Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC), West Zone, Mumbai, a Mini Ratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, has published notification No. 2026-27/IRCTC/WZ/Apprentice for the engagement of 27 Trade Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Training will be conducted at IRCTC offices and catering establishments across Mumbai and Western Region locations. Candidates who have passed Matriculation (10th standard) with a minimum of 50 percent marks and hold an ITI certificate in COPA or Catering trades can apply online at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in from 30 September 2026 until 18 October 2026.
IRCTC West Zone Apprentice 2026: Trade Distribution and Eligibility
The 27 apprenticeship slots offer formal training in railway catering management, digital inventory, and computerized commercial reservations:
| Designated Trade | Training Location | Allocated Slots | Prescribed Technical Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA) | IRCTC West Zone Zonal Office, Mumbai | 15 Slots | Matriculation with 50 percent marks + ITI in COPA trade |
| Executive (Catering & Food Production) | Base Kitchens & Railway Hospitality Centres | 12 Slots | Matriculation with 50 percent marks + ITI / Diploma in Food & Beverage |
| Total IRCTC West Zone Apprenticeship Vacancies | 27 Slots | 1 Year Apprenticeship Duration | |
Selection Process and Merit Calculation Formula
Selection is conducted purely on merit basis without any written examination or viva-voce. A composite merit score is calculated by giving equal 50:50 weightage to the percentage marks obtained in Matriculation (10th standard) and the ITI trade certificate:
| Criterion Component | Evaluation Weightage | Tie-Breaking Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Matriculation (10th Class) | 50 Percent Weightage | Minimum 50 percent aggregate marks required |
| ITI Trade Certificate | 50 Percent Weightage | NCVT / SCVT recognized certificate |
| Composite Merit Roster | Average of [10th % + ITI %] | In case of tie, candidate older in age is placed higher |
Cutoff Benchmarks, Category Standards, and Evaluation Criteria
Candidates must have completed 15 years of age and must not have exceeded 25 years as on 30 September 2026. The upper age limit is relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC candidates, and 10 years for Persons with Disabilities. In the previous IRCTC Mumbai apprentice intake, the composite cutoff score closed around 78.4% for General and 73.2% for OBC candidates in the COPA trade.
Aspirant Suggestions and High-Yield Preparation Priorities
- NAPS Portal Registration: Application must be submitted via the Apprenticeship Portal apprenticeshipindia.gov.in by searching for establishment name Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd - West Zone.
- Medical Fitness Certificate: Shortlisted candidates must produce a medical fitness certificate signed by a Government District Medical Officer (Gazetted Officer rank) at the time of document verification in Mumbai.
- Apprenticeship Certificate Value: Completing this one-year training provides the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC), which grants preferential relaxation in direct Group D recruitments under Indian Railways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there any application fee for IRCTC West Zone Apprentice recruitment?
No. IRCTC does not charge any application fee for apprenticeship registration. The application is completely free through the NAPS portal.
What is the stipend paid during the 1-year IRCTC apprenticeship?
Selected apprentices receive a government-mandated stipend between Rs. 8,050 to Rs. 9,000 per month depending on their trade qualification and state minimum wage directives.
Does IRCTC apprenticeship guarantee permanent employment in Railways?
No. Apprenticeship training does not confer any right to permanent absorption in IRCTC or Indian Railways. However, National Apprenticeship Certificate holders are eligible for designated quota relaxations in Railway recruitment.
What is the age requirement for IRCTC Apprentice recruitment 2026?
The candidate must have completed 15 years and not have attained 25 years as on 30 September 2026. Age relaxations apply for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates.
What is the last date to apply for IRCTC West Zone Apprentice posts?
The online registration window closes on 18 October 2026 on the apprenticeshipindia.gov.in portal.