Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released CEN No. 05/2026 for recruitment to various Para-Medical Categories in Indian Railways. The notification covers 590 vacancies across 9 posts including Nursing Superintendent, Pharmacist, Radiographer, ECG Technician, Optometrist and Lab Assistant Grade II.
Candidates who meet the prescribed educational qualification, age and medical requirements can submit their application online through the official RRB website.
🟢 RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
| CEN Number | 05/2026 |
| Recruitment | Para-Medical Categories |
| Total Vacancies | 590 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Age Cut-off Date | 01 January 2027 |
| Selection Process | CBT → Document Verification → Medical Examination |
| Official Website | RRB Official Website |
🔗 Official Links & Application
🟢 Apply Online
RRB Apply Online Portal
Apply Online – RRB Application Portal
🔵 Official Notification
CEN 05/2026 – Para-Medical Categories Notification
👉 Download Official Notification PDF
🔵 Official RRB Website
Visit Official RRB Website: https://rrb.indianrailways.gov.in/
🔴 Important: The notification states that candidates should apply only through the link provided on the official RRB website. The last date for submission of the online application is 14 October 2026 at 23:59 hours.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative Notification | 12 September 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 15 September 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 14 October 2026 |
| Application Fee Payment Last Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Application Modification Window | 17–26 October 2026 |
| Scribe Details Submission | 27–31 October 2026 |
📌 Important
The dates for the CBT and subsequent recruitment notices will be communicated through the official RRB website.
🏥 RRB Paramedical Vacancy 2026
A total of 590 vacancies are available under CEN 05/2026. The recruitment covers the following nine posts.
| S.No. | Post Name | Pay Level | Initial Pay | Age | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nursing Superintendent | Level 7 | ₹44,900 | 20–40 | 365 |
| 2 | Dialysis Technician | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | 20–33 | 1 |
| 3 | Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | 18–33 | 43 |
| 4 | Audiologist & Speech Therapist | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | 21–30 | 1 |
| 5 | Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | 20–35 | 118 |
| 6 | Radiographer X-Ray Technician | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | 19–33 | 25 |
| 7 | ECG Technician | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | 18–33 | 4 |
| 8 | Optometrist | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | 18–33 | 2 |
| 9 | Lab Assistant Grade II | Level 3 | ₹21,700 | 18–33 | 31 |
| Total | 590 |
🎓 Educational Qualification
Candidates must already possess the prescribed educational/technical/professional qualification on or before 14 October 2026. Candidates awaiting final results of the prescribed qualification are not eligible to apply.
| Post | Minimum Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | Certificate as Registered Nurse and Midwife after passing a 3-year General Nursing and Midwifery course from a school/institution recognized by the Indian Nursing Council OR B.Sc Nursing. |
| Dialysis Technician | B.Sc. plus Diploma in Haemodialysis OR 2 years satisfactory in-house training/experience in Haemodialysis work in a reputed institution. B.Sc. in Dialysis Techniques/Dialysis Technology/Renal Dialysis Technology is also acceptable. |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | B.Sc. with Chemistry as Main/Optional subject in any branch of Chemistry plus 1-year Diploma of Health/Sanitary Inspector OR 1-year NTC in Health Sanitary Inspector awarded by NCVT. |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | Bachelor in Audiology, Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from a recognized University and registration with Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy (Allopathic) from a recognized Central/State Government University or Institute and registration as Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948 OR Doctor of Pharmacy with required registration. |
| Radiographer X-Ray Technician | 10+2 with Physics and Chemistry + 2-year Diploma in Radiography/X-Ray Technician/Radiodiagnosis Technology from a recognized institute. Equivalent qualifications mentioned in Annexure A are also acceptable. |
| ECG Technician | 10+2 / Graduation in Science with Certificate/Diploma/Degree in ECG Laboratory Technology/Cardiology/Cardiology Technician/Cardiology Techniques from a reputed institution. Certificate must be minimum one year duration. |
| Optometrist | B.Sc. in Optometry OR Diploma in Ophthalmic Technician of 3–4 years duration, with registration with the concerned Council/Licensing body. |
| Lab Assistant Grade II | 12th (10+2) in Science + Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) OR qualifying Certificate Course in Medical Lab Technology. B.Sc. Medical Lab Technology with 12th Science is also acceptable. |
🟡 Qualification Note: Candidates should carefully check the complete post-specific qualification, recognition and equivalent-qualification conditions in Annexure A before applying.
🎂 Age Limit
The age limits are to be calculated as on 01 January 2027.
| Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | 20 Years | 40 Years |
| Dialysis Technician | 20 Years | 33 Years |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | 18 Years | 33 Years |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | 21 Years | 30 Years |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | 20 Years | 35 Years |
| Radiographer X-Ray Technician | 19 Years | 33 Years |
| ECG Technician | 18 Years | 33 Years |
| Optometrist | 18 Years | 33 Years |
| Lab Assistant Grade II | 18 Years | 33 Years |
Age relaxation for eligible categories is applicable as prescribed in the CEN.
💰 Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Application Fee | Refund After CBT |
|---|---|---|
| All candidates | ₹500 | ₹400, after applicable bank charges |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / PwBD / Female / Transgender / Minority / EBC | ₹250 | ₹250, after applicable bank charges |
Important: Refund is applicable only to candidates who appear in the CBT.
⚠️ EBC ≠ OBC/EWS
The notification specifically states that EBC should not be confused with OBC or EWS. Candidates claiming EBC fee concession must possess the required valid supporting document as prescribed in the notification.
🔴 Selection Process
The recruitment process is primarily based on the following stages:
📝 1. Computer Based Test
CBT
⬇️
📄 2. Document Verification
DV
⬇️
🩺 3. Medical Examination
ME
⬇️
✅ 4. Empanelment
The notification states that candidates will undergo a CBT followed by document verification, with medical fitness requirements applicable to the opted post.
Selection Flow
CBT → Merit/Shortlisting → Document Verification → Medical Examination → Empanelment
📝 RRB Paramedical CBT Exam Pattern 2026
The Single Stage CBT consists of 100 objective-type questions for 100 marks.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Ability | 70 | 70 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| General Arithmetic, General Intelligence & Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| General Science | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
⏱️ Exam Duration
- General candidates: 90 minutes
- PwBD/PWD candidates eligible for scribe facility: 120 minutes
❌ Negative Marking
1/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.
📚 RRB Paramedical Syllabus 2026
The syllabus has two broad areas:
Professional Ability – 70 marks
Common Subjects – 30 marks
This makes it easier for candidates to understand where the majority of the CBT questions are expected to come from. The detailed professional syllabus is given in Annexure C of the notification.
🟦 Professional Ability – Post-wise Syllabus
👩⚕️ Nursing Superintendent
Topics include:
- 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 & 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 Grade II
- Food & Nutrition
- Environmental Sanitation
- Sanitary Engineering
- Communicable Diseases
- Non-Communicable Diseases
- Prevention & Control
- Health and Death Statistics
🗣️ Audiologist & Speech Therapist
- Speech and Language Development & Disorders
- Anatomy & Physiology related to Speech & Hearing
- Diagnostic & Rehabilitation Audiology
- Psychology related to Speech & Hearing
- Basic Acoustics
- Pathology of Hearing and Hearing System
- Phonetics & Phonology
- Speech Language Diagnostics & Therapeutics
- Paediatric Audiology
- Hearing Conservation
- Aural Rehabilitation & Instrumentation
💊 Pharmacist
The syllabus covers a wide range of pharmacy subjects including:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Pharmaceutics
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry
- Industrial Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
- Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacy Practice
- Quality Assurance
- Pharmacovigilance
- Biostatistics & Research Methodology
- Social & Preventive Pharmacy
- Regulatory Science
- Quality Control
- Advanced Instrumentation
- Dietary Supplements & Nutraceuticals
🩻 Radiographer X-Ray Technician
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Radiology Physics
- General Physics
- Radiation Physics
- Diagnostic Radiology Physics
- X-Ray Machines & Accessories
- Maintenance
- X-Ray Film/Image Processing
- Clinical Radiography & Positioning
- Medical Ethics & Patient Care
- Medical Emergencies
- Modern Imaging Modalities
- Contrast & Special Radiography Procedures
- Quality Control
- Radiation Safety
❤️ ECG Technician
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Basic Cardiovascular Investigations
- Advanced Cardiovascular Investigations
👁️ Optometrist
- Physical & Geometrical Optics
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Ocular Anatomy & Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Nutrition
- Principles of Lighting
- Optometric Optics
- Ocular Diseases
- Visual Optics
- Pharmacology
- Pathology & Microbiology
- Optometric Instruments
- Clinical Examination of Visual System
- Binocular Vision
- Glaucoma
- Low Vision Aids
- Dispensing Optics
- Pediatric & Geriatric Optometry
- Contact Lens
- Occupational Optometry
- Systemic Diseases
- Epidemiology & Biostatistics
- Public Health & Community Optometry
🔬 Lab Assistant Grade II
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Fundamentals of Medical Laboratory Technology
- Microbiology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Pathology & Histopathology
- Haematology
- Blood and Blood Bank
📖 Common Subjects Syllabus
These subjects are common for the CBT:
➗ General Arithmetic
Topics include:
Number Systems, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM & HCF, Ratio & Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern.
🧠 General Intelligence & Reasoning
Important areas include:
Analogies, Alphabetical & Number Series, Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Data Interpretation, Conclusions & Decision Making, Similarities & Differences, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statements, Arguments & Assumptions.
🌐 General Awareness
Questions may cover:
- Current Affairs
- Indian Geography
- Indian Culture
- Indian History
- Freedom Struggle
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Indian Economy
- Environmental Issues
- Sports
- General Scientific & Technological Developments
🔬 General Science
Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences up to 10th Standard CBSE level.
🎯 Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 40% |
| OBC-NCL / SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
The prescribed qualifying percentages also apply to Ex-Servicemen and PwBD candidates according to their community. The notification provides for a possible 2-mark relaxation for PwBD candidates in case of shortage against PwBD vacancies.
📝 How to Apply for RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026
Step 1
Visit the official RRB website.
Step 2
Open the CEN 05/2026 application link.
Step 3
Create an account or use the applicable existing RRB credentials.
Step 4
Enter personal and educational details carefully.
Step 5
Select one RRB and provide the required post/zone preferences.
Step 6
Complete the live photograph process.
Step 7
Upload the required signature/document details.
Step 8
Pay the applicable examination fee.
Step 9
Submit the application after checking all details.
Step 10
Save the application/registration details for future use.
The notification specifically states that the Create an Account details, including mobile number and email ID, and the Chosen RRB cannot be changed later.
📸 Photograph & Signature Requirements
📷 Live Photograph
The candidate’s photograph is captured live during the application process. Candidates should follow the notification’s instructions carefully to avoid rejection.
✍️ Signature
The signature should meet the prescribed specifications, including:
- Running handwriting
- Black ink
- White background
- JPG/JPEG format
- File size: 30 KB to 49 KB
- Minimum dimensions: 140 × 60 pixels
Non-compliant signatures can result in rejection of candidature.
🗺️ RRB-wise Vacancy
| RRB | Total 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 |
| Grand Total | 590 |
The detailed Railway/Zone-wise and post-wise distribution is provided in Annexure B of the notification.
⚠️ Important Instructions Before Applying
- Candidates can submit only one application against this CEN.
- Candidates can choose only one RRB.
- Multiple applications can lead to rejection of all applications and debarment.
- Qualification must be possessed by the closing date.
- Candidates awaiting final results should not apply.
- Candidate’s Date of Birth should match the Matriculation/SSLC or equivalent certificate.
- Registered mobile number and personal email ID should remain active throughout the recruitment process.
- Candidates should carefully verify their details before final submission.
- The notification advises candidates to apply well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical or website traffic problems.
🔄 Application Modification
Candidates can modify eligible application details during the modification window:
17 October 2026 to 26 October 2026
A ₹250 non-refundable modification fee is applicable for each occasion of modification.
However, details entered in the Create an Account form, including mobile number and email ID, and the Chosen RRB cannot be changed.
♿ Scribe Facility
Eligible candidates requiring a scribe should carefully follow the notification’s conditions.
The notification provides scribe assistance for specified PwBD categories and also provides conditions for candidates with certain other disabilities or writing difficulties. Eligible candidates must opt for the facility in the application and follow the prescribed registration and documentation process.
The scribe-details submission window is:
27 October 2026 to 31 October 2026
📌 Before You Apply – Quick Checklist
☑ Check your post-wise educational qualification
☑ Check your age eligibility
☑ Check the medical standard for your preferred post
☑ Select only one RRB
☑ Check your post/zone preferences carefully
☑ Keep your mobile number and email active
☑ Follow live-photo instructions
☑ Prepare the required signature
☑ Check category/fee concession documents
☑ Review the complete application before submission
☑ Save your registration/application details
🔗 Important Links
| Link | Action |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | RRB Apply Online |
| Official RRB Website | RRB Official Website |
| Official Notification | Download CEN 05/2026 PDF |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many vacancies are available in RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026?
There are 590 vacancies across 9 Para-Medical categories.
2. What is the last date to apply?
The last date is 14 October 2026 up to 11:59 PM.
3. What is the RRB Paramedical selection process?
The recruitment process includes CBT, Document Verification and Medical Examination, followed by empanelment as applicable.
4. How many questions are there in the CBT?
There are 100 questions carrying 100 marks.
5. Is there negative marking?
Yes. 1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
6. Can I apply for more than one RRB?
No. The notification permits only one application and one RRB for this CEN.
7. Can candidates waiting for final results apply?
No. Candidates must already possess the prescribed qualification by the closing date.
8. What is the application fee?
The fee is ₹500 for general candidates and ₹250 for candidates covered under the specified concession categories, subject to the notification’s conditions.
🟢 Conclusion
RRB CEN 05/2026 Paramedical Recruitment offers 590 vacancies across Nursing Superintendent, Dialysis Technician, Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II, Audiologist & Speech Therapist, Pharmacist, Radiographer, ECG Technician, Optometrist and Lab Assistant Grade II posts.
Candidates should carefully check the educational qualification, age limit, medical standard, application fee and post/zone preference before submitting the application. Applications must be submitted through the official RRB application process by 14 October 2026, 11:59 PM.
Disclaimer: This article is prepared from the RRB CEN 05/2026 notification for informational purposes. Candidates should read the complete official notification and check the official RRB website for amendments, corrigenda and further recruitment updates before applying.
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