Railway Recruitment 2025: The West Central Railway (WCR), a crucial artery of the Indian Railways, has released a massive recruitment notification for 2865 Apprentice positions for the 2025-26 session. This is a golden opportunity for young, skilled individuals to kickstart their career with one of India’s largest and most stable employers. This recruitment drive, conducted by the Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) under Notification No. 01/2025, follows the guidelines of the Apprentices Act, 1961, which provides a structured pathway to gain valuable on-the-job training.
The online application process began on August 30, 2025, and will close on September 29, 2025. Aspiring candidates must act quickly to ensure they meet all the eligibility criteria and submit their applications on time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every detail of the recruitment process, from eligibility to the selection process and the long-term career benefits.
Table of Contents
Vacancy
| Division / Unit | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Jabalpur (JBP) | 1,136 |
| Bhopal (BPL) | 558 |
| Kota | 865 |
| CRWS BPL | 136 |
| WRS Kota | 151 |
| HQ / JBP | 19 |
| Total | 2,865 |
Educational Qualifications
The academic requirements are straightforward and aim to ensure that applicants have the foundational knowledge needed for technical trades. You must have:
- Passed the 10th standard examination (or its equivalent under the 10+2 system) with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate. Note that no rounding off of marks will be considered.
- An ITI certificate in the relevant trade, issued by a recognized institution. The certificate must be approved by either the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) or the State Council for Vocational Training (SCVT).
Railway Recruitment 2025 Age Limit (as on 20 August 2025)
To be eligible, candidates must be at least 15 years old and not have completed 24 years of age as of August 20, 2025. Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories as per government rules:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): 10 years (15 years for SC/ST and 13 years for OBC)
Stipend (Salary)
While the official notification doesn’t specify the exact stipend, apprentices are generally paid a monthly stipend as per the rules of the Apprentices Act, 1961. The amount can vary depending on the trade and other factors.
- Selected apprentices will receive a stipend during their training. The estimated range is around ₹7,700 to ₹8,050 per month
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS (All candidates): ₹141/- (including GST)
- SC / ST / PwBD / Women: ₹41/- (inclusive of GST)
Payment must be made online only
Selection Process
The selection for the WCR Apprentice positions is based on a merit list and does not involve a written exam or an interview. This merit-based approach streamlines the selection process and focuses on academic and technical achievements. The merit list will be prepared by taking the average of the percentage marks obtained in your 10th standard and your ITI trade certificate.
The list will be prepared trade-wise, division/unit-wise, and community-wise to ensure a fair and transparent selection. The final merit list will be arranged in descending order of the calculated percentage. Candidates who make it to the merit list will be called for the next stages, which include:
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must present all their original documents for verification. It is essential to have all your certificates, mark sheets, and other proofs ready.
- Medical Fitness Test: After successful document verification, candidates will undergo a medical examination to ensure they are physically fit for the duties of an apprentice.
Only after successfully clearing both these stages will a candidate be offered the apprenticeship.
How to Apply For West Central Railway Recruitment 2025
The application process is entirely online. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to help you navigate it smoothly:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official West Central Railway website at
https://wcr.indianrailways.gov.in/. Look for the “Recruitment” or “Apprentice Recruitment” section. - New Registration: Click on the ‘New Registration’ link. You will need to provide basic information to create a user profile and generate your login credentials (a registration ID and password).
- Fill the Application Form: Log in using your new credentials and start filling out the detailed application form. This includes your personal information, contact details, and a comprehensive record of your academic and ITI qualifications.
- Upload Documents: This is a critical step. You must upload scanned copies of all required documents in the specified format and size. These documents typically include:
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Your signature.
- 10th class mark sheet.
- ITI trade certificate.
- Caste or disability certificate (if applicable).
- Pay the Application Fee: The application fee is structured as follows:
- General/OBC/EWS: Rs. 141/-
- SC/ST/PwBD/Women: Rs. 41/-
- The fee must be paid online through the provided payment gateway.
- Review and Submit: Before the final submission, carefully review all the details you have entered. Any discrepancy could lead to the rejection of your application. Once you are certain everything is correct, click the final ‘Submit’ button.
- Print Confirmation: After successful submission, download and print a copy of the final application form. This serves as proof of your application and should be kept safe for future reference.
Important Dates to Remember
- Notification Release: 20 August 2025
- Start of Online Applications: 30 August 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 29 September 2025 (by 23:59 hrs)
Final Thoughts
The WCR Apprentice Recruitment 2025 is a valuable opportunity for young candidates with ITI qualifications to kickstart their careers in Indian Railways through structured on-job training.
Since the process is strictly merit-based and transparent, ensuring accuracy in your application, timely document submission, and correct fee payment is crucial. Monitor the official WCR portal regularly for updates.
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