You're 18, you've finished your ITI in welding, and you're looking for that first real break. Or maybe you've just completed your 12th with science subjects and want to explore a career in medical lab work. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has just opened the door with a massive apprenticeship drive: 6,777 positions spread across eight divisions in the Northeast. This is one of the largest apprentice recruitment pushes in the region, and the application window is tight. As per the Sarkari Advt. No. NFR/NAPS/ACT APP./2026 | Read Short Details Notification published on Vacancywallah.in, the online application starts on 20 July 2026 and closes on 19 August 2026. Let's walk through what you need to know to make this happen.
At a Glance
- Total vacancies: 6,777 apprentice positions across eight NFR divisions
- Application period: July 20 to August 19, 2026 (online only)
- Age requirement: 15 to 24 years as on August 19, 2026
- Application fee: Rs. 100 for General/OBC; free for SC/ST/PwBD/EBC and women candidates
- Monthly stipend: Rs. 9,600 to Rs. 11,040 depending on year and exemption status
- Qualification: ITI (for trades like Fitter, Welder, Electrician) or 12th pass with science (for Medical Lab Technician)
The Money Question: Fee, Stipend and What You're Getting
First things first: the application fee. If you fall under General or OBC category, you'll pay Rs. 100 to apply. That's a small amount, but it's non-refundable, so make sure your documents are in order before you hit submit. If you're SC, ST, a person with benchmark disability (PwBD), EBC, or a woman candidate, you don't pay anything. The fee goes through an online payment gateway, so have your debit card or internet banking ready when you apply.
Now for the real money: the stipend. As an apprentice, you won't earn a salary in the traditional sense, but you'll receive a consolidated monthly amount. If you're an NTC or STC holder, you start at Rs. 9,600 per month. In your second year, if you qualify for exemption, it goes up to Rs. 10,560. By your third year, it climbs to Rs. 11,040. These are decent amounts for an apprenticeship, and you're learning a trade while you earn. For an 18-year-old with an ITI, that's a solid foundation.
Who Should Apply: Match Your Profile Against the Requirements
This recruitment has two main tracks, and you need to know which one fits you.
Track 1: ITI Trades (Fitter, Welder, Electrician, and others)
If you've completed an ITI in any notified trade, you're the primary candidate here. You must have passed Matriculation (Class 10) or an equivalent with at least 50% aggregate marks. More importantly, you need a National Trade Certificate (NTC) issued by NCVT or a State Trade Certificate (STC) issued by SCVT in the specific trade you're applying for. The certificate has to match the trade division where you're applying. A Fitter certificate won't help you get into a Welder position, so read the division details carefully.
Track 2: Medical Laboratory Technician (Pathology and Radiology)
This one is different. You don't need an ITI. Instead, you must have passed 12th grade under the 10+2 system with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as your subjects. You also need at least 50% marks in both your 10th and 12th exams. This is a specialized role, so the qualification bar is clear and non-negotiable.
Age is straightforward: you must be between 15 and 24 years old as of August 19, 2026. That's the cutoff date, so if you turn 25 on August 20, you're out. Check your date of birth against this rule before applying.
The Divisions: Where Are These 6,777 Jobs?
NFR operates across the Northeast, and the vacancies are spread across eight divisions and workshops. Here's the breakdown:
| Division / Workshop | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Katihar (KIR) and Tindharia (TDH) Workshop | 1,103 |
| Alipurduar (APDJ) | 651 |
| Rangiya (RNY) | 750 |
| Lumding (LMG) | 1,274 |
| Tinsukia (TSK) | 860 |
| New Bongaigaon Workshop (NBQS) and Engineering Workshop | 881 |
| Dibrugarh Workshop (DBWS) | 763 |
| Headquarter (HQ) / Maligaon | 495 |
| Total | 6,777 |
Lumding has the most positions at 1,274, followed by Katihar-Tindharia with 1,103. If you're based in Assam or nearby states, check which division is closest to you. The apprenticeship will be location-specific, so you'll likely work at or near the division where you're selected. Some candidates apply to multiple divisions if they're willing to relocate; check the notification to see if cross-division applications are allowed.
Application Timeline: Mark Your Calendar Now
The application window is exactly 31 days, and it's not renewable. Here's what you need to know:
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Application starts | July 20, 2026 at 09:00 hrs |
| Application closes | August 19, 2026 at 17:30 hrs |
| Selection schedule | To be notified later on the recruitment portal |
Don't wait until the last week. The NFR recruitment portal often faces heavy traffic in the final days, and server slowdowns are common. Apply by early August if you can. You'll need your ITI certificate number or your 12th pass details, your Aadhaar number, your date of birth, and your bank account information for the stipend transfer. Have all of this ready before you start the application.
How to Apply: The Online Process
All applications are submitted online through the NFR recruitment portal. You won't find paper forms or walk-in counters for this. Here's the rough flow:
- Visit the official NFR recruitment website.
- Register with your email and mobile number.
- Fill in your personal and educational details.
- Upload scanned copies of your Matriculation or 12th certificate, ITI certificate (if applicable), Aadhaar card, and any other required documents as per the notification.
- Select your preferred division and trade.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) through the online gateway.
- Submit and download the confirmation receipt.
Keep your receipt safe. You'll need it to track your application status and download your admit card later.
Important Web-Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Visit |
| Download Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | Visit |
| VacancyWallah Website | Click Here |
| Join Telegram | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp | Click Here |
| Follow on Facebook | Click Here |
| Free Photo & Signature Resizer | Click Here |
The Selection Process: What Happens After You Apply
The exact selection procedure hasn't been announced yet. The notification says the tentative selection schedule will be published later on the recruitment portal. Based on previous NFR apprentice cycles, you can expect a merit list based on your educational qualifications, followed by document verification and possibly a medical fitness test. Some divisions may also conduct a practical assessment depending on the trade. The portal will give you the full details once dates are finalized, so check back regularly after you apply.
Who Should Think Twice Before Applying
Not everyone should rush to apply, even if they meet the basic criteria.
Your ITI certificate doesn't match the trade you want. If you have an ITI in Electrician but you're applying for a Fitter position, you'll be rejected. The certificate has to match the notified trade for that specific division. Don't assume one trade certificate works for another.
You're 25 or older. The age limit is strict: 15 to 24 years as on August 19, 2026. There's no relaxation mentioned for any category beyond what's already built into the age window. If you're over 24, you're ineligible, period.
Your marks are below 50% in Matriculation or 12th. The notification is clear: you need a minimum of 50% aggregate in Class 10 and, for Medical Lab Technician, 50% in both 10th and 12th. If you scraped through with 48% or 49%, you don't qualify. Check your mark sheet before applying.
Your ITI certificate is from an unrecognized board. Only NTC (NCVT) or STC (SCVT) certificates are accepted. If your ITI is from a private institute that isn't registered with NCVT or SCVT, it won't be valid. Verify your certificate's validity with your institute before spending time on the application.
You can't commit to a three-year apprenticeship. This is a three-year program. You'll be bonded for the full duration, and leaving early can have consequences. If you're planning to move abroad or pursue higher studies within the next three years, this might not be the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I apply for more than one division or trade?
A. The notification doesn't explicitly state whether multiple applications are allowed. Check the official NFR recruitment portal or contact the helpline for clarification on this point.
Q. What if I don't have an Aadhaar card?
A. Aadhaar is a standard requirement for most government recruitments. If you don't have one, apply for it immediately. The process is quick, but you'll need it before you can submit your apprenticeship application.
Q. Is there an interview round?
A. The selection process details will be released later on the recruitment portal. Based on previous cycles, apprenticeships are usually merit-based on qualifications and documents, with no formal interview, but confirm this once the official schedule is announced.
Q. Do I get the full stipend from month one?
A. The stipend structure shows Rs. 9,600 for NTC/STC holders, Rs. 10,560 in the second year (where exemption is admissible), and Rs. 11,040 in the third year (where exemption is admissible). The exact payment schedule and conditions for exemption should be confirmed in the full notification or the appointment letter.
Q. Can I apply if I'm pursuing my ITI currently and will complete it before August 19?
A. You need to have already passed and received your ITI certificate to apply. If you haven't completed it yet, wait until you have your certificate in hand before applying.
Q. What documents do I need to upload?
A. The notification mentions Matriculation or 12th certificates, ITI certificates, and Aadhaar. The online portal will specify all required documents during the application process. Scan them in advance to avoid delays.
Q. Is there an upper age limit relaxation for reserved categories?
A. The notification specifies the age as 15 to 24 years for General/Unreserved candidates. Check the full notification or official website for any relaxation applicable to SC, ST, OBC, or other reserved categories.
What to Do Next
You have just over a month from July 20 to apply. Start now by gathering your documents: your Matriculation or 12th certificate, your ITI or medical qualification certificate, your Aadhaar card, and a recent photograph. Visit the official NFR recruitment portal to register and familiarize yourself with the application form. If you have doubts about eligibility, email the helpline or call their support number listed on the portal. Don't wait for the last week; apply by early August to avoid technical issues. Once you submit, keep checking the portal for updates on the selection schedule and admit card release date.
