The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, have issued Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 05/2026 for the recruitment of paramedical staff. The notification announces 590 vacancies across nine categories, including Nursing Superintendent, Pharmacist, Health and Malaria Inspector Grade II, Radiographer X-Ray Technician and Lab Assistant Grade II.
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official RRB website. The initial basic pay ranges from ₹21,700 to ₹44,900 per month, depending on the post and pay level.
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
| Notification Number | CEN 05/2026 |
| Recruitment Name | RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 |
| Job Location | Railway zones and units across India |
| Employment Type | Railway service; appointment subject to eligibility and selection |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Total Vacancies | 590 |
| Application Start Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Application Modification Window | 17–26 October 2026 |
| Official Website | Official RRB Website |
Post-Wise Vacancy and Salary Details
The notification specifies the following vacancies, initial basic pay, pay levels and age limits. The age limits are calculated as on 1 January 2027, before applying any applicable age relaxation.
| Sl. No. | Post Name | Vacancies | Pay Level | Initial Basic Pay | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nursing Superintendent | 365 | Level 7 | ₹44,900 | 20–40 years |
| 2 | Dialysis Technician | 1 | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | 20–33 years |
| 3 | Health and Malaria Inspector Grade II | 43 | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | 18–33 years |
| 4 | Audiologist and Speech Therapist | 1 | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | 21–30 years |
| 5 | Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | 118 | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | 20–35 years |
| 6 | Radiographer X-Ray Technician | 25 | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | 19–33 years |
| 7 | ECG Technician | 4 | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | 18–33 years |
| 8 | Optometrist | 2 | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | 18–33 years |
| 9 | Lab Assistant Grade II | 31 | Level 3 | ₹21,700 | 18–33 years |
| Total | 590 | All RRBs | |||
Note: The amounts listed above are initial basic pay, not the final gross or take-home salary. The notification does not provide a single consolidated take-home salary for each post. Vacancies are provisional and may change according to Railway Administration requirements.
Educational Qualification and Eligibility
The educational and professional qualifications must be obtained from the prescribed recognized institution or university on or before 14 October 2026. Candidates awaiting the final results of their qualifying examinations are not eligible.
1. Nursing Superintendent
- Certificate as a Registered Nurse and Midwife after passing a three-year General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course from a school of nursing or other institution recognized by the Indian Nursing Council; OR
- B.Sc. Nursing.
- Candidates who obtained qualifications under the special concessions prescribed by the Indian Nursing Council for eligible Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, Midwives and B-grade Nurses may also be eligible, subject to the notification’s conditions.
2. Dialysis Technician
- B.Sc. degree plus a Diploma in Haemodialysis; OR
- B.Sc. degree plus two years of satisfactory in-house training or experience in haemodialysis work at a reputed institution, with supporting proof.
- B.Sc. in Dialysis Techniques, B.Sc. in Dialysis Technology and B.Sc. in Renal Dialysis Technology are also eligible qualifications.
3. Health and Malaria Inspector Grade II
- B.Sc. with Chemistry studied as a main or optional subject in any branch of Chemistry; AND
- Either a one-year Diploma in Health/Sanitary Inspector or a one-year National Trade Certificate (NTC) in Health Sanitary Inspector awarded by the National Council for Vocational Training, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.
4. Audiologist and Speech Therapist
- Bachelor in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP) from a recognized university.
- Registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is mandatory.
5. Pharmacist (Entry Grade)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy (Allopathic) from a Central or State Government-recognized university or institute, with registration as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948; OR
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from a Central or State Government-recognized university or institute, with registration as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
6. Radiographer X-Ray Technician
- 10+2 with Physics and Chemistry; AND
- A two-year Diploma in Radiography, X-Ray Technician or Radiodiagnosis Technology from a recognized institute.
- Science graduates holding the specified two-year diploma are preferred.
- The notification also recognizes specified related qualifications, including B.Sc. Medical Technology in Radiography, B.Sc. Medical Radiography and Imaging Technology, B.Sc. in Radiography, B.Sc. in Medical Imaging Technology, B.Sc. in Radiological and Image Techniques, a two-year Diploma in Radiation Technology, and 10+2 with Physics and Chemistry plus a Bachelor’s Degree in Radiation Technology.
7. ECG Technician
- 10+2 or graduation in Science, together 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.
- The notification contains specific recognition conditions for qualifications obtained through approved Open and Distance Learning institutions.
8. Optometrist
- B.Sc. in Optometry; OR
- Diploma in Ophthalmic Technician, with a course duration of three to four years.
- Registration with the concerned council or licensing body is required.
9. Lab Assistant Grade II
- 12th standard (10+2) in Science; AND
- Either a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) or a Certificate Course in Medical Laboratory Technology equivalent to DMLT, subject to the notification’s recognition and training conditions.
- The certificate course must be at least one year long, completed through full-time training at a recognized institution, with an examination that the candidate has passed.
- 12th standard in Science plus a Bachelor of Science in Medical Lab Technology is also an eligible qualification.
Age Limit and Age Relaxation
The age limit for each post is given in the vacancy table above and is calculated as on 1 January 2027. The notification provides the following upper-age relaxations, subject to the applicable conditions and valid certificates.
| Category | Age Relaxation or Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD – UR/EWS | 10 years |
| PwBD – OBC-NCL | 13 years |
| PwBD – SC/ST | 15 years |
| Ex-servicemen – UR/EWS | 3 years after deduction of qualifying military service from age |
| Ex-servicemen – OBC-NCL | 6 years after deduction of qualifying military service from age |
| Ex-servicemen – SC/ST | 8 years after deduction of qualifying military service from age |
| Eligible serving Group C and erstwhile Group D Railway staff and substitutes with the required minimum three years of service | Maximum age of 40 years for UR/EWS, 43 years for OBC-NCL and 45 years for SC/ST |
| Eligible employees of Railway quasi-administrative offices | Length of service rendered or 5 years, whichever is less |
| Eligible 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 |
If a candidate qualifies for age relaxation on more than one ground, only the maximum applicable relaxation is allowed, not cumulative relaxation. Candidates applying against unreserved vacancies must follow the notification’s specific rules regarding category-based age relaxation.
Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Examination Fee | Refund on Appearing in CBT |
|---|---|---|
| All other candidates | ₹500 | ₹400, after applicable bank charges |
| SC, ST, Ex-servicemen, PwBD, Female, Transgender, Minority and EBC candidates | ₹250 | ₹250, after applicable bank charges |
The fee must be paid online through internet banking, debit card, credit card or UPI. Applicable service charges are payable by the candidate.
The fee refund is available only to candidates who appear for the Computer Based Test (CBT), subject to the notification’s conditions. Refunds are credited to an Aadhaar-seeded bank account. Candidates claiming EBC fee concession must provide the prescribed valid supporting document.
Important: EBC, EWS and OBC are different categories. EBC status under this notification provides fee concession only; it does not provide job reservation on that basis.
Reservation Details
The notification provides vertical reservation for SC, ST, OBC-NCL and EWS wherever applicable under the rules and the vacancy requirements of the concerned Railways. Horizontal reservation provisions apply to eligible categories, including persons with benchmark disabilities and ex-servicemen, subject to the notification.
- SC/ST candidates must submit the prescribed community certificates.
- OBC-NCL candidates must satisfy the Central List and certificate requirements stated in the notification.
- EWS candidates must meet the specified income and asset criteria and produce the prescribed Income and Asset Certificate.
- PwBD candidates must satisfy the relevant disability, post-suitability and medical requirements.
- EBC candidates seeking fee concession must meet the separate EBC eligibility and documentation requirements.
The detailed category-wise and RRB-wise vacancy distribution is provided in Annexure B of the official notification. Candidates should check the vacancy table for their chosen RRB and railway unit before applying.
Selection Process
According to CEN 05/2026, the recruitment process includes the following stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT): A single-stage CBT is prescribed for the notified categories. RRBs may conduct additional CBTs if necessary.
- Document Verification: Candidates shortlisted based on CBT merit must produce their original certificates and supporting documents.
- Medical Examination: Candidates must satisfy the medical fitness standards prescribed for their selected post.
- Final empanelment and appointment: Selection is subject to merit, document verification, medical fitness, reservation rules, vacancy availability and the other conditions specified in the notification.
CBT Examination Pattern
| 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 |
- Examination duration: 90 minutes.
- Eligible PwBD candidates using the scribe facility receive 120 minutes.
- Questions are objective multiple-choice questions.
- Negative marking: One-third of the marks allotted to a question for each incorrect answer.
- Minimum qualifying marks: UR/EWS – 40%; OBC-NCL – 30%; SC – 30%; ST – 25%, subject to the conditions in the notification.
The section-wise distribution is indicative and may vary. The CBT syllabus for the relevant post is provided in Annexure C.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official unified RRB website.
- Open the link for Centralised Employment Notification CEN 05/2026 – Paramedical Categories.
- Create an account if you have not already created one under an earlier RRB notification. Candidates who already have an account must use their existing credentials.
- Enter the required personal, educational and other application details carefully. Account-creation details, including the registered mobile number and email address, cannot be modified later.
- Select only one RRB and indicate your eligible post and railway-zone preferences as instructed in the notification.
- Complete the live photograph capture and upload the signature and other required documents according to the prescribed specifications.
- Verify the information entered in the application form and complete Aadhaar verification or the prescribed identity verification process.
- Pay the applicable examination fee online.
- Submit the application and retain the application confirmation and payment details for future reference.
- Regularly check the official RRB website for CBT dates, examination notices, e-call letters and subsequent recruitment updates.
Application deadline: The online application must be submitted by 14 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. The last date for payment of the examination fee is 16 October 2026.
Documents and Information Required
The notification specifies document and image-upload requirements during the online application. Candidates should prepare the applicable documents, including:
- Personal details matching the Matriculation/SSLC or equivalent certificate.
- Educational and technical qualification certificates and marksheets.
- Live photograph captured according to the application instructions.
- Scanned signature in the prescribed format.
- Relevant SC/ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, EBC, PwBD or ex-servicemen documents, where applicable.
- Registration certificates or other professional documents where required for the selected post.
- Valid identity details and Aadhaar verification information, as applicable.
This is a general summary of the applicable requirements, not an exhaustive list for every candidate. Follow the detailed instructions in the notification and the online application portal. Original supporting documents must be produced during Document Verification.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative notice in Employment News | 12 September 2026 |
| Online application begins | 15 September 2026 |
| Online application closes | 14 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Last date for examination fee payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Application correction window | 17–26 October 2026 |
| Scribe details submission window for eligible candidates | 27–31 October 2026 |
| CBT examination date | To be announced |
The correction window requires a non-refundable modification fee of ₹250 for each occasion. The details in the Create an Account form and the selected RRB cannot be changed. No application modifications will be entertained after 26 October 2026.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Read the official notification and its annexures carefully before applying.
- Ensure that you meet the qualification, age, registration and medical requirements for the post selected.
- Only one RRB may be selected. Multiple applications can lead to rejection and debarment.
- Ensure that the information in your application matches your certificates.
- Keep your registered mobile number and email address active throughout the recruitment process.
- Selection is based on merit and is subject to document verification, medical fitness and other prescribed conditions.
- Vacancies are provisional and may be revised by the Railway Administration.
- Use only official RRB websites for recruitment information and updates. The notification warns candidates against fake websites, touts and claims of guaranteed railway appointments.
Official Notification and Application Website
Recruitment Notification: CEN 05/2026 – Recruitment of Paramedical Categories.
Official RRB website: https://rrb.indianrailways.gov.in/
The unified RRB website provides access to individual RRB websites and the official online application link. A separate direct application URL is not reproduced here because the notification identifies the unified website as the source for the application link.
Contact Details
For queries related to submission of the online application, the notification provides the following helpdesk details:
- Email: rrb.help@csc.gov.in
- Phone: 9592001188 / 01725653333
- Helpdesk hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on working days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many vacancies are available in RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026?
The notification announces a total of 590 vacancies across nine paramedical categories.
2. What is the last date to apply?
The last date for online application submission is 14 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
3. What is the salary in RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026?
The initial basic pay ranges from ₹21,700 to ₹44,900, depending on the post and pay level.
4. Which post has the highest number of vacancies?
Nursing Superintendent has the highest number, with 365 vacancies.
5. What is the application fee?
The fee is ₹500 for candidates in the general fee category and ₹250 for the specified concession categories. Eligible candidates who appear for the CBT can receive the applicable refund after bank charges, as described in the notification.
6. Is there negative marking in the CBT?
Yes. One-third of the marks allotted to a question will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
7. Can candidates awaiting their final examination results apply?
No. Candidates must already possess the prescribed educational or technical qualifications by the application closing date.
8. Can a candidate apply through more than one RRB?
No. Candidates may choose only one RRB for this notification. Multiple applications can lead to rejection and debarment.
9. When will the CBT be conducted?
The CBT date has not been specified in the notification. Candidates should check the official RRB website for updates.
10. Where can candidates check the RRB-wise vacancies?
The RRB-wise, railway/production-unit-wise and post-wise vacancy distribution is provided in Annexure B of CEN 05/2026.
Conclusion
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 offers 590 vacancies for eligible candidates with the prescribed nursing, pharmacy, laboratory, radiography and other professional qualifications. Before applying, check the eligibility conditions for your chosen post, the applicable age limit, medical standards and vacancy distribution. Read the complete official notification and submit your application before 14 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.