NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 6777 Act Apprentice Posts | Check Eligibility, Stipend & Last Date
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has released a big recruitment opportunity for ITI and Matriculation-pass candidates through its Centralized Notification for Engagement of Act Apprentices 2025-2026 & 2026-2027. A massive 6777 apprentice slots are up for grabs across multiple trades like Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Machinist, Carpenter, and more. This is a golden chance for young candidates from Assam, West Bengal, and nearby regions to gain hands-on technical training under the Apprentices Act 1961, along with a monthly stipend. Online applications open soon, so eligible candidates should start preparing their documents right away.
🏢 Organization Details
- Recruiting Body: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Personnel Department
- Post Name: Act Apprentice (Trade Apprentice) under Apprentices Act 1961
- Advertisement No: NFR/NAPS/ACT APP./2026
- Job Location: Various Divisions/Workshops under NFR jurisdiction — Katihar, Alipurduar, Rangiya, Lumding, Tinsukia, New Bongaigaon, Dibrugarh & NFR Headquarters (Maligaon, Guwahati)
NFR Railway is one of the main zonal railways in Indian Railways, operating in states like Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, and North-Eastern States. Training with NFR provides practical experience in the government railway setup, which is much appreciated by candidates to build their career in the technical field. The current notification is significant due to the fact that it provides numerous training opportunities at once.
📊 Number of Vacancies & Reservation
Total Posts: 6777
| Category | Approx. Slots |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 2686 |
| OBC | 1832 |
| SC | 1056 |
| ST | 515 |
| EWS | 688 |
| ESM (Horizontal) | 677 |
| PwBD (Horizontal) | 271 |
(ESM and PwBD slots are horizontal reservations already included within the total, not extra.)
While there are more than 6700 vacancies, competition is sure to remain tough in light of the applicant pool from Northeast India, the reservation pattern ensures that everyone gets an equal chance. Students must ensure that they have checked the cutoff marks for each category once they come out, as merit alone determines allocation of unit and trade.
🎓 Discipline & Educational Qualification
- For most trades: Passed Matriculation (Class 10) with minimum 50% aggregate marks + National Trade Certificate (NCVT/SCVT) or Provisional Certificate in the relevant ITI trade.
- For Medical Laboratory Technician (Pathology/Radiology): Passed Class 12 (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry & Biology, minimum 50% aggregate marks in both Class 10 and Class 12.
- Some of the trades offered include:
- Fitter
- Electrician
- Welder (Gas & Electric)
- Turner
- Machinist
- Carpenter
- Plumber
- Wireman
- Lineman
- Mechanic Diesel
- Computer Operator & Programming Assistant
- Draughtsman
- Surveyor
- And many more in fields like Mechanical, Electrical, Engineering, S&T, Personnel
Eligibility in this case is simple yet stringent; you need to be in possession of your matric mark sheet and ITI trade certificate on the day of notification. The SC/ST/PwBD category candidates are exempted from the 50% aggregate marks criterion, making room for a larger number of aspirants. It is imperative that your ITI trade should tally with the trades prescribed for your chosen unit.
📉 Minimum Qualifying Marks
- General/OBC/EWS: Minimum 50% aggregate marks in Matriculation (and 12th for Lab Technician posts)
- SC/ST/PwBD: The 50% minimum marks condition is not applicable
As there is no cut-off and selection is done on the basis of marks alone (no written test involved), it is your Class 10 and ITI percentage that determines your ranking. In such an assessment system, every mark matters, and hence candidates need to be prepared with their ITI marks card. This criterion relaxation for SC/ST/PwBD is very helpful for them.
🎂 Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years
- (As on the closing date of application)
Age Relaxation:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ExSM) | 10 years + 3 years (service-based) |
This particular age group (15-24) is broader compared to other government jobs, which makes it available immediately after ITI training. There is ample relaxation for reserved categories, while the ex-servicemen are given extra benefits. The children of ex-servicemen and even the serving defense personnel can avail of the age relaxation.
💰 Application Fee
- General/OBC: ₹100/- (Non-refundable)
- SC/ST/PwBD/EBC/Women: Fully Exempted (No fee)
- Payment Mode: Online through payment gateway on NFR’s official portal
In this apprenticeship application process, the cost is kept at an all-time low of ₹100, while a huge percentage of applicants including SCs, STs, PwBD, EBCs, and all females do not pay anything at all. This process can be considered one of the cheapest government application processes. Remember, once you apply, correcting any mistake will cost you ₹50 per correction.
⚙️ Selection Process
- Merit List: Based on percentage of marks in Matriculation + ITI trade marks (average of both)
- For Lab Technicians: Based on Matriculation + Class 12 (PCB) marks
- Document Verification (DV): Shortlisted candidates (1.5x of vacancies) called for DV
- Medical Fitness Certificate: Mandatory at DV stage
- No written exam or interview involved
As opposed to other railway job recruitments, the selection process for this one doesn’t require any written examination. It is totally merit based and depends only on marks scored by the applicant in his/her academics. This makes the whole preparation easier but it is important that you have your original mark sheets.
📚 Examination Syllabus
Since there is no written examination for this recruitment, there is no syllabus to prepare. Selection depends purely on:
- Matriculation percentage (all subjects)
- ITI trade percentage (all semesters, or Class 12 PCB for Lab Technicians)
That is good for candidates who would love merit-based recruitment rather than exam-based recruitment. However, ensure that your educational credentials are correct and well-uploaded because you will have only one opportunity to demonstrate your grades through an exam.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Publication Date | 16-07-2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20-07-2026, 09:00 hrs |
| Online Application Last Date | 19-08-2026, 17:30 hrs |
| Notification Issue Date | 14-07-2026 |
The applicants get around a month’s time to submit their applications; therefore, it is better not to procrastinate till the final days. NFR has made it explicitly clear that it will not be responsible for any submission issues during the final days due to server rush.
📝 How to Apply
- Visit the official website: www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in
- Navigate to: General Info → Departments → Personnel → Act Apprentice Notification
- Register yourself with valid mobile number and email ID
- Log in and fill the online application form carefully
- Select Unit-Department-Trade preferences in your desired order
- Upload scanned photograph, signature, and all required documents
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) through the payment gateway
- Submit the form and download/print the confirmation for your records
One application form only is permitted; submission of more than one application results in automatic disqualification. Registration numbers must be protected because they will be used for all subsequent communications. New entrants should also make sure that they check their preferences carefully as these cannot be altered afterwards.
📜 General Conditions
- Candidates can submit only ONE application; multiple applications = disqualification
- Registered mobile number & email must not be changed during the entire process
- Apprenticeship training does not guarantee future railway employment
- However, 20% of Level-1 (Gr.D) vacancies give preference to Course Completed Act Apprentices
- No hostel accommodation will be provided during training
- Canvassing in any form leads to disqualification
- No TA/DA will be paid for document verification
- False information at any stage leads to summary dismissal
These requirements may seem harsh, but are common to railway recruitment processes. Most importantly, keep in mind that this is only a training program and not a job assurance – although it does give you a definite advantage in the recruitment process for Level-1 railway jobs. Make sure you keep your details (mobile number/email ID) consistent.
🔗 Important Links
- Apply Online: www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in
- Official Notification: Available on NFR official website under Personnel → Act Apprentice Notification
- Official Website: https://www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The online application window closes on 19-08-2026 at 17:30 hrs. Candidates should apply well before this deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Candidates aged 15-24 years who have passed Matriculation with 50% marks and hold a relevant ITI trade certificate (NCVT/SCVT) are eligible to apply. Age and marks relaxation apply for SC/ST/PwBD categories.
A total of 6777 Act Apprentice training slots are available across various NFR units including Katihar, Alipurduar, Rangiya, Lumding, Tinsukia, New Bongaigaon, Dibrugarh, and NFR Headquarters.
The current minimum stipend for NTC/STC holders is ₹9,600 per month, increasing to ₹10,560 in the second year and ₹11,040 in the third year where applicable, as per government notified rates.
Selection is purely merit-based on percentage of marks in Matriculation combined with ITI marks (or Class 12 PCB marks for Lab Technician posts). There is no written exam or interview.
Yes, General and OBC candidates must pay ₹100 as application fee. SC, ST, PwBD, EBC, and women candidates are fully exempted from this fee.
No, apprenticeship training does not confer any automatic right to employment. However, 20% of erstwhile Level-1 vacancies give preference to Course Completed Act Apprentices who meet the required criteria.
⚠️ Disclaimer
CurrentOpenings advises all candidates to verify every detail from the official NFR notification/website before applying. We are not responsible for any mismatch, error, or update in the information shared above. Always cross-check dates, eligibility, and vacancy details from the source before taking any action.

| Advertisement No. | NFR/NAPS/ACT APP./2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 6777 |
| Job Type | Apprentice |
| Apply Date | 20 Jul 2026 — 19 Aug 2026 Upcoming |
| Job Location | 📍 All India |
| Official Advertisement | Download PDF |
| Notification Publication Date | 16 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 July 2026, 09:00 hrs |
| Online Application Last Date | 19 August 2026, 17:30 hrs |
| Notification Issue Date | 14 July 2026 |
| Official Website | Open website |
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