ICF Chennai Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 1010 Freshers & Ex-ITI Posts

Vacancies: 1010 · Posts: 8 trades · Type: INTERN · Mode: Online · Fee: ₹100 (exempt for SC/ST/PwBD/Women) · Apply: 08 Aug–07 Sep 2026 · Stipend: ₹8,200–₹9,600/month · Selection: Merit (10th marks) + DV + Medical · Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai under the Ministry of Railways has opened 1,010 Act Apprentice training slots for 2026-27 under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Applications are live on pb.icf.gov.in from 08 August 2026 (09:30 hrs) to 07 September 2026 (17:30 hrs).

The drive covers eight trades — Carpenter, Electrician, Fitter, Machinist, Painter, Welder, MLT (Radiology/Pathology) and PASAA — split between 330 Freshers and 680 Ex-ITI candidates. Preference is given to Tamil Nadu residents and those registered with local Employment Exchanges.

This is pure apprenticeship training. No permanent job is guaranteed after completion, but the certificate carries weight for future railway Level-1 openings and private-sector shop-floor roles.

Also Read: BHEL Trichy Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 530 Trade, Technician & Graduate Apprentice Posts

Who Should Apply?

• 10th pass with Science & Maths (min 50%) – no ITI → Fitter, Electrician, Machinist Freshers – 160 posts
• 10th pass (min 50%) – no ITI → Carpenter, Painter, Welder Freshers – 160 posts
• 12th with Physics, Chemistry & Biology → MLT-Radiology & MLT-Pathology Freshers – 10 posts
• 10th (min 50%) + NCVT/SCVT ITI in relevant trade → Ex-ITI Fitter, Electrician, Machinist, Carpenter, Painter, Welder – 670 posts
• 10th (min 50%) + NCVT in COPA / IT / Database / Software Testing → PASAA Ex-ITI – 10 posts

Wards of Railway employees are exempt from the Tamil Nadu residence/Employment Exchange condition. Higher qualifications (Degree/Diploma) disqualify candidates except for MLT posts.

Important Dates

Quick Overview – ICF Chennai Act Apprentice 2026

• Organisation: Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Railways, Government of India
• Sector: Railways & Coach Manufacturing
• Notification No.: APP/01/2026-2027 (PB/RR/39/App/2026)
• Total Vacancies: 1,010 (Freshers 330 + Ex-ITI 680)
• Job Location: ICF Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Official Website: pb.icf.gov.in
• Last Date: 07 September 2026 (17:30 hrs)
• Apply Online: Apply for ICF Act Apprentice 2026 on the official portal
• Notification PDF: Download ICF Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 PDF

What Posts Are Available? – ICF Vacancy & Eligibility 2026

ICF has released 1,010 training slots. Fitter and Welder dominate both Freshers and Ex-ITI categories. MLT and PASAA seats are limited and require specific streams.

Freshers Vacancies (330 posts)

Ex-ITI Vacancies (680 posts)

Qualification notes:

• Freshers (Fitter/Electrician/Machinist): 10th with Science & Maths, min 50%. Training 2 years.
• Freshers (Carpenter/Painter/Welder): 10th min 50%. Training 1–2 years depending on trade.
• MLT: 12th with Physics, Chemistry & Biology. Training 1 year 3 months.
• Ex-ITI: 10th min 50% + NCVT/SCVT certificate in the trade. Training 1 year.
• PASAA: 10th + NCVT in COPA/IT/Database/Software Testing Assistant.

What Is the Age Limit?

Age is calculated as on 07 September 2026.

Examples: ✅ A 21-year-old UR Fresher born on 08 September 2004 — eligible (within 22-year limit as on 07 September 2026). ❌ A 23-year-old UR Fresher born on 06 September 2003 — not eligible (exceeds maximum age by 1 year).

Use our Age Eligibility Calculator to check instantly.

What Is the Stipend? – ICF Act Apprentice 2026

Stipend increases by 10% in the second year of training where applicable. This is training stipend under the Apprentices Act, not regular salary. No DA, HRA or other allowances are paid.

What Is the Application Fee?

Fee is non-refundable and payable online only.

How to Apply?

1. Visit the official portal pb.icf.gov.in.
2. Open the Act Apprentice 2026 application link.
3. Register with a valid mobile number and email.
4. Fill personal, educational and trade preference details carefully.
5. Upload photo, signature and required certificates. Use our Photo & Signature Resizer if needed.
6. Pay the fee (if applicable) and submit.
7. Download and save the confirmation page.

Applications open 08 August 2026 (09:30 hrs) and close 07 September 2026 (17:30 hrs). No offline or email applications are accepted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with a higher degree/diploma when only 10th/ITI is allowed (except MLT).
• Uploading unclear or oversized photo/signature — form rejection is common.
• Selecting a trade that does not match your ITI certificate (Ex-ITI candidates).
• Waiting till the last day — portal congestion is frequent on railway apprenticeship sites.
• Forgetting Tamil Nadu Employment Exchange registration if you are not a ward of a Railway employee.

ஐசிஎஃப் சென்னை ஆக்ட் அப்ரெண்டிஸ் பணியமர்வு 2026 – 1010 பதவிகளுக்கு ஆன்லைன் விண்ணப்பம்

இன்டகிரல் கோச் ஃபேக்டரி (ஐசிஎஃப்), சென்னை, இந்திய ரயில்வே அமைச்சகத்தின் கீழ் 2026-27 பயிற்சி ஆண்டிற்காக 1,010 ஆக்ட் அப்ரெண்டிஸ் பதவிகளை அறிவித்துள்ளது. விண்ணப்பங்கள் 08 ஆகஸ்ட் 2026 முதல் 07 செப்டம்பர் 2026 வரை pb.icf.gov.in இல் ஆன்லைனில் ஏற்றுக்கொள்ளப்படும்.

யார் விண்ணப்பிக்கலாம்? 10ஆம் வகுப்பு (குறைந்தபட்சம் 50%) அல்லது தொடர்புடைய ITI சான்றிதழ் உள்ளவர்கள். ஃபிட்டர், எலக்ட்ரீஷியன், மெஷினிஸ்ட், வெல்டர், கார்பென்டர், பெயிண்டர், எம்.எல்.டி மற்றும் PASAA பதவிகள் உள்ளன. தமிழ்நாடு வசிப்பவர்கள் மற்றும் உள்ளூர் வேலைவாய்ப்பு அலுவலகத்தில் பதிவு செய்தவர்களுக்கு முன்னுரிமை.

வயது வரம்பு மற்றும் ஊதியம் வயது 07.09.2026 அன்று கணக்கிடப்படும். ஃப்ரெஷர்கள் 15-22 வயது, எக்ஸ்-ஐடிஐ 15-24 வயது. ஸ்டைபண்ட் மாதம் ₹8,200 முதல் ₹9,600 வரை. இரண்டாம் ஆண்டில் 10% உயர்வு உண்டு.

தேர்வு முறை மற்றும் விண்ணப்பம் எழுத்துத் தேர்வு இல்லை. 10ஆம் வகுப்பு மதிப்பெண்களின் அடிப்படையில் மெரிட் பட்டியல் தயாரிக்கப்படும். ஆவண சரிபார்ப்பு மற்றும் மருத்துவ பரிசோதனைக்குப் பிறகு பயிற்சி தொடங்கும். முழு விவரங்களுக்கு pb.icf.gov.in ஐப் பார்வையிடவும்.

How Are Candidates Selected?

Selection is purely merit-based. No written exam or interview.

1. Merit list prepared on the basis of marks obtained in Class 10 (or equivalent).
2. In case of tie: older candidate preferred; if age also same, earlier Class 10 pass date is considered.
3. Trade allotment for Freshers is done according to merit rank and vacancy. Ex-ITI candidates are trained only in the trade of their ITI certificate.
4. Document Verification.
5. Medical Examination (certificate from a Government doctor not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon).

Physical fitness as per the Apprentices Act, 1961 is mandatory. Candidates found medically unfit will not be engaged.

Why Does ICF Chennai Matter?

Integral Coach Factory, Chennai is one of Indian Railways’ premier production units. It manufactures passenger coaches, including modern LHB and stainless-steel coaches, for the entire railway network. Training here gives exposure to large-scale coach production lines, welding, electrical systems and quality control practices used across Indian Railways.

The apprenticeship is recognised under the Apprentices Act and NCVT. Many past apprentices have used the certificate to secure Level-1 railway posts or skilled jobs in private coach-building and auto component units. The downside is clear: this is training only. There is no absorption guarantee into ICF or any other railway unit after completion.

The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst’s Take

Railway Act Apprentice drives at production units like ICF, RCF Kapurthala and MCF Raebareli remain the most practical skill-entry route for 10th and ITI holders in Tamil Nadu. Compared with RCF Kapurthala’s parallel 734-seat notification, ICF offers higher total seats and a stronger preference for local candidates, which improves selection chances for Tamil Nadu applicants.

Best fit: Fresh 10th-pass candidates from Tamil Nadu who want structured shop-floor training and a recognised NCVT certificate, and Ex-ITI holders in Fitter, Welder or Electrician looking for a one-year railway environment exposure.

Who should skip: Graduates or diploma holders hoping for permanent absorption, and candidates unwilling to work in a factory setting with fixed training hours and no guarantee of a railway job afterwards.

Practical tip: Complete Tamil Nadu Employment Exchange registration (if not already done) before applying — it strengthens your claim under the preference clause and avoids last-minute document issues at DV.

What Documents Are Required?

• Class 10 mark sheet and certificate (or IX / half-yearly for COVID-batch candidates)
• ITI / NCVT / SCVT certificate (for Ex-ITI)
• 12th mark sheet (for MLT candidates)
• Proof of date of birth
• Caste / PwBD / EWS certificate (if applicable)
• Tamil Nadu residence or Employment Exchange registration proof
• Railway employee’s Identity Card / Service Certificate / UMID / PPO (for wards)
• Passport-size photograph and signature
• Medical fitness certificate (at DV stage)

What Happens After Selection?

1. Merit list is published on the ICF portal.
2. Shortlisted candidates receive call for Document Verification.
3. Medical examination is conducted; only fit candidates proceed.
4. Apprenticeship contract is signed (guardian signs for minors).
5. Training begins at ICF Chennai in the allotted trade for the prescribed period (1–2 years).
6. On successful completion, NCVT certificate is issued. No automatic absorption into railway service.

Contact & Helpline

Helpdesk for Act Apprentice 2026 is available on the official portal: pb.icf.gov.in/act2026_cc/helpdesk_entry.php

For general queries, check the recruitment section of pb.icf.gov.in.

Also Read: TNSTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 1518 Graduate, Diploma & Non-Engineering Posts

⚠️ Contact details sourced from the official notification/website. Verify before contacting. NEVER pay any money over phone or to any person claiming to offer job assistance. Report fraud to cybercrime.gov.in.

Important Links – ICF Act Apprentice 2026

FAQs – ICF Chennai Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Q1: What is the last date to apply for ICF Act Apprentice 2026?

A: 07 September 2026 (17:30 hrs). Late applications are not accepted, and no extension has been announced as of 10 August 2026.

Q2: What is the age limit for ICF Act Apprentice?

A: Freshers 15–22 years and Ex-ITI 15–24 years as on 07 September 2026. OBC gets 3 years, SC/ST 5 years and PwBD 10 years relaxation.

Q3: Is there an exam for ICF Act Apprentice, or is it interview-based?

A: No written exam or interview. Selection is purely on Class 10 marks merit, followed by document verification and medical examination.

Q4: What is the stipend of an ICF Act Apprentice?

A: Freshers (Class 10) receive ₹8,200 per month. Class 12 Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates receive ₹9,600 per month. A 10% increase applies in the second year.

Q5: Can final-year students or result-awaited candidates apply for ICF 2026?

A: No. You must have already passed the required 10th or 12th examination with a minimum of 50% marks before the last date.

Q6: Is an ICF Act Apprentice a permanent government job?

A: No. This is apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Completion does not guarantee permanent employment in ICF or Indian Railways.

Q7: Can candidates from other states apply for ICF recruitment?

A: Preference is given to Tamil Nadu residents and Employment Exchange registrants. Wards of Railway employees are exempt from this condition. Others may apply but face lower priority.

Q8: Where will I be posted if I get selected for ICF Act Apprentice?

A: Training is conducted at Integral Coach Factory, Chennai. No other location is notified.

Q9: Will I get a permanent job after ICF apprenticeship?

A: No automatic absorption. The NCVT certificate helps in future railway Level-1 and private skilled jobs, but selection depends on separate recruitment drives.

Q10: Is ITI mandatory for ICF Act Apprentice?

A: Not for freshers’ seats. Ex-ITI seats require a relevant NCVT/SCVT certificate. MLT posts need 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Q11: What are the disadvantages of this apprenticeship?

A: Here’s the catch — it is pure training with no job guarantee, fixed stipend without allowances, and you must stay at your own cost in Chennai for the full training period.

Q12: How much do railway Act Apprentices earn in India?

A: Most railway production units pay ₹7,000–₹9,600 per month depending on trade and whether the candidate is Fresher or Ex-ITI, as per current Apprentices Act rates.

Q13: Is railway apprenticeship worth it for ITI holders in Tamil Nadu?

A: Yes, for skill exposure and the NCVT certificate, especially with local preference at ICF. It is less useful if your only goal is immediate permanent railway employment.

Pre-Apprenticeship Checklist – Before You Apply

• You meet the age and educational criteria as of 07 September 2026.
• You understand this is a contractual apprenticeship with no automatic permanent claim after completion.
• You are ready for hands-on training in the allotted trade at ICF Chennai.
• You understand the stipend (₹8,200–₹9,600) and can plan living costs in Chennai.
• You are prepared to maintain attendance and discipline as per the Apprentices Act, 1961.

📄 Source: Official notification released by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai on 08 August 2026 (Notification No. APP/01/2026-2027). All details sourced from the official notification PDF available at pb.icf.gov.in.