Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB paramedical), Ministry of Railways, Government of India, have released the Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 05/2026 for the recruitment of various RRB Paramedical Categories across different Railway Zones and Production Units. A total of 590 vacancies have been notified for posts including Nursing Superintendent, Pharmacist (Entry Grade), Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II, Lab Assistant Grade II, Radiographer X-Ray Technician, ECG Technician, Optometrist, Dialysis Technician, and Audiologist & Speech Therapist.
The online application process commenced on 15.09.2026 and remains open until 14.10.2026. Eligible candidates who fulfill the prescribed educational qualifications, age limits, and medical fitness standards can submit their application through the official unified RRB paramedical portal.
Recruitment Overview:-
| Parameter | Details |
| Recruitment Authority | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways |
| Notification Number | CEN No. 05/2026 (Paramedical Categories) |
| Name of Posts | Nursing Superintendent, Pharmacist, Lab Assistant, Health & Malaria Inspector, etc., under the RRB paramedical recruitment. |
| Total Vacancies | 590 (Tentative / Provisional) |
| Pay Level | Level 3 to Level 7 (7th CPC Pay Matrix) |
| Mode of Application | Online Only |
| Selection Stages | Single-Stage Computer Based Test (CBT), Document Verification (DV), Medical Examination (ME) |
| Crucial Date for Age | 01.01.2027 |
| Official Unified Website | rrb.indianrailways.gov.in |
Important Dates:-
| Event | Date / Schedule |
| Date of Indicative Notice in Employment News | 12.09.2026 |
| Opening Date of Online Application | 15.09.2026 |
| Closing Date for Submission of Online Application | 14.10.2026 (23:59 Hours) |
| Last Date for Payment of Application Fee | 16.10.2026 (23:59 Hours) |
| Application Modification Window | 17.10.2026 to 26.10.2026 |
| Window for Scribe Candidates to Submit Scribe Details | 27.10.2026 to 31.10.2026 |
| City Intimation Slip Release | ~10 days before CBT |
| E-Call Letter Download | 4 days prior to the examination date |
Vacancy Details:-
The RRB paramedical vacancies notified in CEN 05/2026 are tentative and may increase or decrease based on the operational requirements of Railway Administrations. Candidates can apply to only one RRB of their choice.
Post-Wise Vacancy Summary
| Cat. No. | Name of the Post | Pay Level | Initial Pay (₹) | Medical Standard | Age Limit (as on 01.01.2027) | Total Vacancies |
| 1 | Nursing Superintendent | 7 | ₹44,900 | C1 | 20–40 Years | 365 |
| 2 | Dialysis Technician | 6 | ₹35,400 | B1 | 20–33 Years | 01 |
| 3 | Health & Malaria Inspector Gr. II | 6 | ₹35,400 | C1 | 18–33 Years | 43 |
| 4 | Audiologist & Speech Therapist | 6 | ₹35,400 | B1 | 21–30 Years | 01 |
| 5 | Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | 5 | ₹29,200 | C2 | 20–35 Years | 118 |
| 6 | Radiographer X-Ray Technician | 5 | ₹29,200 | B1 | 19–33 Years | 25 |
| 7 | ECG Technician | 4 | ₹25,500 | C1 | 18–33 Years | 04 |
| 8 | Optometrist | 4 | ₹25,500 | B1 | 18–33 Years | 02 |
| 9 | Lab Assistant Gr. II | 3 | ₹21,700 | B1 | 18–33 Years | 31 |
| Total | All Posts (All RRBs) | — | — | — | — | 590 |
Category-Wise Vacancy Distribution (Consolidated All RRBs):-
| Community / Category | Vacancies |
| Unreserved (UR) | 255 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 106 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 69 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 113 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 46 |
| Total (Regular Vacancies) | 590 |
| Horizontal Reservation: Ex-Servicemen (ExSM) | 49 |
| Horizontal Reservation: PwBD (LD) | 28 |
| Horizontal Reservation: PwBD (HI) | 11 |
| Backlog Vacancies: PwBD (LD) | 1 |
Post Details and Salary:-
Selected candidates receive the initial basic pay prescribed under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) for their respective RRB paramedical pay levels, along with admissible allowances under Railway rules:
- Nursing Superintendent (Level 7): Initial Pay of ₹44,900
- Dialysis Technician, Health & Malaria Inspector Gr. II, Audiologist & Speech Therapist (Level 6): Initial Pay of ₹35,400
- Pharmacist (Entry Grade) & Radiographer X-Ray Technician (Level 5): Initial Pay of ₹29,200
- ECG Technician & Optometrist (Level 4): Initial Pay of ₹25,500
- Lab Assistant Grade II (Level 3): Initial Pay of ₹21,700
Eligibility Criteria:-
Candidates must fulfill all eligibility conditions regarding educational qualifications, age limits, and medical fitness as of the crucial dates specified in the RRB paramedical notification.
Educational Qualification:-
All academic and technical qualifications must have been acquired on or before 14.10.2026. Those awaiting final examination results are not eligible to apply.
| Cat. No. | Post Name | Prescribed Minimum Qualification |
| 1 | Nursing Superintendent | Certificate as Registered Nurse and Midwife having passed 3 years course in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) from a school of Nursing or other institution recognized by the Indian Nursing Council OR B.Sc. (Nursing). (Note: Special concessions by Indian Nursing Council for ANM, Midwives, and B-grade Nurses apply). |
| 2 | Dialysis Technician | B.Sc. plus (a) Diploma in Haemodialysis OR (b) two years satisfactory in-house Training/Experience in Haemodialysis work in a reputed institution. Eligible alternatives: B.Sc. in Dialysis Techniques / B.Sc. in Dialysis Technology / B.Sc. in Renal Dialysis Technology. |
| 3 | Health & Malaria Inspector Gr. II | B.Sc. having studied Chemistry as Main/Optional subject in any branch of Chemistry while undertaking the course, plus (a) One-year Diploma of Health / Sanitary Inspector OR (b) One-year National Trade Certificate (NTC) in Health Sanitary Inspector awarded by NCVT, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Govt. of India. |
| 4 | Audiologist & Speech Therapist | Bachelor in Audiology, Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from a recognized University, registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). |
| 5 | Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy (Allopathic) from a Central/State Government recognized University/Institute and registered as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948 OR Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) and registered as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948. |
| 6 | Radiographer X-Ray Technician | 10+2 with Physics and Chemistry and Diploma in Radiography / X-Ray Technician / Radiodiagnosis Technology (2 years course) from a recognized Institute. Science graduates with Diploma in Radiography / X-Ray Technician / Radiodiagnosis Technology (2 years course) shall be preferred. Eligible alternatives: B.Sc. Medical Technology in Radiography / B.Sc. Medical Radiography and Imaging Technology / B.Sc. (Radiography) / B.Sc. in Medical Imaging Technology / B.Sc. in Radiological & Image Techniques / 2-Year Diploma in Radiation Technology / 10+2 with Physics and Chemistry and Degree of Bachelor in Radiation Technology. |
| 7 | ECG Technician | 10+2 / Graduation in Science having Certificate / Diploma / Degree in ECG Laboratory Technology / Cardiology / Cardiology Technician / Cardiology Techniques of a reputed institution (Course duration must be a minimum of 1 year or above). |
| 8 | Optometrist | B.Sc. in Optometry OR Diploma in Ophthalmic Technician (course duration of 3 to 4 years). Candidate must have registration with the concerned Council / Licensing body. |
| 9 | Lab Assistant Gr. II | 12th (10+2 stage) in Science plus (a) Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) OR (b) Certificate Course in Medical Lab Technology at par with DMLT (minimum 1 year full-time duration from an institution recognized by University or State/Central Government Technical Board with examination passed). Eligible alternative: 12th in Science plus B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology (B.Sc. MLT). |
Medical Standards:-
Candidates shortlisted for Document Verification must pass the requisite medical examination conducted by the Railway Medical Administration:
- B-1: Physically fit in all respects. Distance Vision: 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (lens power not to exceed 4D); Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with/without glasses. Must pass tests for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Night Vision, and Mesopic Vision. Candidates with LASIK surgery may be eligible under B-1 subject to specific conditions.
- C-1: Physically fit in all respects. Distance Vision: 6/12, 6/18 with or without glasses; Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses for close work.
- C-2: Physically fit in all respects. Distance Vision: 6/12, Nil with or without glasses; Near Vision: Sn: 0.6 combined with or without glasses.
Age Limit (As on 01.01.2027):-
The age limits and permissible date-of-birth windows (both dates inclusive) for the RRB paramedical examination are outlined below:
| Age Group | Lower Age Limit (Not born after) | Upper Limit: UR / EWS (Not born earlier than) | Upper Limit: OBC-NCL (Not born earlier than) | Upper Limit: SC / ST (Not born earlier than) | Applicable Posts |
| 18–33 Years | 01.01.2009 | 02.01.1994 | 02.01.1991 | 02.01.1989 | Health & Malaria Inspector Gr II, ECG Tech, Optometrist, Lab Asst Gr II |
| 19–33 Years | 01.01.2008 | 02.01.1994 | 02.01.1991 | 02.01.1989 | Radiographer X-Ray Technician |
| 20–33 Years | 01.01.2007 | 02.01.1994 | 02.01.1991 | 02.01.1989 | Dialysis Technician |
| 21–30 Years | 01.01.2006 | 02.01.1997 | 02.01.1994 | 02.01.1992 | Audiologist & Speech Therapist |
| 20–35 Years | 01.01.2007 | 02.01.1992 | 02.01.1989 | 02.01.1987 | Pharmacist (Entry Grade) |
| 20–40 Years | 01.01.2007 | 02.01.1987 | 02.01.1984 | 02.01.1982 | Nursing Superintendent |
Age Relaxation:-
Upper age limit relaxations are applicable to reserved categories as per extant rules upon producing valid certificates:
| Category | Age Relaxation Permissible |
| SC & ST Candidates | 5 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ExSM) | Length of military service + 3 years (UR/EWS), + 6 years (OBC-NCL), + 8 years (SC/ST) |
| PwBD (UR & EWS) | 10 Years |
| PwBD (OBC-NCL) | 13 Years |
| PwBD (SC & ST) | 15 Years |
| Serving Railway Staff (Group C/D ≥ 3 yrs) | Up to 40 years (UR/EWS), 43 years (OBC-NCL), 45 years (SC/ST) |
| Widows, Divorced & Judicially Separated Women | Up to 35 years (UR/EWS), 38 years (OBC-NCL), 40 years (SC/ST) |
Application Fee:-
The RRB paramedical application fee must be paid exclusively online through Internet Banking, Debit/Credit Cards, or UPI.
| Category | Application Fee | Refundable Amount upon Attending CBT |
| All Other Candidates (UR / OBC / EWS) | ₹500 | ₹400 (Duly deducting bank charges) |
| SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, Female, Transgender, Minorities, and EBC | ₹250 | ₹250 (Full fee refunded duly deducting bank charges) |
Fee Refund Terms: Refund of examination fee is credited strictly to the candidate’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account verified during the application process. Only candidates who appear in the Computer Based Test (CBT) are eligible for a fee refund. Candidates claiming EBC concession must possess an authentic income certificate showing annual family income under ₹50,000 issued on or before 14.10.2026.
Selection Process:-
The RRB paramedical selection process consists of the following consecutive stages:
- Single-Stage Computer Based Test (CBT): All eligible applicants must appear for an objective-type CBT. Normalisation of marks will be applied if the exam is conducted across multiple shifts.
- Document Verification (DV): Candidates are shortlisted RRB-wise strictly in order of merit in the CBT at a 1:1 ratio corresponding to the number of notified vacancies. Original credentials, educational qualifications, caste certificates, and identity documents are scrutinized.
- Medical Examination (ME): Candidates clearing DV are sent for a medical assessment at designated Railway Hospitals to ensure conformity with the visual and physical standards prescribed for the opted post.
- Final Empanelment: Recommendations for appointment are made by RRBs based on merit, post preferences, medical fitness, and category-wise vacancy availability. Offers of appointment are issued by the respective Zonal Railway Administrations.
Exam Pattern:-
The RRB paramedical Computer Based Test comprises 100 multiple-choice questions carrying 1 mark each.
| Section / Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| Professional Ability (Post-Specific) | 70 | 70 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| General Arithmetic, Intelligence & Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| General Science | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Key Examination Rules:-
- Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates using scribe facility).
- Question Type: Objective multiple-choice questions (4 options, single correct response).
- Negative Marking: Deduction of 1/3rd mark for every wrong answer.
- Language Mediums: Questions are displayed in English, Hindi, and 13 regional languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu).
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: UR & EWS: 40%; OBC-NCL & SC: 30%; ST: 25% (relaxed by up to 2 marks for PwBD in case of shortage of candidates against reserved vacancies).
- Tie-Breaking Rule: In case of equal CBT marks, older candidates are ranked higher. If age is identical, alphabetical order of the candidate’s first name determines the final standing.
Syllabus:-
1. Professional Ability Syllabus (70 Marks)
- Nursing Superintendent: Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Nursing Foundations, Psychology, Microbiology, Sociology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Genetics, Medical-Surgical Nursing (Adult including Geriatrics), Community Health Nursing, Child Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery and Obstetrical Nursing, Nursing Research & Statistics, Management of Nursing Services and Education.
- Dialysis Technician: Anatomy, Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Physiology, Introduction to Kidney Diseases, Principles and Practice of Dialysis.
- Health & Malaria Inspector Gr. II: Food & Nutrition, Environmental Sanitation and Sanitary Engineering, Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases (Prevention and Control), Health and Death Statistics.
- Audiologist & Speech Therapist: Speech and Language Development & Disorders, Basic Anatomy & Physiology related to Speech & Hearing, Diagnostic & Rehabilitation Audiology, Psychology related to Speech & Hearing, Basic Acoustics, Pathology of Hearing and Hearing System, Phonetics + Phonology electives, Speech Language Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Paediatric Audiology, Management of the Hearing Impaired, Voice & Laryngectomy, Hearing Conservation, Aural Rehabilitation & Instrumentation.
- Pharmacist (Entry Grade): Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry, Remedial Biology/Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pathophysiology, Computer Applications in Pharmacy, Environmental Sciences, Physical Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Industrial Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence, Herbal Drug Technology, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Quality Assurance, Instrumental Methods of Analysis, Pharmacy Practice, Novel Drug Delivery System, Biostatistics and Research Methodology, Social and Preventive Pharmacy, Pharma Marketing Management, Pharmaceutical Regulatory Science, Pharmacovigilance, Quality Control and Standardization of Herbals, Computer Aided Drug Design, Cell and Molecular Biology, Cosmetic Science, Experimental Pharmacology, Advanced Instrumentation Techniques, Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals.
- Radiographer X-Ray Technician: Human Anatomy & Physiology, Radiology Physics, General Physics, Radiation Physics & Physics of Diagnostic Radiology, X-Ray Machines & Accessories, Maintenance, X-ray Film / Image Processing Techniques (Dark Room Techniques), Clinical Radiography-Positioning, Medical Ethics and Patient Care, Principles of Medical Emergencies, Equipments, Techniques of Modern Imaging Modalities, Contrast & Special Radiography Procedures, Quality Control in Radiology & Radiation Safety.
- ECG Technician: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Introduction to Cardiovascular Diseases, Basic Cardiovascular Investigations, Advanced Cardiovascular Investigations.
- Optometrist: Physical and Geometrical Optics, General Anatomy and General Physiology, Ocular Anatomy and Ocular Physiology, Basic Biochemistry, Nutrition, Principles of Lighting, Hospital Procedures, Optometric Optics, Ocular Diseases, Visual Optics, Pharmacology, Pathology and Microbiology, Optometric Instruments, Clinical Examination of Visual System, Clinical Psychology, Clinics, Binocular Vision, Glaucoma, Low Vision Aids, Dispensing Optics, Pediatric Optometry and Geriatric Optometry, Contact Lens, Law & Optometry and Occupational Optometry, Systemic Diseases, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Public Health and Community Optometry.
- Lab Assistant Grade II: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Fundamentals of Medical Laboratory Technology, Microbiology, Clinical Biochemistry, Pathology & Histopathology, Haematology and Blood Bank.
2. Common Subjects Syllabus (30 Marks)
- General Arithmetic (10 Marks combined with Reasoning): 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 & Cistern.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement-Arguments and Assumptions.
- General Awareness (10 Marks): Current affairs, Indian geography, Culture and History of India including freedom struggle, Indian Polity and Constitution, Indian Economy, Environmental issues concerning India and the World, Sports, General scientific and technological developments.
- General Science (10 Marks): Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences up to 10th Standard CBSE curriculum.
Skill Test / Trade Test Requirements:-
For all the RRB paramedical posts advertised under CEN 05/2026, there is no separate typing test, skill test, or trade test. Final merit and shortlisting for Document Verification and Medical Examination are decided directly on the basis of marks scored in the Single-Stage CBT.
Important Points Before Applying:-
- Single Application Only: Candidates may apply to only one RRB across the entire notification. Multiple applications to the same RRB or across different RRBs result in immediate rejection of all forms and lifetime debarment.
- Post Preferences: While selecting an RRB, applicants can choose multiple eligible RRB paramedical posts and zonal railway preferences within that chosen RRB. Unselected posts will be treated as non-preferred.
- Account Creation Details Cannot Be Altered: Information entered during the “Create an Account” stage (Full Name, Date of Birth, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, Mobile Number, and Email ID) and the “Chosen RRB” cannot be modified at any point, even during the modification window.
- Live Photograph Capture: Pre-existing passport photos cannot be uploaded. The portal requires capturing a live photo via webcam or mobile front camera against a plain background wearing dark/non-white clothing without caps, masks, or spectacles.
- Signature Specifications: Scanned signatures must be written in running handwriting using a black ink pen on white paper (JPG/JPEG format, 30 KB to 49 KB, dimensions 140 x 60 pixels). Signatures in BLOCK / CAPITAL letters or using blue ink are rejected.
- Community Certificate Deadlines: OBC-NCL certificates must be issued on or after 01.04.2026 and on or before 14.10.2026 in the prescribed central format (Annexure II). EWS certificates must be based on the gross family income of the financial year 2025-26.
- Free Sleeper Class Pass: SC/ST candidates opting for the free train travel facility must upload a scanned copy of their authentic caste certificate in PDF format (under 400 KB).
How to Apply Online
- Account Registration: Visit the unified RRB recruitment portal (rrbapply.gov.in) and select “Create an Account” for the RRB paramedical application. Enter your basic details exactly as recorded in your 10th/Matriculation certificate, verify mobile number and email via OTP, and complete identity authentication (DigiLocker or Aadhaar recommended).
- Application Form Submission: Log in using your registered mobile number/email and password. Select CEN 05/2026, choose your single RRB, and select your post and railway zone preferences.
- Enter Educational & Category Details: Fill in academic credentials, category data, communication address, and examination language preference.
- Capture Live Photo & Upload Signature: Capture your live photograph following on-screen camera prompts, and upload your scanned black-ink signature in running script. SC/ST applicants claiming free travel pass must upload their PDF caste certificate.
- Fee Payment & Confirmation: Submit the application and pay the applicable fee using online payment gateways (UPI, Cards, Net Banking) before 16.10.2026. Download and print the confirmation page and application preview for your records.
Important Official Links:-
- RRB Unified Official Website:- Click Here
- Online Application Portal:- Click Here
- Detailed Notification (CEN 05/2026):- Download Now
- Common Services Centers (CSC) Locator:- findmycsc.nic.in
- Official Helpdesk Email:- rrb.help@csc.gov.in
- Official Helpdesk Contact:- 9592001188 / 01725653333
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-
1. What is the total number of vacancies announced under the RRB paramedical recruitment CEN 05/2026?
A total of 590 vacancies have been tentatively notified across various Railway Recruitment Boards and Railway Zones.
2. Can I submit applications to more than one RRB?
No. Candidates are permitted to apply to only one RRB. Submitting multiple applications across different RRBs or multiple forms to the same RRB leads to outright rejection of all applications and debarment.
3. What is the crucial date for age calculation?
The age limit for all paramedical categories is calculated as of 01.01.2027.
4. Are candidates appearing in their final degree/diploma exams eligible to apply?
No. Candidates awaiting final results of their prescribed educational or technical qualifications as of the closing date (14.10.2026) are not eligible.
5. What is the negative marking scheme in the CBT exam?
There is negative marking in the Computer Based Test. For every incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
6. Do I need to upload a pre-scanned passport photograph during the application?
No. Pre-existing photos are not accepted. The portal captures a live photograph of the applicant using a computer webcam or mobile front camera at the time of form filling.
7. How will the refund of the application fee be processed?
For candidates attending the CBT, the examination fee (₹400 for general categories and ₹250 for fee-concession categories, minus bank charges) is refunded directly to the candidate’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account validated during the application process.
8. What can be corrected during the modification window?
From 17.10.2026 to 26.10.2026, candidates can modify form details upon paying a non-refundable fee of ₹250 per occasion. However, details submitted in the “Create an Account” module (Name, DOB, Parents’ names, Mobile, Email) and the “Chosen RRB” cannot be changed.
