Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, a production unit of the Ministry of Railways, has released Notification No. APP/01/2026-2027 (No. PB/RR/39/App/2026, dated 08.08.2026) for engagement of 1010 Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Online applications are open from 08 August 2026 to 07 September 2026. Eligible 10th, 12th and ITI qualified candidates can apply through the official ICF portal.
ICF Chennai Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, Ministry of Railways |
| Notification No. | APP/01/2026-2027 (No. PB/RR/39/App/2026, dated 08.08.2026) |
| Post Name | Act Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 1010 |
| Trades | Carpenter, Electrician, Fitter, Machinist, Painter, Welder, MLT (Radiology & Pathology), PASAA |
| Category | Freshers and Ex-ITI |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Job Location | Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Official Website | pb.icf.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 08 August 2026, 09:30 AM |
| Online Application Last Date | 07 September 2026, 05:30 PM |
| Age Reckoning Date | 07 September 2026 |
Vacancy Details
A total of 1010 Act Apprentice posts are notified, split into 330 seats for Freshers and 680 seats for Ex-ITI candidates across the following trades: Carpenter, Electrician, Fitter, Machinist, Painter, Welder, MLT-Radiology, MLT-Pathology and PASAA. MLT trades are open only for Freshers, while PASAA is open only for Ex-ITI candidates. Category-wise vacancy figures (UR, OBC, SC, ST, PwBD) are given trade-wise in the official notification, and candidates should refer to it for exact numbers applicable to their trade.
Educational Qualification
- Fitter, Electrician, Machinist: Std X (minimum 50% marks) with Science and Maths; Ex-ITI candidates additionally need a National Trade Certificate (NCVT/SCVT) in the relevant trade.
- Carpenter, Painter, Welder: Std X (minimum 50% marks); Ex-ITI candidates additionally need a National Trade Certificate in the relevant trade.
- PASAA (Ex-ITI only): Std X (minimum 50% marks) with a National Trade Certificate in IT/COPA/Database/Software Testing.
- MLT – Radiology and Pathology (Freshers only): Std XII with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Candidates holding higher qualifications such as a degree, diploma, engineering degree, or those who have already completed an Act Apprenticeship are not eligible to apply, except for the MLT trade where 12th standard is the prescribed qualification.
Age Limit and Relaxation
Age will be calculated as on 07 September 2026.
- ITI candidates: must have completed 15 years and not completed 24 years.
- Non-ITI candidates: must have completed 15 years and not completed 22 years.
- Age relaxation: SC/ST – 5 years, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) – 3 years, PwBD – 10 years.
SC/ST candidates must produce a caste certificate and OBC candidates must produce a Non-Creamy Layer certificate at the time of document verification, failing which they will be treated as UR category with UR age limits.
Application Fee
- General/OBC male candidates: ₹100 plus applicable online service charges (non-refundable).
- No fee for SC, ST, PwBD and Women candidates.
- Fee must be paid online through the payment gateway on the ICF portal only.
Stipend
| Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Freshers – Class 10th pass-outs | ₹8,200 |
| Freshers – Class 12th pass-outs | ₹9,600 |
| Ex-ITI – National/State Trade Certificate holders | ₹9,600 |
The stipend increases by 10% during the second year of apprenticeship training. This is a training stipend, not a regular government salary.
Selection Process
- Selection is based on a merit list prepared from Std X marks. No written exam or interview is mentioned in the notification.
- Freshers choose trade preferences, and trades are allotted based on merit rank and vacancy availability.
- Ex-ITI candidates are trained in the trade matching their existing ITI certificate.
- Shortlisted candidates undergo document verification and a medical fitness examination by a government-authorised doctor.
Eligibility Conditions to Note
- Preference is given to candidates who are residents of Tamil Nadu and/or registered with a local Employment Exchange in the state, with registration completed before the application closing date.
- Wards of Railway employees must submit their parent’s Railway Identity Card/Service Certificate along with supporting documents.
- This engagement is purely for apprenticeship training. It does not guarantee employment or any right to absorption in Indian Railways after completion of training, as per the Apprenticeship Rules, 1991.
Documents Required
- Std X and Std XII/ITI mark sheets and certificates
- National Trade Certificate (for Ex-ITI candidates)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL), where applicable
- PwBD certificate, where applicable
- Employment Exchange registration proof or Tamil Nadu residence proof
- Recent passport-size photograph (maximum 200 KB, JPG/JPEG format)
- Transfer Certificate of the qualifying examination
How to Apply for ICF Chennai Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official ICF recruitment portal at pb.icf.gov.in.
- Read the official notification carefully before starting the application.
- Keep scanned documents and a photograph ready in the prescribed format.
- Register and fill in the online application form with accurate details.
- Pay the application fee online, if applicable to your category.
- Review all entered details carefully before final submission.
- Download and print the system-generated acknowledgement for future reference.
Important Instructions
- Do not send documents or the application form to ICF by post, e-mail, fax or by hand.
- All official communication is sent only by SMS from the sender ID “PBICF” or by e-mail. Keep the same mobile number and e-mail ID active until selection is complete.
- ICF does not provide food or accommodation to selected apprentices; candidates must arrange this at their own cost.
- Once submitted, application details generally cannot be changed. Verify all entries before final submission.
- Beware of fake websites and unofficial agents asking for payment in the name of ICF recruitment. Apply only through pb.icf.gov.in.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying under the wrong category (Freshers vs Ex-ITI) for your qualification.
- Uploading a photograph that does not meet the specified size or format.
- Entering an inactive mobile number or e-mail ID that cannot receive SMS/e-mail updates.
- Missing the Tamil Nadu residence or Employment Exchange registration requirement.
- Submitting the form without verifying trade selection, as change of trade is not permitted after allotment.
Official Links
Conclusion
The ICF Chennai Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers 1010 apprenticeship training positions for 10th, 12th and ITI qualified candidates in trades like Fitter, Electrician, Welder and more. Interested and eligible candidates should read the official notification PDF thoroughly and apply online at pb.icf.gov.in before 07 September 2026, 05:30 PM.
