Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai has released the ICF Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification for 1010 apprentice posts. Eligible candidates can apply online for trades including Fitter, Electrician, Carpenter, Welder and other posts. Candidates should check the official notification for eligibility, important dates, trade-wise vacancies and the online application process before applying.
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Introduction
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, a premier production unit under the Ministry of Railways, has released its highly anticipated Act Apprentice Recruitment Notification for the 2026-27 training year. Notification No. APP/01/2026-2027 opens the door for 1,010 young aspirants to undergo structured apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This is one of the largest single-batch apprentice intakes by ICF in recent years and covers high-demand technical trades such as Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Carpenter, Machinist, Painter, Medical Laboratory Technology (Radiology & Pathology), and PASAA (Programming and System Administration Assistant).
For 10th-pass and ITI-qualified candidates, this recruitment offers more than just a stipend — it provides hands-on industrial exposure inside one of India’s most advanced coach manufacturing facilities. Apprentices gain practical skills that are directly relevant to the Indian Railways ecosystem and the wider manufacturing sector. The training duration ranges from one year to two years depending on the category (Fresher or Ex-ITI) and trade, giving candidates a solid foundation for future career growth, whether in railways, public sector undertakings, or private industry.
Preference is given to candidates who are residents of Tamil Nadu or registered with a local Employment Exchange in the state, making this an especially significant opportunity for local youth. With online applications already open and the last date approaching on 7 September 2026, eligible candidates must act quickly. The selection process is purely merit-based on Class 10 marks — no written examination is required — which further increases accessibility for deserving students. This is a golden chance to secure structured skill development under a prestigious central government organisation while earning a monthly stipend.
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ICF Act Apprentice Overview Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai |
| Notification No. | APP/01/2026-2027 |
| Post Name | Act Apprentice (Fresher & Ex-ITI) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,010 (Fresher – 330 | Ex-ITI – 680) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Online Registration Dates | 08 August 2026 (09:30 hrs) to 07 September 2026 (17:30 hrs) |
| Selection Process | Merit List (based on Class 10 marks) + Document Verification + Medical Examination |
| Official Website | pb.icf.gov.in |
ICF Act Apprentice Post-wise Vacancy Details
ICF has carefully distributed the 1,010 apprentice slots across two major categories — Fresher (candidates without ITI) and Ex-ITI (candidates holding a National Trade Certificate). This dual-track approach ensures both fresh school-leavers and already skilled ITI holders get equal opportunity.
Fresher Category – Total 330 Posts
| Trade | UR | OBC | SC | ST | PwBD | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | 18 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 40 |
| Electrician | 18 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 40 |
| Fitter | 37 | 22 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 80 |
| Machinist | 18 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 40 |
| Painter | 18 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 40 |
| Welder | 37 | 22 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 80 |
| MLT – Radiology | 3 | 1 | 1 | – | – | 5 |
| MLT – Pathology | 3 | 1 | 1 | – | – | 5 |
| Total | 152 | 90 | 50 | 24 | 14 | 330 |
Ex-ITI Category – Total 680 Posts
| Trade | UR | OBC | SC | ST | PwBD | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | 22 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 50 |
| Electrician | 75 | 43 | 24 | 12 | 6 | 160 |
| Fitter | 83 | 49 | 27 | 14 | 7 | 180 |
| Machinist | 22 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 50 |
| Painter | 22 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 50 |
| Welder | 83 | 49 | 27 | 14 | 7 | 180 |
| PASAA | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | – | 10 |
| Total | 311 | 186 | 104 | 53 | 26 | 680 |
Combined Trade-wise Totals
| Trade | Fresher | Ex-ITI | Grand Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | 40 | 50 | 90 |
| Electrician | 40 | 160 | 200 |
| Fitter | 80 | 180 | 260 |
| Machinist | 40 | 50 | 90 |
| Painter | 40 | 50 | 90 |
| Welder | 80 | 180 | 260 |
| MLT – Radiology | 5 | – | 5 |
| MLT – Pathology | 5 | – | 5 |
| PASAA | – | 10 | 10 |
| Overall Total | 330 | 680 | 1,010 |
Fitter and Welder trades dominate the vacancy list with 260 posts each, reflecting the core manufacturing requirements of coach production at ICF. Electrician follows closely with 200 seats. Reservation has been applied as per Government of India norms, and PwBD candidates have been allotted seats in most trades.
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ICF Act Apprentice Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Ex-ITI Candidates
- Must have passed Class 10 / Matriculation / SSLC with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognised board.
- Must possess a National Trade Certificate (NTC) of one year or more duration in the relevant trade issued by NCVT or SCVT.
- For Fitter, Electrician and Machinist: Science and Mathematics must have been studied at Class 10 level.
- For PASAA: NTC in Information Technology / COPA / Database System Administration Assistant / Software Testing Assistant is required.
Fresher Candidates
- Most trades (Fitter, Electrician, Machinist, Carpenter, Painter): Class 10 pass with minimum 50% aggregate marks. Science and Mathematics are compulsory for Fitter, Electrician and Machinist.
- Welder: Class 10 pass with 50% marks (training period 1 year 3 months).
- MLT – Radiology & Pathology: Class 12 / HSC pass with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Important Restriction
Candidates who already hold a Degree, Diploma, Engineering Degree, or have completed Act Apprenticeship earlier are not eligible, except for the MLT trades where the prescribed qualification is Class 12.Age Limit & Relaxations
Age will be calculated as on 07 September 2026.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age (without relaxation) |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-ITI / ITI | 15 years | 24 years (should not have completed 24 years) |
| Fresher / Non-ITI | 15 years | 22 years (should not have completed 22 years) |
Category-wise Age Relaxation
- SC / ST: 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): 10 years
Candidates must produce valid caste / disability certificates at the time of document verification. Preference is given to Tamil Nadu residents or those registered with a Tamil Nadu Employment Exchange (registration date should not be after the last date of application). Wards of Railway employees are exempted from the Tamil Nadu domicile condition, subject to production of prescribed documents.
Application Fee & Payment Mode
The application fee structure is deliberately kept low to encourage maximum participation:
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 + applicable service charges |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Nil (Fully Exempted) |
Payment can be made only through online modes available on the ICF portal — Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, and UPI. The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, including rejection of application or cancellation of candidature. Candidates are advised to complete the payment carefully and note the transaction ID (usually starting with “DU”) that will be sent to the registered mobile number. No offline payment methods (challan, demand draft, etc.) are accepted.
Candidates belonging to the exempted categories should ensure they correctly select their category while filling the form; any mismatch discovered later may lead to cancellation of candidature.
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ICF Act Apprentice Salary, Stipend & Pay Scale Details
ICF Act Apprentices do not receive a regular railway salary or pay matrix benefits. Instead, they are paid a fixed monthly stipend as prescribed under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and related Railway Board guidelines.
| Candidate Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Fresher – Class 10 Pass | ₹8,200 |
| Fresher – Class 12 Pass | ₹9,600 |
| Ex-ITI (NTC Holder) | ₹9,600 |
During the second year of training (wherever applicable), the prescribed minimum stipend increases by 10%. The stipend is paid for the entire training period and is subject to satisfactory attendance and performance. No Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, or other railway employee benefits are admissible during apprenticeship. However, the structured training, industrial exposure, and certificate upon successful completion significantly enhance long-term employability in railways, PSUs, and the private manufacturing sector.
ICF Act Apprentice Selection Process
The ICF Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 follows a transparent, examination-free selection process designed to give equal opportunity based purely on academic performance.
- Merit List Preparation A category-wise and trade-wise merit list is prepared strictly on the basis of marks obtained in the Class 10 / Matriculation / SSLC examination. For candidates who passed Class 10 during the COVID period without formal marks, the Class 9 marksheet or Class 10 half-yearly marksheet (duly attested by the Principal) may be considered.
- Tie-Breaking Rules
- Older candidate is ranked higher.
- If date of birth is the same, the candidate who passed Class 10 earlier is preferred.
- Trade Allotment
- Fresher candidates are allotted trades based on their preference, merit rank, and vacancy availability. Once allotted, no change of trade is permitted.
- Ex-ITI candidates are trained only in the trade for which they hold the National Trade Certificate.
- Document Verification Shortlisted candidates must produce original educational certificates, ITI certificate (if applicable), caste/PwBD certificates, Transfer Certificate, and other required documents. Any discrepancy between the online application and original documents will lead to cancellation of candidature.
- Medical Examination Selected candidates must be declared medically fit as per the standards prescribed under the Apprentices Act and Rules. A medical certificate issued by a Government-authorised doctor (not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon) is mandatory.
There is no written examination, no interview, and no physical efficiency test. Final engagement is subject to successful document verification, medical fitness, and execution of the apprenticeship contract.
ICF Act Apprentice Exam Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Important Clarification:
Unlike most government recruitments, the ICF Act Apprentice 2026 selection does not involve any written examination, computer-based test, or interview. Therefore, there is no formal syllabus covering Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, or General Awareness.
The entire selection rests on the percentage of marks obtained in the Class 10 examination. Candidates are advised to ensure that their Class 10 marksheet clearly reflects the aggregate percentage (minimum 50% required). For trades that specifically demand Science and Mathematics (Fitter, Electrician, Machinist), these subjects must have been studied and passed at the Class 10 level.
Although no competitive exam is conducted, candidates should still prepare for the subsequent stages:
- Accurate filling of the online application form
- Proper arrangement of original documents for verification
- Understanding of medical fitness standards applicable to the allotted trade
The absence of a written test makes this recruitment particularly accessible for candidates who have strong academic records but may not be comfortable with competitive exam pressure. Merit is the sole deciding factor, followed by document and medical verification.
Step-by-Step How to Apply for ICF Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates must apply online only through the official ICF portal. No offline or postal applications are accepted.
- Visit the official website pb.icf.gov.in.
- Locate and click on the link for “Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27” or Notification No. APP/01/2026-2027.
- Read the detailed notification carefully before proceeding.
- Click on “Apply Online” / “New Registration”.
- Register using a valid mobile number and email ID. Note down the system-generated Registration ID.
- Login using the Registration ID and Date of Birth (in DDMMYYYY format) as password.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, category, and trade preferences accurately.
- Upload a recent passport-size colour photograph (JPG/JPEG format, maximum 200 KB).
- Pay the application fee online (if applicable) through Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Review the entire form carefully. Once submitted, no corrections are allowed.
- Submit the application and download/print the system-generated Acknowledgement Form.
- Keep the Acknowledgement Form and Registration ID safely for Document Verification.
Candidates are not required to send any documents by post or email. All further communication will be sent via SMS (from “PBICF”) or email to the registered contact details.
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Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 08 August 2026 (09:30 hrs) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 07 September 2026 (17:30 hrs) |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 07 September 2026 (within application window) |
| Age Calculation Cut-off Date | 07 September 2026 |
| Merit List / Document Verification | To be notified later on official website |
| Training Commencement | As per ICF schedule after final selection |
Candidates are strongly advised to complete the application well before the closing time to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF Download | Download Notification PDF Here |
| Online Application Apply Link | Apply Here |
| Official Website Home Page | Official Web Portal |
| Latest Govt Jobs Page | Latest Sarkari Naukri Updates |
FAQs
1. Is there any written exam for ICF Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026? No. Selection is purely based on the marks obtained in the Class 10 examination. There is no written test, CBT, or interview.
2. Can candidates from other states apply? Preference is given to Tamil Nadu residents or those registered with a Tamil Nadu Employment Exchange. Wards of Railway employees are exempted from this condition.
3. What is the last date to apply for ICF Apprentice 2026? The last date to submit the online application is 07 September 2026 up to 17:30 hrs.
4. Is the application fee refundable? No. The application fee of ₹100 (for General/OBC) is non-refundable under any circumstances.
5. Can I correct my application form after submission? No. Once the form is finally submitted, no corrections or modifications are allowed. Candidates must review all details carefully before final submission.
6. What is the training duration for Fresher and Ex-ITI candidates? Fresher candidates in most trades undergo 2 years of training. Ex-ITI candidates generally undergo 1 year of training. Specific trades such as Welder and MLT have slightly different durations.
7. Does successful completion of apprenticeship guarantee a permanent job in ICF or Indian Railways? No. Apprenticeship training does not confer any right to permanent absorption or employment in ICF or Indian Railways.
8. What documents are required at the time of Document Verification? Original Class 10 marksheet & certificate, ITI certificate (for Ex-ITI), caste/PwBD certificate (if applicable), Transfer Certificate, medical certificate, and the printed Acknowledgement Form.
9. Are women candidates required to pay the application fee? No. Women candidates, along with SC, ST, and PwBD candidates, are completely exempted from paying the application fee.
10. Where will the training be conducted? All selected apprentices will undergo training at the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
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Conclusion
The ICF Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for 10th-pass and ITI-qualified youth to gain high-quality industrial training inside one of India’s leading railway production units. With 1,010 seats, a transparent merit-based selection process, and a respectable monthly stipend, this recruitment is ideal for candidates looking to build a strong technical foundation.
Interested and eligible candidates are strongly advised to apply well before the last date of 07 September 2026. Keep all educational documents ready, fill the form carefully, and retain the acknowledgement for future stages.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is compiled from the official notification and publicly available sources for informational purposes only. Candidates must verify all details, eligibility criteria, vacancies, and important dates from the official website of Integral Coach Factory (pb.icf.gov.in) before applying. The recruiting organisation reserves the right to modify or cancel the recruitment process at any stage. This portal does not take responsibility for any inadvertent errors or changes in the official notification.
