The Railway PLW (Patiala Locomotive Works) has released the notification for the PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025, inviting eligible candidates to apply for various apprentice posts. This is a great opportunity for students who have completed their 10th, 8th, or ITI and wish to build their career in the Indian Railways. The application process is completely online, and candidates must ensure they submit their forms before the deadline.
This guide explains the important dates, eligibility criteria, vacancy information, and application steps in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. The content is crafted originally to help candidates quickly understand the requirements and apply without confusion.
Important Dates
The application schedule for Railway PLW Apprentice 2025 is as follows:
-
Online Application Start Date: 01 December 2025
-
Last Date to Apply Online: 22 December 2025
-
Last Date for Fee Payment: 22 December 2025
-
Merit List Release: To be announced later
Applicants should regularly check the official Railway PLW website for updates regarding the merit list and further instructions.
Application Fee
The examination fee varies based on reservation categories:
-
General / OBC / EWS: ₹100
-
SC / ST / PH / Female: No fee
The fee can be paid online through debit card, credit card, net banking, IMPS, cash card, or mobile wallet.
Age Limit (as on 22 December 2025)
-
Minimum Age: 15 years
-
Maximum Age for Welder Trade: 22 years
-
Maximum Age for Other Trades: 24 years
Railway rules permit age relaxation for reserved categories as per government guidelines.
Total Vacancies
A total of 225 apprentice seats are available across different trade categories.
Trade-Wise Vacancy Distribution
The Railway PLW Apprentice 2025 notification includes the following trade-wise openings:
-
Electrician: 120 posts
-
Mechanic (Diesel): 25 posts
-
Machinist: 12 posts
-
Fitter: 50 posts
-
Welder (G&E): 18 posts
Category-Wise Vacancies
-
General: 113
-
OBC: 61
-
SC: 34
-
ST: 17
Educational Qualification
For Electrician, Fitter, Machinist, Mechanic (Diesel)
Candidates must have:
-
Passed 10th Class with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board
-
A valid ITI Certificate issued by NCVT or SCVT in the relevant trade
For Welder Trade
Candidates must have:
-
Passed Class 8th from a recognized school
-
ITI certification in the welding trade from NCVT or SCVT
How to Apply for Railway PLW Apprentice Online Form 2025
Follow these steps to complete the application process smoothly:
-
Visit the official Railway PLW website for the apprentice recruitment portal.
-
Look for the “Apprentice Recruitment 2025” link and open the application form.
-
Register by entering your basic personal details, mobile number, and email ID.
-
Upload your photograph, signature, and required documents in the correct format.
-
Select the trade you wish to apply for and provide your academic details carefully.
-
Pay the application fee online (if applicable).
-
Review your form thoroughly to ensure all information is accurate.
-
Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future use.
FAQs – Railway PLW Apprentice 2025
1. What is the last date to apply for Railway PLW Apprentice 2025?
The last date to submit the online application form is 22 December 2025.
2. What is the minimum educational qualification required?
Candidates must have passed 10th Class with 50% marks and ITI for most trades. For the Welder trade, only Class 8th with ITI is required.
3. How many apprentice seats are available in PLW Patiala?
A total of 225 vacancies have been announced for the 2025 apprentice cycle.
4. Is there any age relaxation for reserved categories?
Yes, age relaxation is provided as per Railway and government rules.
5. What is the selection process for PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025?
Candidates are selected based on a merit list, which is prepared using their marks in 10th/8th and ITI.
6. Do female candidates need to pay the application fee?
No, female candidates and SC/ST/PH applicants are exempted from the application fee.
7. Can I apply for more than one trade?
Candidates should apply only for the trade that matches their ITI qualification.