For those who have passed the ITI exam, apprenticeship is one of the most effective methods through which they can earn a stipend by gaining practical experience. Railways and PSU apprenticeships are highly favoured by candidates seeking to get a job in the ITI Pass Government Jobs category. However, these may vary from institution to institution.

For the year 2026, candidates are advised to go through the notification issued for each separate apprenticeship as there is no universal formula or fixed stipend for Railway zones or PSUs.

Railway Apprenticeship: How Selection Works

The Railways Act Apprentice recruitment process usually happens through individual Railway Recruitment Cells or zones. The selection process is usually done through merit and does not involve a different written test.

For instance, according to the North Eastern Railway 2026-27 Apprentice Notification, the merit list shall be prepared by calculating the average of marks secured in Matriculation and ITI examinations on an equal footing basis. At least 50% aggregate marks in Matriculation should be possessed by the candidates.

Western Railway’s Apprentice Notification also mentions the same that merit will be calculated as an average of 10th & ITI/Trade marks.

What This Means for NCVT Marks

Marks of ITI will have a direct influence on the merit of apprenticeship. Candidates having good NCVT/SCVT trade marks have an edge over others during tough competition.

Before applying, see:

• 10th marks and percentage eligibility criteria.

• ITI trade and qualification.

• NCVT/SCVT certificate and mark sheet.

• Trade-wise and unit-wise vacancies.

• Merit criteria of community-wise.

• Document verification criteria.

In railway notifications, there may be some difference in calculating merit criteria; hence, all zones may not follow the same criteria.

Railway vs PSU Apprenticeship

Both of these options are beneficial for gaining industrial exposure, but both have different merits.

The railway apprenticeship is interesting as one gets training in a big governmental organization and one might be eligible for future recruitment process, wherein some specific criteria give preference to trained apprentices. But apprenticeship alone doesn’t guarantee a Railway job as is clearly mentioned in the notification of the North Eastern Railway.

PSU apprenticeships can offer experience in organizations in the field of power, petroleum, engineering, manufacturing and heavy industries, etc. The real selection criteria could vary from ITI marks, merit position in academics, written examination and interview and other conditions as per PSU notification.

Thus, one must make his/her selection depending upon trade, location and merit position and career plan.

Reservation Benefits in Apprenticeship

Reservation can offer an advantage, but the candidate must know that reservation doesn't guarantee selection.

Based on the recruitment notification and rules applicable, the provision for SC/ST/OBC and other categories may be available as part of the apprenticeship process. Rules for apprenticeship also have provisions for reservation of seats for SC/ST and OBC in applicable optional trades.

A requirement of most railway recruitment notifications usually states that those claiming reservation benefits must upload their caste/category certificates. In one such example, a Western Railway recruitment notification has stated SC/ST/OBC/EWS community certificates under the list of documents which may be needed.

The candidates must make sure that:

• Validity of the caste/category certificate is ensured.

• The certificate is in the prescribed format.

• OBC candidates satisfy the non-creamy layer criteria applicable.

• PwBD candidates must provide the prescribed disability certificate.

• The category filled in the application form matches the documents.

Rules of reservation can differ according to recruitment. Therefore, the latest notification must be considered final.

Apprenticeship Stipend: How Much Can ITI Candidates Get?

The stipend is perhaps one of the most important advantages of apprenticeship training. This depends on the relevant apprenticeship rules and notification conditions.

The existing structure of apprenticeship training has always taken into consideration the stipend of trade-apprentices in relation to the minimum wage of semi-skilled workers. There were certain prescribed percentage levels that depended upon the year of training.

Certain more recent apprenticeship rules have even altered minimum prescribed stipend rates in relation to education qualifications. For example, according to the Gazetted notification for 2025, there is an amount of ₹9,600 per month stipend for National/State Certificate holders, which applies to many ITI-educated applicants, as well as higher minimum stipend amounts for the diploma and degree groups. Further, the second and third years' rates have been increased.

However, the actual stipend paid by the Railway zone or PSU depends upon the relevant rules, establishment and apprenticeship notifications.

NCVT Certificate and Future Career Benefits

Apprenticeship completion will mean something more than just the stipend. Apprentices in any trade that complete the training successfully and clear the relevant All India Trade Test (AITT) are eligible to be awarded the National Apprenticeship Certificate.

This will make your profile stronger while applying for technical recruitments, especially where apprentice experience/NAC is considered.

Candidates need to understand that apprenticeship is not a form of employment but training. Recruitment by government departments/PSUs will involve a separate recruitment process unless there is a special provision in some notifications.

Which Is Better: Railway or PSU Apprenticeship?

It all comes down to your personal choice.

Railway Apprenticeship should be chosen if:

• You require technical knowledge relating to the Railway.

• If your 10th and ITI scores are impressive.

• If you have a trade which has vacancies in Railway.

• If you wish to make use of any special provisions offered by the Railway in the future for apprentices.

PSU Apprenticeship should be chosen if:

• You require experience in the industrial sector.

• If the PSU offers better stipends or training facilities.

• If you require experience for a strong background for future technical positions.

• If you have an interest in Manufacturing or power industries.

Final Takeaway

Applicants looking for ITI Pass Government Jobs must understand that apprenticeship is not just about earning money. Apprenticeship in railways and PSU offers practical knowledge, work experience, and an apprenticeship certificate. For railway recruitment, 10th standard and ITI results hold great weight whereas PSU recruitment differs from organisation to organisation. Eligible candidates can benefit from reservations, but their selection will always depend on merit and requirements of each notification. Most importantly, successful completion of the apprenticeship does not ensure getting a government or PSU job. Candidates must read the most recent official notification before applying.