Vacancies: 6777 · Posts: 1 (Act Apprentice – multiple trades) · Type: Apprenticeship (under Apprentices Act, 1961) · Mode: Online · Fee: ₹100 (exemptions apply) · Apply: 20 Jul–19 Aug 2026 · Stipend: ₹9,600/month (minimum) · Selection: Merit-based (no written exam) · Location: NFR units in Assam, West Bengal & Bihar
Northeast Frontier Railway has opened 6,777 Act Apprentice slots for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 training cycles under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This is one of the largest railway apprenticeship drives in the eastern region this year.
The notification (No. NFR/NAPS/ACT APP./2026 dated 14 July 2026) covers multiple trades across eight divisions and workshops. Candidates with 10th pass + ITI in relevant trades can apply online from 20 July to 19 August 2026.
Applications are accepted only through the official NFR website. Selection is purely merit-based on academic marks — there is no written exam. This suits ITI holders who want structured railway training without competing in a tough CBT.
Who Should Apply?
- 10th pass + ITI/NTC holders in notified trades (Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Turner, Machinist, COPA, Plumber, Carpenter, Mechanic Diesel and many others) → Act Apprentice – ~6,777 posts
- 12th Science (PCB) holders → Medical Laboratory Technician (Pathology/Radiology) posts
- Candidates comfortable with training in Northeast Frontier Railway units (Assam, parts of West Bengal and Bihar)
- Those seeking hands-on skill development in a central government organisation with possible future preference in Level-1 recruitment
Note: SC/ST/PwBD candidates get relaxation in the minimum 50% marks requirement in Matriculation.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 14 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 20 July 2026 (09:00 hrs) |
| Online Application End | 19 August 2026 (17:30 hrs) |
| Document Verification | To be notified (shortlisted candidates only) |
| Training Start | As per unit schedule |
Quick Overview – NFR Act Apprentice 2026
- Organisation: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Indian Railways
- Sector: Railways & Transportation
- Notification No.: NFR/NAPS/ACT APP./2026
- Total Slots: 6777 (provisional)
- Post Name: Act Apprentice (various designated trades)
- Job Type: Apprenticeship Training (fixed tenure, no automatic absorption)
- Mode: Online only
- Application Portal: www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in
- Stipend: Minimum ₹9,600 per month (subject to revision as per latest government order)
- Selection: Merit on 10th + ITI marks → Document Verification → Medical fitness
- Job Location: NFR divisions and workshops (primarily Assam, West Bengal, Bihar)
What Posts Are Available?
Act Apprentice | 6777 posts | 10th + ITI in relevant trade (most trades) or 12th Science for MLT | Stipend ₹9,600/month (minimum)
Note: Vacancies are distributed across units (Katihar, Alipurduar, Rangiya, Lumding, Tinsukia, New Bongaigaon Workshop, Dibrugarh Workshop, HQ/Maligaon) and multiple trades. Complete unit-wise and trade-wise breakup is given in Annexures I to VIII of the official notification. Candidates must give preference for Unit-Department-Trade combination while applying. One combination will be allotted based on merit and preference.
What Is the Age Limit?
15 to 24 years as on 19 August 2026.
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD: 10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 10 years + 3 years (subject to conditions)
Examples:
- ✅ A 23-year-old UR candidate born on 20 August 2003 — eligible (within 24-year limit as on 19 August 2026).
- ❌ A 25-year-old UR candidate born on 18 August 2001 — not eligible (exceeds maximum age by 1 year).
Use our Age Eligibility Calculator to check instantly.
What Is the Stipend?
Minimum ₹9,600 per month for NTC/STC holders (effective from 11 September 2025 as per G.S.R. 610(E) dated 03-09-2025).
Subsequent years see increases:
- 2nd year: ₹10,560/month (10% increase)
- 3rd year: ₹11,040/month (15% increase)
Stipend is subject to revision. No hostel accommodation is provided. This is a training stipend under the Apprentices Act — not a regular government salary with DA, HRA or pension.
Calculate your approximate take-home using our Income Tax Calculator (many apprentices fall below the taxable threshold).
What Is the Application Fee?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| UR / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women / EBC | Nil |
Modification/correction fee: ₹50 per occasion after final submission.
Fee is non-refundable. Payment is online through the portal.
How to Apply?
- Visit the official NFR website: www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in
- Go to General Info → Departments → Personnel → Act Apprentice Notification
- Register / Login and fill the online application form (one application only)
- Select your preferred Unit-Department-Trade combinations
- Upload required documents (Matriculation/ITI certificates, caste/EWS/PwBD certificates, etc.)
- Pay fee online (if applicable) and submit
- Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Applying for multiple trades/units without checking eligibility for each
- Uploading unclear or mismatched documents (leads to rejection at DV)
- Missing the exact closing time (17:30 hrs on 19 August 2026) — server load increases near the deadline
- Forgetting to give correct preference order for units/trades
- Not keeping the registration number and printout safe
Use our Photo & Signature Resizer before uploading documents.
এনএফআর (NFR) অ্যাক্ট অ্যাপ্রেন্টিস নিয়োগ ২০২৬ – ৬,৭৭৭টি পদের জন্য অনলাইন আবেদন
নৰ্থ ইষ্ট ফ্ৰণ্টিয়াৰ ৰে’লৱেয়ে ২০২৫-২৬ আৰু ২০২৬-২৭ প্ৰশিক্ষণ চক্ৰৰ বাবে ৬৭৭৭টা Act Apprentice পদৰ বাবে জাননী জাৰি কৰিছে। আবেদন ২০ জুলাইৰ পৰা ১৯ আগষ্ট ২০২৬লৈ চলিব।
কোন আবেদন কৰিব পাৰে? ১০ম শ্ৰেণী উত্তীৰ্ণ + সংশ্লিষ্ট ব্যৱসায়ত ITI/NTC থকা প্ৰাৰ্থীসকলে আবেদন কৰিব পাৰে। কিছুমান চিকিৎসা সম্পৰ্কীয় ব্যৱসায়ৰ বাবে ১২শ শ্ৰেণী (বিজ্ঞান) প্ৰয়োজন। SC/ST/PwBD প্ৰাৰ্থীসকলৰ বাবে ন্যূনতম নম্বৰৰ ছাঢ় আছে।
বেতন আৰু নিৰ্বাচন প্ৰক্ৰিয়া কি? প্ৰশিক্ষণৰ সময়ত ন্যূনতম ₹৯,৬০০ মাহিলী ষ্টাইপেণ্ড পোৱা যায়। নিৰ্বাচন সম্পূৰ্ণ মেধাৰ ভিত্তিত (১০ম + ITI নম্বৰ)। কোনো লিখিত পৰীক্ষা নাই। চুটিলিষ্ট হোৱা প্ৰাৰ্থীসকলক ডকুমেণ্ট ভেৰিফিকেচন আৰু চিকিৎসা পৰীক্ষাৰ বাবে মাতা হ’ব।
আবেদন কেনেকৈ কৰিব? www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in ৱেবছাইটত অনলাইন আবেদন কৰিব লাগিব। এটা আবেদনহে দিব পাৰি। ইউনিট-বিভাগ-ব্যৱসায়ৰ পছন্দ দিব লাগিব। শেষৰ দিনা আবেদন নকৰিব — চাৰ্ভাৰত সমস্যা হ’ব পাৰে।
বিস্তৃত তথ্য আৰু আবেদনৰ বাবে চাওক: nfr.indianrailways.gov.in
How Are Candidates Selected?
Selection is purely merit-based. There is no written examination or CBT.
Process:
- Preparation of merit list (unit-wise, trade-wise, community-wise) based on average of Matriculation percentage (min 50% aggregate) and ITI/NTC marks.
- Shortlisting of candidates (approximately 1.5 times the notified vacancies).
- Document Verification (DV).
- Medical fitness examination.
- Allotment of one Unit-Department-Trade combination based on merit rank and preference order submitted by the candidate.
Tie-breaking: Older candidate by age; if the tie persists, earlier Matriculation passer.
Medical certificate in prescribed format (Annexure-XI) is mandatory at DV stage.
Why Does Northeast Frontier Railway Matter?
Northeast Frontier Railway is a major zonal railway under Indian Railways, headquartered in Guwahati. It plays a critical role in connectivity across the Northeast region and parts of West Bengal and Bihar.
Working as an Act Apprentice here gives candidates exposure to real railway workshop and maintenance environments across multiple engineering and technical trades. The organisation follows central government norms for training under the Apprentices Act.
One thing to note: Apprenticeship does not automatically lead to permanent employment. However, course-completed Act Apprentices with NCVT certificate get 20% preference in erstwhile Group D (Level-1) vacancies, subject to suitability and qualifying marks.
The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst’s Take
This NFR drive is larger than many previous cycles and comes with a clear timeline (apply by mid-August). Unlike IBPS or SSC exams that require months of preparation, this is a straightforward merit-based opportunity for ITI holders.
Who should skip this: Candidates who are only looking for immediate permanent government jobs with pension and are unwilling to serve in NFR’s operational area (Northeast focus). Also skip if you do not have the exact notified trade ITI certificate — wrong trade means rejection.
Practical tip: Fill unit and trade preferences carefully after checking Annexures. Higher preference cancels lower ones. Keep all original documents ready for DV because shortlisting happens fast after the merit list.
Compared to previous NFR apprentice notifications, the process remains merit-only with no exam — a relief for many ITI candidates.
What Documents Are Required?
- Matriculation (10th) marksheet and certificate
- ITI/NTC/STC marksheet and certificate (or provisional)
- 12th marksheet (only for Medical Laboratory Technician trades)
- Caste / EWS / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen certificate (if applicable)
- EBC certificate (for fee exemption, issued on or after 01-04-2026)
- Medical fitness certificate in prescribed format (Annexure-XI)
- Recent passport-size photographs and signature
- Aadhaar card / other ID proof
Document Alert: Upload clear scanned copies. Mismatch or poor quality documents lead to rejection at Document Verification stage. Keep originals ready — they will be verified physically.
Also Read: BTSC Technician & Assistant Bacteriologist Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 13 Posts
What Happens After Selection?
- Offer / Contract: Shortlisted candidates receive communication for Document Verification. Successful candidates enter into a Contract of Apprenticeship Training.
- Training Period: As per the designated trade and unit schedule (usually 1–2 years depending on the trade).
- Stipend & Attendance: Receive a monthly stipend. Maintain minimum attendance as per Apprentices Act norms.
- Assessment: Periodic assessment during training. Course completion certificate (NCVT) awarded on successful completion.
- Future Opportunity: No automatic absorption. However, eligible course-completed apprentices get 20% preference in Level-1 (Group D) vacancies in Indian Railways, subject to rules.
Training is hands-on in railway workshops and does not guarantee a permanent post.
Contact & Helpline
Recruitment-related queries are handled through the official NFR website helpdesk tab under the Act Apprentice section.
Official Website: www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in
⚠️ Contact details sourced from the official notification/website. Verify before contacting. NEVER pay any money over the phone or to any person claiming to offer job assistance. Report fraud to cybercrime.gov.in.
Important Links – NFR Act Apprentice 2026
| Link Type | Description | URL |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Full notification with all Annexures | Check under Personnel section on nfr.indianrailways.gov.in |
| Apply Online | Online application portal | www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in → General Info → Departments → Personnel → Act Apprentice Notification |
| Official Website | Northeast Frontier Railway | nfr.indianrailways.gov.in |
FAQs – NFR Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Q1: What is the last date to apply for NFR Act Apprentice 2026?
A: 19 August 2026 (17:30 hrs). Late applications are not accepted.
Q2: What is the age limit for NFR Act Apprentice?
A: 15 to 24 years as on 19 August 2026. SC/ST get 5 years, OBC 3 years, PwBD 10 years relaxation.
Q3: Is there a written exam for NFR Act Apprentice?
A: No. Selection is purely merit-based on 10th and ITI marks. Shortlisted candidates go for Document Verification and a medical test.
Q4: What is the stipend for NFR Act Apprentice?
A: Minimum ₹9,600 per month. It increases in subsequent years as per government orders. This is a training stipend, not regular salary.
Q5: Can final-year ITI students apply?
A: The notification requires an ITI pass certificate or provisional certificate as on the notification date (14 July 2026). Check the exact wording in the PDF if your result is awaited.
Q6: Is an NFR Act Apprentice a permanent government job?
A: No. This is apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act. There is no automatic right to employment after completion. However, 20% preference is given in Level-1 vacancies for eligible course-completed apprentices.
Q7: Can candidates from other states apply for NFR recruitment?
A: Yes. This is a zonal railway recruitment open to eligible candidates from across India. No state domicile restriction is mentioned.
Q8: Where will I be posted if selected?
A: At one of the NFR units/divisions/workshops as per your allotted Unit-Department-Trade combination. Posting is decided by merit and the preference order you submit.
Q9: Will I get a permanent job after completing NFR apprenticeship?
A: Here’s the catch — there is no guarantee of permanent employment. You will receive a course completion certificate. You get 20% preference in future Level-1 recruitments if you meet the conditions, but selection is not automatic.
Q10: Is the NFR Act Apprentice stipend good enough?
A: One thing to note — ₹9,600/month is the prescribed minimum under the latest government order. It is meant for skill training, not full-time employment. Many candidates use it as a stepping stone for railway jobs.
Q11: How do I check my NFR Act Apprentice application status?
A: Log in to the NFR recruitment portal with your registration number. Status updates are usually available after the application window closes.
Q12: What documents are needed at Document Verification?
A: Original Matriculation and ITI certificates, caste/EWS/PwBD certificates, medical fitness certificate in the prescribed format, and printout of the online application. Carry all originals as mentioned in the notification.
Q13: Is NFR apprenticeship worth doing for ITI holders?
A: Worth knowing — it gives structured training in a government railway setup with a recognised NCVT certificate. If your goal is railway-related skill development and possible future preference in Level-1 posts, it is useful. If you want immediate permanent salary and posting flexibility, consider other options.
Pre-Apprenticeship Checklist – Before You Apply
Use this checklist before you apply:
- You meet the eligibility criteria (education, age, ITI trade match).
- You understand this is a contractual apprenticeship with duration as per trade — no automatic permanent claim after completion.
- You are ready for hands-on training in railway workshops and field units.
- You understand the stipend amount (₹9,600/month minimum) and can manage with it during training.
- You are prepared to maintain attendance and discipline as per Apprentices Act norms and NFR rules.
📄 Source: Official notification released by Northeast Frontier Railway on 14 July 2026 (Notification No. NFR/NAPS/ACT APP./2026). All details sourced from the official notification PDF.
