The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Government of India, have released Centralised Employment Notification CEN 05/2026 for recruitment to various paramedical categories. A total of 590 vacancies are available across participating RRBs and Railway Zones. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online from 15/09/2026 to 14/10/2026.
Post Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways |
| Notification | CEN 05/2026 |
| Recruitment | Paramedical Categories |
| Total Vacancies | 590 |
| Qualification | Post-specific nursing, pharmacy, paramedical, science and technical qualifications |
| Age Limit | 18 to 40 years, depending on the post, as on 01/01/2027 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 15/09/2026 |
| Last Date | 14/10/2026 up to 23:59 hours |
| Official Website | https://rrb.indianrailways.gov.in/ |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative Notice in Employment News | 12/09/2026 |
| Opening Date of Online Application | 15/09/2026 |
| Closing Date for Online Application | 14/10/2026 up to 23:59 hours |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | 16/10/2026 |
| Application Modification Window | 17/10/2026 to 26/10/2026 |
| Scribe Details Submission Window | 27/10/2026 to 31/10/2026 |
| CBT Date | To be announced through the official RRB website |
| Document Verification and Medical Examination | To be announced through the concerned RRB |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Refund on Appearing in CBT |
|---|---|---|
| All candidates | ₹500 | ₹400, after deduction of applicable bank charges |
| SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, Female, Transgender, Minority and EBC candidates | ₹250 | ₹250, after deduction of applicable bank charges |
The fee must be paid online through internet banking, debit card, credit card or UPI. Applicable service charges shall be borne by the candidate. The refund is available only to candidates who appear in the CBT and will be credited to an Aadhaar-seeded bank account. EBC candidates must possess a valid EBC certificate, BPL card, Izzat MST or eligible Central Government poverty-alleviation certificate on or before the closing date. EBC is different from OBC and EWS and provides fee concession only, not job reservation.
Age Limit
The age will be calculated as on 01/01/2027. The post-wise age limits are as follows:
| Age Group | Applicable Posts |
|---|---|
| 18 to 33 years | Health and Malaria Inspector Grade II, ECG Technician, Optometrist, Lab Assistant Grade II |
| 19 to 33 years | Radiographer X-Ray Technician |
| 20 to 33 years | Dialysis Technician |
| 20 to 35 years | Pharmacist (Entry Grade) |
| 20 to 40 years | Nursing Superintendent |
| 21 to 30 years | Audiologist and Speech Therapist |
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years.
- OBC-NCL candidates: 3 years.
- PwBD candidates: 10 years for UR/EWS, 13 years for OBC-NCL and 15 years for SC/ST.
- Ex-Servicemen with at least six months of continuous service after attestation: 3 years for UR/EWS, 6 years for OBC-NCL and 8 years for SC/ST, after deduction of the length of military service from age.
- Serving Group C and erstwhile Group D Railway staff or substitutes with at least three years of service: maximum age of 40 years for UR/EWS, 43 years for OBC-NCL and 45 years for SC/ST.
- Staff working in quasi-administrative Railway offices: relaxation up to the length of service rendered or five years, whichever is lower.
- Widowed, divorced or judicially separated women who have not remarried: maximum age of 35 years for UR/EWS, 38 years for OBC-NCL and 40 years for SC/ST.
- Age relaxations are not cumulative. Where more than one relaxation is applicable, only the maximum permissible relaxation will be granted.
Vacancy Details
| Post | Pay Level | Initial Pay | Medical Standard | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | Level 7 | ₹44,900 | C1 | 365 |
| Dialysis Technician | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | B1 | 1 |
| Health and Malaria Inspector Grade II | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | C1 | 43 |
| Audiologist and Speech Therapist | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | B1 | 1 |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | C2 | 118 |
| Radiographer X-Ray Technician | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | B1 | 25 |
| ECG Technician | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | C1 | 4 |
| Optometrist | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | B1 | 2 |
| Lab Assistant Grade II | Level 3 | ₹21,700 | B1 | 31 |
| Total | 590 |
RRB-Wise Vacancy Totals
| RRB | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | 7 |
| Ajmer | 11 |
| Bengaluru | 18 |
| Bhopal | 21 |
| Bhubaneswar | 5 |
| Bilaspur | 18 |
| Chandigarh | 6 |
| Chennai | 65 |
| Gorakhpur | 33 |
| Guwahati | 29 |
| Jammu-Srinagar | 6 |
| Kolkata | 98 |
| Malda | 28 |
| Mumbai | 61 |
| Muzaffarpur | 19 |
| Patna | 21 |
| Prayagraj | 33 |
| Ranchi | 21 |
| Secunderabad | 71 |
| Siliguri | 19 |
| All RRBs | 590 |
The vacancies are provisional and may increase, decrease or become nil depending on the requirements of the Railway Administrations. Detailed RRB-wise, Railway/Production Unit-wise, post-wise and category-wise vacancies are provided in Annexure B of the notification.
Eligibility / Qualification
Candidates must possess the prescribed educational, technical or professional qualification from a recognized institution on or before 14/10/2026. Candidates awaiting the final results of the required qualification are not eligible.
| Post | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | Certificate as Registered Nurse and Midwife with a three-year General Nursing and Midwifery course from a school of nursing or institution recognized by the Indian Nursing Council, or B.Sc. Nursing. Candidates qualifying under applicable Indian Nursing Council concessions for Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, Midwives and B Grade Nurses are also eligible. |
| Dialysis Technician | B.Sc. along with a Diploma in Haemodialysis or two years of satisfactory in-house training/experience in haemodialysis work in a reputed institution. B.Sc. in Dialysis Techniques, Dialysis Technology or Renal Dialysis Technology is also acceptable. |
| Health and Malaria Inspector Grade II | B.Sc. with Chemistry as a main or optional subject, plus either a one-year Diploma in Health/Sanitary Inspector or a one-year National Trade Certificate in Health Sanitary Inspector awarded by the National Council for Vocational Training. |
| Audiologist and Speech Therapist | Bachelor in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from a recognized university and registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India. |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy (Allopathic) from a Central or State Government recognized university or institute and registration as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, or Doctor of Pharmacy from a recognized university/institute with registration under the Pharmacy Act, 1948. |
| Radiographer X-Ray Technician | 10+2 with Physics and Chemistry plus a two-year Diploma in Radiography, X-Ray Technician or Radiodiagnosis Technology from a recognized institute. Several equivalent qualifications, including relevant B.Sc. Medical Radiography, Imaging Technology, Radiography, Medical Imaging Technology, Radiological and Image Techniques, Radiation Technology and Radiation Technology degree qualifications, are also acceptable. Science graduates with the relevant diploma will be preferred. |
| ECG Technician | 10+2 or Graduation in Science with a Certificate, Diploma or Degree in ECG Laboratory Technology, Cardiology, Cardiology Technician or Cardiology Techniques from a reputed institution. The certificate must have a minimum duration of one year. |
| Optometrist | B.Sc. in Optometry or Diploma in Ophthalmic Technician of three to four years duration, along with registration with the concerned council or licensing body. |
| Lab Assistant Grade II | 12th with Science plus a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology or a certificate course in Medical Laboratory Technology equivalent to DMLT. The course must be from a recognized institution, be at least one year in duration, be completed on a full-time basis and include successful completion of an examination. 12th with Science plus B.Sc. Medical Lab Technology is also acceptable. |
Open and Distance Learning qualifications are acceptable where the institution is established or recognized under the applicable provisions and approved by the University Grants Commission.
Medical Fitness Standards
Candidates shortlisted for Document Verification must pass the medical fitness examination conducted by the Railway Administration. Candidates found medically unsuitable for the opted post will not receive an alternative appointment.
| Medical Standard | Indicative Vision Requirement |
|---|---|
| B-1 | Distance vision 6/9 and 6/12 with or without glasses, lens power not exceeding 4D; near vision Sn 0.6 and 0.6; colour, binocular, night and mesopic vision tests must be passed. |
| C-1 | Distant vision 6/12 and 6/18 with or without glasses; near vision Sn 0.6 and 0.6 with or without glasses where reading or close work is required. |
| C-2 | Distance vision 6/12 and nil with or without glasses; near vision Sn 0.6 combined with or without glasses where reading or close work is required. |
The medical standards are indicative and must be read with the Indian Railway Medical Manual. Candidates with LASIK surgery may be eligible for B-1 subject to the conditions prescribed in the notification. A medical appeal may be permitted once, subject to payment of prescribed charges and applicable conditions.
Selection Process
- Computer Based Test (CBT).
- Shortlisting for Document Verification on the basis of CBT merit and community-wise qualifying marks.
- Document Verification with original certificates.
- Railway medical examination.
- Final empanelment and allotment of post and Railway Zone/Production Unit based on merit, preferences, medical fitness, reservation and vacancy position.
- Appointment offer by the concerned Railway Administration after final verification of educational and community certificates and antecedents/character.
The CBT and Document Verification shortlisting will generally be conducted RRB-wise at a ratio of 1:1 against the vacancies. Marks will be normalized where CBT is held in multiple shifts. In case of equal marks, the older candidate will receive higher merit, followed by alphabetical order of the given name.
Exam Pattern
The recruitment examination will be a single-stage objective Computer Based Test with four options for each question.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Ability | 70 | 70 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| General Arithmetic, General Intelligence and Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| General Science | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Duration: 90 minutes.
- Duration for PwBD/PwD candidates eligible for scribe facility: 120 minutes.
- Negative marking: One-third mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.
- Minimum qualifying marks: UR/EWS 40%, OBC-NCL and SC 30%, and ST 25%. These percentages also apply to Ex-Servicemen and PwBD candidates according to their community. Up to two marks relaxation may be allowed for PwBD candidates where there is a shortage against reserved PwBD vacancies.
- The question standard will generally correspond to the educational and professional qualifications prescribed for the respective post.
- CBT questions will be available in English, Hindi and 13 regional languages: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.
Syllabus
Professional Ability
- Nursing Superintendent: Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Nursing Foundations, Psychology, Microbiology, Sociology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Genetics, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Child Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery and Obstetrical Nursing, Nursing Research and Statistics, and Management of Nursing Services and Education.
- Dialysis Technician: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, Introduction to Kidney Diseases, and Principles and Practice of Dialysis.
- Health and Malaria Inspector Grade II: Food and Nutrition, Environmental Sanitation and Sanitary Engineering, Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, Prevention and Control, Health Statistics and Death Statistics.
- Audiologist and Speech Therapist: Speech and Language Development and Disorders, Anatomy and Physiology related to Speech and Hearing, Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Audiology, Psychology related to Speech and Hearing, Acoustics, Hearing Pathology, Phonetics and Phonology, Speech-Language Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Paediatric Audiology, Management of Hearing Impairment, Voice and Laryngectomy, Hearing Conservation, Aural Rehabilitation and Instrumentation.
- Pharmacist: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Remedial Biology/Mathematics, Biochemistry, Pathophysiology, Computer Applications in Pharmacy, Environmental Sciences, Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Engineering, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Industrial Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence, Herbal Drug Technology, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Quality Assurance, Pharmacy Practice, Biostatistics, Research Methodology, Pharmacovigilance, Regulatory Science, Quality Control and other subjects specified in Annexure C.
- Radiographer X-Ray Technician: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Radiology Physics, General Physics, Radiation Physics, Diagnostic Radiology, X-Ray Machines and Accessories, Maintenance, Film/Image Processing, Clinical Radiography and Positioning, Medical Ethics, Patient Care, Medical Emergencies, Modern Imaging Modalities, Contrast and Special Radiography Procedures, Quality Control and Radiation Safety.
- ECG Technician: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Diseases, Basic Cardiovascular Investigations and Advanced Cardiovascular Investigations.
- Optometrist: Physical and Geometrical Optics, Anatomy and Physiology, Ocular Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry, Nutrition, Lighting, Hospital Procedures, Optometric Optics, Ocular Diseases, Visual Optics, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, Optometric Instruments, Clinical Examination, Binocular Vision, Glaucoma, Low Vision Aids, Dispensing Optics, Paediatric and Geriatric Optometry, Contact Lenses, Law and Optometry, Occupational Optometry, Systemic Diseases, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health and Community Optometry.
- Lab Assistant Grade II: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Fundamentals of Medical Laboratory Technology, Microbiology, Clinical Biochemistry, Pathology and Histopathology, Haematology and Blood Banking.
Common Subjects
- General Arithmetic: Number Systems, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM and HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar, Clock, Pipes and Cisterns.
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagrams, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statements, Arguments and Assumptions.
- General Awareness: Current Affairs, Indian Geography, Indian Culture and History including the Freedom Struggle, Indian Polity and Constitution, Indian Economy, Environmental Issues, Sports, and Scientific and Technological Developments.
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences up to the 10th Standard CBSE level.
Salary / Pay Scale
| Post | Pay Level | Initial Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | Level 7 | ₹44,900 |
| Dialysis Technician | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Health and Malaria Inspector Grade II | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Audiologist and Speech Therapist | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | Level 5 | ₹29,200 |
| Radiographer X-Ray Technician | Level 5 | ₹29,200 |
| ECG Technician | Level 4 | ₹25,500 |
| Optometrist | Level 4 | ₹25,500 |
| Lab Assistant Grade II | Level 3 | ₹21,700 |
The pay levels and initial pay are based on the 7th Central Pay Commission. Other admissible Railway and Central Government allowances will be payable as per applicable rules.
Important Instructions
- Candidates may select only one RRB and must provide preferences for eligible posts and Railway Zones within that RRB.
- Multiple applications submitted to the same or different RRBs will lead to rejection of all applications and possible debarment from future RRB/RRC examinations.
- Details entered during account creation, including mobile number and email ID, and the chosen RRB cannot be changed.
- Application modifications other than account-creation details and chosen RRB are permitted from 17/10/2026 to 26/10/2026 on payment of a non-refundable modification fee of ₹250 per modification.
- Candidates must capture a live photograph during the application process. Pre-existing printed or digital photographs must not be photographed or uploaded.
- The signature must be in running handwriting using black ink on white paper, in JPG/JPEG format, with a file size between 30 KB and 49 KB and minimum dimensions of 140 × 60 pixels.
- SC/ST candidates seeking free sleeper-class train travel must upload a valid SC/ST certificate in PDF format below 400 KB.
- Candidates serving in Central or State Government departments, Railways or Public Sector Undertakings may apply after informing their employer, but shortlisted candidates must produce a No Objection Certificate during Document Verification.
- Candidates shortlisted for Document Verification must bring original documents and two sets of self-attested photocopies. Certificates must be in English or Hindi, or accompanied by a self-attested translation.
- Candidates must bring the e-call letter, an original valid photo identity document and a recent colour passport photograph to the CBT. The e-call letter will be available approximately four days before the CBT, while city information is expected approximately ten days before the examination.
- Mobile phones, calculators, watches, Bluetooth devices, books, stationery, bags, food items, water bottles and other prohibited articles are not permitted inside the examination centre.
- Any forgery, impersonation, cheating, use of prohibited items, false information or unfair practice may result in cancellation of candidature, lifetime debarment from RRB/RRC examinations, dismissal from service and legal action.
Scribe Facility
Candidates with blindness, locomotor disability affecting both arms and cerebral palsy may use a scribe if desired. Candidates with other benchmark disabilities must produce the prescribed medical certificate confirming physical limitation to write and the necessity of a scribe. Candidates with less than 40% disability who have difficulty writing may also use a scribe after submitting the certificates and undertakings prescribed in the notification.
Eligible candidates must opt for the scribe facility in the online application. The scribe must register at the RRB portal and obtain a valid One-Time Registration number. The scribe's qualification must be one step below the qualification of the candidate. A scribe may assist only one candidate in the same CEN. Eligible candidates receive 20 minutes of compensatory time per hour of examination, whether or not they use the scribe facility.
Reservation and Citizenship
Reservation is available, wherever applicable, for SC, ST, OBC-NCL and EWS candidates. Horizontal reservation provisions apply to Ex-Servicemen and PwBD candidates. EWS candidates must have a family gross annual income below ₹8,00,000 for the relevant financial year and must satisfy the prescribed land and property conditions.
A candidate must be a citizen of India, a citizen of Nepal, a subject of Bhutan, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India, subject to the required Government of India certificate of eligibility.
Documents for Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates should be prepared with original documents and two sets of self-attested photocopies, including educational and technical qualification certificates, matriculation or equivalent certificate for date of birth, caste/category certificate, OBC-NCL certificate and declaration where applicable, EWS Income and Asset Certificate, EBC certificate or other fee-concession document, Ex-Servicemen documents, PwBD certificate and UDID where applicable, NOC from the present employer, valid photo identity proof and other documents specified by the concerned RRB.
Candidates should regularly check the official RRB website for CBT schedules, city intimation, e-call letters, amendments, corrigenda, results, Document Verification and medical examination notices.