Table of Contents
- Rail Wheel Factory Apprentice Recruitment Overview
- Critical Deadlines and Dates
- Trade-Wise Vacancy Breakdown
- Who Can Apply? Eligibility & Qualification
- Age Limits and Category Relaxations
- Monthly Stipend and Training Duration
- How Selection is Made (No Exam)
- Processing Fee and Payment Method
- Step-by-Step Offline Application Process
- Mandatory Documents to Attach
- Official Notification and Important Links
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Rail Wheel Factory Apprentice Recruitment Overview
The Rail Wheel Factory (RWF), a premier manufacturing unit under the Ministry of Railways, has announced its 2025-26 recruitment for Act Apprentices. This is a golden opportunity for ITI-certified candidates to undergo professional training in a specialized railway production environment located in Yelahanka, Bangalore. The engagement is strictly for training purposes under the Apprentices Act of 1961, aimed at enhancing technical skills in various engineering trades.
Critical Deadlines and Dates
Timing is crucial for offline applications. Ensure your documents reach the factory before the following deadlines:
| Notification Date | February 28, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (Offline) | April 1, 2026 (by 17:00 hrs) |
| Merit List Expected | Approximately 45 days after the closing date |
| Training Commencement | 15 days after the release of the merit list |
Trade-Wise Vacancy Breakdown
A total of 192 slots are available for the current session. The distribution across different technical trades and social categories is as follows:
| Designated Trade | SC | ST | OBC | UR | Total Slots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitter | 13 | 6 | 23 | 43 | 85 |
| Machinist | 5 | 2 | 8 | 16 | 31 |
| Electronic Mechanic | 3 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 22 |
| CNC Programming-cum-Operator | 3 | 2 | 6 | 12 | 23 |
| Electrician | 3 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 18 |
| Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| Turner | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Grand Total | 29 | 14 | 51 | 98 | 192 |
Note: Included in the total are 8 slots for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) and 6 slots for Ex-Servicemen (ESM).
Who Can Apply? Eligibility & Qualification
Candidates must meet both educational and technical standards to be considered for this apprenticeship:
- Educational Qualification: You must have passed the 10th standard (Matriculation) or its equivalent with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
- Technical Qualification: A National Trade Certificate (NTC) in the relevant designated trade is mandatory. This certificate must be issued by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT).
- Excluded Candidates: Engineering graduates and Diploma holders are not eligible to apply. Also, those awaiting ITI results or who have failed ITI are not allowed.
- Employment Registration: Candidates must be registered with a local Employment Exchange. Preference is given to those registered in Karnataka. However, wards of serving Railway employees are exempt from this exchange registration requirement.
Age Limits and Category Relaxations
The age will be calculated as of the notification date, March 1, 2026:
- Minimum Age: 15 Years
- Maximum Age: 24 Years
- SC/ST Relaxation: Upper age limit increased by 5 years.
- OBC Relaxation: Upper age limit increased by 3 years.
- PwBD/Ex-Servicemen: Relaxation as per prevailing Government of India norms.
Monthly Stipend and Training Duration
During the training, apprentices will receive a monthly allowance to cover their expenses. The training duration varies by trade:
- Standard Trades (Fitter, Machinist, Electrician, etc.): Stipend of ₹12,261 per month for a 1-year training period.
- CNC Programming-cum-Operator: Stipend of ₹10,899 per month for a 6-month training period.
How Selection is Made (No Exam)
Selection is entirely merit-based. There is no written test or interview. The process includes:
- Merit Ranking: A list will be prepared based on the percentage of marks obtained in the 10th standard. All subjects on the marksheet are considered for this calculation.
- Tie-Breaking: In case of identical marks, the older candidate is ranked higher. If the birth dates are also the same, the one who passed the 10th exam earlier is preferred.
- Physical Fitness: Selected candidates must provide a medical fitness certificate from a Government authorized Doctor (not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon).
Processing Fee and Payment Method
A non-refundable processing fee is required for certain categories:
- General/OBC Candidates: ₹100/-
- Exempted (No Fee): SC, ST, PwBD, and Women candidates.
- Payment Mode: Fee must be paid via Indian Postal Order (IPO) or Demand Draft (DD) from a Nationalised Bank. It should be drawn in favor of 'Principal Financial Adviser/Rail Wheel Factory'.
Step-by-Step Offline Application Process
This is an offline application process. Please follow these instructions carefully:
- Step 1: Download the Application Form (Annexure-A) from the official website.
- Step 2: Fill in the details in block letters, ensuring the name and date of birth match your 10th certificate exactly.
- Step 3: Affix a recent color passport-size photograph and sign across it.
- Step 4: Enclose the self-attested copies of all certificates and the original IPO/DD.
- Step 5: Put everything in an envelope and write on top: "Application for undergoing training under the Apprentices' Act, 1961 for the year 2025-26 in Rail Wheel Factory".
- Step 6: Drop it in the drop-box at the Personnel Department in Yelahanka or send it by Registered Post to the Senior Personnel Officer-II at the address provided below.
Submission Address:
The Senior Personnel Officer-II,
Personnel Department, Rail Wheel Factory,
Yelahanka, Bangalore - 560 064.
Mandatory Documents to Attach
Submit self-attested photocopies of the following. Do NOT send original certificates:
- 10th Standard/Matriculation marksheet (proof of age and 50% marks).
- National Trade Certificate (NTC) in the specific trade issued by NCVT.
- Valid Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC) in the Central Government format.
- Current Employment Exchange Registration Card.
- Two extra identical passport-size photos (stitched to the application in a separate cover).
- Disability certificate or Ex-Servicemen discharge book (if applicable).
Official Notification and Important Links
| Official Website | rwf.indianrailways.gov.in |
| Download Notification & Form | Click Here to Download |
| Apprentice Portal (Online Reg) | Register Here |
| Queries/Help Desk | 080-28072616 (9 AM to 4:50 PM) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply if I have an SCVT certificate?
No. The notification specifically mentions that only NTC certificates issued by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) are acceptable. SCVT certificates will lead to application rejection.
Is it mandatory to register on the Apprenticeship portal?
Yes. While the application is offline, selected candidates must register on the Apprenticeship India portal and provide their registration number before the training starts.
I am currently in my final semester of ITI. Am I eligible?
No. Candidates awaiting results as of the notification date (February 28, 2026) are not eligible to apply.
Is there any accommodation provided during training?
The notification does not mention any hostel or accommodation facilities. Candidates are generally expected to make their own living arrangements in Bangalore.
Can I submit the application by hand?
Yes, you can drop your application in the sealed drop-box located at the Office of the Principal Chief Personnel Officer in Yelahanka, Bangalore, during office hours.
What happens if I quit the training early?
If you withdraw willfully, you or your surety must repay the training cost, which is calculated as three months of your last drawn stipend.
Ready to start your journey with Indian Railways? Download the form today and apply before the April 1 deadline!
Disclaimer: This article is based on the official Rail Wheel Factory Notification No. RWF/AT-16/627(2025-26). Candidates are advised to read the full PDF document on the official website for complete details.