The Railway ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026 official notification has been released by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai. This recruitment drive aims to fill 1,010 vacancies for Trade Apprentices across various technical categories, including Fresher and Ex-ITI candidates. The online application window opened on 08 August 2026, and interested candidates can submit their applications via the official railway portal until the closing deadline of 07 September 2026.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
| Recruitment Board | Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai |
| Post Designation | Trade Apprentice (Fresher & Ex-ITI) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,010 Positions |
| Application Mode | Online |
About the Recruitment
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF), a premier production unit under the Indian Railways, invites applications annually for Apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This program provides selected candidates with hands-on industrial training in various railway coach manufacturing trades. Upon successful completion of the training period, candidates receive a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC), which is highly valued for future permanent recruitments in the Indian Railways.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Apprentice (Fresher): Must have passed Class 10th (Matriculation) with a minimum of 50% marks, and must have studied Science and Mathematics in Class 10th (or Class 12th).
- Ex-ITI: Must have passed Class 10th (Matriculation) with a minimum of 50% marks and completed a National Trade Certificate (ITI) in the relevant trade from an NCVT/SCVT-recognized institute.
Age Limit (As on 07 September 2026)
- Minimum Age: 15 Years
- Maximum Age: 24 Years
- Statutory age relaxations apply: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and 10 years for PwBD candidates.
Application Fee Structure
The application fee is applicable only for male candidates belonging to the Unreserved and OBC categories.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹ 100/- |
| SC / ST / PH / All Female Candidates | ₹ 00/- (Exempted) |
| Payment Mode | Online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, or Mobile Wallet |
Vacancy Distribution
| Post Name | Number of Posts |
| Apprentice (Fresher) | 320 Posts |
| Ex-ITI | 670 Posts |
| MLT / PASAA (Fresher) | 10 Posts |
| MLT / PASAA (Ex-ITI) | 10 Posts |
| Total Allocation | 1,010 Posts |
Selection Process
The selection for ICF Trade Apprentices is based on a Merit List:
- Merit Calculation: For Fresher candidates, merit is based on the average percentage of marks obtained in Class 10th. For Ex-ITI candidates, merit is a combined average of marks in Class 10th and the ITI trade exam.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates are called to the ICF campus in Chennai for original document verification and medical fitness assessment.
How to Apply
- Visit the official ICF recruitment portal at Click Here.
- Find the “Apprentice 2026” notification link in the News/Recruitment section.
- Register as a new user by providing a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Log in to complete the application form, ensuring you select the correct trade (Fresher or Ex-ITI).
- Upload scanned copies of your Class 10th marksheet, ITI certificate (if applicable), community certificate, and photograph.
- Pay the ₹ 100/- fee online (if applicable).
- Submit the application before 07 September 2026 and print the confirmation page.
Important Dates Summary
| Milestone Event | Date |
| Online Application Start Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Online Application Closing Date | 07 September 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 07 September 2026 |
| Merit List Announcement | To be notified later |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
| Apply Online Link | Click Here |
| Fee Payment (UR, OBC / Male) | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| ICF Official Web Portal | Click Here |
FAQs
1. What is the deadline to apply for the Railway ICF Apprentice 2026 recruitment?
The online application portal remains open until 07 September 2026.
2. Are female candidates required to pay the application fee?
No, all female candidates, regardless of their category, are exempted from the application fee.
3. What is the selection criteria for the Fresher category?
Selection is purely merit-based, calculated using the average percentage of marks obtained in the Class 10th (Matriculation) examination.
4. Can candidates from outside Tamil Nadu apply?
Yes, this is a national-level recruitment for the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, and candidates from any Indian state fulfilling the eligibility criteria may apply.
5. What is the maximum age limit for OBC candidates?
The base maximum age is 24 years, with a 3-year relaxation for OBC candidates, making the limit 27 years.