Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai
ICF Chennai Apprentice Vacancy 2026
Act Apprentice Engagement Notification 2026-27 | 1010 Apprentice Training Slots
SarkariEdge.in
Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, operating under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, has published an official notification for the engagement of Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 for the training session 2026-27. Candidates seeking practical technical training in Indian Railways can apply for the total 1010 designated training slots. The total seats include allocations for both Ex-ITI certificate holders and Freshers (Non-ITI), alongside specialized slots for Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) disciplines and PASAA trade.
The online registration window was formally activated on 08 August 2026 following the release of the official advertisement on 07 August 2026. Prospective applicants must submit their application forms electronically through the official ICF web portal prior to the deadline on 07 September 2026 at 05:30 PM. No offline applications will be entertained by the administration under any circumstances.
ICF Chennai Apprentice Vacancy 2026 Important Highlights
The core administrative parameters regarding the training engagement, official department details, and operational timelines are organized below for quick verification:
| Parameter | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai |
| Post Designation | Act Apprentice (Ex-ITI & Freshers) |
| Total Advertised Slots | 1010 Posts |
| Training Session | 2026 – 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online Mode Only |
| Notification Date | 07 August 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Application Closing Date | 07 September 2026 (till 05:30 PM) |
| Official Website | pb.icf.gov.in |
ICF Apprentice Vacancy Breakup 2026
The distribution of training slots is categorized based on the candidate’s qualification background, distinguishing Ex-ITI certificate holders from Freshers and technical disciplines. Candidates must review the exact slot allocation before choosing their training category:
| Category / Quota Type | Allocated Slots |
|---|---|
| Ex-ITI Category (Main Trades) | 670 Slots |
| Freshers Category (Main Trades) | 320 Slots |
| MLT (Radiology & Pathology) | 10 Slots |
| PASAA Trade | 10 Slots |
| Total Combined Slots | 1010 Slots |
Application Fee Details
Candidates submitting applications for the ICF Act Apprentice recruitment must pay a non-refundable processing fee through the integrated online portal system. Candidates belonging to exempted categories are not required to pay the application fee.
| Candidate Category | Processing Fee Payable |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) / OBC / EWS Men | ₹100/- + applicable service charges |
| SC / ST / PwBD / All Female Candidates | Exempted (NIL Fee) |
Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualifications
To participate in the ICF Apprentice training program, applicants must satisfy strict educational prerequisites depending on whether they apply under the Ex-ITI category, Freshers category, or specialized streams.
Educational Qualifications for Ex-ITI Candidates
Ex-ITI applicants must possess a Class 10th (Std X) qualification with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (with Science & Mathematics under the 10+2 system for applicable technical trades), alongside a valid National or State Trade Certificate (NCVT/SCVT) in the designated discipline. The duration of apprenticeship training for Ex-ITI candidates across all trades is 1 Year.
| Trade Name | Educational & Technical Requirements | Training Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Fitter, Electrician, Machinist | 10th Pass with min 50% marks including Science & Math + NCVT/SCVT Trade Certificate in relevant discipline | 1 Year |
| Carpenter, Painter, Welder | 10th Pass with min 50% aggregate marks + NCVT/SCVT Trade Certificate in relevant trade | 1 Year |
| PASAA | 10th Pass with min 50% marks + National/State Trade Certificate in COPA/PASAA or specified equivalent | 1 Year |
Educational Qualifications for Freshers (Non-ITI) Candidates
Freshers applying without prior ITI training must meet standard academic requirements. The training period for Freshers varies depending on the selected trade:
| Trade / Stream Name | Prescribed Qualification Requirements | Training Period |
|---|---|---|
| Fitter, Electrician, Machinist | 10th Pass with minimum 50% aggregate marks with Science & Mathematics | 2 Years |
| Carpenter, Painter | 10th Pass with minimum 50% aggregate marks | 2 Years |
| Welder | 10th Pass with minimum 50% aggregate marks | 1 Year 3 Months |
| MLT (Radiology & Pathology) | 12th / HSC Pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects | 1 Year 3 Months |
Note on Higher Educational Qualifications: Candidates possessing higher educational qualifications such as Engineering Diploma, B.E., B.Tech, or Graduation degrees, or candidates who have already undergone Act Apprenticeship training elsewhere, are generally ineligible for these trade apprenticeship positions (except MLT candidates who explicitly require 12th Pass with PCB).
Age Limit Standards
Applicants must adhere to the age standards prescribed by Integral Coach Factory rules as of the cutoff parameters defined in the notification:
- Minimum Age Requirement: 15 Years for all candidates.
- Maximum Age Limit (Ex-ITI Candidates): 24 Years.
- Maximum Age Limit (Freshers / Non-ITI): 22 Years.
- Age Relaxation Criteria: Upper age relaxation is admissible for reserved categories according to Central Government regulations—5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC candidates, and 10 years for PwBD candidates.
Monthly Stipend Structure
Selected candidates will receive a consolidated monthly stipend during their training tenure at Integral Coach Factory. The stipend rate depends on the entry qualification and training progression:
| Candidate Category | Monthly Stipend Amount |
|---|---|
| Freshers – Class 10th Pass Entry | ₹8,200 per month |
| Freshers – Class 12th Pass Entry (MLT) | ₹9,600 per month |
| Ex-ITI Certificate Holders | ₹9,600 per month |
| Second Year Progression Increment | 10% increase in the prescribed base stipend |
Important Note: The amount provided above represents a stipend for technical training under the Apprentices Act and does not constitute regular employment or permanent employee salaries in Indian Railways.
Selection Process Method
The engagement process for ICF Act Apprentices involves no written examination or oral interview. Selection is conducted systematically through merit list evaluation as described below:
- Merit List Formulation: The merit list is prepared strictly based on the aggregate marks scored by candidates in Class 10th (Matriculation) examinations.
- Ex-ITI Selection Basis: For Ex-ITI candidates, trade allotment is finalized based on their ITI trade qualification, subject to meeting the 10th class minimum percentage criteria.
- Tie-Breaker Rules: If two or more candidates secure identical aggregate marks, the older candidate in age gets preference. If the birth dates are also identical, the candidate who passed the Class 10th examination earlier is prioritized.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates from the merit list will be called for Document Verification and medical fitness confirmation prior to final training onboarding.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
Eligible candidates can complete the online registration form by following the step-by-step instructions detailed below:
- Visit the official ICF Chennai recruitment web portal at pb.icf.gov.in.
- Locate and open the official notification link for Act Apprentice Engagement 2026-27.
- Read all eligibility instructions carefully before proceeding to the registration page.
- Fill in basic details including full name, father’s name, date of birth, contact details, and academic marks accurately.
- Select the correct category (Ex-ITI or Fresher) and choose trade preferences based on your qualifications.
- Upload required scanned documents including recent passport-size photograph and signature in JPG/JPEG format as per prescribed file size limits.
- Pay the ₹100 processing fee through online payment gateway channels if applicable.
- Cross-check all filled details in the preview option before submitting the final form online before 07 September 2026 (05:30 PM).
- Print out a copy of the generated application confirmation page for future reference during document verification.
Important Links
Direct access to official web pages, notification documents, and social channels are provided in the table below:
| Action Name | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Group | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many total training slots are offered in ICF Chennai Apprentice Vacancy 2026?
A: A total of 1010 training slots are advertised, comprising 670 slots for Ex-ITI candidates, 320 slots for Freshers, 10 slots for MLT streams, and 10 slots for PASAA trade.
Q2: What is the deadline to apply online for ICF Chennai Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A: The online application submission deadline is 07 September 2026 until 05:30 PM.
Q3: Is there any written examination for selection in ICF Apprentice 2026?
A: No written examination or interview is conducted. Candidates are shortlisted purely on the basis of Class 10th marks merit.
Q4: What is the minimum age required to apply for ICF Act Apprentice?
A: Applicants must have completed at least 15 years of age. Upper age limit is 24 years for Ex-ITI and 22 years for Freshers.
Q5: What stipend is paid to selected Act Apprentices in ICF Chennai?
A: Freshers (Class 10th pass) receive ₹8,200 per month, while Class 12th pass Freshers (MLT) and Ex-ITI candidates receive ₹9,600 per month.
Q6: Are candidates with higher technical degrees like B.E. or B.Tech eligible?
A: No, candidates holding higher qualifications like Degree or Diploma in Engineering are generally not eligible for these trade apprentice positions.
Q7: What is the application fee for female candidates in ICF Apprentice Bharti 2026?
A: All female candidates, as well as SC, ST, and PwBD applicants, are completely exempted from paying any application processing fee.
Q8: Does completion of apprenticeship training guarantee permanent employment in Indian Railways?
A: No. Apprenticeship training does not confer any right or guarantee for permanent job placement in ICF or Indian Railways.
Join WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE
