Merit List Out — Act Apprentice 2025-26
SER Apprentice Merit List 2026 — DV Schedule, Documents & How to Check
South Eastern Railway | RRC/SER | DV Starts: 18 Mar 2026 | Venue: Garden Reach, Kolkata-700043
South Eastern Railway (RRC/SER), headquartered at Garden Reach, Kolkata, has officially released the provisional select list for Act Apprentice 2025-26 vide Notification No. SER/P-HQ/RRC/Pers/Act Apprentice/2025-26 dated 11 March 2026. The original recruitment notification was issued on 14 November 2025 inviting online applications for 1,785 training slots across multiple trades under the Apprentices Act, 1961. RRC/SER has now prepared a select list at 1.5 times the available slots (unit-wise and trade-wise) for the subsequent stage of Document Verification (DV). Candidates are required to report at the Railway Recruitment Cell, New Administrative Building, 6th Floor, SER HQ, Garden Reach, Kolkata – 700043 on the date and time mentioned against their name in the merit list PDF. DV begins 18 March 2026 across multiple batches. Admit Cards/Call Letters will be made available on rrcser.co.in shortly. The block date for absentee candidates is 26 March 2026.
🏢 South Eastern Railway, Kolkata
📋 Notif: SER/P-HQ/RRC/Pers/Act Apprentice/2025-26
📅 Original Notif Date: 14 Nov 2025
📅 Merit List Date: 11 Mar 2026
👥 Total Slots: 1,785
📅 DV Starts: 18 Mar 2026
🔴 Absentee Date: 26 Mar 2026
📍 Venue: Garden Reach, Kolkata-700043
💰 Stipend: ₹9,000–₹9,600/month
🌐 rrcser.co.in
✅
OUT
Merit List
👥
1,785
Total Slots
📋
2,677+
Shortlisted
📅
18 Mar
DV Starts
⚠️
26 Mar
Absentee Date
💰
₹9,600
Stipend/Month
🔧
10+
Trades
🏭
20+
Units
01
SER Apprentice 2026 — Complete Recruitment Overview
| Organisation | South Eastern Railway (SER), Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Garden Reach, Kolkata |
| Post Name | Act Apprentice — Multiple Trades (Apprentices Act, 1961) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,785 training slots across units in West Bengal, Jharkhand & Odisha |
| Original Notification | SER/P-HQ/RRC/PERS/ACT APPRENTICES/2025-26 dated 14 November 2025 |
| Merit List / DV Notice | SER/P-HQ/RRC/Pers/Act Apprentice/2025-26 dated 11 March 2026 |
| Shortlisted Candidates | 1.5× the available slots (approx. 2,677+) — unit-wise and trade-wise |
| DV Start Date | 18 March 2026 (first batch — C&W Depot units) |
| Absentee / Defaulter Date | 26 March 2026 — final opportunity for all missed candidates |
| DV Venue (All Units) | Railway Recruitment Cell, New Administrative Building, 6th Floor, South Eastern Railway HQ, Garden Reach, Kolkata – 700043 |
| Admit Card | Downloadable from rrcser.co.in — link to be activated shortly |
| Selection Process | Merit-based — No written exam, no interview. Average of Class 10 % + ITI Trade % |
| Age Limit | 15 to 24 years | OBC: +3 years | SC/ST: +5 years | PwBD: +10 years |
| Stipend | ₹9,000–₹9,600 per month as per Railway Board prescribed rates |
| Training Duration | 1 Year under Apprentices Act, 1961 |
| Official Website | www.rrcser.co.in |
| DV Address | RRC/SER, New Administrative Building, 6th Floor, SER HQ, Garden Reach, Kolkata – 700043 |
⚠️ Important: The select list is purely provisional. Call Letters are NOT appointment offers — they are invitations for Document Verification only. Final training placement is subject to successful DV and medical fitness assessment.
02
Merit List Status — What Has Been Released
RRC/SER has released the provisional select list for the Act Apprentice 2025-26 recruitment. Along with the merit list, RRC/SER has issued the complete Document Verification (DV) schedule mentioning unit-wise dates and reporting times. The merit list PDF (Annexure-A, 49 pages) is available on the official website at rrcser.co.in. Candidates whose names appear in the list have been shortlisted at 1.5 times the available slots — not all shortlisted candidates will receive final training placement.
✅ Current Status — SER Act Apprentice 2025-26
- Merit List / Select List: Released on 11 March 2026 vide Notification No. SER/P-HQ/RRC/Pers/Act Apprentice/2025-26
- PDF: 49-page Annexure-A available at rrcser.co.in | Direct PDF: rrcser.co.in/pdf/Act Apprentice DV List SER 2025-26.pdf
- Shortlisting: 1.5× the available training slots per unit and trade — community-wise lists (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwBD, ESM) prepared separately
- DV Schedule: 18 March 2026 onwards across multiple batches — C&W Depots (ADRA, Chakradharpur, Kharagpur, Ranchi) on Day 1; Loco Sheds (BKSC, Bondamunda) on Day 2 onwards
- Absentee/Defaulter Date: 26 March 2026 — single final opportunity for all absent candidates across all units and trades
- Admit Cards: Available at rrcser.co.in — link to be activated shortly; download before DV day
- Communication: Candidates advised to download call letters from rrcser.co.in — no postal intimation will be sent
📌 Note on Provisional List: The select list does not constitute a job offer. Candidates found with discrepancies between the application and original documents at DV stage will be rejected. Medical fitness is mandatory — an unfit candidate cannot be appointed even after clearing DV.
03
How SER Apprentice Merit List 2026 is Calculated
There is no written examination or interview for SER Act Apprentice selection. The entire merit list is prepared on a marks-based formula using your Class 10 board percentage and ITI trade marks. This is the same formula used by all RRCs across Indian Railways for Act Apprentice recruitment under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
Merit Score = (Class 10 Marks % + ITI Trade Marks %) ÷ 2
Both Class 10 and ITI marks are averaged equally — no subject weightage or bonus marks for higher qualifications
📐 Detailed Merit Calculation Rules — SER Apprentice 2026
- Class 10 Marks %: Total marks obtained ÷ Total marks (all subjects) × 100. All subjects are counted — not just best 5. Grade-based boards (CGPA) are converted using the official conversion factor (e.g., CGPA × 9.5 for CBSE).
- ITI Trade Marks %: Total marks obtained in the trade across all semesters/years ÷ Total maximum marks × 100. Both NCVT (National) and SCVT (State) ITI certificates are valid and treated equally.
- The formula applies per trade per unit. Your rank for Fitter/ADRA is completely separate from Fitter/Kharagpur — separate merit lists are prepared for each unit-trade combination.
- Minimum eligibility: 50% aggregate in Class 10 for UR/OBC/EWS candidates. SC/ST candidates have relaxed norms as per Railway Board guidelines.
- Higher qualifications ignored: Holding a Diploma, 12th pass, B.Tech, or any qualification beyond Class 10 + ITI does NOT add any extra marks or preference. Only Class 10 % and ITI % count.
- Tie-breaking rule: If two candidates have identical merit scores, the older candidate (higher date of birth = earlier born) is ranked higher.
- Community-wise lists: Separate merit lists are prepared for UR, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, PwBD, and ESM. A candidate is placed in the most beneficial category they are eligible for.
- 1.5× shortlisting: RRC/SER shortlists 1.5 times the available slots per unit and trade for DV. Only those who clear DV and are found medically fit receive the final training order.
📌 No Written Exam
📌 No Interview
📌 No Bonus for Higher Qualification
📌 NCVT & SCVT Both Valid
📌 Tie-break: Older Candidate Wins
📌 1.5× Candidates Called for DV
⚠️ Common Mistakes Candidates Make in Merit Calculation
- Using best-5 subjects for Class 10: Wrong — all subjects are included in SER/RRC merit calculation, not just best five.
- Counting ITI only for main theory paper: Wrong — all semester marksheets (theory + practical + sessional) are combined for total ITI %.
- Assuming SCVT gets lower weightage than NCVT: Wrong — both are treated equally in SER merit list.
- Applying to multiple units hoping to improve rank: You can appear on multiple lists but can only join training at one unit — you must report for DV for each unit you wish to be considered for.
04
Document Verification Schedule — Unit-wise & Trade-wise
RRC/SER has published a unit-wise Document Verification schedule. All candidates — regardless of their allotted depot or unit — must report to a single central venue: Railway Recruitment Cell, New Administrative Building, 6th Floor, SER HQ, Garden Reach, Kolkata-700043. Report only on your date mentioned in the PDF against your Registration ID. Reporting time is 09:30 AM for all batches unless otherwise stated.
📅 18 March 2026 (Wednesday) — Day 1 | C&W Depots | Reporting: 09:30 AM
| S.No. | Unit / Depot | Trade | Sl. No. Range | Reporting Time | DV Date & Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C&W Depot / ADRA | Carpenter | All | 09:30 AM | 18/03/2026 (Wed) Upcoming |
| 2 | C&W Depot / ADRA | Fitter | All | 09:30 AM | 18/03/2026 (Wed) Upcoming |
| 3 | C&W Depot / ADRA | Machinist | All | 09:30 AM | 18/03/2026 (Wed) Upcoming |
| 4 | C&W Depot / ADRA | Welder (G&E) | All | 09:30 AM | 18/03/2026 (Wed) Upcoming |
| 5 | C&W Depot / CHAKRADHARPUR | Carpenter, Fitter, Machinist, Trimmer, Turner, Welder (G&E) | All | 09:30 AM | 18/03/2026 (Wed) Upcoming |
| 6 | C&W Depot / KHARAGPUR | Carpenter, Fitter, Machinist, Painter (G), Turner, Welder (G&E) | All | 09:30 AM | 18/03/2026 (Wed) Upcoming |
| 7 | C&W Depot / RANCHI | Fitter (Sl. 363–400) | 363–400 | 09:30 AM | 18/03/2026 (Wed) Upcoming |
| 8 | C&W Depot / RANCHI | Welder (G&E) (Sl. 394–400) | 394–400 | 09:30 AM | 18/03/2026 (Wed) Upcoming |
📍 All C&W Depot candidates (ADRA, Chakradharpur, Kharagpur, Ranchi — Day 1 batches): Report on 18 March 2026 at 09:30 AM to RRC/SER, New Administrative Building, 6th Floor, Garden Reach, Kolkata-700043. Do NOT go to your allotted depot directly.
📅 19 March 2026 (Thursday) — Day 2 | C&W Ranchi Remaining + Diesel Loco Sheds | Reporting: 09:30 AM
| S.No. | Unit / Depot | Trade | Sl. No. Range | Reporting Time | DV Date & Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | C&W Depot / RANCHI | Welder (G&E) — remaining (Sl. 401–410) | 401–410 | 09:30 AM | 19/03/2026 (Thu) Upcoming |
| 10 | Diesel Loco Shed / BKSC (Bokaro) | Electrician | All (411–420) | 09:30 AM | 19/03/2026 (Thu) Upcoming |
| 11 | Diesel Loco Shed / BKSC (Bokaro) | Fitter | All (421–429) | 09:30 AM | 19/03/2026 (Thu) Upcoming |
| 12 | Diesel Loco Shed / BKSC (Bokaro) | Mechanic (Diesel) | All (430–448) | 09:30 AM | 19/03/2026 (Thu) Upcoming |
| 13 | Diesel Loco Shed / BKSC (Bokaro) | Welder (G&E) | All (449–462) | 09:30 AM | 19/03/2026 (Thu) Upcoming |
| 14 | Diesel Loco Shed / BONDAMUNDA | Carpenter | All (463) | 09:30 AM | 19/03/2026 (Thu) Upcoming |
| 15 | Diesel Loco Shed / BONDAMUNDA | Electrician | All (464–488) | 09:30 AM | 19/03/2026 (Thu) Upcoming |
| 16 | Diesel Loco Shed / BONDAMUNDA | Fitter | All (489–515+) | 09:30 AM | 19/03/2026 (Thu) Upcoming |
ℹ️ BKSC & Bondamunda candidates: BKSC = Bokaro Steel City. Both Diesel Loco Sheds report to the same central venue at Garden Reach, Kolkata — NOT to the shed directly. Carry your call letter (downloaded from rrcser.co.in) along with all original documents.
📅 20–25 March 2026 — Remaining Units (Loco Sheds, Workshops & Other Depots)
| S.No. | Approx. Date | Unit Type | Reporting Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 20 Mar 2026 (Fri) | Diesel/Electric Loco Sheds — remaining batches from 19 Mar overflow | 09:30 AM | Upcoming |
| 18 | 21 Mar 2026 (Sat) | Workshops, Permanent Way & Signal Telecom units | 09:30 AM | Upcoming |
| 19 | 22 Mar 2026 (Sun) | Division offices & miscellaneous department units | 09:30 AM | Upcoming |
| 20 | 24–25 Mar 2026 | Remaining units — check your specific date in the merit list PDF | 09:30 AM | Upcoming |
| 21 | 26 Mar 2026 (Thu) | 🔴 Absentee / Defaulter — ALL units, ALL trades | 09:30 AM | Last Chance |
⚠️ Important — How to find YOUR exact DV date: Download the merit list PDF from rrcser.co.in. Open it and press Ctrl+F. Type your Registration ID (starts with 21XXXXXX). Your row will show your exact DV Date and Reporting Time. Do not assume your date — verify it directly from the PDF.
🔴 Absentee/Defaulter Date: 26 March 2026. If you miss your scheduled DV date for any reason, 26 March is your one and final opportunity. No re-scheduling, no extension, no exceptions. Failure to appear on both dates = permanent cancellation of candidature.
📍 Venue for ALL DV dates & ALL units: Railway Recruitment Cell, New Administrative Building, 6th Floor, South Eastern Railway HQ, Garden Reach, Kolkata – 700043
05
How to Check SER Apprentice Merit List 2026 — Step by Step
1
Open the Official RRC/SER Website
Go to www.rrcser.co.in — the only official portal for RRC South Eastern Railway. Avoid downloading PDFs from third-party websites as they may contain incomplete or incorrect data. Bookmark the official site.
2
Look for the Act Apprentice 2025-26 Notification
On the homepage, find the "Latest News" or "Recruitment" section. The site ticker usually highlights the most recent notices. Look for "Act Apprentice DV List SER 2025-26" or Notification No. SER/P-HQ/RRC/Pers/Act Apprentice/2025-26 dated 11/03/2026.
3
Download the Merit List PDF (Annexure-A)
Click the PDF link to download the 49-page Annexure-A. The direct PDF URL is: rrcser.co.in/pdf/Act%20Apprentice%20DV%20List%20SER%202025-26.pdf — you can also paste this directly in your browser.
4
Search Your Registration ID in the PDF
Press Ctrl+F (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+F (Mac). Type your Registration ID (format: 21XXXXXX). Your row will show — Serial No., Name, DOB, Community, Selected Category, Trade, Unit/Depot, DV Date, and Reporting Time.
5
Note Your DV Date, Trade, Unit & Reporting Time
Write down your DV Date, Reporting Time (09:30 AM for most), Trade, and Unit/Depot. Even though your allotted unit may be in Jharkhand or Odisha, you must report to the central venue at Garden Reach, Kolkata-700043 — not at the depot directly.
6
Download Your Call Letter / Admit Card
Once the link is activated on rrcser.co.in, log in with your Registration ID and Date of Birth. Download and print your Call Letter on A4. This must be presented at DV along with all original documents. The Call Letter link will be activated a few days before the DV begins.
06
Documents Required for DV — Complete Checklist
Carry all documents in original + one set of self-attested photocopies of each. Missing even one document can lead to rejection at DV. Prepare everything 2–3 days before your DV date and organise them in a folder.
🖨️
Printed Online Application
Printout of the filled-in application submitted during online registration
🎂
Date of Birth Proof
Original Class 10 certificate or Birth Certificate from registrar showing DOB
📜
Class 10 Marksheet
Original Matriculation marksheet with subject-wise and aggregate marks clearly visible
🔧
ITI Final Certificate
NCVT or SCVT pass certificate for the exact trade applied for in this recruitment
📑
All ITI Semester Marksheets
Individual marksheets for every semester / year of the ITI — final certificate alone is NOT sufficient
🪪
Community / Caste Certificate
OBC-NCL / SC / ST certificate in central government prescribed format issued by competent authority
💎
EWS Certificate (if applicable)
Income and Asset Certificate for EWS in central government format — must be current year
♿
PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
Benchmark disability certificate from competent authority in prescribed format per the notification
🎖️
Ex-Serviceman Certificate (if applicable)
Original ESM certificate in proper format as specified in the SER notification
🏥
Medical Fitness Certificate
Signed by a Gazetted Government Doctor (not below rank of Asst. Surgeon) in the prescribed Annexure-II format from notification
📸
Passport Photos (3 copies)
Three recent passport-size photographs — same photo as uploaded in the online application
📋
Self-Attested Photocopies
One complete set of self-attested photocopies of ALL above documents — sign each copy yourself
🚫 Common Reasons for DV Rejection — Avoid These Mistakes
- Carrying a general doctor's certificate instead of the prescribed Annexure-II Medical Fitness format — only the Annexure-II format from the SER notification is accepted.
- OBC certificate not in central government format or missing the clause "not covered under the creamy layer" — state government format OBC certificates are NOT accepted for Railway recruitment.
- Missing individual semester marksheets — only the final ITI certificate is NOT enough. All semester/year marksheets are compulsory for marks verification.
- Wrong passport photos — the photos at DV must match the photo uploaded in your online application. Do not use different photos.
- Reporting to the wrong venue — all candidates regardless of allotted unit must report to Garden Reach HQ, NOT to the depot/shed directly.
- EWS certificate dated prior to the current financial year — EWS certificates must typically be from the current year; old certificates may be rejected.
07
Trades & Units — SER Apprentice 2026
South Eastern Railway covers West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Training slots are distributed across 20+ establishments — C&W Depots, Diesel Loco Sheds, Electric Loco Sheds, Workshops, and Divisional units. Each unit maintains a separate merit list per trade.
| Trade | ITI Qualification | Key Units / Depots | DV Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitter | ITI in Fitter (NCVT/SCVT) | ADRA, Chakradharpur, Kharagpur, Ranchi C&W; BKSC, Bondamunda Loco Sheds | Day 1–2 |
| Welder (G&E) | ITI in Welder — Gas & Electric | ADRA, Chakradharpur, Kharagpur, Ranchi C&W; BKSC, Bondamunda | Day 1–2 |
| Electrician | ITI in Electrician | BKSC Diesel Loco Shed, Bondamunda Diesel Loco Shed, Electric Loco Sheds | Day 2 |
| Mechanic (Diesel) | ITI in Mechanic (Diesel) / Diesel Mechanic | BKSC Diesel Loco Shed, Bondamunda Diesel Loco Shed | Day 2 |
| Carpenter | ITI in Carpenter | ADRA, Chakradharpur, Kharagpur C&W Depots; Bondamunda | Day 1–2 |
| Machinist | ITI in Machinist | ADRA, Chakradharpur, Kharagpur C&W Depots | Day 1 |
| Turner | ITI in Turner | Chakradharpur, Kharagpur C&W Depots | Day 1 |
| Painter (G) | ITI in Painter (General) | Kharagpur C&W Depot | Day 1 |
| Trimmer | ITI in Trimmer / Upholstery | Chakradharpur C&W Depot | Day 1 |
| Other Trades | As per notification | Remaining loco sheds, workshops, division offices | Day 3+ |
08
Benefits of Completing SER Railway Apprenticeship
💰
Monthly Stipend
₹9,000–₹9,600/month throughout the 1-year training. Paid directly to bank — ensure account is active from Day 1.
🏛️
20% Group D Quota
CCAA holders get 20% exclusive reservation in all RRC Level-1 (Group D) vacancies — most direct path to permanent Railway employment.
🏃
PET Exemption
CCAA holders are fully exempt from the Physical Efficiency Test in RRC Group D — skips the 35m run & weight carry tests that eliminate thousands.
📊
1/3 ITI Marks Bonus
One-third of NCVT/ITI marks directly added to written exam score in RRC Level-1 recruitment — significantly boosts final rank.
🏥
Railway Medical Access
Access to Railway hospitals during the 1-year training — medical care benefit not available to private sector trainees.
🎓
NCVT National Certificate
Receive National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) from NCVT — recognised across India in both public sector and private engineering companies.
🔍 Why SER Apprenticeship Beats a Regular ITI Certification
- Training takes place inside live operational Railway environments — C&W Depots maintaining passenger coaches, Diesel Loco Sheds overhauling freight locomotives — real-world exposure no classroom replicates.
- SER covers the Jharkhand steel belt (BKSC Bokaro, Bondamunda, Chakradharpur) — prime mechanical engineering exposure on heavy freight locomotive maintenance, one of India's most valuable industrial training grounds.
- After completing SER apprenticeship, you are on the priority track for Railway Group D permanent employment via the dedicated 20% CCAA quota — ahead of all open market ITI holders.
- The CCAA certificate + 1.5× PET exemption + 1/3 written marks bonus is a three-advantage package that no other government training programme currently offers in India.
09
About South Eastern Railway — RRC/SER
South Eastern Railway is one of the 18 railway zones of Indian Railways and one of the busiest freight-carrying zones in the country. Understanding the organisation helps candidates appreciate the scale and significance of the training they are entering.
🏢 Key Facts — South Eastern Railway
- Headquarters: Garden Reach, Kolkata – 700043, West Bengal
- Established: 1955 | One of the 18 zones of Indian Railways
- Geographical Coverage: West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha — the core industrial and mining belt of India
- Key Divisions: Adra, Chakradharpur, Kharagpur, and Ranchi — each with its own C&W Depots, Loco Sheds, and Workshops
- Significance: SER is one of India's primary freight corridors, carrying coal from Jharkhand's Damodar Valley coalfields and steel from SAIL plants to ports and industrial centres
- Recruitment Authority: Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC/SER) — handles Group C and Group D recruitment independently from RRB
- Official Website: www.rrcser.co.in
🔗 Important Links — SER Apprentice Merit List 2026
Merit List PDF (Annexure-A) — Act Apprentice DV List SER 2025-26 — Direct PDF Download (rrcser.co.in)
RRC/SER Official Homepage — www.rrcser.co.in — Check for Admit Card & Latest Notices
RRC/SER Recruitment Notices Section — All Notifications & Merit Lists
Apprenticeship India Portal — apprenticeship.gov.in — Portal Registration Mandatory Before Joining
11
Frequently Asked Questions — SER Apprentice Merit List 2026
Q1
Has the SER Apprentice Merit List 2026 been officially released?
+
Yes — the provisional select list has been officially released.
Railway Recruitment Cell, South Eastern Railway (RRC/SER) released the merit list on 11 March 2026 vide Notification No. SER/P-HQ/RRC/Pers/Act Apprentice/2025-26. The select list (Annexure-A) is a 49-page PDF containing names, Registration IDs, trades, unit/depot, DV dates, and reporting times of all shortlisted candidates. It is available for download at rrcser.co.in or directly at rrcser.co.in/pdf/Act Apprentice DV List SER 2025-26.pdf.
Railway Recruitment Cell, South Eastern Railway (RRC/SER) released the merit list on 11 March 2026 vide Notification No. SER/P-HQ/RRC/Pers/Act Apprentice/2025-26. The select list (Annexure-A) is a 49-page PDF containing names, Registration IDs, trades, unit/depot, DV dates, and reporting times of all shortlisted candidates. It is available for download at rrcser.co.in or directly at rrcser.co.in/pdf/Act Apprentice DV List SER 2025-26.pdf.
Q2
How is the SER Apprentice Merit List calculated? What is the formula?
+
Merit Score = (Class 10 Marks % + ITI Trade Marks %) ÷ 2
There is no written exam or interview. The entire selection is marks-based.
Class 10 %: All subjects counted (not best 5). CGPA boards use the official conversion factor.
ITI %: Combined percentage across all semesters including theory, practical and sessional. Both NCVT and SCVT are treated equally.
Tie-break: Older candidate ranks higher.
Minimum 50% in Class 10 is required for UR/OBC/EWS candidates.
Higher qualifications (12th, Diploma, B.Tech) add zero extra marks.
Shortlisting: 1.5× the available slots per unit-trade combination are called for DV. Not all called candidates get a training order.
There is no written exam or interview. The entire selection is marks-based.
Class 10 %: All subjects counted (not best 5). CGPA boards use the official conversion factor.
ITI %: Combined percentage across all semesters including theory, practical and sessional. Both NCVT and SCVT are treated equally.
Tie-break: Older candidate ranks higher.
Minimum 50% in Class 10 is required for UR/OBC/EWS candidates.
Higher qualifications (12th, Diploma, B.Tech) add zero extra marks.
Shortlisting: 1.5× the available slots per unit-trade combination are called for DV. Not all called candidates get a training order.
Q3
What is the DV schedule and where is the venue for SER Apprentice 2026?
+
DV Schedule:
18 March 2026 (Wed): C&W Depots — ADRA, Chakradharpur, Kharagpur, Ranchi (Day 1 batches) | 09:30 AM
19 March 2026 (Thu): C&W Ranchi remaining + Diesel Loco Sheds BKSC & Bondamunda | 09:30 AM
20–25 March 2026: Remaining units (Loco Sheds, Workshops, Division offices) — check your specific date in the PDF
26 March 2026: 🔴 Absentee/Defaulter date — ALL units, ALL trades — final opportunity
Venue for ALL dates & ALL units:
Railway Recruitment Cell, New Administrative Building, 6th Floor,
South Eastern Railway HQ, Garden Reach, Kolkata – 700043
Do NOT report to your allotted depot or shed. All DV happens centrally at Garden Reach HQ regardless of which unit you have been allotted to.
18 March 2026 (Wed): C&W Depots — ADRA, Chakradharpur, Kharagpur, Ranchi (Day 1 batches) | 09:30 AM
19 March 2026 (Thu): C&W Ranchi remaining + Diesel Loco Sheds BKSC & Bondamunda | 09:30 AM
20–25 March 2026: Remaining units (Loco Sheds, Workshops, Division offices) — check your specific date in the PDF
26 March 2026: 🔴 Absentee/Defaulter date — ALL units, ALL trades — final opportunity
Venue for ALL dates & ALL units:
Railway Recruitment Cell, New Administrative Building, 6th Floor,
South Eastern Railway HQ, Garden Reach, Kolkata – 700043
Do NOT report to your allotted depot or shed. All DV happens centrally at Garden Reach HQ regardless of which unit you have been allotted to.
Q4
What happens if I miss my scheduled DV date?
+
If you miss your scheduled DV date, you have one final opportunity — the Absentee/Defaulter block date: 26 March 2026 at 09:30 AM at the same Garden Reach venue.
No re-scheduling requests, no extensions, and no exceptions will be entertained after 26 March under any circumstances.
Consequences of missing both dates: Your candidature will be permanently cancelled and you will not be considered for training even if your rank is within the final selection. The next candidate in the merit list will be considered in your place.
No re-scheduling requests, no extensions, and no exceptions will be entertained after 26 March under any circumstances.
Consequences of missing both dates: Your candidature will be permanently cancelled and you will not be considered for training even if your rank is within the final selection. The next candidate in the merit list will be considered in your place.
Q5
Is the Medical Fitness Certificate mandatory? What format is required?
+
Yes — the Medical Fitness Certificate is 100% mandatory and must be submitted at DV. It must be signed by a Government Gazetted Doctor not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon of a Central or State Government Hospital.
It must be in the prescribed Annexure-II format from the original SER notification (available on rrcser.co.in). A general clinic certificate or private doctor's letter will NOT be accepted.
How to get it:
1. Download Annexure-II format from rrcser.co.in
2. Visit your nearest Government hospital (district hospital / central hospital)
3. Request the Gazetted doctor to fill and sign it in the prescribed format
4. Carry the original at DV (not a photocopy)
It must be in the prescribed Annexure-II format from the original SER notification (available on rrcser.co.in). A general clinic certificate or private doctor's letter will NOT be accepted.
How to get it:
1. Download Annexure-II format from rrcser.co.in
2. Visit your nearest Government hospital (district hospital / central hospital)
3. Request the Gazetted doctor to fill and sign it in the prescribed format
4. Carry the original at DV (not a photocopy)
Q6
What is the stipend for SER Act Apprentices during the 1-year training?
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The monthly stipend for Railway Act Apprentices under SER is set by the Railway Board and is in the range of ₹9,000 – ₹9,600 per month for the entire 1-year duration of training.
The stipend is deposited directly into the apprentice's bank account each month. Ensure your bank account is active and updated before joining Day 1 of training. In addition to the stipend, apprentices get access to Railway hospital facilities during the training period.
The stipend is deposited directly into the apprentice's bank account each month. Ensure your bank account is active and updated before joining Day 1 of training. In addition to the stipend, apprentices get access to Railway hospital facilities during the training period.
Q7
What are the long-term benefits of completing SER Railway Apprenticeship?
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Completing SER Apprenticeship gives you three powerful advantages for future permanent Railway recruitment:
1. 20% Reserved Quota in Group D: 20% of all RRC Level-1 (Group D) vacancies are exclusively reserved for CCAA (Completion Certificate of Apprenticeship Act) holders — the most direct route to a permanent Railway job.
2. PET Exemption: CCAA holders are completely exempt from the Physical Efficiency Test in RRC Level-1 recruitment — no 35-metre run, no weight carrying. This alone eliminates competition from thousands of non-CCAA candidates.
3. 1/3 Written Exam Weightage: One-third of your NCVT/ITI marks are directly added to your final written exam score in RRC Level-1 — this can boost your rank by several positions, especially if you have strong ITI marks.
1. 20% Reserved Quota in Group D: 20% of all RRC Level-1 (Group D) vacancies are exclusively reserved for CCAA (Completion Certificate of Apprenticeship Act) holders — the most direct route to a permanent Railway job.
2. PET Exemption: CCAA holders are completely exempt from the Physical Efficiency Test in RRC Level-1 recruitment — no 35-metre run, no weight carrying. This alone eliminates competition from thousands of non-CCAA candidates.
3. 1/3 Written Exam Weightage: One-third of your NCVT/ITI marks are directly added to your final written exam score in RRC Level-1 — this can boost your rank by several positions, especially if you have strong ITI marks.
Q8
Is SER Apprenticeship a permanent government job?
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No — SER Apprenticeship is a 1-year contractual training programme under the Apprentices Act, 1961. It is not a permanent government job. There is no guarantee of direct absorption into Railway services upon completion.
However, it is one of the strongest stepping stones to permanent Railway employment. The CCAA certificate you receive after successful completion unlocks the 20% Group D reservation quota, PET exemption, and 1/3 written exam weightage in future RRC Level-1 Group D recruitment — three advantages no other training programme offers.
The hands-on training at SER establishments (C&W Depots, Diesel/Electric Loco Sheds, Workshops) also develops skills directly valued in both Railways and private sector heavy engineering companies.
However, it is one of the strongest stepping stones to permanent Railway employment. The CCAA certificate you receive after successful completion unlocks the 20% Group D reservation quota, PET exemption, and 1/3 written exam weightage in future RRC Level-1 Group D recruitment — three advantages no other training programme offers.
The hands-on training at SER establishments (C&W Depots, Diesel/Electric Loco Sheds, Workshops) also develops skills directly valued in both Railways and private sector heavy engineering companies.
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