The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has opened one of the biggest technical recruitment drives of the year with the release of the RRB Technician Recruitment 2026 notification. Issued under Advt No. CEN 02/2026, this drive aims to fill 6,557 Technician Grade 1 Signal and Technician Grade 3 posts across various Railway Zones. Lakhs of ITI, Diploma, Degree, and B.Sc-qualified candidates across India, especially from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, are gearing up to apply for this golden opportunity in Indian Railways. This article brings you every detail you need – from important dates and vacancy breakup to eligibility, salary, exam pattern, and step-by-step application process – all in one place, only on Manabadi.
Apply Online
Official Notification PDF
RRB Technician Recruitment 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Notification No. | CEN No. 02/2026 |
| Posts | Technician Grade I Signal & Technician Grade III |
| Total Vacancies | 6,557 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Portal | rrbapply.gov.in |
| Selection Process | CBT, Document Verification, Medical Examination |
| Job Location | Across India (Railway Zones) |
| Category | Government Job |
What’s New?
Notification released: The RRB officially released the Technician Notification 2026 PDF on its website on 30 June 2026, following the detailed notification released on 29 June 2026 under CEN No. 02/2026.
Applications started: The online application process has been initiated from 30/06/2026 through the official portal rrbapply.gov.in.
Last date: Eligible candidates can apply online until 29 July 2026, while the application fee can be paid up to 31 July 2026.
Correction window: RRB will provide an application correction window from 1 August to 10 August 2026 for candidates who need to edit submitted details.
CBT later: CBT exam dates have not been announced yet and will be released separately on RRB websites. Aspirants should keep checking official RRB regional portals and Manabadi for the latest CBT schedule updates.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Short Notice Released | 29 June 2026 |
| Detailed Notification Released | 29–30 June 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 30 June 2026 |
| Application End Date | 29 July 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 31 July 2026 |
| Correction Window | 1 August – 10 August 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced (before CBT) |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
Vacancy Details
The RRB Technician Vacancy 2026 stands at a total of 6,557 posts, distributed as follows:
| Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Technician Grade I Signal | 323 |
| Technician Grade III | 6,234 |
| Total | 6,557 |
Category-wise, zone-wise, RRB-wise, and department-wise vacancies are detailed in the official CEN 02/2026 notification PDF, and candidates are advised to verify the exact figures for their preferred zone and category before applying, since final numbers may see minor revisions.
Railway-wise Vacancy Table
The vacancies are distributed across all 21 Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) in India, covering zones such as:
| RRB Zone | Region Covered |
|---|---|
| RRB Ahmedabad | Gujarat |
| RRB Ajmer | Rajasthan |
| RRB Allahabad (Prayagraj) | Uttar Pradesh (East) |
| RRB Bangalore | Karnataka |
| RRB Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh |
| RRB Bhubaneswar | Odisha |
| RRB Bilaspur | Chhattisgarh |
| RRB Chandigarh | Punjab, Haryana, HP, J&K |
| RRB Chennai | Tamil Nadu |
| RRB Gorakhpur | Uttar Pradesh (East) |
| RRB Guwahati | North East India |
| RRB Kolkata | West Bengal |
| RRB Malda | West Bengal (North) |
| RRB Mumbai | Maharashtra |
| RRB Muzaffarpur | Bihar |
| RRB Patna | Bihar |
| RRB Ranchi | Jharkhand |
| RRB Secunderabad | Telangana |
| RRB Siliguri | West Bengal (North) |
| RRB Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala |
| RRB Jammu-Srinagar | Jammu & Kashmir |
Candidates from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana primarily apply under RRB Secunderabad, and should also check vacancies notified by neighbouring zones like Chennai and Bangalore for wider options.
Post-wise Vacancy
Technician Grade I (Signal): 323 vacancies, requiring higher technical qualification (B.Sc./Diploma/Degree in Engineering).
Technician Grade III: 6,234 vacancies spread across 25 post categories/trades under Pay Level 2, including trades like Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Machinist, and more. The largest number of openings is under Fitter (PU & WS) with 1,109 posts.
Category-wise Vacancy
| Category | Technician Grade I Signal | Technician Grade III | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 120 | 2,608 | 2,728 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 84 | 1,481 | 1,565 |
| SC | 50 | 959 | 1,009 |
| ST | 37 | 560 | 597 |
| EWS | 32 | 626 | 658 |
| Total | 323 | 6,234 | 6,557 |
Horizontal reservation (within the totals above):
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| PwBD (Total) | 330 (VI 39, HI 103, LD 143, MD 45) |
| Ex-Servicemen | 661 (Signal 32 + Grade III 629) |
Eligibility Criteria
Technician Grade I
Educational Qualification: Candidates need a Bachelor of Science in Physics/Electronics/Computer Science/Information Technology, or an equivalent Engineering Diploma/Degree, as prescribed in the notification.
Technician Grade III
Educational Qualification: Applicants should have passed Matriculation/SSLC with ITI certification in relevant trades from NCVT/SCVT recognized institutes. Candidates having Act Apprenticeship in relevant trades are also eligible for certain posts.
Accepted Diplomas: Engineering Diplomas in relevant technical trades from recognized institutions.
Accepted Degrees: B.Sc. or Engineering Degrees in relevant disciplines (for Grade I Signal, and for select Grade III posts).
ITI Trades Accepted: Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Machinist, Turner, COPA, Wireman, and other NCVT/SCVT-recognized trades relevant to the post applied for.
Equivalent Qualifications: National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) holders and candidates with equivalent recognized technical qualifications are also eligible, subject to post-specific requirements.
Age Limit
| Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Technician Grade I Signal | 18 years | 33 years |
| Technician Grade III | 18 years | 30 years |
Age is calculated as on 01 July 2026.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD | As per government norms (typically 10 years, additive with other relaxations) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Length of service plus 3 years (UR/EWS), 6 years (OBC-NCL), or 8 years (SC/ST) |
| Railway Employees | As per extant railway rules |
| Widows/Divorced Women/Judicially Separated Women | Relaxation up to 35 years (as per RRB norms) |
| Women (General) | No separate age relaxation, but eligible for fee concession |
Educational Qualification Table
| Qualification | Eligible Posts |
|---|---|
| Matriculation/SSLC + ITI (NCVT/SCVT) | Technician Grade III (all trades) |
| 12th Pass with PCM | Technician Grade III (select posts) |
| Engineering Diploma | Technician Grade I & select Grade III posts |
| B.Sc. (Physics/Electronics/CS/IT) | Technician Grade I Signal |
| B.E./B.Tech (relevant discipline) | Technician Grade I Signal |
| National Apprenticeship Certificate | Technician Grade III (relevant trades) |
Medical Standards
Vision: Candidates must meet prescribed visual acuity standards depending on the post, including colour vision and night vision requirements for safety-related categories.
Medical Categories: B-1 standard applies to most trades, A-3 for Track Machine, B-2 for Crane Driver, and C-1 for workshop trades, as detailed in Annexure A of the official notification.
Fitness: Candidates must be physically fit to perform duties involving fieldwork, shift duty, and exposure to varying working conditions on the railway network.
Physical Standards: Specific height, weight, and chest measurement (where applicable) requirements are prescribed post-wise in the official notification.
Salary
| Component | Technician Grade I Signal | Technician Grade III |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 5 | Level 2 |
| Basic Pay | ₹29,200 | ₹19,900 |
| DA (Dearness Allowance) | As per Central Government rates | As per Central Government rates |
| HRA | As per city classification (X/Y/Z) | As per city classification (X/Y/Z) |
| TA (Transport Allowance) | Applicable | Applicable |
| Gross Salary | Approx. ₹40,000–₹45,000 (indicative) | Approx. ₹28,000–₹32,000 (indicative) |
| In-Hand Salary | After NPS/PF deductions | After NPS/PF deductions |
| Promotion | Senior Technician → JE → SSE (via LDCE/GDCE) | Senior Technician → JE (via LDCE/GDCE) |
Note: Gross and in-hand figures are indicative and vary by posting location; refer to the official notification for exact allowance rates.
Job Profile
Technician Grade I: Handles technical work related to Signal and Telecommunication systems, ensuring safe train operations through signal maintenance, interlocking systems, and communication equipment upkeep.
Technician Grade III: Responsible for maintenance and repair work in workshops, sheds, and depots across trades like fitting, electrical work, welding, and machining — directly supporting rolling stock and infrastructure maintenance.
Daily Duties: Routine inspection, preventive maintenance, breakdown attending, documentation of maintenance logs, and adherence to railway safety protocols.
Career Growth: Both grades offer a clear promotional hierarchy from Technician to Senior Technician, and further to Junior Engineer and Senior Section Engineer through departmental examinations.
Selection Process
The RRB Technician Selection Process 2026 is conducted in three stages:
Step 1 – Computer Based Test (CBT): A single CBT decides shortlisting; there is no CBT 2 stage, unlike RRB ALP. A separate CBT is held for each pay level — Grade I Signal and Grade III are different exams.
Step 2 – Document Verification (DV): Candidates are shortlisted at a 1:1 ratio to vacancies, based purely on CBT merit.
Step 3 – Medical Examination (ME): Provisionally selected candidates undergo a medical fitness test as per the relevant medical standard for their post.
Final Merit: Prepared based on normalized CBT marks, subject to qualifying in DV and ME stages.
CBT Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer |
| Mode | Computer Based (Online) |
| Languages | Available in 15 languages including English, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu |
Subjects Covered: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, General Awareness on Current Affairs, and Technical/Trade-related subjects (for Grade III, syllabus varies by trade).
Qualifying Marks: UR/EWS 40%, OBC-NCL 30%, SC 30%, ST 25% (relaxable by 2 marks for PwBD if seats remain unfilled).
Detailed Syllabus
Mathematics: Number System, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM/HCF, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Mensuration, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics.
General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, Alphabetical/Number Series, Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagrams, Data Interpretation, Puzzles, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement-Argument-Assumptions.
General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences at 10th-standard level – this is typically the single largest scoring section for Grade III.
Current Affairs: Sports, culture, personalities, economics, and general topics of national and international importance, along with a broad understanding of Indian Railways.
Technical Subjects (Trade-specific): Based on the ITI trade syllabus relevant to the post applied for – covering trade theory, tools, machinery, and safety practices.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Refund Policy |
|---|---|---|
| UR/OBC/EWS | ₹500 | ₹400 refunded after appearing in CBT |
| SC/ST/PwBD/Female/Transgender/Ex-Servicemen/Minorities/EBC | ₹250 | ₹250 refunded (full amount) after appearing in CBT |
Payment Methods: Fee payment is accepted only through online mode – internet banking, debit/credit cards, or UPI.
Important: Applications submitted without the prescribed fee will be summarily rejected, so candidates must complete fee payment before the last date.
Documents Required
- Recent Passport-size Photograph (as per specifications)
- Scanned Signature
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for verification)
- 10th Class Memo/Certificate
- ITI Certificate (National Trade Certificate)
- Diploma/Degree Certificate (where applicable)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS, if applicable)
- Income Certificate (for EWS/EBC candidates)
- PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
- Valid ID Proof
- Ex-Servicemen Discharge Certificate (if applicable)
How to Apply
Step 1 – Register: Visit rrbapply.gov.in and create a new account using mobile number and email ID (or use existing credentials from previous RRB CENs).
Step 2 – Login: Log in to the RRB Candidate Login Portal using registered credentials.
Step 3 – Fill Details: Select CEN 02/2026 – Technician, choose preferred RRB zone, post, and examination language, and enter personal and educational details.
Step 4 – Upload Documents: Upload photograph, signature, and other required documents in the prescribed format and size.
Step 5 – Pay Fee: Pay the applicable application fee based on category through UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking.
Step 6 – Submit: Preview the completed application carefully before final submission.
Step 7 – Print: Download and print the confirmation page and fee receipt for future reference during Document Verification.
Photo & Signature Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Photo Size | 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm (approx.) |
| Signature Size | As specified in notification |
| Resolution | Minimum 100 DPI |
| Dimensions | As per RRB portal guidelines |
| File Type | JPEG/JPG |
| File Size | Within prescribed limit (typically 20 KB – 50 KB) |
Correction Window
Who Can Edit: All candidates who have successfully submitted their application and paid the fee.
Editable Fields: Personal details, educational qualification details, RRB/post preference, and uploaded documents (subject to portal permissions).
Correction Fee: A correction charge of ₹250 applies.
Dates: The correction/modification window opens from 1 August 2026 to 10 August 2026.
Admit Card
When Released: The admit card will be released approximately 4–7 days before the CBT exam date, once announced.
How to Download: Log in to rrbapply.gov.in using registration number and password/date of birth, and download the admit card from the candidate dashboard.
Forgot Registration Number: Use the “Forgot Registration Number/Password” option on the portal and retrieve details via registered mobile number or email ID.
Exam Cities
Zone-wise: Exam centres will be allotted within or near the candidate’s chosen RRB zone, based on availability.
State-wise: Centres will be spread across major cities in each state, with candidates from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana likely to get centres in cities under RRB Secunderabad’s jurisdiction.
(Exact list of exam cities will be announced along with the admit card.)
Selection Stages Explained
CBT: The primary and only written exam stage for shortlisting.
Normalization: Since the CBT will be conducted in multiple shifts, marks will be normalized to ensure fairness across shifts of varying difficulty.
Merit: Final merit list prepared based on normalized CBT scores, category-wise and post-wise.
Tie-Breaking: Ties in CBT marks are broken by age – the older candidate ranks higher.
Cut Off
Expected Cutoff: Will depend on the number of applicants, exam difficulty, and vacancies per post; expected to be released post-CBT.
Previous Year Cutoff: Candidates should refer to earlier RRB Technician recruitment cycles for a general benchmark, keeping in mind that cutoffs vary each year.
Category-wise: Cutoffs will differ across UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwBD categories.
RRB-wise: Cutoffs will also vary by zone due to differing vacancy-to-applicant ratios.
Previous Year Vacancy Comparison
| Year | Approximate Technician Vacancies | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Varies by CEN cycle | — |
| 2025 | Varies by CEN cycle | — |
| 2026 | 6,557 | Significant increase, one of the largest Technician drives in recent years |
Previous Year Papers
Candidates should download previous year RRB Technician CBT papers and memory-based question papers from reliable sources to understand the difficulty level, question pattern, and frequently asked topics – especially for General Science and Mathematics sections.
Best Books
Reasoning: A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning (R.S. Aggarwal)
Maths: Fast Track Objective Arithmetic (Rajesh Verma) / Quantitative Aptitude (R.S. Aggarwal)
Science: Lucent’s General Science (for 10th-standard level Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Technical: Trade-specific ITI theory books relevant to the applied post (Fitter, Electrician, Welder, etc.)
Preparation Tips
45-Day Strategy: Dedicate the first two weeks to building fundamentals in Mathematics and Reasoning, the next two weeks to General Science and technical trade topics, and the final week to full-length mock tests and revision.
Mock Tests: Attempt at least one full-length CBT mock test every alternate day in the last two weeks to build speed and accuracy under the 90-minute time limit.
Revision: Focus on short notes for General Science formulas, Reasoning tricks, and trade-specific technical terms for quick last-minute revision.
Career Growth
Technician → Senior Technician → Junior Engineer → Senior Section Engineer (SSE)
Promotion happens through Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) and General Departmental Competitive Examination (GDCE), offering a well-defined long-term career path within Indian Railways.
Why Join Indian Railways
Job Security: A permanent, pensionable Central Government job with strong long-term stability.
Salary: Competitive starting pay with regular increments and allowances.
Benefits: Free/concessional railway passes for self and family, LTC, and other Central Government perks.
Pension: Coverage under the National Pension System (NPS).
Medical: Comprehensive medical facilities for employees and dependents.
Housing: Railway quarters available at many postings, subject to availability.
Travel: Free and concessional rail travel passes – a distinctive perk of working with Indian Railways.
FAQs
Q1. What is CEN 02/2026?
It is the official notification number under which RRB has released the Technician Grade I & III Recruitment 2026.
Q2. Who can apply for RRB Technician 2026?
Indian citizens meeting the age and educational qualification criteria specified for Technician Grade I or Grade III.
Q3. Can Diploma holders apply?
Yes, Diploma holders in relevant engineering disciplines are eligible, especially for Technician Grade I Signal and select Grade III posts.
Q4. Can Degree holders apply?
Yes, B.Sc./B.E./B.Tech holders in relevant disciplines are eligible for Technician Grade I Signal.
Q5. Can final-year students apply?
No, candidates must have completed their qualification on or before the closing date of application.
Q6. What is the age limit for RRB Technician 2026?
18 to 33 years for Grade I Signal and 18 to 30 years for Grade III, as on 1 July 2026.
Q7. What is the salary for RRB Technician posts?
₹29,200 basic (Pay Level 5) for Grade I Signal and ₹19,900 basic (Pay Level 2) for Grade III, plus allowances.
Q8. What is the CBT exam pattern?
100 questions for 100 marks, to be completed in 90 minutes.
Q9. Is there negative marking?
Yes, 1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
Q10. What is the selection process?
Computer Based Test (CBT), Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
Q11. What is the application fee?
₹500 for UR/OBC/EWS and ₹250 for SC/ST/PwBD/Female/Ex-Servicemen candidates.
Q12. Is the application fee refundable?
Yes, a partial or full refund is issued after appearing in the CBT.
Q13. When is the CBT exam?
CBT dates have not been announced yet and will be notified separately.
Q14. How many vacancies are there in total?
6,557 vacancies — 323 for Technician Grade I Signal and 6,234 for Technician Grade III.
Q15. What is the official website?
rrbapply.gov.in
Q16. Can I apply to multiple RRBs?
Candidates should carefully check zone-specific instructions in the notification, as rules on multiple zone applications vary.
Q17. What is the last date to apply?
29 July 2026 (11:59 PM), with fee payment allowed till 31 July 2026.
Q18. Is there a correction window?
Yes, from 1 August 2026 to 10 August 2026, with a correction fee of ₹250.
Q19. What educational qualification is needed for Technician Grade III?
Matriculation/SSLC with ITI certification from NCVT/SCVT recognized institutes.
Q20. What educational qualification is needed for Technician Grade I Signal?
B.Sc./Diploma/Degree in Engineering in relevant disciplines.
Q21. Is there a Psycho/CBAT test like RRB ALP?
No, there is no Psycho/CBAT test for RRB Technician recruitment.
Q22. How many attempts are allowed?
There is no fixed limit on attempts, as long as the candidate remains within the eligible age limit.
Q23. What is the medical standard required?
Varies by post — B-1 for most trades, A-3 for Track Machine, B-2 for Crane Driver, and C-1 for workshop trades.
Q24. In how many languages is the CBT conducted?
15 languages, including English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and other regional languages.
Q25. What documents are needed for Document Verification?
Original certificates for education, age proof, category, identity, and photographs, along with the application printout.
The RRB Technician Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for ITI, Diploma, and Degree holders to secure a stable, well-paying career in Indian Railways, with 6,557 vacancies on offer under CEN 02/2026. With the notification already released and applications open, candidates must apply before the 29 July 2026 deadline, keep all required documents ready, and begin preparing early for the upcoming CBT exam.
Stay connected with Manabadi for the latest updates on CBT dates, admit card release, exam city allotment, and results – your one-stop destination for all RRB Technician 2026 information.