Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced its Apprentice Recruitment 2026, offering candidates an opportunity to gain practical experience in a reputed public sector organisation. Through this recruitment drive, IRCTC aims to train aspiring professionals and help them develop industry-relevant skills under the Apprentices Act. Moreover, the organisation will select candidates through a merit-based process, making academic performance an important factor in the selection. Therefore, interested applicants should carefully review the official notification, understand the eligibility requirements, and prepare the necessary documents before submitting their applications. Additionally, candidates should check the official IRCTC website and the relevant apprenticeship portal for the latest updates and application instructions.
In this article, candidates can check complete details of IRCTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 such as eligibility criteria, age limit, application dates, vacancy details, selection process, salary, and how to apply.
Eligibility Details
Candidates must meet the educational requirements specified for their preferred apprenticeship post. The qualification criteria are as follows:
- Graduate Apprentice: Candidates must hold a degree in any discipline from a recognised university with at least 50% aggregate marks.
- Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA): Candidates must have passed Matriculation and hold an ITI certificate in COPA affiliated with NCVT or SCVT, with at least 50% aggregate marks.
Salary Details
IRCTC will provide a monthly stipend to selected candidates throughout the apprenticeship training period. The stipend details for each post are given below:
- Graduate Apprentice: ₹12,300 per month.
- Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA): ₹9,600 per month.
Furthermore, candidates will undergo training for 12 months, during which they will receive the prescribed monthly stipend. However, completing the apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment with IRCTC.
Age limit
IRCTC will calculate the candidates’ age as of 9 October 2026. Applicants must meet the following age criteria to qualify for the recruitment:
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Maximum Age: 25 years
- SC/ST Candidates: 5 years
- OBC Candidates: 3 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 10 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 10 years
Application Fee
Candidates do not need to pay any fee to submit their applications.
- General/OBC: ₹0
- SC/ST: ₹0
- All Other Categories: ₹0
Selection Process
IRCTC will select eligible candidates through a merit-based process. Moreover, candidates do not need to appear for a written examination or interview. The selection process includes the following stages:
- Merit List: IRCTC will prepare a merit list based on the percentage of marks obtained in the relevant qualifying examination.
- Tie-Breaking Criteria: If two candidates secure equal marks, IRCTC will give preference to the older candidate. If their dates of birth also match, the candidate who passed Matriculation earlier will receive preference.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must present their original certificates and two sets of self-attested photocopies for verification.
- Final Selection: Finally, IRCTC will issue apprenticeship offers to candidates according to merit and document verification results.
Therefore, applicants should ensure that they provide accurate academic details and carry all required documents during verification
Important Dates
| Application Starts | 09 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 26 October 2026 |
| Application Fee | Nil |
| Total Post | 44 Seats |
| Exam Date | No Written Exam |
| Job Type | Apprenticeship |
How to Apply
Candidates can complete the application process online by following the steps below. Before proceeding, applicants should keep their educational certificates and other required documents ready.
- Visit the Official Portal: First, visit the Apprenticeship India Portal for COPA posts or the NATS Portal for graduate apprenticeship posts.
- Complete Registration: Next, register on the relevant portal if you do not already have an account. If you have registered previously, log in using your existing credentials.
- Find the IRCTC Opportunity: Search for the IRCTC East Zone apprenticeship opportunity that matches your preferred post and eligibility.
- Fill Out the Application Form: Enter your personal information, educational qualifications, marks, and other required details accurately.
- Upload Required Documents: Upload your photograph, educational certificates, mark sheets, and applicable category certificates in the prescribed format.
- Verify Your Details: Before proceeding, carefully check your name, date of birth, marks, and other information against your official documents.
- Submit the Application: Finally, submit the completed application through the relevant portal before the closing date.
- Save the Confirmation: Keep a copy of the submitted application and your registration details for future reference and document verification.
Important: Candidates should apply only through the relevant official apprenticeship portal and avoid paying unauthorised agents. The application deadline is 26 October 2026.
Important links
| IRCTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 | Watch Video |
| Apply link | NATS / NAPS |
| Official Notification | Click Here to Read |
| Official Website | Visit Official Website |
| Homepage | Click Here |
| Subscribe Youtube Channel | Click Here |
| Join our Telegram Channel (Free) | Click Here |
| Join our WhatsApp Channel (Free) | Click Here |
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