ICF Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, under the Ministry of Railways, has announced an opportunity for eligible candidates to undergo apprenticeship training in various trades. A total of 1,010 Act Apprentice training slots are available for candidates interested in trades such as Fitter, Welder, Electrician, Machinist, Carpenter, Painter, Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) and PASAA.
According to the notification details provided for this recruitment, the online application process begins on 8 August 2026 and the last date to submit the application is 7 September 2026 at 5:30 PM. Candidates should carefully check the educational qualification, age limit, Tamil Nadu residency/employment exchange requirement and trade-specific eligibility before applying.
The ICF Apprentice selection process does not involve a written examination or interview. Candidates are shortlisted through a merit-based selection process using Class 10 marks, subject to the applicable rules and document verification.
Important: This is an apprenticeship training opportunity under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and should not be considered a direct permanent railway job. Completion of apprenticeship does not guarantee employment in Indian Railways or ICF.
ICF Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai |
| Ministry | Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
| Post / Training | Act Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 1,010 |
| Trades | Fitter, Welder, Electrician, Machinist, Carpenter, Painter, MLT, PASAA |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 8 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 September 2026, 5:30 PM |
| Selection Process | Merit-Based Selection |
| Written Examination | No |
| Interview | No |
| Training Location | Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Stipend | ₹8,200 to ₹9,600 per month |
ICF Apprentice Vacancy 2026 – Trade-Wise Details
The 1,010 apprenticeship slots are divided between Freshers and Ex-ITI candidates. Freshers are candidates who do not possess an ITI qualification, while Ex-ITI candidates have completed ITI training and possess the required National Trade Certificate or State Trade Certificate.
| Trade | Category | Vacancies | Training Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitter | Freshers | 80 | 2 Years |
| Welder | Freshers | 80 | 1 Year 3 Months |
| Electrician | Freshers | 40 | 2 Years |
| Machinist | Freshers | 40 | 2 Years |
| Carpenter | Freshers | 40 | 2 Years |
| Painter | Freshers | 40 | 2 Years |
| MLT – Radiology | Freshers | 5 | 1 Year 3 Months |
| MLT – Pathology | Freshers | 5 | 1 Year 3 Months |
| Fitter | Ex-ITI | 180 | 1 Year |
| Welder | Ex-ITI | 180 | 1 Year |
| Electrician | Ex-ITI | 160 | 1 Year |
| Carpenter | Ex-ITI | 50 | 1 Year |
| Machinist | Ex-ITI | 50 | 1 Year |
| Painter | Ex-ITI | 50 | 1 Year |
| PASAA | Ex-ITI | 10 | 1 Year |
Category-Wise Vacancy Details
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 463 |
| OBC | 276 |
| SC | 154 |
| ST | 77 |
| PwBD | 40 |
| Total | 1,010 |
ICF Apprentice 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the prescribed educational, age, residency and other eligibility conditions. Eligibility varies depending on whether the candidate is applying under the Freshers or Ex-ITI quota.
Educational Qualification for Ex-ITI Candidates
For trades such as Fitter, Electrician and Machinist, candidates should have passed Class 10 with at least 50% marks, including the required Science and Mathematics subjects, and should possess the relevant National Trade Certificate (NTC) issued by NCVT/SCVT in the applicable trade.
For Carpenter, Painter and Welder, candidates should have passed Class 10 with the required percentage and possess the relevant ITI/NTC qualification.
For PASAA, candidates must possess the prescribed ITI qualification in the relevant computer-related trade.
Educational Qualification for Freshers
Freshers applying for Fitter, Electrician, Machinist and other applicable trades should have passed Class 10 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. For trades where Science and Mathematics are specifically required, candidates must have studied the prescribed subjects.
For MLT – Radiology and MLT – Pathology, candidates should have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Important Overqualification Rule
Candidates holding a Degree, Diploma or Engineering Degree are not eligible for the applicable apprentice trades where such higher qualifications are specifically barred by the notification. Candidates who have already completed an Act Apprenticeship are also not eligible.
MLT candidates are governed by the specific qualification requirements prescribed for those trades.
ICF Apprentice 2026 Age Limit
The candidate’s age will be calculated as on 7 September 2026.
| Candidate Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Ex-ITI Candidates | 15 to 24 Years |
| Freshers / Non-ITI Candidates | 15 to 22 Years |
| SC/ST | 5 Years Relaxation |
| OBC | 3 Years Relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 Years Relaxation |
Age relaxation is applicable only as per the rules specified in the official notification. Candidates should possess valid supporting documents at the time of document verification.
Tamil Nadu Residency / Employment Exchange Requirement
An important condition of the ICF Apprentice recruitment is the prescribed Tamil Nadu eligibility requirement. Candidates should be residents of Tamil Nadu or should have registration with an Employment Exchange in Tamil Nadu, as applicable under the notification.
The Employment Exchange registration should meet the prescribed cut-off date of 7 September 2026.
Wards of eligible railway employees may be exempted from this condition subject to production of the required Railway employee Identity Card or Service Certificate and other supporting documents specified by ICF.
ICF Apprentice Salary / Stipend 2026
Selected candidates will receive a monthly apprenticeship stipend. This amount is not considered a regular railway employee salary or pay scale.
| Candidate Type | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Freshers – Class 10 | ₹8,200 |
| Freshers – Class 12 / MLT | ₹9,600 |
| Ex-ITI Candidates | ₹9,600 |
For applicable two-year apprenticeship training, the stipend may increase in the second year as prescribed under the applicable rules. Candidates should read the official notification carefully for the exact stipend provisions.
ICF does not provide a regular employee salary because the engagement is for apprenticeship training. Candidates should also note that completion of apprenticeship does not automatically result in permanent employment in Indian Railways.
ICF Apprentice Selection Process 2026
One of the biggest advantages of this recruitment is that there is no written examination and no interview.
The selection is primarily based on merit prepared from the prescribed academic marks, followed by document verification, medical fitness requirements and execution of the apprenticeship contract.
- Preparation of Merit List: Merit is prepared based on the prescribed Class 10 marks.
- Tie-Breaking: In case of a tie, the prescribed age and educational passing-date rules are applied.
- Trade Allotment: Freshers provide trade preferences, subject to merit and available vacancies.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must produce original certificates and documents.
- Medical Examination: Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness requirements.
- Apprenticeship Contract: Selected candidates execute the Contract of Apprenticeship before training begins.
Because academic marks play a major role in preparation of the merit list, candidates should enter their Class 10 marks accurately while completing the application.
Documents Required for ICF Apprentice Application
Candidates should keep the following documents ready before beginning the online application:
- Class 10 mark sheet and certificate
- Class 12 certificate and marks memo for MLT candidates
- ITI / NTC / STC certificate for Ex-ITI candidates
- Caste certificate, wherever applicable
- OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate, wherever applicable
- PwBD certificate, wherever applicable
- Tamil Nadu Employment Exchange registration details, if applicable
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Valid mobile number
- Active email ID
- Identity proof
- Other documents specified in the official notification
How to Apply for ICF Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates can apply online through the ICF recruitment portal. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official ICF recruitment website.
- Open the Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification.
- Read all eligibility conditions and instructions carefully.
- Click on the online application link.
- Register using the required personal and contact details.
- Enter your educational qualification and other information.
- Provide ITI and Employment Exchange details wherever applicable.
- Upload the required photograph and documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Review the complete application before final submission.
- Submit the application form.
- Save the Registration Number and Transaction ID.
- Download and print the acknowledgement/application form for future reference.
Candidates should ensure that their name, date of birth, marks, category and other details match their original certificates. Any discrepancy can create problems during document verification.
ICF Apprentice Application Fee 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Other Eligible Candidates | ₹100 + applicable service charges |
| SC | No Fee |
| ST | No Fee |
| PwBD | No Fee |
| Women Candidates | No Fee |
The application fee, wherever applicable, should be paid through the online payment facility provided during the application process. Candidates should save the payment transaction details after successful payment.
ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 8 August 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 8 August 2026 at 9:30 AM |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 September 2026 at 5:30 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 7 September 2026 |
| Age Cut-Off Date | 7 September 2026 |
| Employment Exchange Registration Cut-Off | 7 September 2026 |
ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Important Instructions
- Read the complete official notification before applying.
- Apply only if you satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions.
- Do not enter incorrect marks or qualification details.
- Keep your registered mobile number and email address active.
- Save the application number and payment transaction details.
- Download and preserve the acknowledgement after submission.
- Carry original certificates during document verification.
- Check the official ICF website regularly for merit list and document verification updates.
- Remember that apprenticeship training does not guarantee permanent railway employment.
ICF Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| ICF Official Website | Click Here |
| Apprentice Helpdesk | Click Here |
Note: Replace the placeholder notification/application/helpdesk links above with the exact links published by ICF before publishing the article. The official ICF portal is the preferred source for application and notification verification.
Frequently Asked Questions – ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026
How many vacancies are available in ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 1,010 apprenticeship training slots are available across different trades including Fitter, Welder, Electrician, Machinist, Carpenter, Painter, MLT and PASAA.
What is the last date to apply for ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
According to the recruitment details provided, the last date to submit the online application is 7 September 2026 at 5:30 PM.
Is there any written exam for ICF Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
No. The selection process does not include a written examination or interview. Candidates are shortlisted through the prescribed merit-based process followed by document verification and medical requirements.
What is the minimum qualification for ICF Apprentice?
For many Freshers trades, candidates need to have passed Class 10 with the prescribed minimum percentage. Ex-ITI candidates additionally need the relevant ITI/NTC qualification. MLT candidates require Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
What is the ICF Apprentice stipend?
The monthly stipend mentioned for the recruitment ranges from ₹8,200 to ₹9,600, depending on the candidate’s qualification and apprenticeship category.
Can Degree or Diploma holders apply?
Degree, Diploma and Engineering Degree holders are generally not eligible for the applicable trades where the notification specifically bars overqualified candidates. Applicants should check the exact trade-wise eligibility before applying.
Is ICF Apprentice a permanent railway job?
No. ICF Apprentice is an apprenticeship training engagement under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Completion of apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment with Indian Railways or Integral Coach Factory.
Can candidates from other states apply?
The recruitment includes a specific Tamil Nadu residency or Employment Exchange eligibility condition. Candidates should carefully verify this requirement in the official notification before submitting an application.
What is the age limit for ICF Apprentice 2026?
For Ex-ITI candidates, the age limit is generally 15 to 24 years, while Freshers have an upper age limit of 22 years, subject to the relaxation provisions specified for reserved categories and PwBD candidates.
Conclusion
ICF Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an important apprenticeship opportunity for eligible 10th, 12th and ITI-qualified candidates looking to gain technical training in the railway manufacturing sector. With 1,010 training slots across trades such as Fitter, Welder, Electrician, Machinist, Carpenter, Painter, MLT and PASAA, candidates have multiple trade options depending on their educational qualification.
The biggest advantage of the recruitment is that there is no written examination or interview, with selection based on the prescribed academic merit criteria. However, applicants should pay particular attention to the Tamil Nadu residency/Employment Exchange requirement, age limit, trade-specific educational qualification and overqualification restrictions.
Eligible candidates should complete the application well before the deadline instead of waiting until the final day. After submitting the application, keep the acknowledgement, registration details and original certificates safely for the subsequent document verification process.
Important: Candidates should always verify the latest notification, application status, dates, eligibility conditions and official links on the ICF recruitment portal before applying.
