NFR Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has officially started the recruitment process for 6777 Act Apprentice vacancies under the Apprentices Act, 1961, offering a major opportunity for ITI-qualified candidates seeking hands-on training in the Indian Railways. With apprenticeship slots available across multiple divisions, workshops, and units under NFR, this recruitment drive is expected to attract thousands of applicants from Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, and other northeastern states.
The online application process commenced on 14 July 2026 and will remain open until 14 August 2026 through the official NFR website. Unlike many competitive recruitments, there is no written examination, making it an attractive option for candidates with strong academic records in Class 10 and ITI courses.
Selected apprentices will receive practical industry training, exposure to railway operations, and a monthly stipend as per government apprenticeship rules. The recruitment covers a wide range of trades including Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Turner, COPA, Carpenter, Plumber, Electronics Mechanic, and several others.
Candidates planning to apply should carefully review the eligibility conditions, vacancy distribution, age criteria, and required documents before completing the registration process. Since selection is purely merit-based, every percentage point in academic marks can play an important role in securing a position.
Advisory: Candidates should submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid website congestion during the final days.
NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
The NFR Apprenticeship 2026 program offers skill development opportunities across various railway establishments under Northeast Frontier Railway.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) |
| Post Name | Act Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 6777 |
| Qualification | Class 10th + ITI in Relevant Trade |
| Salary/Stipend | ₹9,600 per month (Minimum) |
| Age Limit | 15 to 24 Years |
| Last Date | 14 August 2026 |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Job Type | Apprenticeship Training |
NFR Apprentice Notification 2026 Details
Northeast Frontier Railway released the detailed apprenticeship notification on 14 July 2026. The notification contains information regarding eligibility criteria, unit-wise vacancies, trade requirements, reservation policy, stipend structure, selection methodology, and application procedures.
Candidates interested in building technical experience in the railway sector should carefully read the official notification before applying.
NFR Act Apprentice Vacancy 2026
A total of 6777 apprenticeship slots have been announced across various divisions and workshops.
| Unit/Division | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Kathar (KIR) & Tindharia Workshop | 1103 |
| Alipurduar Division | 651 |
| Rangiya Division | 750 |
| Lumding Division | 1274 |
| Tinsukia Division | 860 |
| New Bongaigaon Workshop & EWS | 881 |
| Dibrugarh Workshop | 763 |
| Headquarters, Maligaon | 495 |
| Total | 6777 |
Eligibility Criteria for NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Educational Qualification
For Most Trades:
- Passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognized board.
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks in Class 10.
- Must possess an ITI Certificate in the relevant trade issued by NCVT or SCVT.
Medical Laboratory Technician Trades
Candidates must have:
- Passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Minimum 50% marks in both Class 10 and Class 12.
Experience Requirement
No prior work experience is required for applying to NFR Apprentice vacancies.
Note: SC/ST/PwBD candidates are exempted from the 50% minimum marks requirement in Class 10.
Application Fee
Candidates belonging to certain categories are exempted from paying the application fee.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹100 |
| SC | Nil |
| ST | Nil |
| PwBD | Nil |
| Women Candidates | Nil |
| EBC Candidates | Nil |
The fee must be paid online through available payment gateways.
Age Limit
Applicants must satisfy the prescribed age criteria as on the closing date.
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General | 15–24 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years Relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 Years Relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 Years Relaxation |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Government Rules |
Age Relaxation Details
- SC/ST candidates can avail 5 years relaxation.
- OBC candidates are eligible for 3 years relaxation.
- PwBD candidates receive 10 years relaxation.
- Ex-servicemen benefits are provided according to Railway recruitment rules.
NFR Apprentice Salary Structure
Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend during the training period.
| Training Period | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| 1st Year | ₹9,600 |
| 2nd Year | ₹10,560 |
| 3rd Year | ₹11,040 |
The stipend amount may be revised by the competent authority from time to time.
Important Dates
Candidates should remember the following schedule.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 14 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 14 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 August 2026 |
Advisory: Keep all educational certificates and scanned documents ready before beginning the registration process.
Selection Process
The recruitment process is completely merit-based.
Step 1: Merit List Preparation
- Merit is calculated using the average marks obtained in Class 10 and ITI.
- For Medical Laboratory Technician trades, Class 10 and Class 12 marks are considered.
Step 2: Shortlisting
- Candidates are shortlisted unit-wise and trade-wise.
- Approximately 1.5 times the vacancies may be called for verification.
Step 3: Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates must produce original documents including:
- Educational certificates
- ITI certificates
- Category certificates
- Medical fitness certificate
Step 4: Final Selection
Final selection is based on merit ranking and successful document verification.
Who Should Apply?
This recruitment is particularly suitable for:
- Fresh ITI pass candidates seeking practical experience.
- Candidates interested in railway sector careers.
- Applicants looking for government-recognized apprenticeship training.
- Technical trade students wanting industry exposure.
- Individuals planning to strengthen their resume with Railway training experience.
Real Benefits of This Apprenticeship
Some practical advantages of joining NFR Apprenticeship include:
- Hands-on training in one of India’s largest railway zones.
- Exposure to real workplace environments and modern equipment.
- Improved employability in public and private sectors.
- Valuable technical experience for future railway and PSU recruitments.
- Government-recognized apprenticeship certification after completion.
Also Read: ITAT Private Secretary Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 42 Vacancies
Preparation Tips for Applicants
Although there is no written examination, candidates should:
- Verify Class 10 and ITI marks carefully.
- Ensure all certificates are valid and updated.
- Keep scanned copies in the prescribed format.
- Double-check personal details before final submission.
- Track official notifications regularly for merit list updates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applications get rejected due to avoidable errors.
- Submitting more than one application.
- Uploading unclear documents.
- Entering incorrect marks during registration.
- Using an inactive mobile number or email ID.
- Waiting until the last day to apply.
- Selecting preferences without reviewing vacancy details.
Important: Candidates should carefully read the official notification and verify all information before submitting the application form.
How to Apply for NFR Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1
Visit the official Northeast Frontier Railway website.
Step 2
Navigate to:
General Info → Departments → Personnel → Act Apprentice Notification
Step 3
Open the “Act Apprentice Notification 2026” link.
Step 4
Click on New Registration.
Step 5
Enter:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
Step 6
Verify the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Step 7
Login using the generated Registration ID and Password.
Step 8
Fill in all personal, educational, category, and trade details.
Step 9
Upload required documents:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Class 10 Marksheet
- ITI Certificate
- ITI Marksheet
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- EWS/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen Certificate (if applicable)
Step 10
Pay the application fee online.
Step 11
Review the application carefully and submit it.
Step 12
Download and print the final application form for future reference.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in |
| Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| Apply Online |  Apply Online |
| Apprentices Act Details | Official Notification |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are available in NFR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 6777 apprenticeship positions have been announced across multiple divisions, workshops, and railway units under Northeast Frontier Railway. This makes it one of the largest apprenticeship recruitments in the railway sector this year.
2. Is there any written examination for NFR Apprenticeship 2026?
No. The selection process does not include any written test or interview. Candidates are shortlisted entirely on the basis of academic merit derived from Class 10 and ITI marks.
3. Can final-year ITI students apply for this recruitment?
Candidates must possess the required ITI certificate on the date specified in the notification. Merely completing the course without receiving the certificate may not satisfy eligibility requirements.
4. What is the minimum stipend provided during training?
Selected apprentices will receive a minimum stipend of ₹9,600 per month during the first year. The stipend increases according to apprenticeship rules in subsequent years.
5. Are female candidates required to pay the application fee?
No. Women candidates are completely exempted from paying the application fee, regardless of category.
6. What happens if a candidate submits multiple applications?
The notification clearly states that only one application is permitted. Submitting more than one application may lead to disqualification from the recruitment process.
7. Is apprenticeship experience useful for future government jobs?
Yes. Railway apprenticeship training provides valuable technical exposure, improves practical skills, and strengthens a candidate’s profile for future railway, PSU, and technical sector opportunities.