How Indian Railways Became the Biggest Employer for ITI Holders
Indian Railways is not just the lifeline of the country—it’s also one of India’s largest employers, with over 12 lakh staff across the nation. A huge share of these jobs is held by ITI pass-outs, trained in trades like Fitter, Electrician, and Machinist. From repairing locomotives to welding coaches and wiring signals, ITI-trained workers are the backbone of Railways’ workshops and factories.
And the demand is only rising. In 2025, Railways announced 6,200+ technician vacancies—a golden chance for ITI graduates looking for stable, government-backed jobs.
Why ITI Graduates Fit Right Into Railways
Railway workshops like Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, Diesel Loco Works, and Integral Coach Factory rely heavily on ITI-trained youth. These roles involve welding, engine repair, machining, and electrical maintenance—all skills ITI courses specialize in.
In 2024–25, Railways planned to fill 92,000 posts, including 14,298 technician roles. The result? A staggering 26.99 lakh applications, proving how attractive these jobs are.
Main Recruitment Routes for ITI Pass-Outs
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RRB Technician Jobs
Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) release Centralized Employment Notifications (CEN) for Technician Grade II & III roles. In 2025 alone, 6,238 technician vacancies were announced, open to 10th + ITI or apprenticeship certificate holders. -
Act Apprenticeship Training
Under the Apprentices Act, 1961, Railways trains lakhs of ITI and non-ITI youth in trades like Diesel Mechanic, Painter, Turner, and Welder. After training, apprentices get a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) and 20% reservation in Group D jobs—a huge boost for ITI holders. -
Level-1 (Group D) Jobs
From 2025, ITI/NAC certificates are now treated equal to 10th pass for Group D jobs. This means ITI students can apply for track maintainers, helpers, and assistants, widening their opportunities further.
Skill Development & Modernization
Railways doesn’t just hire; it trains. With its massive apprenticeship network, loco sheds, and skill centers like IRIMEE and ICF institutes, ITI youth get hands-on industry exposure.
As India rolls out bullet trains, metro projects, and full electrification, demand for skilled technicians is skyrocketing. In 2024, over 1.4 crore applicants applied for 64,000 jobs, highlighting the unmatched pull of Railways.
Why ITI Students Prefer Railways
✅ Job security
✅ Steady pay with healthcare & pension benefits
✅ Career growth – ITI graduates can become Assistant Loco Pilots, Junior Engineers, or Station Masters through internal exams.
With over 14,000 ITIs across India, competition is tough. But Railways remains the #1 choice because of the huge number of vacancies it offers every year.
Final Word
Indian Railways isn’t just a transport giant—it’s the largest recruiter of ITI graduates in India. From apprenticeships to reserved seats and mass recruitment drives, it provides steady career paths for skilled youth. With over 92,000 vacancies in 2024–25, Railways continues to be the most secure and high-demand career option for ITI students, a trend only set to grow as modernization speeds up.