Trade Apprentice

South East Central Railway's Raipur Division has opened a large Trade Apprentice engagement for candidates who have Class 10 marks and an ITI certificate in a matching trade. The notice is for 1,644 apprenticeship seats under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules, 1962. Online applications opened on May 5, 2026 and close on June 4, 2026 at 23:59 hours through the Apprenticeship India portal.

This is a training engagement, not a direct permanent railway appointment. That distinction matters. Candidates are applying for one year of trade apprenticeship training in the Raipur Division or the Wagon Repair Shop at Raipur, and the railway notice makes clear that selection for training does not by itself create a right to regular railway employment after the apprenticeship period.

The opportunity is still important for ITI candidates in Chhattisgarh and nearby states because it offers trade-linked railway training through a public employer. The safest way to approach it is to treat the form as a document-heavy technical application: check the trade, age, certificates, establishment choice, and portal submission proof before the last week of the deadline.

## SECR has opened 1,644 apprentice seats in Raipur

The recruitment authority is South East Central Railway, Raipur Division. The advertisement reference reported for the engagement is E/PB/R/Rectt/Act Appr./01/2026-27, dated May 5, 2026. The total number of seats is 1,644 across two establishments: 1,363 seats at the DRM Office, Raipur Division and 281 seats at the Wagon Repair Shop, Raipur.

The posts are Trade Apprentice seats, which means candidates must match their application to the relevant trade. Summaries of the notice identify trades such as Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Turner, Machinist, COPA and other designated ITI trades. The full trade-wise and category-wise distribution should be checked in the SECR notice before choosing an establishment and trade on the Apprenticeship India portal.

Candidates should not apply only because the headline vacancy count is large. A trade apprentice seat is useful only if the candidate's ITI certificate matches the trade listed by the railway establishment. If the portal shows multiple similar trade names, choose the one supported by the certificate and the notice rather than the one with the highest number of seats.

## The application window closes on June 4 at 23:59 hours

Applications opened on May 5, 2026. The closing date is June 4, 2026 at 23:59 hours. The apply path is online through apprenticeshipindia.gov.in, and candidates should not send physical copies to the Raipur office unless a later SECR instruction specifically asks for them.

The deadline is far enough away for careful preparation, but it should not be treated casually. Apprenticeship India forms can take time because candidates may need to register, verify details, complete profile fields, upload certificates, and search for the correct railway establishment. Candidates applying near June 4 should expect heavier portal use and keep enough time for corrections before final submission.

A useful working target is to finish the form at least a few days before the deadline. That leaves time to resolve Aadhaar or profile issues, re-scan documents if an upload fails, and confirm that the application appears under the correct establishment. A submitted screenshot is not enough by itself; save the portal acknowledgement or submitted application proof where available.

## Who can apply for the Trade Apprentice engagement

The basic education condition reported from the notice is Class 10 or equivalent under the 10+2 pattern with at least 50 percent aggregate marks, along with ITI in the relevant trade from a recognized institute. Both parts matter. A candidate with only Class 10 marks but no matching ITI certificate should not assume eligibility, and an ITI certificate does not usually cure a Class 10 aggregate shortfall where the notice requires 50 percent.

The age range is 15 to 24 years as on May 5, 2026. Relaxation is reported for eligible reserved categories as per government rules, including 5 years for SC and ST candidates, 3 years for OBC candidates, and 10 years for PwBD candidates. Ex-servicemen-related relaxation or reservation conditions should be read directly from the notice because those categories often have specific certificate and relationship conditions.

Candidates applying under SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD or ex-servicemen categories should prepare the certificate in the format accepted by central government recruitment rules where the notice asks for it. A state-format certificate may not always be enough if the notice requires a central format. If the certificate is old, unclear, or under correction, resolve that before relying on the category claim.

## Match the ITI trade before choosing an establishment

The establishment choice is not a small detail. SECR lists separate seats for the DRM Office, Raipur Division and the Wagon Repair Shop, Raipur. Each establishment can have a different trade mix and seat count. Candidates should search for the correct establishment on Apprenticeship India and read the trade name on the portal carefully before applying.

Two establishment numbers appear in recruitment coverage linked to the notice: E05202200048 for the DRM Office, Raipur Division and E11152200001 for the Wagon Repair Shop, Raipur. Candidates should still verify the live portal result because establishment numbers can be typed incorrectly on third-party pages. Use the name, location and trade list together before submitting.

Do not guess equivalence between trades. For example, a certificate in one electrical or mechanical trade may feel close to another, but document verification usually follows the exact trade language in the notice and portal. If the certificate uses an older trade name or a combined trade label, candidates should check whether that trade appears in the official list before choosing the form.

## Selection is based on Class 10 and ITI marks

The selection method reported for this engagement is merit-based. The merit list is prepared by taking the average of the percentage marks obtained in Class 10 and the percentage marks obtained in the ITI examination, giving equal weight to both. There is no written exam or interview reported for this apprentice engagement.

This makes marks entry especially important. Candidates should enter Class 10 and ITI marks exactly as shown on their marksheets, including maximum marks and marks obtained. If a board uses CGPA or grades, check whether the notice or portal gives a conversion method. Do not invent a percentage without a supported conversion rule.

Shortlisting through marks does not finish the process. Candidates can still be called for document verification and medical fitness checks. If the portal data does not match the original certificates, the application can fail later even if the candidate's marks are high enough for the trade-wise merit list.

## Apprenticeship training does not guarantee a railway job

A common mistake in apprentice recruitment is treating the training seat as a permanent post. SECR Trade Apprentice engagement is for training under apprenticeship law. The training period is reported as one year for the designated trades, and stipend is payable as per applicable apprenticeship or railway rules.

Candidates should use the apprenticeship for skill development, practical exposure and a stronger training record. It can help a candidate understand workshop or railway division work, but it should not be sold or understood as an automatic path into a regular post. Future railway recruitment, if any, will follow its own notification, eligibility rules and selection process.

This distinction is important for families too. A candidate may need to relocate or commute for training in Raipur. Before applying, check whether the stipend and training location make practical sense. Also check whether the candidate is free for the full training period, because leaving midway can affect the usefulness of the apprenticeship record.

## Documents candidates should prepare before applying

Candidates should prepare the Class 10 marksheet and certificate, ITI marksheet and certificate, Aadhaar or other identity proof accepted by the portal, caste or community certificate if claiming reservation, EWS certificate where applicable, PwBD certificate where applicable, recent photograph, signature, and any Apprenticeship India profile documents requested during registration.

The name, date of birth and category details should match across documents. If the Class 10 certificate uses a slightly different spelling from Aadhaar or the ITI certificate, candidates should check whether the portal allows correction or whether an affidavit or corrected document may be needed at verification. Do not leave mismatches for the last stage.

Keep scanned files clear and readable. Blurred marksheets, cropped category certificates, or files with missing certificate numbers can create avoidable problems. The portal may accept a poor scan during upload, but document verification will use the original records and the visible submitted data.

## How to apply through Apprenticeship India

1. Visit apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and register or log in as a candidate. 2. Complete the candidate profile with education, ITI trade, contact and identity details. 3. Search for South East Central Railway, Raipur Division or Wagon Repair Shop, Raipur in the establishment search. 4. Check the establishment name, location, trade and seat details before choosing the application. 5. Upload or confirm the certificates, photograph, signature and category documents requested by the portal. 6. Submit the application before June 4, 2026 at 23:59 hours and save proof of submission. 7. Keep checking the portal and SECR website for merit list, document verification and medical fitness updates.

Candidates should avoid using a phone-only workflow if documents need resizing or careful checking. A desktop or laptop makes it easier to compare the portal fields with the marksheets. If a cyber cafe fills the form, the candidate should still review every field before final submission and keep control of the registered mobile number and email address.

## Common mistakes that can lead to rejection

The first mistake is applying under the wrong trade. The trade name should match the ITI certificate and the establishment vacancy. A candidate who applies under a related but unsupported trade may not survive verification.

The second mistake is entering marks casually. Merit depends on Class 10 and ITI percentage. One wrong digit in marks obtained, maximum marks, passing year or certificate number can create trouble later. If the portal asks for semester-wise or year-wise details, follow the field labels instead of squeezing all marks into one box.

The third mistake is relying on a category certificate that does not support the claim. OBC candidates in particular should check whether the certificate is valid for central government purposes where required and whether non-creamy layer conditions are current. EWS candidates should verify the certificate year and issuing authority.

The fourth mistake is not saving proof. Keep the submitted application, candidate profile details, establishment application record, and any portal message after submission. Recruitment processes can take weeks or months, and candidates often need the application details when merit list or verification notices appear.

## What candidates should watch after submitting the form

After submission, candidates should watch the SECR website and Apprenticeship India account for updates on the merit list, document verification schedule, medical examination instructions and joining formalities. The notification date and application deadline are confirmed early steps; the later stages will depend on railway notices.

If shortlisted, candidates should be ready with originals and photocopies. Carry the Class 10 certificate, ITI certificate, category certificate, identity proof, photographs, submitted application proof and any other document named in the verification notice. If the candidate is below 18, guardian-related apprenticeship contract requirements may apply.

Medical fitness should not be ignored. Railway-linked apprentice engagements normally require candidates to be fit for the trade and workplace. A candidate who is shortlisted on marks may still need to clear the medical requirement before joining training.

## Candidate checklist before the June deadline

Before submitting, answer six questions. Does your Class 10 aggregate meet the 50 percent condition? Does your ITI trade match the seat you are choosing? Are you within the age range as on May 5, 2026, or do you have a valid relaxation claim? Are your category documents in the correct format? Did you choose the right Raipur establishment? Have you saved the final submission proof?

If any answer is uncertain, pause and check the notice or portal again. The application window runs until June 4, 2026, so there is time to correct avoidable mistakes. Rushing a wrong form is worse than submitting one day later with the right documents.

Candidates who meet the conditions should apply early, then keep a small file with the advertisement reference, establishment name, trade, application date, submitted proof, certificate copies and login details. That file will save time when SECR publishes the next shortlist or verification instructions.

## Raipur applicants should plan the training year realistically

The training location is a practical detail, not just a line in the notice. The advertised seats are tied to Raipur Division and the Wagon Repair Shop at Raipur, so candidates should think through travel, accommodation, daily reporting and family arrangements before choosing the establishment. An apprentice who lives far from Raipur may need a workable commute or temporary stay for the training period.

Candidates should also read the apprenticeship contract conditions before joining. Apprentice training normally expects regular attendance, workplace discipline, safety compliance and completion of trade-linked training tasks. If a candidate is already enrolled in another full-time course, private job or training contract, they should check whether joining this apprenticeship would conflict with those obligations.

The stipend should be treated as training support, not as a full salary package. The public reports point to stipend payment as per applicable rules, but candidates should rely on the notice and joining instructions for the actual amount and payment process. Keep bank details accurate on the portal because stipend and reimbursement-related records, where applicable, often depend on the candidate profile.

## Category and reservation claims need clean documents

The vacancy pool includes category-wise reservation, and horizontal reservation conditions are reported for candidates such as PwBD and ex-servicemen-related claimants. These benefits are useful only when the document trail is clean. A candidate should not select a reserved category first and look for a certificate later.

OBC candidates should pay particular attention to non-creamy layer validity where required. EWS candidates should confirm the certificate year, income and asset conditions, and issuing authority. PwBD candidates should keep the disability certificate readable and consistent with the category claimed. If the notice asks for a central government format, use that format.

The safest rule is simple: the form should match the document, and the document should match the notice. If any one of those three pieces does not line up, fix the issue before submission or apply only under the category that the documents can support.

## Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the last date to apply for SECR Trade Apprentice 2026? A: The application window closes on June 4, 2026 at 23:59 hours. Candidates should apply through Apprenticeship India and save the submitted application proof.

Q: How many apprentice seats are available? A: SECR has advertised 1,644 Trade Apprentice seats. The reported split is 1,363 seats for the DRM Office, Raipur Division and 281 seats for the Wagon Repair Shop, Raipur.

Q: Is there a written exam for this apprentice engagement? A: The reported selection method is merit-based, using the average of Class 10 percentage and ITI percentage with equal weight. Candidates should still watch for document verification and medical fitness notices.

Q: Does this apprenticeship guarantee a permanent railway job? A: No. It is a one-year apprenticeship training engagement under the Apprentices Act framework. Regular railway jobs, if advertised later, follow separate recruitment rules and selection notices.