Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Apprentice Vacancy 2026: Complete Application Guide
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), a Navratna Government of India Enterprise, has released an official notification for the engagement of Apprentice Trainees in its South Central Zone headquartered at Secunderabad. This recruitment drive offers a valuable opportunity for ITI-qualified candidates, graduates, and aspiring professionals to gain practical industry experience under the Apprenticeship Act while working with one of India's leading public sector organizations in the railway catering, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
The apprenticeship program is designed to provide hands-on learning, professional exposure, and skill development to candidates from various educational backgrounds. Through this initiative, apprentices will have an opportunity to understand the functioning of a major public sector undertaking while enhancing their employability and career prospects.
IRCTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
- Organization: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC)
- Zone: South Central Zone (SCZ), Secunderabad
- Recruitment Type: Apprentice Engagement
- Total Vacancies: 22
- Application Mode: Online
- Application Start Date: 23 October 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 20 November 2026
- Selection Process: Merit Based
- Written Exam: Not Applicable
- Interview: Not Applicable
About IRCTC
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) is a prestigious public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. The organization is primarily responsible for railway catering services, online ticketing operations, tourism packages, hospitality services, and various customer-oriented railway initiatives.
As a Navratna company, IRCTC provides an excellent learning environment for apprentices who wish to gain practical exposure in administration, human resources, finance, procurement, public relations, and information technology-related functions.
Vacancy Details
The recruitment notification has announced a total of 22 apprentice positions in different trades and departments.
| Trade | Department | Vacancies | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| COPA | All Departments | 15 | 12 Months |
| Executive Procurement | Catering | 02 | 12 Months |
| HR Executive – Payroll & Employee Data Management | Finance | 02 | 12 Months |
| Executive HR | Human Resources | 01 | 12 Months |
| Human Resource Training | HR | 01 | 06 Months |
| Media Coordinator | Public Relations | 01 | 12 Months |
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the prescribed qualification on the date specified in the notification. Different trades require different educational backgrounds.
COPA Trade
- Matriculation (10th Pass).
- ITI Certificate affiliated with NCVT/SCVT.
Executive Procurement
- Graduate pursuing Commerce.
- CA Intermediate.
- Supply Chain qualification or equivalent.
HR Executive – Payroll & Employee Data Management
- Graduate in any discipline.
Executive HR
- Graduate in any discipline.
Human Resource Training
- Graduate pursuing any course.
Media Coordinator
- Graduate pursuing any discipline.
Age Limit
The age of applicants will be calculated as on 01 October 2026.
- Minimum Age: 15 Years
- Maximum Age: 25 Years
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST Candidates: 5 Years
- OBC Candidates: 3 Years
- Ex-Servicemen: 10 Years
- PwBD Candidates: 10 Years
Place of Posting
Selected apprentices may be posted anywhere within the jurisdiction of IRCTC South Central Zone. The operational area includes:
- Telangana
- Andhra Pradesh
- Odisha
- Chhattisgarh
Candidates should be willing to serve at any location falling under these states as per organizational requirements.
Reservation Policy
Reservation benefits will be provided according to Government of India guidelines. The notification includes reservation provisions for:
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL)
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
- Ex-Servicemen
Candidates claiming reservation benefits must submit valid certificates during document verification.
EWS Reservation Eligibility
Applicants belonging to Economically Weaker Sections can claim reservation benefits if they satisfy the income and asset criteria prescribed by the Government of India.
The family income from all sources including salary, agriculture, business, and profession should meet the prescribed eligibility conditions. Candidates must possess a valid Income and Asset Certificate issued by a competent authority.
Selection Process
One of the most attractive aspects of the IRCTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is that there is no written examination and no interview.
Selection will be carried out entirely on the basis of merit prepared from marks obtained in the Matriculation Examination.
Selection Methodology
- Merit list based on matriculation marks.
- No written test.
- No viva voce.
- Original document verification.
- Final merit-based selection.
In case two candidates obtain the same marks, preference will be given to the older candidate. If age is also identical, the candidate who passed matriculation earlier will receive priority.
Document Verification Process
Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification. Selection will remain provisional until all original documents are successfully verified by IRCTC authorities.
Candidates must maintain readiness and regularly check their registered email addresses for communication regarding document verification schedules.
Training Duration
The apprenticeship duration varies depending on the trade selected.
- COPA: 12 Months
- Executive Procurement: 12 Months
- HR Executive: 12 Months
- Executive HR: 12 Months
- Media Coordinator: 12 Months
- Human Resource Training: 06 Months
Stipend Details
Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend as per apprenticeship rules applicable during the training period.
| Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Class 5th to 9th Pass | ₹6,800 |
| Class 10th Pass | ₹8,200 |
| Class 12th Pass | ₹9,600 |
| National/State Certificate Holders | ₹9,600 |
| Vocational Apprentices | ₹9,600 |
| Diploma Apprentices | ₹10,900 |
| Graduate Apprentices | ₹12,300 |
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready before applying and attending document verification.
- 10th Marksheet
- ITI Marksheet and Certificate
- Graduation Marksheet and Degree (where applicable)
- Proof of Date of Birth
- NCVT/SCVT Trade Certificate
- CA Inter or Equivalent Qualification Documents
- Caste Certificate
- EWS Certificate
- Disability Certificate
- Ex-Servicemen Certificate
- Recent Passport Size Photograph
- Apprenticeship Registration Details
How to Apply Online
Eligible candidates must apply through the National Apprenticeship Portal within the prescribed timeline.
- Visit the Apprenticeship India portal.
- Complete candidate registration.
- Login using your credentials.
- Search for IRCTC South Central Zone Apprenticeship Notification.
- Select the eligible trade.
- Upload required details.
- Submit the application online.
- Keep a copy of the application for future reference.
Apply Online: National Apprenticeship Portal
Important Dates
- Online Application Start Date: 23 October 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 20 November 2026
Why This Apprenticeship is Valuable
Apprenticeship training with IRCTC allows candidates to gain practical workplace exposure while learning directly from experienced professionals. The program helps participants understand organizational workflows, develop technical and administrative skills, and improve employability in both government and private sectors.
For fresh graduates and ITI holders, such training serves as an important stepping stone toward long-term career growth. The practical knowledge acquired during the apprenticeship often proves beneficial while applying for future jobs and professional opportunities.
Important Instructions
- Applications containing incorrect information may be rejected.
- Original documents are mandatory during verification.
- No TA/DA will be provided for attending verification.
- Trade changes will not be permitted after selection.
- Selection is purely merit-based.
- Any attempt at impersonation or submission of fake documents can lead to disqualification.
- The decision of IRCTC shall be final in all recruitment matters.
Conclusion
The IRCTC South Central Zone Apprentice Recruitment 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for ITI certificate holders, graduates, and aspiring professionals to begin their careers with a prestigious Government of India enterprise. With 22 vacancies across multiple trades, no written examination, merit-based selection, and attractive monthly stipends, the apprenticeship program offers both learning and career-building opportunities. Interested candidates should complete their registration through the Apprenticeship India portal before the closing date and ensure all required documents are prepared in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is IRCTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
- IRCTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a training engagement program announced by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), South Central Zone, for the engagement of Apprentice Trainees in various trades and departments under the Apprenticeship Act.
- How many vacancies have been announced under IRCTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
- A total of 22 apprentice vacancies have been announced across multiple trades, including COPA, Executive Procurement, HR Executive, Human Resource Training, and Media Coordinator.
- What is the last date to apply for IRCTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
- The last date to submit the online application through the Apprenticeship India portal is 20 November 2026.
- When did the online application process start?
- The online application process commenced on 23 October 2026.
- Who can apply for the COPA Apprentice post?
- Candidates who have passed Matriculation (10th Class) and possess an ITI Certificate affiliated with NCVT or SCVT are eligible to apply for the COPA trade.
- What is the age limit for IRCTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
- Applicants should be between 15 and 25 years of age as on 01 October 2026. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories as per Government of India rules.
- What age relaxation is available for reserved category candidates?
- SC/ST candidates are eligible for 5 years relaxation, OBC candidates for 3 years, Ex-Servicemen for 10 years, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) for 10 years.
- What is the selection process for IRCTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
- Selection will be based purely on merit prepared from the percentage of marks obtained in the matriculation examination. There will be no written examination and no interview.
- Will IRCTC conduct any written test for apprentice selection?
- No. The official notification clearly states that there will be no written test or viva voce for the apprenticeship engagement process.
- How will candidates with the same marks be ranked?
- In case of a tie, preference will be given to the candidate who is older in age. If both age and marks are the same, the candidate who passed matriculation earlier will be given preference.
- What is the training duration under this apprenticeship program?
- Most apprenticeship trades have a training duration of 12 months, whereas the Human Resource Training position carries a training duration of 6 months.
- What stipend will selected apprentices receive?
- The stipend ranges from ₹6,800 to ₹12,300 per month depending on the educational qualification and apprenticeship category of the selected candidate.
- Where can selected apprentices be posted?
- Selected candidates may be posted anywhere under the jurisdiction of IRCTC South Central Zone, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
- Is reservation available in IRCTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
- Yes. Reservation benefits are available for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen categories as per Government of India guidelines.
- Can EWS candidates apply for reserved vacancies?
- Yes. Eligible candidates belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category can claim reservation benefits by producing a valid Income and Asset Certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Which documents are required during document verification?
- Candidates must produce original educational certificates, age proof, ITI certificates, caste certificates, disability certificates, EWS certificates, photographs, and other documents mentioned in the notification.
- Is registration on the Apprenticeship India portal mandatory?
- Yes. Candidates must register on the National Apprenticeship Portal and provide their registration details during the application process.
- How can I apply for IRCTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
- Candidates can apply online through the National Apprenticeship Portal: Apply Online
- Will IRCTC provide travel allowance for document verification?
- No. IRCTC will not provide any TA, DA, conveyance allowance, or travel expenses for attending document verification.
- Can candidates change their trade after selection?
- No. Once selected and engaged in a particular trade, candidates will not be permitted to change their trade during the apprenticeship period.