Detailed CEN 05/2026 Notification PDF
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released the detailed Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 05/2026 for recruitment to various Paramedical Categories in Indian Railways. A total of 590 vacancies are available across nine paramedical posts, including Nursing Superintendent, Pharmacist, Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II, Radiographer/X-Ray Technician, Lab Assistant Grade II, ECG Technician, Optometrist, Dialysis Technician, and Audiologist & Speech Therapist.
The online application process began on September 15, 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until October 14, 2026, up to 11:59 PM. The detailed notification also specifies the fee-payment deadline, correction window, eligibility conditions, post-wise vacancies, pay levels, medical standards and selection process.
Important: An earlier indicative notification mentioned 560 vacancies, but the subsequently released detailed CEN 05/2026 provides a total of 590 vacancies. Candidates should therefore use the detailed notification as the reference for the current recruitment.
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways |
| Centralised Employment Notification | CEN No. 05/2026 |
| Recruitment | Various Paramedical Categories |
| Total Vacancies | 590 |
| Number of Posts | 9 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | September 15, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 14, 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | October 16, 2026 |
| Modification Window | October 17 to 26, 2026 |
| Scribe Details Window | October 27 to 31, 2026 |
| CBT Date | To be announced |
| Pay Level | Level 3 to Level 7 |
| Initial Basic Pay | ₹21,700 to ₹44,900 |
| Selection Process | CBT → Document Verification → Medical Examination |
| Job Location | As per selected RRB/Railway administration |
Railway Paramedical Vacancy 2026: Post-Wise Details
The detailed notification has announced 590 vacancies across nine paramedical categories. Nursing Superintendent accounts for the largest number of vacancies with 365 posts, followed by Pharmacist (Entry Grade) with 118 posts.
| S.No. | Post Name | Vacancies | Pay Level | Initial Pay | Medical Standard | Age Limit* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nursing Superintendent | 365 | Level 7 | ₹44,900 | C1 | 20–40 years |
| 2 | Dialysis Technician | 1 | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | B1 | 20–33 years |
| 3 | Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | 43 | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | C1 | 18–33 years |
| 4 | Audiologist & Speech Therapist | 1 | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | B1 | 21–30 years |
| 5 | Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | 118 | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | C2 | 20–35 years |
| 6 | Radiographer/X-Ray Technician | 25 | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | B1 | 19–33 years |
| 7 | ECG Technician | 4 | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | C1 | 18–33 years |
| 8 | Optometrist | 2 | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | B1 | 18–33 years |
| 9 | Lab Assistant Grade II | 31 | Level 3 | ₹21,700 | B1 | 18–33 years |
| Total | 590 |
*Age is calculated as on January 1, 2027.
The vacancies are provisional and the Railway administrations may increase, decrease or cancel vacancies depending on their actual requirements. The detailed RRB-wise, Railway-wise and post-wise vacancy distribution is provided in Annexure B of CEN 05/2026.
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative Notice in Employment News | September 12, 2026 |
| Detailed Notification | September 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | September 15, 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | October 14, 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | October 16, 2026 |
| Application Modification Window | October 17–26, 2026 |
| Scribe Details Submission | October 27–31, 2026 |
| CBT | To be announced |
The RRB has not announced the Computer Based Test date in the current notification. Candidates should check the concerned RRB’s official website for subsequent examination-related notices.
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: Educational Qualification
The educational qualification varies according to the post. Candidates must possess the prescribed qualification by the closing date of the application, and candidates awaiting final results are not eligible under the notification conditions.
Nursing Superintendent – 365 Vacancies
Candidates should have either:
- A Certificate as Registered Nurse and Midwife after completing a 3-year General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course from an institution recognised by the Indian Nursing Council; or
- B.Sc Nursing.
The post carries Pay Level 7 with an initial basic pay of ₹44,900 and has a C1 medical standard. The prescribed age range is 20 to 40 years as on January 1, 2027.
Dialysis Technician – 1 Vacancy
Candidates should have:
- B.Sc along with a Diploma in Haemodialysis, or
- Two years of satisfactory in-house training/experience in haemodialysis work, subject to the conditions specified in the notification.
Relevant B.Sc qualifications in dialysis technology/renal dialysis technology are also covered under the prescribed qualification.
Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II – 43 Vacancies
Candidates should possess:
- B.Sc with Chemistry as one of the subjects, and
- A one-year Diploma in Health/Sanitary Inspector, or the prescribed one-year National Trade Certificate in Health Sanitary Inspector.
The post carries Pay Level 6 with an initial pay of ₹35,400.
Audiologist & Speech Therapist – 1 Vacancy
Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from a recognised university/institution and the prescribed registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).
Pharmacist (Entry Grade) – 118 Vacancies
Candidates should possess:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) in Allopathic Pharmacy from a recognised university/institute and registration as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948; or
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) from a recognised university/institute with the required registration.
The detailed qualification specifically refers to B.Pharm/Pharm.D and registration; candidates should not assume that a D.Pharm alone satisfies this particular CEN unless the notification expressly permits it.
Radiographer/X-Ray Technician – 25 Vacancies
Candidates should have:
- 10+2 with Physics and Chemistry, and
- A two-year Diploma in Radiography/X-Ray Technician/Radiodiagnosis Technology or the prescribed equivalent qualification.
The post is placed under Pay Level 5, with an initial pay of ₹29,200.
ECG Technician – 4 Vacancies
The prescribed qualification includes the relevant 10+2/Science educational background along with the required certificate, diploma or degree in ECG Laboratory Technology/Cardiology-related technology, as specified in the notification.
Optometrist – 2 Vacancies
Candidates should possess the prescribed qualification in Optometry, including B.Sc Optometry or the specified ophthalmic/optometry technician qualification along with applicable professional registration requirements.
Lab Assistant Grade II – 31 Vacancies
Candidates should have:
- 10+2 with Science subjects, and
- DMLT or the prescribed equivalent certificate qualification.
The notification also specifies the applicable medical/technical qualifications for candidates with relevant B.Sc Medical Laboratory Technology qualifications.
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: Age Limit
The age limit is post-specific and is calculated as on January 1, 2027.
| Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | 20–40 years |
| Dialysis Technician | 20–33 years |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | 18–33 years |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | 21–30 years |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | 20–35 years |
| Radiographer/X-Ray Technician | 19–33 years |
| ECG Technician | 18–33 years |
| Optometrist | 18–33 years |
| Lab Assistant Grade II | 18–33 years |
Age Relaxation
Applicable age relaxation is provided to eligible reserved and other categories according to Railway Government rules.
The notification includes relaxations for categories such as SC/ST, OBC-NCL, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen and eligible serving Railway employees, with the extent depending on the candidate’s category and circumstances. For example, the general upper-age relaxation for SC/ST candidates is 5 years, while OBC-NCL candidates are generally eligible for 3 years, subject to the conditions specified in the CEN.
Candidates claiming relaxation must possess the required certificates in the prescribed format and by the relevant date.
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: Salary
The recruitment offers posts under Pay Levels 3 to 7 of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
| Post | Pay Level | Initial Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | Level 7 | ₹44,900 |
| Dialysis Technician | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Audiologist & 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 |
These are initial basic pay figures. Other admissible allowances and benefits are governed by applicable Railway/Government rules.
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: Application Fee
The application fee structure is as follows:
| Candidate Category | Fee | Refund on Appearing in CBT* |
|---|---|---|
| Other candidates | ₹500 | ₹400 |
| SC/ST | ₹250 | ₹250 |
| Ex-Servicemen | ₹250 | ₹250 |
| PwBD | ₹250 | ₹250 |
| Female candidates | ₹250 | ₹250 |
| Transgender candidates | ₹250 | ₹250 |
| Minorities | ₹250 | ₹250 |
| Economically Backward Class (EBC) | ₹250 | ₹250 |
*Refund is subject to the conditions in the notification and applicable bank charges. The refund is linked to appearing in the CBT. EBC for fee-concession purposes should not be confused with OBC or EWS.
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: Selection Process
The selection process consists of:
1. Computer Based Test (CBT)
2. Document Verification (DV)
3. Medical Examination
There is no interview stage indicated in the recruitment process. Candidates shortlisted after the CBT are called for the subsequent stages according to the applicable RRB and recruitment rules.
RRB Paramedical CBT Exam Pattern 2026
The CBT consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying 100 marks.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Ability | 70 | 70 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| General Arithmetic, General Intelligence & Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| General Science | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
The examination duration is 90 minutes. Eligible PwBD candidates using a scribe receive the applicable additional time according to the recruitment rules.
Negative Marking
The CBT has negative marking. One-third of the marks allotted to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer. Therefore, candidates should take care while attempting questions where they are unsure of the answer.
RRB Paramedical Syllabus
The Professional Ability section is post-specific. Therefore, Nursing Superintendent candidates will receive questions related to the prescribed nursing syllabus, while Pharmacist, Radiographer, Lab Assistant and other candidates will be tested on their respective professional subjects.
The common sections include:
- General Awareness
- General Arithmetic
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- General Science
The detailed notification contains the post-wise professional syllabus in its relevant annexure.
For example, the Pharmacist syllabus covers areas such as Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence, Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacovigilance, Quality Assurance, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, among other prescribed subjects.
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: One RRB Rule
Candidates should be particularly careful while submitting the application.
Under the recruitment conditions, a candidate can submit only one application for one RRB for CEN 05/2026. Candidates should therefore select the RRB carefully while filling the application.
Submitting multiple applications can result in rejection of all applications and possible debarment from future RRB examinations.
The RRB chosen during account creation/application also has important restrictions, so candidates should check their preferred RRB and vacancy distribution before final submission.
How to Apply for RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can apply online through the unified RRB application system.
Step 1: Visit the official RRB application portal.
Step 2: Select CEN 05/2026 – Recruitment of Various Categories of Para-Medical Staff.
Step 3: Complete the account/registration process.
Step 4: Select the RRB carefully.
Step 5: Enter personal, educational and other required details.
Step 6: Select the eligible post(s) as permitted under the notification.
Step 7: Upload the required photograph, signature and supporting documents in the prescribed format.
Step 8: Pay the applicable examination fee.
Step 9: Carefully verify all details before final submission.
Step 10: Submit the application and save/download a copy of the completed application for future reference.
Candidates should ensure that the qualification, registration details, date of birth, category and other information entered in the form exactly match their official documents.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the relevant documents ready while completing the application and for later stages such as Document Verification.
These may include:
- Educational qualification certificates
- Nursing/Pharmacy/Paramedical registration certificates, wherever applicable
- Class 10/Matriculation certificate for date-of-birth verification
- Category certificate, wherever applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Ex-Servicemen documents, where applicable
- Recent photograph and signature
- Valid identity proof
- Other certificates/documents prescribed in the CEN
At the Document Verification stage, candidates must produce the original documents and required copies in the format specified by RRB.
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: Medical Examination
Candidates shortlisted for appointment must satisfy the prescribed medical standards for the post.
The medical standards vary between posts. For example, Nursing Superintendent and Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II are listed under C1, Pharmacist under C2, while several technical posts are under B1.
Final appointment is subject to fulfilling the prescribed medical requirements and other conditions of the recruitment.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates applying for CEN 05/2026 should keep the following points in mind:
- 590 vacancies are notified in the detailed notification.
- The earlier 560-vacancy figure was from the indicative notice; the detailed notification increased the total to 590.
- Applications are open from September 15 to October 14, 2026.
- The application closes at 11:59 PM on October 14.
- The fee-payment deadline is October 16, 2026.
- The modification window is October 17 to 26, 2026.
- The CBT date has not yet been announced.
- Candidates can apply to only one RRB.
- Candidates must already possess the required qualification by the prescribed closing date.
- One-third negative marking applies for an incorrect answer.
- Candidates must satisfy the post-specific medical standard.
- The RRB-wise and Railway-wise vacancy breakup should be checked before finalising the RRB choice.
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026?
A total of 590 vacancies have been notified under CEN 05/2026 across nine paramedical categories.
What is the last date to apply for RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is October 14, 2026, up to 11:59 PM.
What is the last date to pay the application fee?
The last date for fee payment is October 16, 2026.
How many Nursing Superintendent vacancies are available?
There are 365 Nursing Superintendent vacancies.
How many Pharmacist vacancies are available?
There are 118 Pharmacist (Entry Grade) vacancies.
What is the salary for RRB Paramedical posts?
The initial basic pay ranges from ₹21,700 to ₹44,900, depending on the post and pay level.
What is the selection process?
Selection is through Computer Based Test, Document Verification and Medical Examination.
Is there negative marking in the RRB Paramedical CBT?
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to the question is deducted for an incorrect answer.
Can a candidate apply for more than one RRB?
No. The recruitment permits one application for one RRB. Multiple applications can lead to rejection and possible debarment.
When will the RRB Paramedical CBT be conducted?
The CBT date has not yet been announced in the current recruitment notification. Candidates should monitor the official RRB websites for the examination schedule.
Conclusion
The RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 under CEN 05/2026 provides 590 vacancies across nine healthcare and paramedical categories. The largest recruitment is for Nursing Superintendent with 365 vacancies, followed by Pharmacist (Entry Grade) with 118 vacancies. Other opportunities are available for Health & Malaria Inspectors, Radiographers, Lab Assistants, ECG Technicians, Optometrists, Dialysis Technicians and Audiologists & Speech Therapists.
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online until October 14, 2026, while the fee-payment deadline is October 16, 2026. Since eligibility, professional qualifications and medical standards differ by post, candidates should carefully check CEN 05/2026 before submitting the application.