Overview
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC), a Government of India Enterprise under the Navratna category, has announced the IRCTC East Zone Apprentice Recruitment 2026. This recruitment drive invites online applications for the engagement of Apprentice Trainees for the financial year 2026-27 under the Apprenticeship Act-1961. The initiative aims at skill building and provides an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking to work in various IRCTC offices across the Eastern Zone. There are a total of 44 vacancies available for the positions of Graduate Apprentice and Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA).
Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications through the online mode using the designated government apprenticeship portals. The application process has commenced, and the absolute last date to apply is October 26, 2026. Candidates should note that this engagement is purely for apprenticeship training for a duration of 12 months, and it does not guarantee any regular employment within IRCTC upon completion. The selected apprentices will be posted at various IRCTC offices, including Zonal Offices at Kolkata, Regional Offices at Guwahati and Patna, and Area Offices at Howrah, Sealdah, Asansol, New Jalpaiguri, Ranchi, or Tatanagar.
Vacancy Details
The recruitment notification outlines a total of 44 vacancies for two distinct apprentice positions. The number of vacancies is tentative and may be increased or decreased based on the organization’s requirements.
| Sl. No | Position | Number of Apprentices to be engaged | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Graduate Apprentice | 34 | 12 Months |
| 2 | Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA) | 10 | 12 Months |
Eligibility
Candidates must fulfill the specific educational qualifications laid out by IRCTC to be considered for these apprenticeship positions. The cut-off date for determining all qualifications is 09.10.2026.
- Graduate Apprentice: Candidates must possess a graduation degree in any discipline. Furthermore, they must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized University.
- Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA): Candidates must have passed Matriculation and hold an ITI Certificate affiliated to NCVT/SCVT. A minimum of 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized Board is mandatory.
Age Limit
The age criteria for the apprenticeship are strictly defined, with the cut-off date for age calculation being 09.10.2026.
- Minimum Age: Candidates should have completed 15 years of age.
- Maximum Age: Candidates should not have completed 25 years of age.
Age relaxation is provided to reserved categories as per the guidelines established by the Government of India:
- SC/ST Candidates: 5 years relaxation.
- OBC Candidates: 3 years relaxation.
- Ex-Servicemen: 10 years relaxation.
- Differently Abled (PwBD): 10 years relaxation (disability percentage must not be less than 40%).
Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates engaged as Apprentices will receive a fixed monthly stipend throughout their 12-month training period according to extant rules. No daily allowance, conveyance allowance, or travelling allowance will be provided for document verification.
| Sl. No | Category | Prescribed minimum amount of stipend |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA) | Rs. 9,600/- per month |
| 2 | Graduate Apprentice | Rs. 12,300/- per month |
Important Dates
Candidates must adhere strictly to the schedule provided by IRCTC. The tentative schedule for further stages will be advised through e-mail only.
- Cut-off Date for Age and Qualification: 09.10.2026.
- Commencement of Online Application: 09.10.2026.
- Last Date of Applying Online Application: 26.10.2026.
How to Apply
The application process is strictly online. Interested and eligible candidates must follow these steps to submit their applications successfully:
- Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and age limits, as of 09.10.2026.
- Candidates must register and apply through the official government apprenticeship portals. Visit either https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in or https://www.nats.education.gov.in.
- While filling out the application, applicants must carefully enter their marks and attach supportive documents for all educational and technical qualifications starting from matriculation.
- Year-wise mark-sheets along with Pass-Certificates must be attached on the website while applying.
- Ensure that your name, father’s name, and date of birth exactly match the details recorded in your Matriculation or equivalent certificate. Any deviation will lead to the cancellation of your candidature.
- Upload a recent color photograph (size 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, taken not later than three months from the date of application) with a clear front view without a cap or sunglasses. The soft copy must be in JPG/JPEG format, 100 DPI, with a file size between 20 kb and 70 kb.
Note for Document Verification: Applicants are required to report for Document/Certificate Verification with all their original documents. They must also bring 2 sets of self-attested photocopies and two additional copies of the same photograph uploaded in the application form. Necessary certificates include standard mark sheets, caste certificates (OBC certificate issued within the last one year), EWS certificates, disability certificates, and discharge certificates if applicable.
Selection Process
The selection process for the IRCTC Apprentice Trainees is straightforward and does not involve any examination.
- Merit List: Selection will be entirely based on a merit list prepared according to the percentage of marks obtained by the candidates in their qualifying examinations.
- Tie-Breaking Criteria: In case two applicants have the same marks, the older candidate will be preferred. If the dates of birth are also the same, the applicant who passed the matriculation exam earlier will be considered first.
- No Exams: There will be no written test or viva for this recruitment.
- Document Verification: The final selection is strictly subject to the verification of original testimonials. Candidates on the Stand-by list will only be offered to join upon receipt of details of absentees and rejected candidates from the Merit list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for IRCTC East Zone Apprentice 2026?
The final date to submit the online application is October 26, 2026.
How many vacancies are available in this recruitment?
There are a total of 44 vacancies, which includes 34 for Graduate Apprentices and 10 for Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA) Apprentices.
Is there any written exam for the IRCTC Apprentice selection?
No, there will be no written test or viva; the selection will be based entirely on a merit list prepared from the percentage of marks.
What is the monthly stipend for a Graduate Apprentice?
Selected Graduate Apprentices will receive a prescribed minimum stipend of Rs. 12,300/- per month during their 12-month training period.
How can I apply for the IRCTC Apprentice vacancies?
Candidates must apply online through the official government apprenticeship portals at either apprenticeshipindia.gov.in or nats.education.gov.in.
Disclaimer: Odisha Careers is not affiliated with any government body. Please verify all details on the official notification before applying.
