PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025 – Apply Online for 225 Act Apprentice Posts at Patiala Locomotive Works
Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW), a prestigious production unit under Indian Railways, has officially released the notification for the recruitment of Act Apprentices for the year 2025. This significant recruitment drive aims to fill 225 vacancies across various trades, offering a crucial opportunity for eligible candidates to gain valuable experience and training within one of India's largest government employers. The application window for this highly anticipated program opened on December 1, 2025, and interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply online before the deadline on December 22, 2025.
This initiative aligns with the Patiala Locomotive Works' commitment to skill development and talent nurturing, providing a pathway for young individuals to secure a position in the railway sector. The PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025 offers training in essential trades such as Fitter, Welder, Electrician, Machinist, and Carpenter. As the current date is December 13, 2025, candidates have a limited time remaining to complete their applications through the official website, plw.indianrailways.gov.in. Prospective applicants are advised to thoroughly review the notification, confirm their eligibility criteria, and gather all necessary documentation before proceeding with the online application process.
The selection process for these Act Apprentice posts is primarily merit-based, eliminating the need for a written examination. This method simplifies the recruitment procedure, focusing on the candidate's academic performance in both matriculation (10th grade) and their respective Industrial Training Institute (ITI) certification. The 225 available posts represent a substantial intake, ensuring ample opportunity for qualified individuals seeking government-affiliated training and a potential future career path with Patiala Locomotive Works and Indian Railways.
The detailed notification, available on the official website, outlines specific requirements concerning age limits, educational qualifications, and the application procedure. Candidates are strongly advised to verify all details carefully, particularly regarding their specific trade and category, to ensure a successful application. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025, providing essential information on eligibility, selection methodology, key dates, and a step-by-step application process to assist candidates in navigating this crucial opportunity.
Key Highlights of Patiala Locomotive Works Apprentice Recruitment 2025
The Patiala Locomotive Works recruitment drive is a major event for job aspirants seeking apprenticeships in the railway sector. The details provided in the official notification confirm the availability of 225 vacancies for Act Apprentices. Candidates must ensure they meet the minimum educational requirements and age limits as specified by Indian Railways guidelines. The application process is entirely digital, requiring candidates to submit their forms and supporting documents online. Below is a summary of the key details:
| Recruitment Body | Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW), Indian Railways |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Act Apprentice |
| Total Posts | 225 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | plw.indianrailways.gov.in |
| Application Start Date | 01 December 2025 |
| Application End Date | 22 December 2025 |
Understanding Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW) and Indian Railways Apprenticeship Program
Before proceeding with the application, it is essential for candidates to understand the significance of the organization and the apprenticeship program itself. Patiala Locomotive Works is one of the premier production units of Indian Railways, responsible for manufacturing, repairing, and maintaining locomotives. An apprenticeship at PLW offers unparalleled exposure to real-world engineering and manufacturing processes within a structured industrial environment.
The PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025 falls under the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961. This act provides for a comprehensive training program where apprentices receive a monthly stipend and gain practical skills that are highly valued in the industry. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, trainees receive a certification that enhances their employability significantly, both within Indian Railways and in other public and private sector enterprises. The training period for the Act Apprentice posts typically lasts for a specified duration, during which candidates are groomed in their specific trades by experienced professionals at PLW.
Indian Railways often prioritizes candidates who have completed apprenticeships within its various establishments during future recruitments for technical posts. Therefore, securing an apprenticeship at Patiala Locomotive Works is often seen as a significant stepping stone towards a stable career in the railway sector. This recruitment drive for 225 posts is a golden opportunity for young talent to enter the workforce through a respected and established pathway.
Detailed Vacancy Information and Trade Breakdown
The total of 225 vacancies for Act Apprentice positions are distributed across various technical trades. While the official notification provides the exact breakdown, typical trades offered at PLW include Fitter, Welder, Electrician, Machinist, and Carpenter. The distribution of posts among different trades and categories (General, SC, ST, OBC, PWD, EWS) is carefully detailed in the official notification to adhere to reservation policies. Candidates must specify their preferred trade during the online application process. It is important to note that once a trade is selected, changes are generally not permitted.
Candidates applying for the PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025 must ensure their ITI certificate corresponds to one of the trades available in the recruitment notice. For instance, a candidate with an ITI in Fitter trade must apply for the Fitter category. The recruitment process is structured to match candidates with the appropriate training based on their existing qualifications and skills. The large number of vacancies across these key trades makes this recruitment particularly significant for a wide range of technical graduates seeking employment opportunities in the region.
Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit and Educational Qualifications
To be eligible to apply for the PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025, candidates must meet specific criteria regarding their age and educational background. These requirements ensure that applicants possess the fundamental knowledge and physical attributes necessary for the training program.
Age Limit Criteria:
As per the standard guidelines for Indian Railways apprenticeships, candidates must fall within a specific age range as of the cutoff date specified in the notification (usually the start date or a specific date within the application period). The typical minimum and maximum age requirements are:
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years
Age relaxation provisions are available for candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC, PWD) as per government rules. Candidates from the SC/ST categories usually receive a 5-year relaxation, while OBC candidates receive a 3-year relaxation. PWD candidates are provided additional relaxation based on specific guidelines. All candidates must refer to the official notification for precise details on age calculation and relaxation rules applicable to this particular PLW recruitment drive.
Educational Qualification Requirements:
Candidates applying for the Patiala Locomotive Works Apprentice positions must fulfill two primary educational requirements:
- Matriculation (10th Grade): The applicant must have passed the 10th-grade examination or its equivalent from a recognized board. A minimum aggregate percentage, usually 50% marks, is required for general category candidates.
- ITI Certificate: The candidate must possess an ITI pass certificate in the relevant trade issued by a recognized institution (NCVT/SCVT). The specific trades required are listed in the official notification for the Act Apprentice posts.
Meeting both these criteria is mandatory. Candidates whose results are pending or who have not yet obtained their final ITI certificates at the time of application are generally not eligible. The application window from December 1, 2025, to December 22, 2025, provides ample time for candidates to prepare and submit all required educational documents.
Selection Process for PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025
A distinctive feature of the PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025 is its selection methodology. Unlike many other recruitment drives, there is no written examination. The selection of candidates for the 225 Act Apprentice posts is conducted entirely on the basis of a merit list.
Merit List Calculation:
The merit list for the Patiala Locomotive Works Act Apprenticeship is prepared by calculating the average percentage marks obtained by the candidate in two examinations:
- Matriculation (10th Grade) examination.
- ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate examination.
For example, if a candidate scores 80% in their 10th grade and 85% in their ITI, the final merit score would be calculated as (80 + 85) / 2 = 82.5%. This score determines the candidate's ranking in the merit list for their chosen trade and category. Higher scores provide a better chance of selection.
Document Verification and Medical Examination:
Candidates shortlisted based on the merit list calculation will be called for document verification. This stage is critical, and candidates must ensure they possess all original documents, including academic certificates, ITI certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), and identity proofs. Any discrepancy between the information provided in the online application and the original documents will lead to disqualification.
Following successful document verification, candidates undergo a standard medical examination as per Indian Railways guidelines. This ensures that selected individuals are physically fit to handle the demands of the training program and future employment. The entire selection process for the PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025 is designed to be transparent and merit-driven, providing a fair opportunity to all applicants.
How to Apply Online for Patiala Locomotive Works Apprentice Recruitment 2025
The application process for the PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025 is completely online. Candidates are required to visit the official website of Patiala Locomotive Works, plw.indianrailways.gov.in, and follow the prescribed steps. The online application window is open from December 1, 2025, to December 22, 2025. It is essential for applicants to complete their submission well before the deadline to avoid potential last-minute technical issues.
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
- Access the Official Portal: Navigate to the official website of Patiala Locomotive Works (plw.indianrailways.gov.in). Look for the recruitment section or the specific link related to the PLW Act Apprentice Recruitment 2025.
- Read the Notification: Download and thoroughly read the official notification document. This ensures complete understanding of all eligibility criteria, required documents, and application guidelines.
- Registration: New users must first register themselves by providing basic details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, and email address. A unique registration ID and password will be generated for future login.
- Fill Application Form: Log in using the registration credentials and fill out the detailed application form. Carefully enter personal details, educational qualifications (10th and ITI marks), and select the desired trade. Double-check all entries before proceeding.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of required documents, including photograph, signature, 10th class mark sheet, ITI certificate, and caste certificate (if applicable). Ensure all files adhere to the specified format and size guidelines.
- Application Fee Payment: If an application fee is applicable for certain categories (General/OBC), proceed to make the payment online using net banking, credit card, or debit card. SC/ST/PWD/Female candidates are often exempted from this fee.
- Final Submission and Printout: Review the entire application form one last time. Submit the application and take a printout of the final confirmation page. This printout should be kept safely for future reference during document verification.
Candidates should ensure they have a stable internet connection and access to a working email ID and mobile number throughout the application process, as all communication regarding the PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025 will be sent to these contacts. The short window between December 1 and December 22, 2025, requires prompt action from interested applicants.
Important Dates and Links for PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025
Keeping track of important dates is crucial for applicants to avoid missing deadlines. The following table provides a clear overview of the key dates associated with the PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025. The current date is 13 December 2025, meaning the application window is rapidly approaching its close.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 01 December 2025 |
| Application End Date | 22 December 2025 |
| Document Verification Dates | Not Available (To be announced later) |
| Merit List Release Date | Not Available (To be announced later) |
Important Links:
For direct access to the official notification and online application portal, candidates should use the following links:
- Official Notification Link: PLW Official Website
- Apply Online Link: PLW Apply Online Portal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025
This section addresses common queries regarding the PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025 to provide clarity to prospective applicants.
1. What is the minimum educational qualification required for the PLW Act Apprentice posts?Candidates must have passed their 10th grade examination with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate. Additionally, they must hold an ITI pass certificate in the relevant trade issued by a recognized institution (NCVT/SCVT). Both qualifications are mandatory for the application.
2. Is there a written exam for the Patiala Locomotive Works Apprentice Recruitment?No, there is no written examination or interview. The selection for the PLW Act Apprentice posts is conducted entirely on the basis of merit. The merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained by the candidate in their 10th grade and ITI examinations.
3. How is the merit list calculated for selection?The merit list score is calculated by averaging the percentage marks obtained in two examinations: the 10th grade (Matriculation) examination and the ITI certificate examination. The final percentage score determines the candidate's ranking and likelihood of selection for one of the 225 vacancies.
4. What is the age limit for applying to the PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025?The minimum age required is 15 years, and the maximum age limit is typically 24 years. Age relaxation is provided for candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) as per government regulations. Applicants should refer to the official notification for precise details on age calculation as of the cutoff date.
5. What documents are required during the online application process and document verification?Candidates need to upload scanned copies of their photograph, signature, 10th-grade mark sheet, ITI certificate, and caste certificate (if applicable) during the online application. During the document verification stage, all original documents must be presented for validation.
6. What is the last date to apply for the PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025?The last date to apply online for the PLW Apprentice posts is December 22, 2025. The application window opened on December 1, 2025. Applicants are advised to submit their forms before the deadline to ensure consideration.
7. What trades are included in this recruitment drive?The PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025 typically includes trades such as Fitter, Welder, Electrician, Machinist, and Carpenter. The exact number of vacancies for each trade is detailed in the official notification available on the Patiala Locomotive Works website.
8. Where can I find the official notification and apply online?Candidates can find the official notification and apply online through the official website of Patiala Locomotive Works at plw.indianrailways.gov.in. The application link is active during the specified dates (December 1 to December 22, 2025).
9. Is there an application fee for the recruitment?Application fees often apply for General and OBC candidates, while SC, ST, PWD, and female candidates are generally exempted. Candidates must check the official notification for the exact fee structure for this specific PLW Apprentice Recruitment 2025.
10. How will I know if I have been selected?Candidates shortlisted for document verification based on the merit list will receive notifications, typically via email, SMS, or through a list published on the official Patiala Locomotive Works website. The merit list release date will be announced after the application window closes.