC certificates, caste/community certificates, and identity cards.
- Medical Examination: Candidates must submit a Medical Fitness Certificate issued by an authorized Railway/Government Medical Officer prior to joining.
How to Apply Online for ICF Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Follow this step-by-step guide to complete your registration on the official portal without mistakes:
- Visit Official Portal: Go to the official ICF recruitment page at pb.icf.gov.in.
- Access Notification: Click on the link “Act Apprentice 2026-27 Notice” and read the guidelines thoroughly.
- Click Apply Online: Select either the Freshers or Ex-ITI portal according to your qualification.
- Registration: Fill in your basic details (Name, Father’s Name, Date of Birth, Email ID, and Mobile Number) as recorded in your 10th certificate.
- Enter Educational Details: Input your Class 10th marks, Board details, roll number, and ITI certificate details (if applicable).
- Upload Photographs & Signatures: Upload a clear, recent passport-size photo in JPEG format adhering to specified file dimensions.
- Pay Application Fee: If applicable, pay the ₹100 fee using online mode and save the transaction confirmation.
- Review & Final Submit: Double-check every field for spelling or numerical errors before hitting the final submit button.
- Print Acknowledgement: Download and print the generated Application Acknowledgement Form for future reference during Document Verification.
Important Direct Links
| Resource Description | Official Direct Link |
| Official Online Application Portal | Click Here to Apply Online |
| Download Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| ICF Chennai Official Website | pb.icf.gov.in |
| Home Page | Sarkari Jobs For You |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for ICF Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The last date to register and submit online applications is September 7, 2026 (up to 5:30 PM).
Q2. Is there any written exam or interview for ICF Apprentice 2026?
No, there is no written examination or interview. Selection is made purely on the basis of Class 10th marks (merit list).
Q3. Can Non-ITI (Freshers) apply for ICF Chennai Apprentice vacancies?
Yes, there are 330 dedicated vacancies for Freshers who have passed Class 10th or 12th.
Q4. Does ICF Apprentice training guarantee a permanent job in Indian Railways?
No, apprenticeship training is a course imparted under the Apprentices Act, 1961. It does not automatically guarantee permanent employment, though course-completed Act Apprentices receive preference in Level-1 Railway (Group D) recruitments.
Q5. What is the application fee for Female and SC/ST candidates?
Female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are completely exempted from paying any application fee.