PLW Recruitment Updates 2026

PLW Recruitment Updates 2026: Complete Guide

Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW), formerly known as Diesel Loco Modernisation Works (DMW), is located in Patiala (Punjab). It is a vital production unit of Indian Railways, specializing in the manufacturing and modernization of electric locomotives. Unlike Zonal Railways (RRB/RRC), PLW conducts its own independent recruitment drives, primarily for ITI Apprentices and specialized quotas, offering a gateway to a prestigious technical career in Punjab.

At RailwayExams.Com, we synchronize our data directly with the official website plw.indianrailways.gov.in to ensure you never miss a Notification, Cutoff Marks, or Document Verification (DV) schedule.

PLW (Patiala) Recruitment: The Complete Career Guide

PLW is a premier industrial establishment for technical aspirants in North India, especially Punjab and Haryana. Having transitioned from diesel modernization to manufacturing high-power electric locomotives, it represents the evolving face of Indian Railways. Recruitment here is highly competitive due to the structured training facilities and the advantage of the “Railway Apprentice Quota.”

PLW Recruitment Categories & “Trade-Wise” Opportunities

PLW is a high-tech manufacturing complex, so recruitment is heavily skewed towards technical trades and special quotas. Candidates should know the specific opportunities available:

• Act Apprentice (The Biggest Drive):
  • Volume: PLW releases substantial annual notifications (often 295+ seats).
  • Trades: High demand for Electrician, Mechanic (Diesel), Machinist, Fitter, and Welder (G&E).
  • The “PLW Advantage”: Completing an apprenticeship here is prestigious. It grants a 20% Quota in Level-1 (Group D) jobs in the railways and provides industrial training with a monthly Stipend.
  • Selection: Purely on Merit (10th Marks + ITI Marks). Note: PLW typically calculates merit based on the average of Matriculation and ITI marks.
• Sports Quota:
  • PLW actively recruits outstanding sportspersons. It conducts Open Advertisement recruitment for disciplines like Cricket, Athletics, and Wrestling. Trials are held at the PLW Stadium in Patiala.
• Cultural & Scouts/Guides Quota:
  • Recruitment for talented artists and active Scouts & Guides members occurs periodically, contributing to the vibrant campus life at PLW.

Key Recruitment Process Details

• No RRB Exams: For PLW-specific Apprentice and Quota posts, you do not go through RRB. You apply directly via the PLW Online Portal.
• Merit List Generation: For apprentices, a unified merit list is prepared based on the percentage of marks in Matriculation (with minimum 50% aggregate) + ITI marks in the relevant trade.
• Document Verification (DV): Shortlisted candidates are called to the PLW Administrative Building in Patiala for verification of original documents.

Contact Details & Address (Official)

For queries regarding Apprentice Merit Lists, Joining Letters, or Medical Boards, use the official contact channels listed below.

• Office Address: Principal Chief Personnel Officer, Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW), Patiala, Punjab – 147003
• Helpline & Contact:
  • Phone: 0175-2306230 / 0175-2306240 (General Enquiry)
  • Office Hours: 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM (Monday – Friday)
• Official Website:
  • plw.indianrailways.gov.in (Navigate to ‘Department’ > ‘Personnel’ > ‘Recruitment’)

Selection Process for Apprentices

The PLW Apprentice selection follows a transparent, merit-based protocol:

1. Application: Online application via the PLW official website.
2. Merit Calculation: Average of percentage marks obtained in Class 10 and ITI.
3. DV & Medical: Verification of original certificates and a medical fitness test at the PLW Railway Hospital.

Stay Alert for PLW Updates

PLW recruitment notifications are eagerly awaited by thousands of aspirants from Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Apprentice Merit Lists and Sports Quota trial dates are critical. We strongly recommend checking this dashboard twice weekly. Bookmark this page for the fastest PLW (Patiala) alerts.