The Ministry of Railways, specifically the Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, has officially released the notification for the engagement of Act Apprentices for the 2025-26 session. This is a golden opportunity for ITI-qualified candidates to undergo premium technical training at one of India’s leading railway coach manufacturing units.

With a total of 550 vacancies announced, the application window is currently open and will remain active until January 7, 2026. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on eligibility, the merit-based selection process, trade-wise vacancy breakdowns, and the benefits of joining the Indian Railways as an apprentice.

 

Recruitment Overview 2025

The Rail Coach Factory (RCF) is a production unit of the Indian Railways. Apprenticeships here are highly sought after because they often lead to preferences in future Level-1 (Group D) permanent recruitments under the 20% reserved quota for Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAA).

Recruitment Organization	Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala
Ministry	Ministry of Railways, Govt. of India
Post Name	Act Apprentice
Total Vacancies	550 Posts
Job Location	Kapurthala, Punjab
Application Mode	Online Only
Registration Dates	09 Dec 2025 – 07 Jan 2026
Selection Basis	Merit List (No Written Exam)
Official Website	rcf.indianrailways.gov.in

 

Important Dates & Schedule

Candidates must strictly adhere to the timeline provided by RCF Kapurthala. The server often experiences heavy traffic on the last day, so early application is recommended.

• Official Notification Release Date: 09 December 2025
• Online Application Start Date: 09 December 2025
• Last Date to Apply Online: 07 January 2026 (up to 24:00 Hrs)
• Last Date for Fee Payment: 07 January 2026
• Merit List Release Date: To Be Notified (Typically 30-45 days after closing)
• Document Verification (DV): February/March 2026 (Tentative)
• Commencement of Training: April 2026 (Tentative)

Note on Correction Window: Unlike some other exams, RCF usually does not provide a specific window to edit forms after final submission. Please ensure all data entered is 100% accurate before clicking the final submit button.

 

Vacancy Breakdown: Trade-Wise Details

The 550 posts are distributed across various technical trades. Candidates can only apply for the trade in which they hold an ITI certificate.

Trade Name	Category	Total Vacancies
Fitter	Mechanical	150
Welder (Gas & Electric)	Mechanical	180
Machinist	Mechanical	20
Painter (General)	Paint	30
Carpenter	Carpentry	30
Electrician	Electrical	70
AC & Ref. Mechanic	Electrical	30
Electronic Mechanic	Electronics	20
Mechanic (Motor Vehicle)	Mechanical	20
Total Posts		550

• 
  Reservation: Standard reservation rules apply for SC (15%), ST (7.5%), and OBC (27%) candidates as per Railway Board guidelines.
• PWD/Ex-Servicemen: There is also a horizontal reservation for PWD candidates (4%) and Ex-Servicemen (3%).

 

Eligibility Criteria for RCF Apprentice 2025

To ensure your application is not rejected during the scrutiny phase, you must meet the following age and educational requirements strictly as of January 7, 2026.

1. Age Limit (As on 07.01.2026)

• Minimum Age: 15 Years
• Maximum Age: 24 Years

Age Relaxation:

• SC / ST Candidates: 5 Years relaxation (Upper limit: 29 Years)
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years relaxation (Upper limit: 27 Years)
• PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): 10 Years relaxation (Upper limit: 34 Years)

2. Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess the following dual qualifications:

1. Matriculation (Class 10th): Passed with a minimum of 50% marks (aggregate) from a recognized Board (CBSE/ICSE/State Board).
2. Technical Qualification (ITI): National Trade Certificate (NTC) in the relevant trade issued by the NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training).
   • Note: Provisional National Trade Certificate issued by NCVT is also accepted.

Critical Note on Marks: The 50% aggregate in Class 10 is mandatory. Even if you have 80% in ITI but 49.9% in Class 10, you are not eligible.

 

Application Fee

The application fee is nominal and must be paid online via Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking.

• General / OBC / EWS: ₹100/- (Non-refundable)
• SC / ST / PwBD / Women: Nil (Exempted from fee)

 

The Selection Process: How the Merit List is Prepared

One of the most attractive features of the RCF Apprentice recruitment is that there is no written examination or interview.

The selection is purely Merit-Based.

Calculation Formula

The merit list is prepared by taking the average of the percentage of marks obtained in:

1. Matriculation (10th Standard) (Minimum 50% required)
2. ITI (Industrial Training Institute) Examination

$$\text{Merit Score} = \frac{\text{\% marks in 10th} + \text{\% marks in ITI}}{2}$$

Example:

• If a candidate scored 70% in Class 10.
• And scored 80% in ITI.
• Their merit score will be: $(70 + 80) / 2 = \mathbf{75\%}$.

Tie-Breaking Rule:

In case two candidates have the same merit score:

• The candidate older in age will be preferred.
• If dates of birth are also identical, the candidate who passed the Matriculation exam earlier will be placed higher.

 

Salary and Stipend Details

Apprentices in Indian Railways are paid a monthly stipend as per the norms of the Railway Board and the Apprentices Act, 1961. While the exact amount varies based on the trade duration, candidates can expect:

• 1-Year ITI Trade: Approx. ₹7,000 – ₹8,050 per month.
• 2-Year ITI Trade: Approx. ₹8,050 – ₹10,000+ per month.

Note: No other allowances like DA or HRA are provided during the training period.

 

Why Should You Join RCF Kapurthala as an Apprentice?

Many candidates wonder if a one-year apprenticeship is worth it. Here are the distinct advantages of completing this training at RCF Kapurthala:

1. 20% Reservation in Group D: In future Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) Group D (Level-1) vacancies, 20% of posts are reserved exclusively for “Course Completed Act Apprentices” (CCAA).
2. PET Exemption: CCAAs are exempted from the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) in Group D recruitment. This is a massive relief as PET is a rigorous elimination stage.
3. 1/3rd Weightage: In the final merit list for Group D jobs, 1/3rd of your NCVT Apprentice marks are added to your CBT score, making it much easier to clear the cutoff.
4. Skill Development: RCF is a premier production unit. The hands-on experience with modern machinery (LHB coaches, welding robots, etc.) adds immense value to your CV for private sector jobs as well.

 

How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this procedure to ensure your application is submitted without errors.

Step 1: Registration

• Visit the official website: rcf.indianrailways.gov.in.
• Navigate to the “Recruitment” or “Apprenticeship 2025” section.
• Click on “New Registration”.
• Enter your basic details: Name, Father’s Name, Date of Birth, and Mobile Number.
• Tip: Ensure your name matches your 10th Marksheet exactly.

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

• Log in using the Registration ID sent to your email/mobile.
• Fill in educational details:
  • Class 10: Enter Total Marks and Marks Obtained (CGPA must be converted to percentage as per your board’s formula).
  • ITI: Enter Total Marks and Marks Obtained from the consolidated marksheet.

Step 3: Upload Documents

Scan and upload the following (ensure clarity):

• Recent Passport Size Photo (Jpg/Jpeg format, 20kb-70kb).
• Scanned Signature (Jpg/Jpeg format, 20kb-30kb).
• Class 10th Marksheet & Certificate.
• ITI Marksheet & NCVT Certificate.
• Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC) if applicable.

Step 4: Fee Payment

• Pay the ₹100 fee via the integrated payment gateway (if applicable).

Step 5: Final Submission & Print

• Review all details carefully.
• Submit the form and take a printout of the final acknowledgement slip. Do not send this printout by post; keep it for Document Verification.

 

Documents Required for Verification (Post-Selection)

If your name appears in the Merit List later this year, you will need to produce the original copies of:

1. Printout of the Online Application.
2. 10th Class Marksheet and Certificate (Proof of DOB).
3. ITI Certificate (NCVT) and Marksheet (All Semesters/Consolidated).
4. Caste Certificate (Central Government Format).
5. Medical Fitness Certificate (Signed by a Gazetted Government Doctor).
6. Aadhaar Card / Pan Card.
7. 4-5 Passport size photographs.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can SCVT pass candidates apply for RCF Kapurthala?

Answer: Generally, Railways prefer NCVT certificates. However, check the detailed notification clause. Usually, the notification specifies “NCVT,” but in some cases, SCVT is accepted if mentioned explicitly. For RCF, NCVT is the standard requirement.

Q2: Is there an exam for RCF Apprentice 2025?

Answer: No, there is no written exam or viva-voce. Selection is strictly based on the average marks of Class 10 and ITI.

Q3: Can I apply for more than one trade?

Answer: No, you should apply only for the trade in which you hold an ITI certificate. Applying for multiple trades or submitting multiple applications may lead to rejection.

Q4: What is the last date to apply?

Answer: The online portal closes on 07 January 2026.

Q5: Will I get a permanent job in Railways after this training?

Answer: No, apprenticeship is a training program, not permanent employment. However, it gives you significant reservations and bonus marks in future permanent Railway Group D recruitments.

 

Conclusion

The RCF Kapurthala Apprentice Recruitment 2025 is an excellent pathway for young aspirants to start their careers. With 550 vacancies and a merit-based selection process, it eliminates the stress of competitive exams for admission. If you meet the eligibility criteria (10th + ITI), do not wait for the last date. Gather your documents, calculate your percentage accurately, and submit your application today.