Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW), Indian Railways, has officially announced a recruitment drive for the recruitment of 225 Act Apprentice posts. This comprehensive job opportunity is intended for eligible and interested candidates seeking to gain practical training and experience within Indian Railways. The recruitment process is entirely online, with applications accepted through the official PLW website. Candidates are advised to carefully review all eligibility criteria, application procedures, and important dates outlined in this detailed job description to ensure a successful application process.
Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW) Act Apprentice Recruitment 2025 – Detailed Job Description
Overview of the Recruitment
The Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW), a key establishment under Indian Railways, is inviting applications from eligible candidates for the position of Act Apprentice across multiple trades. This engagement provides valuable hands-on training and a stipend during the training period, preparing candidates for future careers in railway maintenance and operations.
| Advertisement Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW), Indian Railways |
| Post Name | Act Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 225 Posts |
| Salary/Pay Scale | Rs 7,000 to Rs 11,040 per month (Stipend varies by year and trade) |
| Educational Qualification | 10th class under 10+2 system with minimum 50% marks + ITI in relevant trade OR 8th class pass (for Welder) |
| Age Limit | 15 to 24 years (specifics vary by trade; age relaxation as per government rules) |
| Application Start Date | 01/12/2025 |
| Application End Date | 22/12/2025 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.plw.indianrailways.gov.in |
Vacancy Details by Trade
Table of Vacancies
| Trade | Total Slots |
|---|---|
| Electrician | 120 |
| Mechanic (Diesel) | 25 |
| Machinist | 12 |
| Fitter | 50 |
| Welder (G&E) | 18 |
| Total | 225 |
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
1. Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the following qualifications based on the trade:
- Electrician, Mechanic (Diesel), Machinist, Fitter: 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, minimum 50% marks, or equivalent qualification, or passed 10th class with relevant ITI certificate issued by NCVT/SCVT.
- Welder (G&E): Passed 8th class examination. Candidates must hold a valid National Trade Certificate (NTC) or Provisional NTC issued under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
Note: Qualification must be completed by 01.12.2025, and the certificates must be valid and issued by recognized authorities.
2. Age Limits and Relaxation
The standard age limits are as follows:
- Electrician, Mechanic (Diesel), Machinist, Fitter: Minimum 15 years; maximum 24 years.
- Welder (G&E): Minimum 15 years; maximum 22 years.
Age relaxation as per government rules:
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years
- OBC candidates: 3 years
Age is calculated based on the date of birth as recorded in the school certificate.
3. Nationality
Applicants must be Indian citizens to qualify for this recruitment process.
4. Disability Certification for PWD Candidates
Persons with Disabilities (PWD) seeking reservation under this category must possess a disability certificate as per Annexure-VII. The eligibility for PWD candidates will be as per the RPWD Act, 2016, and specific trades’ suitability is detailed in the official notification.
Selection Process
The selection process is merit-based and involves the following steps:
Step 1: Merit List Preparation
The merit list will be prepared based on the combined percentage of marks obtained in Matriculation and ITI examinations. The calculation as per the official guidelines is:
Marks (%) = (Matriculation marks * 70% + ITI marks * 80%) / 2
For candidates passing Matriculation with at least 50% marks and completing 50% in ITI, their marks will be considered for merit calculation.
Step 2: Document Verification
Selected candidates, based on merit, will be called for document verification at the designated venue. Candidates must carry all relevant original documents, including educational certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), age proof, and disability certificate (if applicable).
Step 3: Medical Examination
Candidates must produce a medical certificate signed by a government-authorized doctor (Gazetted officer or equivalent) during document verification, confirming their fitness for training.
Stipend and Salary Structure
During the training period, apprentices will receive stipends as per the following schedule, as notified by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship:
| Training Year | Stipend (Rs.) | Applicable Trades |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | 9,600 | All trades |
| 2nd Year | 10,560 | Welder (G&E), Mechanic (Diesel) |
| 3rd Year | 11,040 | Machinist, Electrician, Fitter |
The stipend rates are subject to revision as per government notifications, and apprentices are expected to adhere to the rules during their training period.
Application Fee Details
Applicants are required to pay a processing fee of Rs. 100 plus bank charges. Details are as follows:
- Payment Mode: Online via Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking
- Additional Information: Candidate must ensure successful transaction; failure to do so may require re-submission of payment within 48 hours.
Processing fees are non-refundable and should be paid after completing the application form and prior to the deadline.
Application Procedure
Prospective candidates should follow these detailed steps for submitting their applications:
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official PLW website: www.plw.indianrailways.gov.in
- Navigate to the ‘Personnel Department’ section and click on ‘Misc Activities’ to find the recruitment link for ‘Engagement of Act Apprentices.’
- Prior to application, register on the National Skill Development Corporation portal: https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
- Complete registration by providing essential details to create login credentials.
Step 2: Filling the Application Form
- Log in with the registered credentials.
- Fill the application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload scanned copies of:
- Recent passport-sized photograph (JPEG, max 100 KB)
- Signature (JPEG, max 25 KB)
- Matriculation and ITI certificates with marks
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Review all entries for accuracy before submission.
- Save the data, then click ‘Submit’ to generate an Application Number.
Step 3: Payment of Application Fee
- Click on ‘Here For Payment’ option.
- Select the correct state (Punjab), type of department (Government Department), and ‘PLW Indian Railways Patiala.’
- Enter your Application Number and proceed with payment using your preferred online method.
- After successful payment, save the payment receipt for future reference.
Step 4: Final Submission
- Ensure all details are correctly filled and payment is completed.
- Take a printout of the filled application form along with the fee payment receipt.
Important Notices and Additional Information
- Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online portal; offline submissions will not be entertained.
- Candidates should carefully review the official notification for detailed instructions and eligibility.
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification, which includes original certificates and medical fitness verification.
- There is no provision for travel allowance or accommodation during the selection process.
- After completing the training, employment in the organization is not guaranteed; the engagement is purely temporary and based on performance.
- All responsibilities regarding the correctness of entered data and uploaded documents lie with the applicant.
Key Dates for the Recruitment Process
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 01/12/2025 |
| Start of Online Application | 01/12/2025 (13:00 Hrs) |
| Last Date to Apply | 22/12/2025 (17:00 Hrs) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 29/12/2025 |
| Document Verification List Availability | By 20/01/2026 |
| Training Commencement | February 2026 (Expected) |
Additional Resources and Official Links
For further information, updates, and official notifications, candidates are encouraged to visit the following resources:
- Official PLW Website: www.plw.indianrailways.gov.in
- NCVT MIS Portal for registration and certificates: https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
- Click here to download the [Official Notification PDF](https://example.com/PLW_Notification_2025.pdf) in a new tab (if available).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies are available for the PLW Act Apprentice recruitment 2025?
There are a total of 225 vacancies across five trades: Electrician (120), Mechanic (Diesel) (25), Machinist (12), Fitter (50), and Welder G&E (18). Additionally, there are reserved vacancies for PWD and ex-servicemen categories.
Q2. What are the age criteria for applicants?
The minimum age is 15 years. The maximum age is 24 years for most trades, except Welder (G&E), which is 22 years. Age relaxation applies as per government rules for reserved categories.
Q3. What educational qualifications are required?
Applicants must have completed 10+2 with science subjects and at least 50% marks or possess an ITI certificate relevant to the trade, with the respective certificates issued by recognized authorities before the deadline.
Q4. When is the last date to apply?
The application window closes on 22nd December 2025 at 17:00 hours. Fee payment deadlines vary slightly but generally close on 29th December 2025.
Q5. What stipend will trainees receive during the apprenticeship?
Stipends are Rs. 9,600/- per month in the 1st year, Rs. 10,560/- in the 2nd year (for specific trades), and Rs. 11,040/- in the 3rd year (for eligible trades). These rates are as per government notifications and subject to change.
For further details and updates, always refer to the official PLW website and the official notification PDF linked above.