RRB Paramedical Categories Recruitment 2026 (CEN 05/2026)

RRB Paramedical Categories Recruitment 2026 – Overview

Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Government of India, have released Detailed Centralised Employment Notification CEN No. 05/2026 for the Recruitment of Paramedical Categories. This is a major nationwide recruitment drive offering 590 vacancies across 9 different paramedical posts, including Nursing Superintendent, Pharmacist, Radiographer, and Lab Assistant, spread across all RRB zones in India. Online applications open on 15 September 2026 and close on 14 October 2026, 23:59 hours.

RRB CEN 05/2026 – Overview Table

Post-wise Vacancy, Pay and Age Details

RRB-wise and Railway Zone-wise detailed vacancy distribution is given in Annexure B of the official notification. Vacancies are provisional and may increase or decrease as per Railway administration requirements.

Post-wise Educational Qualification

Age Limit and Relaxation

Age is reckoned as on 01.01.2027, with post-wise lower and upper limits ranging from 18-40 years (see table above). Age relaxation in the upper age limit is available as follows:

• SC/ST candidates: 5 years; OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years.
• Ex-Servicemen: 3 years (UR/EWS), 6 years (OBC-NCL), 8 years (SC/ST), after deducting length of service from age.
• PwBD candidates: 10 years (UR/EWS), 13 years (OBC-NCL), 15 years (SC/ST).
• Serving Group C/erstwhile Group D Railway staff with 3+ years’ service: up to 40 years (UR/EWS), 43 (OBC-NCL), 45 (SC/ST).
• Widowed/divorced/judicially separated female candidates (not remarried): up to 35 years (UR/EWS), 38 (OBC-NCL), 40 (SC/ST).
• Relaxations are not cumulative; candidates get the maximum single relaxation for which they are eligible.

Examination Fee

Fee is payable online only, through internet banking, debit/credit cards, or UPI. Applications without the prescribed fee will be summarily rejected.

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Selection Process

• Single Stage Computer Based Test (CBT): 100 questions, 100 marks, 90 minutes duration (120 minutes for PwBD candidates with scribe facility).
• Section-wise distribution: Professional Ability (70 marks), General Awareness (10 marks), General Arithmetic/Reasoning (10 marks), General Science (10 marks).
• Negative marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
• Minimum qualifying marks: 40% (UR/EWS), 30% (OBC-NCL/SC), 25% (ST); relaxable by 2 marks for PwBD candidates in case of shortage.
• Shortlisting for Document Verification (DV) is done RRB-wise at 1:1 ratio of vacancies, based on CBT merit.
• Final empanelment is based on CBT merit, subject to successful DV and passing the prescribed Medical Examination.

How to Apply

1. Visit the unified RRB website: rrb.indianrailways.gov.in and navigate to your chosen RRB’s webpage.
2. Create an account (or log in with existing credentials from earlier RRB CENs of 2024/2025/2026).
3. Fill in the online application, choosing only one RRB and your preferred Railway Zones/posts within that RRB.
4. Upload live-captured photo and mandatory scanned documents as specified.
5. Pay the applicable examination fee online before 16 October 2026.
6. Applications can be modified (except Create Account details and chosen RRB) between 17-26 October 2026 by paying a Rs 250 modification fee per occasion.

Terms and Conditions

• Candidates can choose only ONE RRB; multiple applications to different RRBs or the same RRB will lead to rejection of all applications and debarment from future RRB/RRC examinations.
• Candidates must already possess the prescribed educational qualification as on the closing date (14.10.2026); those awaiting final results should NOT apply.
• Medical fitness as per the prescribed standard (B1/B2/C1/C2) is mandatory; candidates found medically unsuitable will not be given alternative appointment.
• Mobile number and email ID entered during “Create an Account” cannot be modified at any stage.
• Banned items including mobile phones, calculators, and electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited at the exam venue.

Why This RRB Paramedical Recruitment Is Significant

With 590 vacancies spanning across Nursing, Pharmacy, Radiography, Audiology, and Laboratory Technology disciplines, this is one of the largest centralized paramedical recruitment drives conducted by Indian Railways in recent years. Nursing Superintendent alone accounts for 365 of the total vacancies, reflecting the significant expansion of Railway Hospital and healthcare infrastructure staffing needs across India’s railway zones.

Understanding the RRB Selection and Choice Process

Candidates should carefully review Annexure A (Post Parameters) and Annexure B (RRB & Zone-wise vacancy details) before applying, since they can express preferences for specific Railway Zones and posts only within their single chosen RRB — options once exercised are final, and unlisted posts are treated as declined. Given the significant variation in qualification requirements across the 9 posts (from B.Sc Nursing to DMLT diplomas), candidates should ensure their specific qualification exactly matches the post they intend to apply for.

Career Value of a Railway Paramedical Post

Positions under Indian Railways carry the well-known benefits of Central Government service — structured pay progression under the 7th CPC matrix, medical facilities for self and family, pension under the National Pension System, and postings across Railway hospitals and health units nationwide. For paramedical professionals such as staff nurses, pharmacists, and lab technicians who often work in fragmented private-sector contractual roles, a Railway paramedical appointment offers rare long-term job security combined with a clearly defined promotional hierarchy within the Railway health services cadre.

Final Word

This RRB CEN 05/2026 Paramedical Categories recruitment offers 590 vacancies across 9 specialized healthcare posts under Indian Railways. Eligible paramedical professionals — nurses, pharmacists, radiographers, lab technicians, and more — should complete their online application at rrb.indianrailways.gov.in between 15 September and 14 October 2026, choosing their preferred RRB and zone carefully before final submission.

Important Links

• Notification PDF: Download Official Notification
• Apply Online: rrb.indianrailways.gov.in
• NaukriPatra App: Download the NaukriPatra App
• WhatsApp Channel: Join our WhatsApp Channel
• Telegram Channel: Join our Telegram Channel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many total posts are advertised under RRB CEN 05/2026?

590 posts across 9 paramedical categories, all RRBs combined.

2. What is the online application window?

15 September 2026 to 14 October 2026, 23:59 hours.

3. What is the examination fee?

Rs 500 for General candidates (Rs 400 refundable) and Rs 250 for SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD/Female/Transgender/Minorities/EBC candidates (fully refundable), refunded on appearing in CBT.

4. What is the selection process?

A Single Stage Computer Based Test (CBT) of 100 marks, followed by Document Verification and Medical Examination.

5. Which post has the highest number of vacancies?

Nursing Superintendent, with 365 vacancies.

6. What is the age limit?

Varies by post, from 18-40 years as on 01.01.2027 (see post-wise table above), with standard RRB age relaxations applicable.

7. Can I apply to multiple RRBs?

No, candidates can apply to only ONE RRB; multiple applications lead to rejection of all applications and debarment.

8. What is the negative marking scheme?

1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer in the CBT.

9. What are the minimum qualifying marks in CBT?

40% for UR/EWS, 30% for OBC-NCL/SC, and 25% for ST candidates.

10. Can I modify my application after submission?

Yes, between 17-26 October 2026, by paying a Rs 250 modification fee per occasion (except Create Account details and chosen RRB).

11. What is the qualification for Pharmacist (Entry Grade)?

Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy or Pharm.D, registered under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.

12. Where do I apply?

Online through the unified RRB website, rrb.indianrailways.gov.in.