RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 detailed notification is OUT. The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, have released the Detailed Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 05/2026 for 590 vacancies in various Paramedical Categories — Nursing Superintendent (Staff Nurse), Pharmacist, Radiographer X-Ray Technician, Lab Assistant Grade II (Lab Technician), Health & Malaria Inspector Gr. II, ECG Technician, Dialysis Technician, Optometrist and Audiologist & Speech Therapist. Online applications open on 15 September 2026 and the last date to apply is 14 October 2026 (23:59 hours) on the unified RRB website rrb.indianrailways.gov.in.
Quick Answer: RRB CEN 05/2026 is a Railway paramedical recruitment for 590 posts across 20 RRBs. Eligibility ranges from 10+2 with a paramedical diploma to B.Sc. / GNM / B.Pharm depending on the post. Age limit is 18–40 years as on 01.01.2027, application fee is ₹500 (₹250 for reserved categories, largely refundable), 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
590 Posts
Apply Online
15 Sep – 14 Oct 2026
Exam Mode
Single Stage CBT
Pay Level
₹21,700 – ₹44,900
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 Overview (CEN 05/2026)
| Recruiting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
| Notification | Detailed CEN No. 05/2026 (Paramedical Categories) |
| Total Vacancies | 590 posts (All RRBs) |
| Number of Posts Notified | 09 paramedical categories |
| Job Location | All India (Indian Railways zones & production units) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Application Dates | 15 September 2026 to 14 October 2026 |
| Selection Process | Single Stage CBT → Document Verification → Medical Examination |
| Pay Scale | Level 3 to Level 7 of 7th CPC (₹21,700 to ₹44,900 initial pay) |
| Official Website | rrb.indianrailways.gov.in |
RRB Paramedical 2026 Important Dates
All the important dates for CEN 05/2026 as notified by the Railway Recruitment Boards are given below. Candidates are advised to apply well before the last date to avoid server load in the final days.
| 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 application fee payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Application modification window (with modification fee) | 17 October 2026 to 26 October 2026 |
| Scribe details submission (eligible candidates) | 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. Fill these with utmost care. Submitting more than one application against this CEN will lead to rejection of all applications and debarment.
RRB Paramedical Vacancy 2026: Post-wise Details
A total of 590 vacancies have been notified across nine paramedical categories. Nursing Superintendent has the highest share with 365 posts, followed by Pharmacist with 118 posts.
| Post Name | Pay Level | Initial Pay (₹) | Medical Standard | Age (01.01.2027) | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent (Staff Nurse) | 7 | 44,900 | C-1 | 20–40 years | 365 |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | 5 | 29,200 | C-2 | 20–35 years | 118 |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | 6 | 35,400 | C-1 | 18–33 years | 43 |
| Lab Assistant Grade II (Lab Technician) | 3 | 21,700 | B-1 | 18–33 years | 31 |
| Radiographer X-Ray Technician | 5 | 29,200 | B-1 | 19–33 years | 25 |
| ECG Technician | 4 | 25,500 | C-1 | 18–33 years | 04 |
| Optometrist | 4 | 25,500 | B-1 | 18–33 years | 02 |
| Dialysis Technician | 6 | 35,400 | B-1 | 20–33 years | 01 |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | 6 | 35,400 | B-1 | 21–30 years | 01 |
| Total | — | — | — | — | 590 |
RRB Paramedical CEN 05/2026 Detailed Notification
Download the complete 48-page official notification PDF with post parameters, RRB-wise vacancy table and syllabus.
⬇ Download Notification PDFSource: Railway Recruitment Boards, Ministry of Railways
RRB Paramedical 2026 Category-wise Reservation
The 590 vacancies are distributed among communities as per Government of India reservation rules. Horizontal reservation for Ex-Servicemen and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) is included within these numbers.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 255 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 113 |
| SC | 106 |
| ST | 69 |
| EWS | 46 |
| Ex-Servicemen (horizontal) | 49 |
| PwBD – LD / HI (horizontal) | 28 (LD) + 11 (HI) |
RRB Paramedical 2026 RRB-wise (Zone-wise) Vacancy
Candidates can apply to only one RRB against this CEN. Choose your RRB carefully after checking the vacancy position for your post, because the chosen RRB cannot be changed later.
| RRB | Total Vacancy | RRB | Total Vacancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | 07 | Kolkata | 98 |
| Ajmer | 11 | Malda | 28 |
| Bengaluru | 18 | Mumbai | 61 |
| Bhopal | 21 | Muzaffarpur | 19 |
| Bhubaneswar | 05 | Patna | 21 |
| Bilaspur | 18 | Prayagraj | 33 |
| Chandigarh | 06 | Ranchi | 21 |
| Chennai | 65 | Secunderabad | 71 |
| Gorakhpur | 33 | Siliguri | 19 |
| Guwahati | 29 | Jammu-Srinagar | 06 |
| Grand Total (All RRBs) | 590 | ||
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification (Post-wise)
Candidates must already possess the prescribed educational / technical / professional qualification from a recognised Institute or University as on 14 October 2026. Those awaiting the result of their final examination should not apply.
| Post | Minimum Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | Certificate as Registered Nurse and Midwife having passed the 3-year GNM course from a school of Nursing or other institution recognised by the Indian Nursing Council, OR B.Sc. Nursing. |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy (Allopathic) from a Central/State Government recognised University or Institute and registered as Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, OR Doctor of Pharmacy with registration. |
| Radiographer X-Ray Technician | 10+2 with Physics and Chemistry plus a 2-year Diploma in Radiography / X-Ray Technician / Radiodiagnosis Technology. Science graduates with the diploma are preferred. B.Sc. Medical Technology in Radiography, B.Sc. Medical Radiography and Imaging Technology, B.Sc. (Radiography), B.Sc. Radiological & Image Techniques, 2-year Diploma in Radiation Technology and 10+2 (PCM) with Bachelor in Radiation Technology are also accepted as equivalent. |
| Lab Assistant Grade II (Lab Technician) | 12th (10+2) in Science plus Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT), OR a Certificate Course in Medical Lab Technology at par with DMLT (minimum 1 year, full time, from a recognised institution). 10+2 Science plus B.Sc. Medical Lab Technology is also accepted as equivalent. |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Gr. II | B.Sc. with Chemistry as main/optional subject, plus (a) a 1-year Diploma in Health / Sanitary Inspector OR (b) a 1-year National Trade Certificate in Health Sanitary Inspector awarded by NCVT. |
| ECG Technician | 10+2 or Graduation in Science having a Certificate / Diploma / Degree in ECG Laboratory Technology, Cardiology or Cardiology Techniques of a reputed institution (minimum 1 year duration). |
| Dialysis Technician | B.Sc. plus (a) Diploma in Haemodialysis OR (b) 2 years satisfactory in-house training / experience in haemodialysis at a reputed institution. B.Sc. in Dialysis Techniques / Dialysis Technology / Renal Dialysis Technology also accepted. |
| Optometrist | B.Sc. in Optometry or Diploma in Ophthalmic Technician (course of 3 to 4 years duration) with registration with the concerned Council / Licensing body. |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | Bachelor in Audiology, Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from a recognised University with registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). |
Age Limit (as on 01.01.2027)
The lower and upper age limits are different for each post and range from 18 years to 40 years. Upper age relaxation is available as under, subject to submission of the requisite certificates.
| Category / Community | Relaxation in Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD – UR / EWS | 10 years |
| PwBD – OBC (NCL) | 13 years |
| PwBD – SC / ST | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (UR-EWS / OBC-NCL / SC-ST) | 3 / 6 / 8 years after deduction of length of service |
| Serving Railway Group C & erstwhile Group D staff with 3 years service | Up to 40 / 43 / 45 years of age (UR-EWS / OBC-NCL / SC-ST) |
| Widowed, divorced or judicially separated women (not remarried) | Up to 35 / 38 / 40 years of age (UR-EWS / OBC-NCL / SC-ST) |
Note: If a candidate is eligible for age relaxation on more than one ground, only the maximum single relaxation applies — relaxations are not cumulative. SC, ST and OBC-NCL candidates applying against UR vacancies will not get any age relaxation.
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India, a citizen of Nepal, a subject of Bhutan, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India. Candidates in the latter categories must hold a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India and produce it at Document Verification.
RRB Paramedical 2026 Application Fee
| 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 accepted online only through internet banking, debit/credit card or UPI. The refund is credited to the Aadhaar-seeded bank account of the candidate, so make sure your bank account is linked with Aadhaar before applying. Candidates who do not appear in the CBT, or whose application is incomplete or rejected, will not get any refund.
EBC is not the same as OBC or EWS. Economically Backward Class (EBC) means annual family income below ₹50,000 supported by a valid income certificate, BPL card or Izzat MST issued on or before 14 October 2026. EBC gives only a fee concession, not job reservation.
RRB Paramedical Exam Pattern 2026 (Single Stage CBT)
There will be a single stage Computer Based Test (CBT) for all notified categories, followed by Document Verification and Medical Examination.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Ability (post-wise subject) | 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 the scribe facility).
- Question type: Objective multiple choice with four options, only one correct.
- Negative marking: 1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
- Minimum qualifying marks: UR / EWS 40%, OBC-NCL and SC 30%, ST 25% (relaxable by 2% for PwBD in case of shortage of PwBD candidates).
- Normalisation of marks will be done for CBTs held in multiple shifts.
- Candidates equal to the number of vacancies (1:1) will be called for Document Verification, RRB-wise, on merit.
- The section-wise distribution shown above is indicative — the actual question paper may vary slightly.
Strategy tip: 70 out of 100 marks come from your own professional subject. A candidate who scores 55+ in Professional Ability is already close to the cut off, so give at least 70% of your study time to your core subject and the remaining 30% to General Awareness, Arithmetic, Reasoning and General Science.
RRB Paramedical Syllabus 2026 (Post-wise)
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)-I, Community Health Nursing, Child Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery and Obstetrical Nursing, Nursing Research & Statistics, Management of Nursing Services and Education.
- 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 at Radiology & Radiation Safety.
- Laboratory Assistant Grade II: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Fundamentals of Medical Laboratory Technology, Microbiology, Clinical Biochemistry, Pathology & Histopathology, Haematology and Blood Bank.
- Pharmacist (Entry Grade): Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry, Remedial Biology / Remedial Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pathophysiology, Computer Applications in Pharmacy, Environmental sciences, Physical Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Engineering, 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.
- ECG Technician: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Introduction to Cardiovascular Diseases, Basic Cardiovascular Investigations, Advanced Cardiovascular Investigations.
- 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.
- 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 and Geriatric Optometry, Contact Lens, Law & Optometry and Occupational Optometry, Systemic Diseases, Epidemiology and Bio Statistics, Public Health and Community Optometry.
- Audiologist & Speech Therapist: Speech and Language development & disorders, Basic Anatomy & Physiology related to Speech & Hearing, Diagnostic & Rehabilitation Audiology, Psychology related to Speech & Hearing, Basic Acoustic, 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 & Its Instrumentation.
Common Syllabus for All Posts (30 Marks)
- General Arithmetic: 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: 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: 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: Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences up to 10th standard CBSE syllabus.
RRB Paramedical Selection Process 2026
1. Single Stage CBT
100 questions, 100 marks, 90 minutes, 1/3 negative marking. Merit is prepared after normalisation of marks.
2. Document Verification
Candidates equal to the number of vacancies (1:1) are called RRB-wise on merit, with all original certificates.
3. Medical Examination
Medical standard B-1, C-1 or C-2 as applicable to the post, conducted by the Railway Administration.
4. Empanelment & Appointment
Final panel on CBT merit; Railway zone and post allotment as per options, merit and vacancy position.
In case two or more candidates secure 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 is used to break the tie.
How to Apply Online for RRB Paramedical Recruitment 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 using your own mobile number and personal email ID. Enter name, father’s name, mother’s name and date of birth exactly as recorded in your 10th / Matriculation certificate.
- Authenticate your identity through DigiLocker or Aadhaar (or use the ‘Verify Aadhaar’ facility during form filling) to avoid stricter scrutiny at later stages.
- Log in, select one RRB and give your post and Railway zone preferences carefully. Only one application per candidate is allowed against this CEN.
- Upload the live photograph captured during the application, your signature and all mandatory scanned documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee online through net banking, debit/credit card or UPI on or before 16 October 2026.
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page for your records.
Warning: Multiple applications to different RRBs or to the same RRB will lead to rejection of all applications and debarment from future RRB and RRC examinations. Apply only once, and use only the official RRB website — beware of fake websites.
RRB Paramedical Salary 2026
Selected candidates get pay as per the 7th CPC pay matrix along with Dearness Allowance, HRA, Transport Allowance, railway passes, medical facilities under the Railway Medical Attendance Rules, NPS and other Railway benefits.
| Pay Level | Initial Pay | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Level 7 | ₹44,900 | Nursing Superintendent |
| Level 6 | ₹35,400 | Dialysis Technician, Health & Malaria Inspector Gr. II, Audiologist & Speech Therapist |
| Level 5 | ₹29,200 | Pharmacist (Entry Grade), Radiographer X-Ray Technician |
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ECG Technician, Optometrist |
| Level 3 | ₹21,700 | Lab Assistant Grade II |
Documents Required for RRB Paramedical Application 2026
- Live photograph captured during the online application and scanned signature
- 10th / Matriculation certificate (for date of birth and name)
- Educational and technical / professional qualification certificates and mark sheets
- Registration certificate where applicable (Nursing Council, Pharmacy Council, RCI, Optometry Council)
- SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS certificate in the prescribed format (Annexure I, II, IIA, III of the CEN)
- 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 for candidates already in Government / PSU service
- Aadhaar-seeded bank account details for the examination fee refund
How to Prepare for RRB Paramedical CBT 2026
- Lock your core subject first. 70 of the 100 questions come from your professional subject, so build a strong revision cycle for Anatomy, Physiology and your specialisation papers.
- Practise with negative marking. With 1/3 negative marking and 90 minutes for 100 questions, accuracy matters more than the number of attempts. Aim for 85+ attempts with 90% accuracy.
- Solve previous year RRB papers. RRB paramedical questions repeat in concept, especially in Anatomy, Microbiology, Radiation Physics and DMLT fundamentals.
- Do not ignore the 30 general marks. General Science is only up to Class 10 CBSE level and General Arithmetic is basic — these 30 marks are the easiest scoring zone and often decide the final cut off.
- Take full-length mock tests in the exact 90-minute CBT format at least twice a week from now until the exam.
Prepare for RRB Paramedical 2026 with Testpaperlive Classes
Join our dedicated RRB Paramedical online batches for Nursing Superintendent / Staff Nurse, Lab Technician (DMLT), Radiographer / X-Ray Technician and Pharmacist — daily live classes, subject-wise MCQ practice, previous year RRB 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 Railway & Paramedical Vacancies
- RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 (CEN 05/2026): Short Notice & Post-wise Details
- RRB Lab Technician (Lab Assistant Grade II) Question Paper 2026 PDF
- RRB Radiographer / X-Ray Technician Question Paper 2025 PDF
- OSSSC Radiographer Recruitment 2026: 240 Vacancy
- PGIMER Nursing Officer Recruitment 2026: 243 Vacancy
Conclusion
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 (CEN 05/2026) with 590 vacancies is the biggest Railway opening of the year for nursing and paramedical students. The window is short — applications close on 14 October 2026 — so keep your certificates, Aadhaar-linked bank account and category documents ready, choose your RRB carefully, and start professional-subject preparation from day one. Bookmark this page; we will update it with the CBT exam date, admit card link, answer key and expected cut off as soon as the RRBs release them.
