Indian Railways
About
Indian Railways is the world's fourth-largest railway network, transporting over 2.4 crore passengers and 3.3 million tonnes of freight every day. As India's biggest employer with over 12 lakh personnel, the Railways runs one of the country's largest apprenticeship programmes. Their Act Apprentice scheme trains thousands of candidates each year in trades like fitter, electrician, welder, machinist, carpenter, and turner at railway workshops, locomotive sheds, and engineering departments across all railway zones. The programme suits Class 10 pass-outs with ITI qualifications and is a popular entry point into railway employment, with apprentices often gaining preference in subsequent recruitment cycles for permanent technical positions.
Industry
Railways & Transport
Hiring Cycle
Year-round
Locations
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Jaipur, Bhopal, Varanasi
Website
Visit WebsiteApplication Portal
Apply for ApprenticeshipsSectors
SSC Affiliations
Last verified: 2026-03-15
Apprenticeships at Indian Railways
Trade Apprentice - Railway Electrician
at Indian Railways
Train as an electrician at Indian Railway workshops, maintaining electrical systems in passenger coaches, locomotives, EMU rakes, and railway stations across the network. The role covers AC and DC traction systems used in electric locomotives and EMUs, coach lighting and air conditioning, station electrical infrastructure, and railway signalling systems that govern train movements. Apprentices work at major railway workshops like Integral Coach Factory Chennai, Diesel Locomotive Works Varanasi, Modern Coach Factory Raebareli, or zonal railway maintenance facilities. The skills developed are directly transferable to railway recruitment opportunities through RRB exams and prepare apprentices for permanent positions as Electrical Maintainers in Indian Railways or similar roles at metro rail systems across major Indian cities.
Trade Apprentice - Railway Fitter
at Indian Railways
Learn precision fitting and mechanical maintenance at Indian Railway workshops including ICF Chennai, RCF Kapurthala, MCF Raebareli, and various zonal facilities. The role covers locomotive overhaul, bogie assembly, coach manufacturing, brake system maintenance, and the use of precision measurement tools to ensure rolling stock meets safety standards. Apprentices learn to work with hydraulic presses, lathes, milling machines, and welding equipment used in heavy mechanical maintenance, and gain exposure to the systematic preventive maintenance approach used to keep railway equipment safe and operational. The Indian Railways Apprentice scheme is one of the largest skill development programmes in the country, and graduates often gain advantage in subsequent RRB recruitment for permanent technician positions across the railway network.