ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notice Out: 1,010 Vacancies Available for Freshers, Ex-ITI Candidates

Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, under the Ministry of Railways, has announced 1,010 Act Apprentice slots across trades including Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Carpenter, Machinist, Painter, MLT and PASAA. The recruitment covers both Fresher and Ex-ITI candidates, with qualifications ranging from Class 10 and Class 12 to relevant ITI/NTC certificates. Want to know the trade-wise vacancies, eligibility, stipend, age limit and application process? Complete details are provided below.

Under Notification No. APP/01/2026-2027, ICF has allocated 330 apprenticeship slots to Freshers and 680 to Ex-ITI candidates. Online applications opened on August 8, 2026 and can be submitted until 5:30 PM on September 7, 2026. Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend ranging from ₹8,200 to ₹9,600 at the initial stage, depending on their qualification and category. Selection will be merit-based, primarily using Class 10 marks.

ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification

ICF Apprentice Vacancy Details 2026

The 1,010 vacancies have been divided between Freshers and candidates who have already completed the prescribed ITI qualification. Fitter and Welder have the highest allocation, with 260 slots each, followed by Electrician with 200 positions.

ICF Fresher Apprentice Vacancies

ICF has set aside 330 slots for candidates applying under the Fresher category. Fitter and Welder account for 80 vacancies each, while Carpenter, Electrician, Machinist and Painter have 40 vacancies each. Five vacancies each are available for MLT-Radiology and MLT-Pathology.

The category-wise allocation includes UR, OBC, SC, ST and PwBD slots according to the reservation specified in the recruitment notification. Candidates should refer to the detailed advertisement while determining the category under which they are eligible.

ICF Ex-ITI Apprentice Vacancies

A larger share of the recruitment is reserved for Ex-ITI candidates, with 680 slots available. Fitter and Welder have 180 vacancies each, Electrician has 160, while Carpenter, Machinist and Painter have 50 vacancies each. Another 10 vacancies have been announced for PASAA.

Ex-ITI applicants will undergo apprenticeship training in the trade corresponding to the ITI qualification mentioned in their certificate.

Educational Qualification for Ex-ITI Candidates

Candidates applying for Fitter, Electrician and Machinist trades should have passed Class 10/Matriculation with at least 50% marks, including Science and Mathematics, and possess a National Trade Certificate in the relevant trade issued by NCVT/SCVT for the prescribed duration.

For Carpenter, Painter and Welder, candidates require Class 10 with at least 50% marks along with the relevant NTC from NCVT/SCVT.

Applicants for PASAA should have Class 10 with at least 50% marks and an NTC in Information Technology, Computer Operator and Programming Assistant, Database System Administration Assistant, Software Testing Assistant or another qualification accepted under the notification.

Educational Qualification for Fresher Apprentices

Freshers applying for Fitter, Electrician, Machinist, Carpenter or Painter should have passed Class 10 under the 10+2 system or an equivalent examination with at least 50% aggregate marks.

The Fresher Welder trade also requires Class 10 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. For MLT-Radiology and MLT-Pathology, candidates need to have passed Class 12/HSC with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Candidates should pay particular attention to ICF’s restriction concerning higher qualifications. According to the recruitment information, candidates possessing qualifications such as Degree, Diploma, Engineering Degree or those who have already completed Act Apprenticeship are not eligible, except where Class 12 is the prescribed qualification for MLT trades.

ICF Apprentice Age Limit

Age will be determined as on September 7, 2026. Ex-ITI applicants should have completed 15 years but should not have completed 24 years, effectively placing the stated age range at 15 to 23 years.

Fresher/non-ITI applicants should have completed 15 years but should not have completed 22 years, corresponding to an age range of 15 to 21 years.

Candidates claiming relaxation should possess valid supporting certificates in the prescribed format.

Preference for Tamil Nadu Candidates

Preference in the apprenticeship engagement is given to eligible candidates from Tamil Nadu. The recruitment conditions cover candidates who are residents of Tamil Nadu and/or are registered with a local Employment Exchange within the state, subject to the conditions specified by ICF.

The Employment Exchange registration, where relied upon, should not be later than the application closing date. The notification also provides an exception for eligible wards of Railway employees subject to production of the prescribed supporting documents.

ICF Apprentice Stipend 2026

Selected apprentices will initially receive between ₹8,200 and ₹9,600 per month. The amount varies according to the educational background and apprenticeship category.

During the second year of apprenticeship, the prescribed minimum stipend will increase by 10%, where applicable.

ICF Apprentice Training Period

The duration of training depends on both the trade and whether the candidate is a Fresher or Ex-ITI applicant. Freshers in Fitter, Electrician, Machinist, Carpenter and Painter trades will undergo two years of training, while the corresponding Ex-ITI training period is one year.

ICF Apprentice Selection Process

There will be no conventional competitive written examination under the stated selection procedure. ICF will prepare the merit list on the basis of marks obtained in Class 10.

For candidates whose Class 10 results were affected by the COVID-era assessment system, the prescribed Class 9 marksheet or Class 10 half-yearly marksheet duly certified by the school principal may be considered in accordance with the notification.

If two candidates have equal marks, preference will first be given to the older candidate. If their dates of birth are also the same, the candidate who passed Class 10 earlier will receive preference.

For Freshers, trade allotment will depend on the candidate’s preference, merit position and availability of vacancies. Once a trade has been allotted, requests for changes will not be entertained. Ex-ITI candidates will be trained in the trade corresponding to their ITI certificate.

Selected candidates must also satisfy the physical fitness standards prescribed under the Apprentices Act and Rules and produce the required medical fitness certificate from an authorized government medical practitioner.

Application Fee

General and OBC applicants are required to pay a processing fee of ₹100 along with applicable service charges. SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates are exempted from the fee.

Payment must be made online through the prescribed system. Applicants should retain their transaction and registration information for future reference.

Important Dates

How to Apply for ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026

1. Visit the official ICF Apprentice application portal.
2. Open the Act Apprentice recruitment section and locate Notification No. APP/01/2026-2027.
3. Read the complete notification and check whether you qualify under the Fresher or Ex-ITI category.
4. Complete online registration using the required personal and contact information.
5. Enter educational, ITI, category and other applicable details carefully.
6. Upload a recent passport-size photograph in JPG/JPEG format within the prescribed size limit.
7. Pay the ₹100 processing fee and applicable service charges if you are not exempt.
8. Verify the information entered in the application before final submission.
9. Submit the application no later than 5:30 PM on September 7, 2026.
10. Note the system-generated registration number after successful submission.
11. Generate and print the acknowledgement form and retain it for document verification.

Applicants are not required to send a printed application or supporting documents to ICF through post, email, fax or by hand after completing the online application.

Important Instructions for Applicants

Candidates should verify the qualification requirements carefully because eligibility differs significantly between Freshers and Ex-ITI applicants. They should also make sure that their age, trade qualification and Tamil Nadu preference-related documents satisfy the conditions prescribed in the detailed notification.

The engagement is specifically for apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Completing the training does not provide an automatic right to regular appointment or absorption in Integral Coach Factory or Indian Railways.

Candidates seeking apprenticeship training with the Ministry of Railways can consider the 1,010 opportunities available at Integral Coach Factory, Chennai. Eligible Freshers and Ex-ITI applicants should carefully check the trade-specific requirements and complete their online application before 5:30 PM on September 7, 2026.

Application form, details & registration

ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026 FAQs

How many vacancies are available in ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

ICF has announced 1,010 apprenticeship slots, including 330 for Freshers and 680 for Ex-ITI candidates.

What is the last date to apply?

Online applications can be submitted until 5:30 PM on September 7, 2026.

Which trades have the most vacancies?

Fitter and Welder have 260 vacancies each, followed by Electrician with 200 slots.

Can Class 10 pass candidates apply?

Yes. Class 10 pass candidates can apply for several Fresher trades, subject to the minimum 50% marks and other trade-specific conditions.

What is the stipend for ICF apprentices?

The initial monthly stipend ranges from ₹8,200 to ₹9,600 depending on the candidate’s category and qualification.

Is there a written examination?

No written examination is specified. Selection is merit-based, primarily using Class 10 marks.

What is the application fee?

The processing fee is ₹100 plus applicable service charges for General/OBC applicants. SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates are exempt.

Does completing the apprenticeship guarantee a Railway job?

No. The recruitment is for apprenticeship training, and completion does not give candidates a right to regular employment or absorption in ICF or Indian Railways.

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