Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW) under Indian Railways has announced a significant recruitment drive to fill 225 Act Apprentice vacancies across various trades. This comprehensive job opportunity offers aspiring candidates a chance to gain valuable technical training and practical experience in a reputable government organization. The recruitment is open to eligible candidates who meet the prescribed criteria, with the application process set to commence from December 1, 2025, and closing on December 22, 2025. Detailed information about the eligibility, application procedure, salary structure, selection process, and other important aspects are provided below to guide prospective applicants effectively.
Overview of Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW) Act Apprentice Recruitment 2025
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW), Indian Railways |
| Number of Vacancies | 225 Posts |
| Post Name | Act Apprentice |
| Salary/Pay Scale | Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 11,040 per month (stipend during training) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.plw.indianrailways.gov.in |
| Last Date to Apply | 22nd December 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 1st December 2025 |
Vacancy Details and Trade-wise Distribution
Available Vacancies
The total number of vacancies is categorized across five trades as follows:
| Trade | Total Slots |
|---|---|
| Electrician | 120 |
| Mechanic (Diesel) | 25 |
| Machinist | 12 |
| Fitter | 50 |
| Welder (G&E) | 18 |
| Total | 225 |
Eligibility Criteria for PLW Act Apprentice 2025
Educational Qualifications
The educational requirements vary based on the trade:
| Trade | Qualification Criteria |
|---|---|
| Electrician, Mechanic (Diesel), Machinist, Fitter | – 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics with a minimum of 50% marks – OR pass in 10th class or equivalent examination |
| Welder (Gas & Electrician) | Pass in 8th class examination |
Note: Candidates must possess a valid National Trade Certificate (NTC) issued by NCVT or PNTC under the Apprentices Act, 1961, by the specified date of 01.12.2025, for eligibility.
Age Limit
| Trade | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician, Mechanic (Diesel), Machinist, Fitter | 15 years | 24 years |
| Welder (Gas & Electrician) | 15 years | 22 years |
Age Relaxation
Candidates belonging to SC/ST categories get 5 years relaxation, while OBC candidates receive 3 years relaxation. To avail of relaxation benefits, candidates must provide valid caste certificates valid until the last date of application.
**Age is calculated based on the date of birth recorded in the school certificate.**
Nationality
Applicants must be Indian citizens to qualify for this recruitment process.
Disability (PWD) Candidates
Persons with Disabilities applying under the PWD category must possess a valid disability certificate conforming to Annexure-VII. The eligibility of PWD candidates for the respective trades will follow the guidelines specified in the official notification and the RPWD Act.
Selection Process for PLW Act Apprentice 2025
The selection methodology focuses on merit-based criteria complemented by document verification and medical examination stages, as outlined below:
1. Merit-Based Selection
Selection will be primarily based on the candidate’s performance in the matriculation and ITI examinations. The merit list will be prepared by considering the following calculation:
- For candidates with 50% or more marks in both Matriculation and ITI, the marks are calculated as: (Matriculation marks x 70% + ITI marks x 80%) / 2 = 75%
2. Document Verification
Candidates shortlisted based on merit will be called for document verification, where they must produce original copies of relevant certificates, including educational qualifications, age proof, caste certificates (if applicable), and trade certificates.
3. Medical Examination
Candidates should undergo a medical check-up, and must carry a medical fitness certificate issued by a government authorized doctor (Gazetted) at the time of verification.
Note: No candidate benefiting from prior training under the Craftsman Training Scheme is eligible for selection in this recruitment.
Stipend/Salary Structure for Act Apprentices
The stipend is determined based on the training year and trade-specific eligibility, as notified by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The rates are as follows:
| Year of Training | Stipend Rate | Applicable Trades |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | Rs. 9,600/- per month | – All Trades |
| 2nd Year | Rs. 10,560/- per month | – Welder (G&E), Mechanic (Diesel) (trained for 1 year) |
| 3rd Year | Rs. 11,040/- per month | – Machinist, Electrician, Fitter (trained for 2 years) |
Note:
This stipend is applicable during the training period only and may be revised as per government norms.
Application Fee Details
| Fee Type | Amount | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee | Rs. 100 + bank charges | |
| Payment Mode | Online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking |
Candidates must ensure timely submission of the fee. If the fee is not approved, they need to re-submit the payment within 48 hours of the initial attempt.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for PLW Act Apprentice 2025
1. Register on the Apprenticeship Portal
Visit the official portal: https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in, and complete the registration process by providing your details and creating login credentials.
2. Fill Online Application
Login using the registered credentials, and access the application form. Fill in accurate information regarding personal details, educational qualification, trade choice, and contact information.
3. Upload Required Documents
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG, ≤100 KB)
- Signature (JPEG, ≤25 KB)
- Matriculation and ITI certificates with marks
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (for PWD candidates)
- Bio-data details
4. Submit the Application
- Review all details carefully before final submission.
- Click ‘Save Data’ to store partially filled information.
- Once verified, click ‘Submit’.
- Note down the Application Number generated for future reference.
5. Pay Application Fee
After successfully submitting the application, proceed to pay the processing fee through the online payment gateway. Ensure fee confirmation is received and save the fee receipt.
6. Final Verification and Printout
After payment confirmation, download and retain the payment receipt. Keep copies of all submitted documents for future reference during verification and training phases.
Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 01 December 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 01 December 2025 (from 13:00 Hrs) |
| Application End Date | 22 December 2025 (17:00 Hrs) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 29 December 2025 |
| Document Verification List Availability | By 20 January 2026 |
| Expected Training Start | February 2026 |
Additional Information and Resources
For detailed official notification and application guidelines, candidates are encouraged to refer to the official notification document available here: Official PLW Notification PDF.
FAQs about PLW Act Apprentice Recruitment 2025
Q1. How many vacancies are available in this recruitment?
There are a total of 225 vacancies across five trades: Electrician, Mechanic (Diesel), Machinist, Fitter, and Welder (G&E).
Q2. What is the eligible age range for candidates?
The age criteria are 15 to 24 years for most trades, except Welder (G&E), which has a maximum age limit of 22 years. Age relaxation is provided for SC/ST and OBC candidates as per government rules.
Q3. What educational qualifications are necessary?
Candidates should have a minimum of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or pass in 10th class for fitter and welder trades. A valid NCVT/SCVT trade certificate is also mandatory.
Q4. When is the last date to submit the online application?
The deadline is 22nd December 2025 at 17:00 hours. Payment of processing fee must be completed by 29th December 2025 for eligible applicants.
Q5. What stipend will apprentices receive during training?
The stipend varies by training year, starting from Rs. 9,600/month in the first year, increasing in subsequent years up to Rs. 11,040/month in the third year, depending on the trade.
By following this detailed job description and application guideline, candidates can ensure a smooth process and maximize their chances of selection for the esteemed Patiala Locomotive Works Act Apprentice positions in 2025.