RRB Lab Assistant Grade II Recruitment 2026 notification is OUT. The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, have notified 31 vacancies for Lab Assistant Grade II (Lab Technician) under Detailed CEN No. 05/2026 for Paramedical Categories. This is a direct Railway job for DMLT / B.Sc. MLT candidates in Pay Level 3 with initial pay ₹21,700. Online application starts on 15 September 2026 and the last date is 14 October 2026 (23:59 hours) on the unified RRB website rrb.indianrailways.gov.in.
Quick Answer: RRB Lab Assistant Grade II 2026 has 31 posts across 12 RRBs. Eligibility is 12th (10+2) in Science plus DMLT (or an equivalent 1-year Medical Lab Technology certificate, or B.Sc. MLT). Age limit is 18 to 33 years as on 01.01.2027, medical standard is B-1, and selection is through a single stage CBT of 100 questions in 90 minutes with 1/3 negative marking, followed by Document Verification and Medical Examination.
Total Vacancy
31 Posts
Pay Level
Level 3 · ₹21,700
Age Limit
18 – 33 Years
Apply Online
15 Sep – 14 Oct 2026
RRB Lab Assistant Grade II Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Recruiting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
| Notification | Detailed CEN No. 05/2026 (Paramedical Categories) |
| Post Name | Lab Assistant Grade II (Laboratory Assistant / Lab Technician) |
| Category Number in CEN | Cat. No. 09 |
| Total Vacancies | 31 posts across 12 RRBs |
| Pay Level | Level 3 of 7th CPC — initial pay ₹21,700 |
| Medical Standard | B-1 |
| Age Limit | 18 to 33 years as on 01.01.2027 |
| Qualification | 10+2 Science + DMLT (or equivalent MLT certificate / B.Sc. MLT) |
| Application Dates | 15 September 2026 to 14 October 2026 |
| Selection Process | Single Stage CBT → Document Verification → Medical Examination |
| Official Website | rrb.indianrailways.gov.in |
RRB Lab Assistant Grade II 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative notice in Employment News | 12 September 2026 |
| Online application starts | 15 September 2026 |
| Last date to apply online | 14 October 2026 (23:59 hours) |
| Last date for fee payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Application modification window | 17 October 2026 to 26 October 2026 |
| Scribe details submission | 27 October 2026 to 31 October 2026 |
| CBT exam date | To be announced on the official RRB website |
Important: Details filled in the ‘Create an Account’ form (including mobile number and email ID) and the chosen RRB cannot be changed at any stage. Only one application per candidate is allowed against this CEN — multiple applications will lead to rejection of all of them and debarment from future RRB and RRC exams.
RRB Lab Assistant Grade II Vacancy 2026: RRB-wise Distribution
Out of the 590 total paramedical posts in CEN 05/2026, 31 posts are for Lab Assistant Grade II. These are spread over only 12 RRBs — the remaining RRBs have no Lab Assistant vacancy this time. Since you can apply to only one RRB, check this table carefully before choosing.
| RRB | Railway / PU | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Central Railway (CR) | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Chennai | Southern Railway (SR) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Prayagraj | BLW + NCR | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Ajmer | North Western Railway (NWR) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Secunderabad | South Central Railway (SCR) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Bilaspur | South East Central Railway (SECR) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Guwahati | Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Ahmedabad | Western Railway (WR) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Bhopal | West Central Railway (WCR) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Gorakhpur | Modern Coach Factory (MCF) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Kolkata | Eastern Railway (ER) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Patna | East Central Railway (ECR) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Grand Total | 18 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 31 | |
RRB selection tip: Mumbai (6), Chennai (5) and Prayagraj (5) have the highest Lab Assistant vacancies. But higher vacancy also attracts higher competition — compare the vacancy count with the number of DMLT candidates in that region before locking your RRB, because the chosen RRB can never be changed.
Category-wise Reservation for Lab Assistant Grade II
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 18 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 08 |
| SC | 03 |
| ST | 00 |
| EWS | 02 |
| Total | 31 |
| Ex-Servicemen (horizontal) | 02 |
| PwBD – HI (horizontal) | 02 |
RRB CEN 05/2026 Detailed Notification (Lab Assistant Grade II)
Download the complete official notification PDF with post parameters, RRB-wise vacancy table and the Lab Assistant syllabus.
⬇ Download Notification PDFSource: Railway Recruitment Boards, Ministry of Railways
RRB Lab Assistant Grade II Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualification
As per Annexure A (Post Parameters) of CEN 05/2026, a candidate must possess the qualification below on or before 14 October 2026. Candidates awaiting their final result are not eligible to apply.
- 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, subject to: (i) the course is done from an institution recognised by a University or Technical Board of a State / Central Government authority, (ii) the course duration is at least 01 year, (iii) the training was done on a full-time basis, and (iv) the course ends with an examination that the candidate has passed.
- Equivalent accepted: 12th (10+2 stage) in Science plus Degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical Lab Technology (B.Sc. MLT).
Distance learning note: Open and Distance Learning qualifications are accepted only from Universities established by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature, Institutions Deemed to be Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956, and Institutions of National Importance — provided they are approved by the UGC. A certificate of less than one year, or a part-time course, is not acceptable.
Age Limit (as on 01.01.2027)
The age limit for Lab Assistant Grade II is 18 to 33 years. The candidate must not be born after 01.01.2009 (lower limit). Upper age limits and the corresponding earliest date of birth are given below.
| Category | Date of Birth Not Earlier Than | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 02.01.1994 | 33 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 02.01.1991 | 36 years (33 + 3) |
| SC / ST | 02.01.1989 | 38 years (33 + 5) |
| PwBD – UR / EWS | — | 43 years (33 + 10) |
| PwBD – OBC (NCL) | — | 46 years (33 + 13) |
| PwBD – SC / ST | — | 48 years (33 + 15) |
Ex-Servicemen get 3 / 6 / 8 years relaxation (UR-EWS / OBC-NCL / SC-ST) after deduction of length of service. Widowed, divorced or judicially separated women who have not remarried can apply up to 35 / 38 / 40 years of age. Relaxations are not cumulative — only the maximum single relaxation applies.
Medical Standard — B-1
Lab Assistant Grade II carries medical standard B-1, which is one of the stricter Railway vision standards. Candidates must be physically fit in all respects and meet:
- Distance Vision: 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (power of lenses not to exceed 4D)
- Near Vision: Sn. 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses when reading or close work is required
- Must pass the test for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Night Vision and Mesopic Vision
Candidates with LASIK surgery may be eligible for B-1 subject to the conditions given in the CEN (no complications, surgery at least one year old, residual corneal thickness not less than 425 microns, normal fundus and no progressive eye disease).
Suitability for PwBD Candidates
Lab Assistant Grade II is identified as suitable for candidates with Locomotor Disability (LD) and Multiple Disabilities (MD) — specifically OL, BL, DW, SD (without N/L Df) and SI (without N/L Df). It is not identified as suitable for Visual Impairment (VI), Hearing Impairment (HI) or OD categories under the post parameters. Two horizontal PwBD (HI) vacancies exist in the vacancy table at RRB Ahmedabad and RRB Secunderabad.
RRB Lab Assistant Grade II Application Fee 2026
| Category | Fee | Refund on appearing in CBT |
|---|---|---|
| All candidates (General / OBC / EWS) | ₹500 | ₹400 refunded |
| SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, Female, Transgender, Minorities, EBC | ₹250 | ₹250 refunded |
Fee payment is online only (net banking, debit/credit card or UPI). The refund is credited to your Aadhaar-seeded bank account, so link your bank account with Aadhaar before applying. No refund is given if the application is incomplete, rejected, or if you do not appear in the CBT.
RRB Lab Assistant Grade II Exam Pattern 2026
There is a single stage Computer Based Test (CBT) — no Tier 2, no skill test and no interview.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Ability (Medical Lab Technology) | 70 | 70 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| General Arithmetic, General Intelligence & Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| General Science | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates eligible for a scribe)
- Question type: Objective MCQ with four options, only one correct
- Negative marking: 1/3 mark deducted for every wrong answer
- Normalisation of marks is done if the CBT is held in multiple shifts
- Candidates equal to the number of vacancies (1:1) are called for Document Verification, RRB-wise, on merit
- The section-wise split is indicative — the actual paper may vary slightly
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Community | Qualifying % | Marks Out of 100 |
|---|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 40% | 40 marks |
| OBC (NCL) / SC | 30% | 30 marks |
| ST | 25% | 25 marks |
These percentages are relaxable by 2% for PwBD candidates where there is a shortage of PwBD candidates against reserved vacancies. Qualifying marks are only the entry threshold — with just 31 posts nationwide, the actual merit cut off will be far higher.
Scoring strategy: 70 of the 100 marks come from Medical Lab Technology alone. A DMLT candidate who locks 58–62 in the professional section and picks up 20+ from the 30 general marks is in a strong position. Because of 1/3 negative marking, blind guessing on 10 questions can cost you more than 3 marks — attempt only what you can reason out.
RRB Lab Assistant Grade II Syllabus 2026
Professional Ability — 70 Marks (Annexure C)
The official syllabus for Laboratory Assistant Grade II covers eight subject areas. Below is the official list with the high-weightage topics you should focus on in each.
| Subject | Key Topics to Focus |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | Cell and tissue, skeletal system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, endocrine glands, lymphatic system |
| Physiology | Blood composition and functions, coagulation, ESR, cardiac cycle, respiration, renal physiology, digestion and absorption, hormones |
| Biochemistry | Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, acid-base balance, buffers and pH, metabolism |
| Fundamentals of Medical Laboratory Technology | Lab organisation and safety, glassware and equipment, microscope, centrifuge, colorimeter, autoclave, normality-molarity, solutions and standards, sample collection, anticoagulants, quality control, biomedical waste management |
| Microbiology | Sterilisation and disinfection, culture media, staining techniques (Gram, ZN), bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, antibiotic sensitivity testing, serological tests (Widal, VDRL, ELISA) |
| Clinical Biochemistry | Blood glucose and GTT, renal function tests (urea, creatinine, uric acid), liver function tests (bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, ALP), lipid profile, electrolytes, cardiac markers, urine analysis |
| Pathology & Histopathology | Cell injury, inflammation, necrosis, neoplasia, tissue processing, fixatives, microtomy, H&E staining, cytology and FNAC, autopsy techniques |
| Haematology and Blood Bank | Haemoglobin estimation, RBC/WBC/platelet counts, PCV, blood indices, differential count, anaemias, leukaemias, bleeding and clotting time, PT/APTT, ABO and Rh grouping, cross matching, blood collection and storage, transfusion reactions |
Common Syllabus — 30 Marks
- General Arithmetic (part of 10 marks): 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 and Reasoning (part of 10 marks): 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 syllabus.
RRB Lab Assistant Grade II Selection Process 2026
1. Single Stage CBT
100 questions, 100 marks, 90 minutes, 1/3 negative marking. Merit prepared after normalisation.
2. Document Verification
Candidates equal to vacancies (1:1) called RRB-wise on merit with all original certificates.
3. Medical Examination
Medical standard B-1 — distance vision 6/9, 6/12 plus colour, binocular, night and mesopic vision tests.
4. Empanelment & Appointment
Final panel on CBT merit; zone and post allotment as per options, merit and vacancy position.
If two or more candidates score the same marks, the older candidate is placed higher in merit; if the age is also the same, alphabetical order (A to Z) of the given name breaks the tie. There is no interview in this recruitment.
How to Apply Online for RRB Lab Assistant Grade II 2026
- Visit the unified RRB website rrb.indianrailways.gov.in and open the CEN 05/2026 application link (live from 15 September 2026).
- Complete the ‘Create an Account’ step with your own mobile number and personal email ID. Enter name, father’s name, mother’s name and date of birth exactly as in your 10th / Matriculation certificate.
- Authenticate your identity through DigiLocker or Aadhaar to avoid stricter scrutiny at later stages.
- Log in, choose one RRB from the 12 that have Lab Assistant Grade II vacancies, and give your Railway zone preferences carefully.
- Select Cat. No. 09 – Lab Assistant Grade II and fill your DMLT / B.Sc. MLT qualification details along with the 10+2 Science details.
- Upload the live photograph captured during the application, your signature and all mandatory scanned documents.
- Pay the fee online on or before 16 October 2026, submit the form and download the confirmation page.
Warning: Apply only through the official RRB website — beware of fake websites. Submitting more than one application (to the same RRB or different RRBs) will lead to rejection of all applications and debarment from all future RRB and RRC examinations.
RRB Lab Assistant Grade II Salary 2026
| Pay Level | Level 3 (7th CPC Pay Matrix) |
| Basic Pay | ₹21,700 per month |
| Dearness Allowance | As per current Central Government rate |
| HRA | 8% / 16% / 24% of basic pay depending on city class |
| Transport Allowance | As per city classification |
| Other benefits | Railway passes / PTOs, medical facility under Railway Medical Attendance Rules, NPS, running-staff and night duty allowances where applicable |
| Approximate in-hand | ₹32,000 to ₹38,000 per month depending on city and allowances |
The in-hand figure is an approximate estimate based on the current Level 3 pay matrix and standard Central Government allowances; the exact amount depends on your posting city and deductions.
Job Profile of a Railway Lab Assistant Grade II
- Collecting and processing blood, urine, sputum and other samples in Railway hospitals and health units
- Performing routine haematology, clinical biochemistry, microbiology and pathology investigations
- Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment — microscope, centrifuge, autoanalyser, colorimeter, autoclave
- Assisting in blood bank work — grouping, cross matching, storage and issue of blood units
- Maintaining laboratory records, quality control registers and biomedical waste disposal as per protocol
- Supporting periodic medical examinations of Railway staff
Documents Required for RRB Lab Assistant Grade II Application
- Live photograph captured during the online application and scanned signature
- 10th / Matriculation certificate (for name and date of birth)
- 12th (10+2) Science mark sheet and certificate
- DMLT diploma / MLT certificate / B.Sc. MLT degree with all year or semester mark sheets
- SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS certificate in the prescribed CEN format (Annexure I, II, IIA, III)
- EBC income certificate, BPL card or Izzat MST issued on or before 14 October 2026 (for fee concession)
- PwBD certificate in Form V / VI and scribe undertaking, where applicable
- Ex-Servicemen declaration and discharge certificate
- NOC from the present employer if already in Government or PSU service
- Aadhaar-seeded bank account details for the fee refund
How to Prepare for RRB Lab Assistant Grade II CBT 2026
- Build your base in four core subjects. Haematology & Blood Bank, Clinical Biochemistry, Microbiology and Fundamentals of MLT usually carry the largest share of the 70 professional questions. Finish these first, then Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry and Pathology.
- Learn normal values by heart. Hb, TLC, DLC, platelet count, ESR, blood glucose, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, SGOT/SGPT, cholesterol — direct one-line questions are asked from normal ranges every year.
- Master anticoagulants and stains. EDTA, sodium citrate, heparin, fluoride — which test, what ratio, what colour of vial. Same for Gram stain, ZN stain, Leishman, H&E and their reagents.
- Solve previous year RRB and other Lab Technician papers. Questions repeat at the concept level across RRB, AIIMS CRE, ESIC and State DMLT exams.
- Do not leave the 30 general marks. General Science is only up to Class 10 CBSE level and General Arithmetic is basic — with only 31 posts, these 30 marks often decide who makes the cut off.
- Practise in the exact CBT format. Take full-length 100-question, 90-minute mocks with 1/3 negative marking at least twice a week and review every wrong answer.
Prepare for RRB Lab Assistant Grade II 2026 with Testpaperlive Classes
Join our dedicated Lab Technician / DMLT online batch for RRB CEN 05/2026 — daily live classes on Haematology, Clinical Biochemistry, Microbiology and Pathology, subject-wise MCQ practice, previous year RRB Lab Technician papers and full-length mock tests in the exact 100-question, 90-minute CBT pattern. Call or WhatsApp us at +91-8078686728 for free counselling.
Related Lab Technician & Railway Vacancies
- RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 Apply Online: 590 Vacancy (CEN 05/2026)
- RRB Lab Technician (Lab Assistant Grade II) Question Paper 2026 PDF
- RRB Lab Technician Question Paper 2025 PDF with Answer Key
- BSF ASI Lab Technician Question Paper 2026 PDF (1 September 2026)
- DMLT Admission 2026-27 Rajasthan: Eligibility, Fees & Merit
Conclusion
RRB Lab Assistant Grade II Recruitment 2026 offers 31 permanent Railway jobs for DMLT and B.Sc. MLT candidates at Pay Level 3 with an initial pay of ₹21,700, and the entire selection is decided by a single 90-minute CBT — no interview, no skill test. With vacancies in only 12 RRBs, your choice of RRB matters as much as your preparation. Apply between 15 September and 14 October 2026 on rrb.indianrailways.gov.in, keep your 10+2 Science and DMLT certificates ready, and start revising Haematology, Clinical Biochemistry and Microbiology today. Bookmark this page — we will update it with the CBT date, admit card link, answer key and expected cut off as soon as the RRBs release them.
