The Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala (Punjab), functioning under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, has officially released Notice No. A-1/2026 dated 07.08.2026. RCF invites online applications in the prescribed format from eligible candidates for the engagement of 734 Act-Apprentices for imparting training at the Technical Training Centre under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
This mega recruitment drive offers 734 vacancies across various high-demand technical trades including Fitter, Welder (G&E), Machinist, Painter, Carpenter, Electrician, AC & Ref. Mechanic, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), and Electronic Mechanic.
The online application portal opens with the notification release, and candidates can register their applications online on the authorized website until 05 September 2026 (up to 24:00 hours). Read this comprehensive article to check the trade-wise vacancy breakdown, educational qualifications, age limit, selection methodology, application fee details, and step-by-step application guidelines.
Quick Review: RCF Kapurthala Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Important Dates Schedule
Candidates must submit their applications well before the midnight deadline to avoid last-minute server congestion.
Trade-Wise Vacancy Breakdown
A total of 734 seats are distributed across 9 designated trades with category-wise reservations as detailed below:
Eligibility Criteria (Education & Age Limit)
1. Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have passed 10th class examination or its equivalent (under 10+2 system) with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized Board.
- Must possess a National Trade Certificate (ITI) in the notified trade issued by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT).
2. Age Limit (As on 05.09.2026):
- Minimum Age: 15 years.
- Maximum Age: 24 years.
Age Relaxations:
- SC / ST Candidates: 5 years
- OBC Candidates: 3 years
- Persons with Disability (PWD): 10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: Up to an additional 10 years (service rendered in Defense Forces + 3 years, provided they served for a minimum of 6 months).
Application Fee
Selection Process & Merit Calculation
- No Written Test or Interview: The selection of candidates will be made purely based on a merit list prepared from all eligible applicants.
- Merit Calculation Formula: The merit list is prepared using the simple average percentage of marks obtained in Matriculation (minimum 50% aggregate marks) + ITI marks in the specific trade.
- Tie-Breaker: If two candidates secure equal marks, the older candidate in age will be preferred. If dates of birth are also identical, the candidate who passed matriculation earlier will be considered first.
- Medical Fitness: Shortlisted candidates must produce a medical certificate signed by a Government Authorized Doctor (Gazetted) not below the rank of Asst. Surgeon of a Central/State Hospital.
How to Apply Online for RCF Kapurthala Apprentice 2026?
- Visit Official Website: Go to the official RCF recruitment portal at
www.rcf.indianrailways.gov.inor the direct application linkhttps://pardarsy.railnet.gov.in/apprentice-2026/login. - Register Online: Complete the registration using your personal and bio-data details. A unique Registration Number will be generated for tracking.
- Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-size color photograph (size 3.5cm x 3.5cm, 20kb–70kb) and your scanned signature (20kb–30kb) in JPG/JPEG format.
- Pay Fee: Complete the online fee payment of Rs. 100/- via the payment link provided after 2 days of successful form submission (exempted for SC/ST/PWD/Women).
- Print Application: Take a printout of the final submitted application form for future document verification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in RCF Kapurthala Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Ans: Rail Coach Factory (RCF) Kapurthala has announced a total of 734 vacancies for Act Apprentices across various trades.
Q2. What is the last date to apply online?
Ans: The last date for online registration and application submission is 05 September 2026 up to 24:00 hours.
Q3. What is the educational qualification required?
Ans: Candidates must have passed the 10th class examination with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and possess a National Trade Certificate (ITI) in the notified trade from NCVT.
Q4. Is there any written exam or interview for selection?
Ans: No, there is no written exam or interview. Selection is made strictly on the basis of a merit list prepared by calculating the average percentage of marks in Matriculation and ITI.
Q5. What is the application fee?
Ans: The application fee is Rs. 100/- for General and OBC candidates. SC, ST, PWD, and Women candidates are completely exempted from paying the fee.
Q6. What is the age limit to apply?
Ans: Candidates must be between 15 and 24 years of age as of 05.09.2026, with upper age relaxations applicable for reserved categories.
Q7. Does this apprenticeship guarantee a regular job in Railways?
Ans: No, imparting training in Railways does not confer any right to the candidate for regular absorption or employment in Railways after completion of training.
Q8. Where can I apply online?
Ans: You can apply online through the official RCF portal at pardarsy.railnet.gov.in/apprentice-2026/login or www.rcf.indianrailways.gov.in.
