South East Central Railway (SECR), Nagpur Division and Motibagh Workshop
Last Date: 18.06.2026

South East Central Railway's Nagpur Division and Motibagh Workshop have together notified 1,079 Act Apprentice slots across 23 designated trades for the year 2026-27. Applications opened on May 19, 2026, and the window closes on June 18, 2026 at 23:59 hours. The entire process runs through the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in - no offline mode, no direct submission to the railway office.

Here is the full picture before the details:

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SECR Nagpur Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Complete Details 

South East Central Railway is one of the newer zonal railways in India, carved out of South Central Railway and headquartered at Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh. The Nagpur Division, however, is its operational nerve centre in Maharashtra - a major junction that handles both passenger and freight traffic for central India, with Motibagh Workshop being its principal rolling stock maintenance facility. For ITI-qualified youth from Nagpur, Vidarbha, and the adjacent districts of central India, this railway apprenticeship notification is among the most accessible structured training opportunities that emerge annually.

The 1,079 slots notified here are split across 977 seats in the Nagpur Division and 102 seats at Motibagh Workshop. Taken together, this is a meaningful batch for SECR's Nagpur footprint - comparable in scale to the previous year's engagement cycle under the same file series. What makes this batch particularly relevant is the trade diversity: 23 designated trades spanning core technical disciplines like Electrician (the single largest trade at 267 slots), Mechanic Diesel (124), and COPA (158), alongside niche trades like Dental Laboratory Technician and Digital Photographer where competition per seat is drastically lower.

Railway apprenticeships under the Act carry a practical weight that other apprenticeship drives do not. Candidates who complete SECR's programme and obtain the National Apprenticeship Certificate find themselves preferentially considered in subsequent RRC and RRB Technical recruitment cycles, particularly for Group C technical posts. That downstream value is not stated in this notification but is well established in practice.

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Vacancy Details

The 977 Nagpur Division slots break down across 23 trades. The 102 Motibagh Workshop slots cover 8 trades.

Nagpur Division (Establishment Code: E05202702695)

Motibagh Workshop (Establishment Code: E05202702494)

Electrician dominates the Nagpur Division with 267 seats, making it both the most available trade and the most competitive. COPA follows at 158 and Mechanic Diesel at 124. These three trades alone account for over 56 percent of all Division seats. Candidates with ITI in these trades will face the heaviest applicant concentration. Trades like Turner (5 seats total in Division), Digital Photographer (2), Driver-cum-Mechanic LMV (2), and Dental Laboratory Technician (1 seat in entire notification) present a radically different competition landscape - the absolute seat count is tiny, but so is the pool of ITI holders with the relevant trade certificate. Dental Laboratory Technician has only 1 seat with no SC, ST, OBC, or EWS reservation, meaning only a UR candidate can be selected there.

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Application Fee

Not mentioned in the official notification. Applications are processed entirely through the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in, and no fee is specified in this notification. Railway Act apprentice engagements historically do not charge application fees. Candidates should verify on the NAPS portal at the time of registration in case any portal processing charge applies.

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Age Limit

The age reference date is May 19, 2026. Candidates must be minimum 15 years and maximum 24 years on that date. The community-wise birth date range is as follows: UR candidates must be born between May 19, 2002 and May 19, 2011. OBC candidates between May 19, 1999 and May 19, 2011. SC/ST candidates between May 19, 1997 and May 19, 2011. PwBD and Ex-Servicemen candidates between May 19, 1992 and May 19, 2011.

The 15-year minimum is notably lower than most other government recruitment processes, allowing candidates who completed their ITI directly after Class 10 at a young age to apply. The 24-year ceiling is the standard for Act Apprentice drives across Indian Railways. Candidates who have already completed an apprenticeship at any organization - regardless of when - are not eligible to apply again. This is an absolute disqualification.

For Ex-Servicemen, there is an additional relaxation: service tenure in Defence Forces plus 3 years, subject to a minimum of 6 months of continuous service. The outer ceiling for this category, with the combined relaxation, effectively extends to the May 19, 1992 birth date shown above.

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Educational Qualification

Two conditions must be satisfied simultaneously. First, Matriculation (Class 10) passed from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. Second, a National Trade Certificate (ITI) in the designated trade issued by NCVT, or a Provisional Certificate issued by NCVT or SCVT.

The 50% minimum in Matriculation is the practical filter here, not the ITI certificate itself - most ITI holders who apply will already have their trade certificate. What catches candidates off guard is the 50% Matriculation requirement. Candidates who passed their Class 10 with less than 50% aggregate, even if they hold a strong ITI score, are ineligible for this notification.

One critical instruction the notification repeats twice and that candidates must not miss: enter only Class 10 marks and ITI marks on the NAPS portal. Do not enter any higher qualification (graduation, diploma, engineering degree). Engineering graduates and diploma holders are explicitly barred from applying under this Act Apprentice notification, as they are governed by a separate Graduate/Technician Apprentice scheme. If ITI marks and Class 10 marks do not appear in the downloaded Excel file from the portal, the application will be automatically rejected without further notice.

For boards that use grade-based systems like the Board of Secondary Education Andhra Pradesh or the Board of Public Examination Kerala, SECR's Nagpur Division will calculate percentage using the midpoint of each grade range. The average is computed treating each subject as out of 100 marks.

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Selection Process

There is no written examination. Selection is purely merit-based using a composite score: Class 10 marks (minimum 50% aggregate) plus ITI marks in the relevant trade. Both components count toward the merit position. The notification does not specify the exact weightage ratio between Class 10 and ITI scores, but candidates are ranked on the combined percentage.

Where two candidates have identical scores, the older candidate is ranked higher. If both have the same date of birth, the candidate who passed Matriculation earlier takes precedence. This tiebreaker favors candidates who finished their schooling earlier - a detail worth knowing if you are comparing yourself against similarly scored peers.

Shortlisted candidates face two further gates: document verification (all original certificates must be produced; failure to produce them results in immediate cancellation) and a medical fitness examination as per railway standards applicable to Workshop and Division units. The medical standard for a workshop role is not the same as for an operational post, but it is still a formal fitness assessment that candidates cannot bypass. No TA, DA, or conveyance is paid for attending document verification.

After selection, transfers to a different division or unit will not be entertained. Candidates must be clear about whether they want Nagpur Division or Motibagh Workshop before submitting, as these are separate establishments with separate codes and the choice is binding.

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Stipend and Service Conditions

The stipend is paid as per rates prescribed by the Central Apprenticeship Council for designated trades. The notification does not print the specific stipend amounts - these vary by trade and year of training. Standard first-year stipend rates for ITI trades under Indian Railways at the time of this notification are typically in the range of Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 9,000 per month depending on the trade, but candidates should verify the current CAC-notified rates from the NAPS portal or Central Apprenticeship Council guidelines, as these are revised periodically.

Training duration is exactly one year. Railway apprentices train at actual workplace locations - in workshops, locomotive sheds, and division infrastructure - not in classrooms. There is no accommodation provided. Candidates are expected to arrange their own housing in Nagpur for the entire training period.

The contract of apprenticeship is a formal legal agreement. If the employer (railway) fails to fulfil contract conditions, the apprentice is entitled to compensation as prescribed. If the apprentice fails to fulfil contract conditions, a surety amount covering training costs - as determined by the Apprenticeship Adviser - becomes payable. If the selected candidate is a minor, the guardian must co-sign the contract. Completion of training does not obligate the railway to offer employment, nor does it obligate the apprentice to accept any offer.

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How to Apply

1. Go to apprenticeshipindia.gov.in (the NAPS portal)
2. Register as a candidate using a valid email ID and mobile number if not already registered
3. Search for the establishment using code E05202702695 for Nagpur Division or E05202702494 for Motibagh Workshop
4. Apply for the relevant trade against this notification
5. Fill in Class 10 marks and ITI marks carefully in the qualification section — entering any other qualification will cause automatic rejection
6. Select either Nagpur Division or Motibagh Workshop as your choice of establishment; these are separate applications
7. Note down your registration number immediately after submission and keep it safely for all future correspondence
8. Submit the complete application before June 18, 2026 at 23:59 hours
9. If EWS or Ex-Servicemen option is not available on the portal, apply under your actual category (UR/OBC/SC/ST) and submit the EWS or Ex-Servicemen certificate physically to the Personnel Department, Divisional Office, Kingsway, Nagpur-440001

No hard copy of the application should be sent to the railway office except where the portal option for EWS/Ex-Servicemen is unavailable as stated above.

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Required Documents and Important Instructions

Keep the following ready for document verification if shortlisted:

• Class 10 mark sheet and certificate (original)
• ITI National Trade Certificate or Provisional Certificate (original)
• Category certificate in central government format for SC, ST, OBC, EWS candidates
• Discharge certificate for Ex-Servicemen; for children of Ex-Servicemen, the parent's discharge or Armed Forces serving certificate
• Disability certificate from a Medical Board duly constituted by Central or State Government for PwBD candidates (as per Annexure formats specified in the notification)
• Any identity proof

Several conditions that result in immediate disqualification: submitting fake or forged certificates at any stage, failing to produce originals at verification, having previously completed an apprenticeship at any organization (re-engagement is not permitted under the Apprentices Act), and filling in qualifications higher than Class 10 and ITI on the NAPS portal. Engineering graduates and diploma holders cannot apply under this notification at all.

OBC candidates must note that age relaxation is only valid if accompanied by the latest OBC certificate in the central government format. State-format OBC certificates are not sufficient. The same condition applies to SC/ST candidates seeking age relaxation.

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Railway apprenticeships attract a particular candidate profile that is worth understanding before committing time to this application. Here is what the numbers and structure do not make immediately obvious.

What the Electrician Dominance Means for Competition in This Batch

Electrician carries 267 seats in the Nagpur Division - by far the largest single trade. But ITI Electrician is also the most commonly held trade certificate in India, particularly in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Previous SECR apprentice cycles for the Nagpur Division have seen Electrician attracting the highest application volumes of any trade, often resulting in cutoff percentages that push significantly above the 50% minimum. Candidates with 85%+ combined scores in Class 10 and ITI Electrician are realistically positioned; candidates hovering around 60 to 65% need to think carefully about whether the trade's seat count advantage actually translates to selection probability in their score range. By contrast, Machinist (17 seats), Mason (16), Cable Jointer (21), and Electronics Mechanic (21) have far lower applicant pools relative to seats.

The ITI-to-Railway Pipeline That This Engagement Opens

Railway apprenticeship completion under the Apprentices Act creates a qualification that directly benefits candidates in subsequent RRC Group C technical recruitment, particularly in trades like Fitter, Electrician, Welder, and Mechanic Diesel, which map closely onto Railway Level 2 posts. Candidates who hold a National Apprenticeship Certificate from a railway establishment are viewed more favorably in document verification and medical stages of future RRB/RRC recruitment compared to candidates whose ITI experience is limited to private sector training. The one year of on-site railway workshop or division training builds familiarity with railway equipment, safety procedures, and work culture that is genuinely relevant to performance in subsequent recruitment processes. The apprenticeship is not a guaranteed path into railway service, but it is a structured way to build the profile that railway technical recruitment favors.

The Single-Establishment Choice and What It Actually Means

Candidates must choose between Nagpur Division and Motibagh Workshop before applying - and this choice cannot be reversed after selection. Motibagh Workshop is a centralized facility focused on carriage and wagon maintenance, which means apprentices there spend the year in a production and overhaul environment. Division apprentices, by contrast, are deployed across various units within the Nagpur Division's operational spread, which includes locomotive sheds, traffic infrastructure, and signal and telecommunications installations. The workshop environment offers a more intensive exposure to heavy maintenance work; the division posting is operationally broader but more distributed. For candidates who want concentrated hands-on workshop experience in trades like Fitter, Turner, or Welder, Motibagh may be the better choice despite having fewer total seats.

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❓Frequently Asked Questions 

How many vacancies are notified in SECR Nagpur Apprentice 2026?

A total of 1,079 slots are notified —> 977 for Nagpur Division (across 23 trades) and 102 for Motibagh Workshop (across 8 trades). Electrician has the largest allocation at 267 Division seats. Vacancies may be increased or decreased at administration's discretion.

What is the last date to apply for SECR Nagpur Apprentice 2026?

June 18, 2026 is the last date, with applications closing at 23:59 hours on that day. The window opened on May 19, 2026. Only online applications through apprenticeshipindia.gov.in are accepted.

Who is eligible to apply?

Candidates aged 15 to 24 years as on May 19, 2026, who have passed Matriculation with at least 50% aggregate marks and hold an ITI National Trade Certificate or NCVT/SCVT Provisional Certificate in the relevant designated trade. Engineering graduates and diploma holders are not eligible under this notification.

What is the age limit including relaxations?

The general (UR) upper age limit is 24 years as on May 19, 2026. SC/ST candidates get 5 years of relaxation (up to 29). OBC candidates get 3 years (up to 27). PwBD and Ex-Servicemen get 10 years of relaxation. Candidates who have previously completed an apprenticeship in any organization are not eligible regardless of age.

What educational qualification is required?

Matriculation (Class 10) with minimum 50% aggregate marks plus an ITI National Trade Certificate in the relevant designated trade. Only Class 10 and ITI marks should be entered on the portal; entering higher qualifications will result in automatic rejection.

What is the selection process for SECR Nagpur Apprentice 2026?

There is no written examination. Selection is merit-based using a combined percentage of Class 10 marks and ITI marks. Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification and a medical fitness examination. Older candidates are preferred in case of tie in marks.

What is the stipend for SECR Nagpur Apprentice 2026?

Stipend is paid as per rates prescribed by the Central Apprenticeship Council. The specific amounts are not printed in this notification. Training duration is one year. No accommodation is provided - apprentices must arrange their own housing.

What is the application fee?

Not mentioned in the official notification. Railway Act Apprentice drives typically do not charge fees. Candidates should verify on the NAPS portal during registration.

How do I apply online for SECR Nagpur Apprentice 2026?

Visit apprenticeshipindia.gov.in, register on the NAPS portal, and search for the establishment using code E05202702695 (Nagpur Division) or E05202702494 (Motibagh Workshop). Apply for the relevant trade, fill in only Class 10 and ITI marks, and submit before June 18, 2026.

What is the official website for SECR Nagpur Apprentice 2026?

apprenticeshipindia.gov.in is the application portal. The issuing office is the Personnel Department, Divisional Office, Kingsway, Nagpur-440001. For queries, email mohd.2305@gov.in during office hours (Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM).

Can I apply to both Nagpur Division and Motibagh Workshop?

No. Candidates must choose one — either Nagpur Division or Motibagh Workshop. These are separate establishment codes with separate vacancy pools. After selection, transfers between units will not be permitted.

Can someone who completed an apprenticeship before apply again?

No. The notification explicitly states that candidates who have previously done an apprenticeship in any organization are not eligible to apply again. If such a candidate is found, their application will not be entertained.

What happens if the ITI marks do not show in the portal's Excel file?

The application will be automatically rejected. The notification specifically warns candidates to fill ITI and Class 10 marks carefully in the qualification section. If the downloaded Excel file does not reflect these entries, the candidature is cancelled without any further communication.

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Before This Window Closes - What Deserves Your Attention

The June 18 deadline gives applicants a narrow window - roughly four weeks from the notification date. The critical action right now is NAPS portal registration if you are not already registered. The portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in requires Aadhaar verification and document upload that can take a day or two to process; waiting until June 16 or 17 creates unnecessary risk.

The trade and establishment choice is permanent after submission. If you are weighing Nagpur Division against Motibagh Workshop, factor in the nature of work in each setting and whether the trade you hold has seats in both locations before deciding. Some trades like Stenographer (English) appear in both establishments, while others like Mechanic Diesel and several niche trades exist only in the Nagpur Division.

All updates related to shortlisting, document verification schedules, and merit lists will be communicated through registered contact details and through the NAPS portal. Watch the portal and keep your registered email active. No postal communication will be issued for this process.

This article is based on the official notification and simplified for easy understanding. For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official website.