The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Personnel Department, has issued Centralized Notification No. NFR/NAPS/ACT APP./2026 dated 14-07-2026 inviting online applications for the engagement of Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act 1961, for the training cycles 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The recruitment covers 6777 training slots spread across eight Divisions and Workshops of NFR in Assam, West Bengal and Bihar. Candidates who have passed Matriculation with minimum 50% aggregate and hold an ITI trade certificate (NCVT/SCVT) in a notified trade can apply online from 20 July 2026 (09:00 hrs) to 19 August 2026 (17:30 hrs) through the official NFR website at nfr.indianrailways.gov.in. Selection is purely merit-based with no written examination. Candidates are advised to read the complete official notification carefully before applying.
Important Note: Selection is 100% merit-based – there is NO written exam. Merit is calculated as the average of Matriculation percentage and ITI marks. Candidates may submit only ONE application – multiple applications lead to summary disqualification. Only one Unit-Department-Trade combination will be allotted based on merit and preference order; once selected against a higher preference, all lower preferences are automatically cancelled. Candidates must be in possession of their ITI pass certificate/NTC/STC as on the notification date (14-07-2026) – merely completing the ITI course is not sufficient. Apprenticeship training does not by itself confer any right to a Railway job.
Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Personnel Department |
| Notification No. | NFR/NAPS/ACT APP./2026 |
| Notification Date | 14-07-2026 |
| Post Name | Act Apprentice (various trades) |
| Total Vacancies | 6777 Training Slots |
| Apprenticeship Cycle | 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Selection Mode | Merit-based; no written examination |
| Job Location | Assam, West Bengal, Bihar (NFR jurisdiction) |
| Official Website | www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Publication of Notification | 16-07-2026 |
| Opening Date for Online Application | 20-07-2026, 09:00 hrs |
| Closing Date for Online Application | 19-08-2026, 17:30 hrs |
| Admit Card Release Date | Not specified in official notification |
| Document Verification Date | Not specified in official notification |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (male) | Rs. 100/- (non-refundable) |
| SC / ST / PwBD / EBC candidates | Exempted |
| Women candidates (all categories) | Exempted |
EBC Fee Exemption: Candidates seeking fee exemption as Economically Backward Class (EBC) must have a family income of less than Rs. 50,000/- per annum and must upload a certificate issued on or after 01-04-2026 (Annexure-XVI).
Modification Fee: If a candidate wishes to modify or correct the online application after submission, a fee of Rs. 50/- is charged for each occasion; however, registration details cannot be modified.
Age Limit (As on 19-08-2026)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 15 Years |
| Maximum Age | 24 Years |
| Age Reckoning Date | 19-08-2026 (closing date of application) |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwBD | 10 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ExSM) | 10 years plus 3 years, to the extent of service rendered in Defence Forces (minimum 6 months continuous service required); applicable to self-applicants only, not to their children |
Note: For children of ex-servicemen, the same age relaxation as applicable to their respective community (UR/SC/ST/OBC) will apply.
Eligibility – Educational Qualification
| Category of Trade | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|
| All trades except Medical Laboratory Technician (Pathology/Radiology) | Passed Matriculation (Class 10) or equivalent with minimum 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board, plus National Trade Certificate (ITI) or Provisional Certificate from NCVT/SCVT in the notified trade |
| Medical Laboratory Technician (Pathology) and (Radiology) | Passed 12th Class under 10+2 system with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, with minimum 50% marks in both Class 10 and Class 12 |
Important: The minimum requirement of 50% aggregate marks in Matriculation is NOT applicable to candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwBD categories. Only completing the ITI course is not sufficient – candidates must be in possession of their ITI pass certificate/NTC/STC as on the notification date (14-07-2026).
Nationality/Domicile: Not specified in the official notification.
Vacancy Details – Total 6777 Slots (Unit-Wise)
Slots are notified as provisional and may increase or decrease depending on actual administrative requirements. Unit-wise break-up is attached in Annexures I to VIII of the official notification.
| Sl. No. | Unit (Division / Workshop) | Slots | Annexure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lumding (LMG) | 1274 | Annexure-IV |
| 2 | Katihar (KIR) and Tindharia (TDH) Workshop | 1103 | Annexure-I |
| 3 | New Bongaigaon Workshop (NBQS) and Engineering Workshop (EWS/BNGN) | 881 | Annexure-VI |
| 4 | Tinsukia (TSK) | 860 | Annexure-V |
| 5 | Dibrugarh Workshop (DBWS) | 763 | Annexure-VII |
| 6 | Rangiya (RNY) | 750 | Annexure-III |
| 7 | Alipurduar (APDJ) | 651 | Annexure-II |
| 8 | Headquarter (HQ) / Maligaon | 495 | Annexure-VIII |
| Total | 6777 |
Category-Wise Vacancy Break-Up (All Units Combined)
| Category | Total Slots |
|---|---|
| UR | 2686 |
| OBC | 1832 |
| SC | 1056 |
| EWS | 688 |
| ST | 515 |
| Grand Total | 6777 |
| Horizontal Reservation (included within the total) | Slots |
|---|---|
| ESM (Ex-Servicemen) | 677 |
| PwBD | 271 |
Reservation Note: 10% for EWS, 4% horizontal for PwBD, and 10% horizontal for Ex-Servicemen (ESM). PwBD and ESM slots are included within, not additional to, the notified total. If required numbers of SC candidates are unavailable, the balance is filled by ST candidates and vice versa; unfilled OBC/EWS slots are filled by UR candidates.
Trades and Departments
Slots are notified department-wise (Mechanical, Electrical, Engineering, S&T, Personnel, Accounts, Medical, Stores) and trade-wise for each of the eight units.
Common trades across most units:
Fitter, Electrician, Wireman, Lineman, Welder (Gas and Electric), Turner, Machinist, Carpenter, Plumber, Mason (Building Constructor), Mechanic Diesel, Mechanic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Mechanic Electrical Instruments, Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA), Draughtsman (Civil), Surveyor, Secretarial Assistant, Health Sanitary Inspector, and Medical Laboratory Technician (Pathology/Radiology).
Specialised trades (New Bongaigaon and Dibrugarh Workshops):
TIG/MIG Welder, Structural Welder, CNC Programmer cum Operator, Instrument Mechanic, and Quality Assurance Assistant.
The complete trade-wise vacancy count for each unit, along with SC/ST/OBC/EWS/ESM/PwBD break-up, is available in Annexures I to VIII of the official notification.
Stipend / Salary
| Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum stipend for NTC/STC holders (effective 11-09-2025) | Rs. 9,600 per month |
| Where one year’s exemption is admissible (2nd year, 10% increase) | Rs. 10,560 per month |
| Where two years’ exemption is admissible (3rd year, 15% increase) | Rs. 11,040 per month |
As per G.S.R. 610(E) dated 03-09-2025 issued by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (RBE No. 116/2025). Stipend rates are subject to revision from time to time as notified by the appropriate authority.
Note: No hostel accommodation is provided – apprentices must make their own arrangements during training.
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Merit List Preparation – unit-wise, trade-wise and community-wise, in descending order of percentage, equal to the number of notified slots |
| Stage 2 | Document Verification (DV) – shortlisted candidates called to the extent of 1.5 times the notified vacancies |
| Stage 3 | Engagement as Act Apprentice |
Merit Calculation:
- Selection is purely merit-based – there is NO written examination.
- The merit list is prepared using the percentage of marks in Matriculation (minimum 50% aggregate) plus ITI marks in the relevant trade; the final panel is based on the average of the two.
- For Medical Laboratory Technician (Pathology) and (Radiology), merit is based on Matriculation marks plus 12th Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) marks.
- Calculation uses marks obtained in all subjects of Matriculation/12th – not select subjects – and the average ITI marks across all semesters (or the National Trade Certificate marks).
- A candidate is considered for only ONE combination of Unit-Department-Trade based on merit and order of preference; once selected against a higher preference, all lower preferences are automatically cancelled.
Tie-Breaker: In case of a tie in marks, the older candidate (by age) is ranked higher. If the date of birth is also the same, the candidate who passed Matriculation earlier is ranked higher.
Required Documents
- Mark sheet and Pass Certificate of Matriculation (Class X) or equivalent
- Mark sheet and Pass Certificate of Senior Secondary (Class XII) with Physics, Chemistry and Biology (only for Medical Laboratory Technician posts)
- Certificate for proof of date of birth, if not mentioned in the Matriculation certificate
- Consolidated mark sheet for all ITI semesters of the relevant trade, OR Provisional National Trade Certificate indicating marks
- National Trade Certificate issued by NCVT, or Provisional Trade Certificate issued by NCVT/SCVT
- Caste certificate for SC/ST/OBC candidates
- EWS certificate for EWS candidates
- Disability certificate for PwBD candidates
- Discharge certificate / Serving certificate for Ex-Servicemen quota candidates
- EBC certificate for candidates seeking fee exemption (issued on or after 01-04-2026, Annexure-XVI)
- Medical fitness certificate (Annexure-XI), signed by a Government-authorised doctor not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon – DV will not be conducted without it
- Colour photograph and scanned signature as per website specifications
Certificates in languages other than English or Hindi must be accompanied by an attested translation in English/Hindi. Originals of all documents must be produced at the time of Document Verification.
How to Apply for NFR Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
- Visit the official NFR website at www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in.
- Navigate to General Info → Departments → Personnel → Act Apprentice Notification.
- Register with your basic details and log in using the credentials generated.
- Fill in the online application form carefully, indicating your Unit-Department-Trade preferences in order of choice.
- Upload the required documents, colour photograph, and signature as per specifications.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 100/- (if applicable) through the payment gateway link.
- After successful payment, complete the remaining steps and download/print the final application form for your records.
Important Note: The application window is 20-07-2026 (09:00 hrs) to 19-08-2026 (17:30 hrs). Candidates are allowed to submit only ONE application – submitting more than one leads to summary disqualification. A Registration Number is issued on submission and must be preserved for all future correspondence.
Important Instructions
- Candidates must read the training slots against their ITI trade carefully and indicate Unit preferences clearly, since only one combination will be allotted.
- The candidate is responsible for the correctness of information filled in the online application; false information leads to immediate disqualification.
- Registered mobile number and email address must NOT be changed during the entire selection process.
- A medical fitness certificate (Annexure-XI), signed by a Government-authorised doctor not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon, must be submitted at Document Verification – DV will not be conducted without it.
- Training under the Apprentices Act 1961 does not, by itself, confer any right to appointment in Railway services. However, 20% of vacancies notified for erstwhile Group D (Level-1) posts are filled by giving preference to Course Completed Act Apprentices meeting eligibility conditions.
- No daily/conveyance/travelling allowance is paid for attending Document Verification.
- Canvassing in any form leads to disqualification, and no correspondence will be entertained on the matter.
- Candidates should be aware of and avoid unscrupulous elements promising selection; such instances should be reported to the SDGM/NFR and local police.
Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online / Official NFR Website | Click Here |
Note: Download the official notification (Notification No. NFR/NAPS/ACT APP./2026) along with Annexures I to XVI (unit-wise vacancy breakup and certificate formats) directly from the official NFR website under General Info → Departments → Personnel → Act Apprentice Notification – only the official government source is referenced here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies are there in NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
✅ NFR has notified a total of 6777 Act Apprentice training slots across eight units for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 cycles. These figures are provisional and may increase or decrease based on administrative needs.
Q2. When will the NFR Apprentice 2026 online application start and end?
✅ The online application opens on 20-07-2026 at 09:00 hrs and closes on 19-08-2026 at 17:30 hrs.
Q3. What is the age limit for NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
✅ Candidates must be between 15 and 24 years of age as on the closing date, 19-08-2026, with age relaxation available for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), PwBD (10 years) and Ex-Servicemen categories.
Q4. What is the educational qualification for NFR Apprentice posts?
✅ Candidates must have passed Matriculation with minimum 50% aggregate marks (relaxed for SC/ST/PwBD) and possess an NCVT/SCVT National Trade Certificate or Provisional Certificate in the notified trade. Medical Laboratory Technician (Pathology/Radiology) posts require 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry and Biology and minimum 50% marks in both Class 10 and Class 12.
Q5. What is the application fee for NFR Apprentice 2026?
✅ The application fee is Rs. 100/-, non-refundable. SC, ST, PwBD, EBC and women candidates are exempted from paying the fee. A modification fee of Rs. 50/- applies per correction occasion.
Q6. Is there a written exam for NFR Apprentice Recruitment?
✅ No. Selection is purely merit-based, using the average of Matriculation percentage and ITI trade marks (or 12th Science marks for Medical Laboratory Technician posts). There is no written examination mentioned in the notification.
Q7. What is the stipend for NFR Apprentices?
✅ The minimum stipend for NTC/STC holders is Rs. 9,600 per month, with Rs. 10,560/month in the 2nd year and Rs. 11,040/month in the 3rd year where exemption is admissible, as per extant rules effective 11-09-2025.
Q8. How many candidates are called for Document Verification?
✅ Shortlisted candidates are called for Document Verification to the extent of 1.5 times the notified vacancies for each unit, trade and community category.
Q9. Can a candidate apply for more than one unit or trade preference?
✅ Candidates indicate their Unit-Department-Trade preferences in order of choice within a SINGLE application. Only one combination will finally be allotted based on merit and preference. Submitting more than one separate application is not allowed and leads to disqualification.
Q10. Does completing NFR Apprentice training guarantee a Railway job?
✅ No. Training under the Apprentices Act 1961 does not by itself confer any right to appointment. However, 20% of vacancies notified for erstwhile Group D (Level-1) posts give preference to Course Completed Act Apprentices who meet other eligibility conditions and qualifying marks in the written examination for that recruitment.
Disclaimer: All information provided is for reference purposes only. Training slots are provisional and may increase or decrease based on administrative requirements. Apprenticeship training does not confer any right to appointment in Railway services. Candidates are advised to verify all details including unit-wise and trade-wise vacancy (Annexures I to VIII), eligibility, age limit, fee, stipend, and application procedure from the official notification (No. NFR/NAPS/ACT APP./2026) and the official NFR website at nfr.indianrailways.gov.in before applying.
