Indian Railway BLW Recruitment 2025: 374 Apprentice Vacancies

Dreaming of a stable career with India’s largest employer? For young job seekers in Uttar Pradesh and beyond, especially those with 10th, 12th, or ITI qualifications, the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) has just opened a fantastic door. Their 2025 Apprenticeship drive, offering 374 positions, isn’t just a training program; it’s a launchpad for a future in the vital railway sector. If you’re looking for hands-on experience, a respectable stipend, and a nationally recognized certificate, this opportunity deserves your immediate attention. Applications are live online, but don’t wait – the clock is ticking!

Job Overview

The Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), a prestigious manufacturing unit under Indian Railways renowned for building powerful locomotives, is seeking enthusiastic candidates for its 2025 Apprenticeship intake. This is a full-time, contractual apprenticeship program based entirely at their sprawling facility in Varanasi. It’s designed to equip young individuals with practical, industry-relevant skills through structured training under expert guidance, making them highly employable in the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Key Job Details

Organization	Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Indian Railways
Job Title	Apprentices (ITI & Non-ITI Trades)
Location	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221002, India
Total Vacancies	374 (300 ITI Apprentice Posts + 74 Non-ITI Apprentice Posts)
Application Mode	Online
Last Date to Apply	August 5, 2025
Official Website	https://blw.indianrailways.gov.in/

Eligibility Criteria

BLW has clear criteria to ensure candidates are well-suited for the training:

• Educational Qualification:
  • For ITI Apprentices: Must have passed 10th/12th standard AND possess an ITI certificate in a relevant trade (like Electrician, Fitter, Machinist, Welder, etc.).
  • For Non-ITI Apprentices: Must have passed 10th standard or 12th standard from a recognized board or council.
• Age Limit (as of August 5, 2025):
  • Minimum Age: 15 years
  • Maximum Age: 24 years
• Age Relaxation: As per Government of India rules:
  • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates: 3 years
  • SC/ST candidates: 5 years
  • Persons with Disabilities (PWD) candidates: 10 years

Important: Candidates must meet the specific trade requirements mentioned in the detailed official notification.

Selection Process

Selection for these apprenticeship positions will be primarily based on merit. Here’s how it will work:

1. Merit List Formation: BLW will prepare separate merit lists for ITI and Non-ITI categories.
2. Basis of Merit: Merit will be calculated solely on the marks obtained by the candidate in their qualifying examination (ITI marks for ITI apprentices; 10th or 12th marks for Non-ITI apprentices, whichever is the required qualification).
3. Document Verification: Candidates whose names appear on the provisional merit list will be called for document verification at the BLW facility in Varanasi. It’s crucial to present all original certificates and proofs (age, qualification, category, etc.) during this stage.
4. Final Selection: Offer of apprenticeship will be made based on the verified merit list and availability of seats in specific trades.

There is typically no written test or interview for apprentice selection at BLW; the academic merit and successful document verification are key.

Salary and Benefits

While this is a training position, apprentices receive a monthly stipend as per government apprenticeship rules:

• Stipend Range: ₹9,000 to ₹35,000 per month. The exact stipend amount depends on the specific trade you are selected for and your educational qualification (ITI vs. Non-ITI). Higher stipends are generally associated with trades requiring ITI certification.
• Primary Benefit: Beyond the stipend, the most significant benefit is the high-quality, practical training you receive under the guidance of experienced professionals in a world-class railway production unit.
• Certificate: Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship period, you will be awarded a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC). This certificate is highly valued and recognized by employers across both public and private sectors in India, significantly boosting your future job prospects.

Important Dates

Mark these dates clearly on your calendar to avoid missing out:

• Application Start Date: Already Started (As of July 2025)
• Last Date to Apply: August 5, 2025 (Ensure you submit well before this date to avoid last-minute technical glitches).
• Document Verification Dates: Will be announced later on the BLW website after the application window closes. Keep checking the official site regularly.

How to Apply

Applying for the BLW Apprenticeship 2025 is done entirely online. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the BLW recruitment section: https://blw.indianrailways.gov.in/
2. Find the Notification: Locate the advertisement titled “Engagement of Act Apprentices for the Year 2025-26” or similar. Download and read the full notification PDF thoroughly. Understand all instructions, eligibility details, and trade-wise vacancies.
3. New User Registration: Look for the “Apply Online” or “Registration” link for the apprentice recruitment. Click on it and register as a new user. You’ll need a valid email ID and mobile number (which must remain active throughout the process).
4. Log In & Fill Application: Use the credentials sent to your email/mobile to log in. Carefully fill out the online application form. Enter all details accurately – personal information, educational qualifications, communication address, category (SC/ST/OBC/UR/EWS/PWD), trade preference, etc. Double-check everything.
5. Upload Documents: Scan and upload clear copies of required documents in the specified format (usually JPG/PDF) and size limit:
   • Recent Passport Size Photograph
   • Signature
   • 10th/12th Marksheet & Certificate
   • ITI Marksheet & Certificate (for ITI Apprentice posts)
   • Category Certificate (if applicable – SC/ST/OBC/PWD)
   • Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/etc.)
   • Any other document mentioned in the notification.
6. Pay Application Fee (If Applicable):
   • Fee: ₹100 (Rupees One Hundred Only) for OBC candidates.
   • Exemption: No fee for SC, ST, PWD, and Female candidates.
   • Payment Mode: Fee payment is usually done online through integrated payment gateways (Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking).
7. Review and Submit: Preview your entire application carefully. Ensure all information is correct and documents are clearly visible. Only then, click the final ‘Submit’ button.
8. Print Confirmation: After successful submission, download and print the system-generated application form/confirmation page. Keep it safe for future reference and the document verification stage.

Key Tip: Keep scanned copies of all documents and your confirmation page readily available. Avoid submitting multiple applications.

Important Links

Access the essential portals directly:

Official BLW Recruitment Portal: Copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://blw.indianrailways.gov.in/

Apply Online (Once Registered): The application link will be active on the official portal under the specific recruitment notification.

Download Official Notification: Copy and paste this URL into your browser: [Look for the specific notification link on the BLW recruitment page once published, but the main portal is https://blw.indianrailways.gov.in/] (Note: The exact notification PDF link will be on the BLW site under the recruitment section).

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about the BLW Apprenticeship 2025:

Q1: I have passed 12th but no ITI. Can I apply?
A: Absolutely! There are 74 positions specifically for Non-ITI Apprentices. You need to have passed either 10th or 12th standard. Check the notification for which trades are open to Non-ITI candidates.

Q2: Is there an application fee, and who needs to pay it?
A: Yes, there is a fee. Candidates belonging to the OBC category need to pay ₹100. However, candidates from SC, ST, PWD categories, and all female candidates are completely exempt from paying any application fee.

Q3: What’s the last day I can submit my application?
A: The deadline is firm: August 5, 2025. Applications submitted after this date and time will not be accepted. Aim to apply at least a few days early to avoid last-minute website traffic or issues.

Q4: Does completing this apprenticeship mean I get a permanent job at BLW/Indian Railways?
A: No, this apprenticeship program itself does not guarantee a permanent job with BLW or Indian Railways. Its primary goal is skill development. However, the National Apprenticeship Certificate you earn is a major asset. It significantly enhances your resume and improves your chances of securing employment in BLW (if they recruit later), other Indian Railways units, or reputable private sector companies, especially in manufacturing and engineering. Think of it as a powerful stepping stone.

Q5: Where will the training take place?
A: All practical training for this apprenticeship will be conducted on-site at the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) facility located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Apprentices are expected to be present at the BLW workshops and training centers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All details regarding the BLW Apprenticeship Recruitment 2025 (vacancies, eligibility, dates, fees, selection process, stipend) are based on the official notification expected from Banaras Locomotive Works. Candidates must refer exclusively to the official notification and website (https://blw.indianrailways.gov.in/) for the most accurate, detailed, and updated information before applying. We are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

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