RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 590 Vacancies
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially announced the Central Employment Notice CEN 05/2026 for the recruitment of various Paramedical Staff positions across India. This central government recruitment drive offers 590 vacancies for qualified medical and healthcare professionals looking to build a stable career within the Indian Railways. Aspiring candidates can submit their applications online through the official portal. Understanding the comprehensive details regarding eligibility, salary structures, selection phases, and application procedures is essential for a successful candidacy.
Overview of RRB Paramedical Staff Recruitment 2026
The Railway Recruitment Board operates under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, ensuring transparent and merit-based direct recruitment for technical and non-technical healthcare roles. The table below highlights the core elements of the CEN 05/2026 notification:
| Recruitment Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Advt. Number | CEN 05/2026 |
| Post Name | Paramedical Staff (Various Disciplines) |
| Total Vacancies | 590 Posts |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.rrbapply.gov.in |
Important Dates for CEN 05/2026
Candidates must adhere strictly to the schedule outlined by the RRB to avoid missing critical deadlines:
- Application Starting Date: 15 September 2026
- Application Closing Date: 14 October 2026
- Fee Payment Last Date: 16 October 2026
- Application Modification Window: 17 October 2026 to 26 October 2026
- Scribe Details Submission: 27 October 2026 to 31 October 2026
Vacancy Breakdown and Zone-Wise Distribution
The 590 vacancies are distributed among various technical medical categories and across multiple railway zones. Prominent posts include Nursing Superintendent (365 posts), Pharmacist Entry Grade (118 posts), Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II (43 posts), and Lab Assistant Grade II (31 posts)[cite: 5]. Major regional zones handling these vacancies encompass Chennai (65), Kolkata (98), Mumbai (61), and Secunderabad (71), among others[cite: 6].
Detailed Educational Qualifications and Experience
Fulfilling the specific educational criteria mandated for each post is crucial for document verification clearance:
- Nursing Superintendent: Certificate as Registered Nurse and Midwife passing a 3-year GNM course or B.Sc. Nursing from an Indian Nursing Council recognized institution.
- Pharmacist (Entry Grade): Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy (Allopathic) or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) with valid registration under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
- Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II: B.Sc. with Chemistry as a main/optional subject plus a one-year diploma in Health/Sanitary Inspector or NTC awarded by NCVT.
- Lab Assistant Grade II: 10+2 in Science with a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) or equivalent full-time program.
Salary Structure and Pay Scales
Positions under RRB Paramedical Recruitment are aligned with the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) benchmark pay levels:
- Nursing Superintendent: Pay Level 7 (Initial basic pay of ₹44,900 per month)
- Dialysis Technician & Health/Malaria Inspector: Pay Level 6 (Initial basic pay of ₹35,400 per month)
- Pharmacist & Radiographer: Pay Level 5 (Initial basic pay of ₹29,200 per month)
- ECG Technician & Optometrist: Pay Level 4 (Initial basic pay of ₹25,500 per month)
- Lab Assistant Grade II: Pay Level 3 (Initial basic pay of ₹21,700 per month)
Selection Process and CBT Exam Pattern
The recruitment methodology comprises a Single Stage Computer Based Test (CBT), followed by Document Verification (DV) and a comprehensive Medical Examination (ME). The CBT structure features 100 objective multiple-choice questions for 100 marks with a duration of 90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates utilizing a scribe):
- Professional Ability: 70 questions / 70 marks
- General Awareness: 10 questions / 10 marks
- General Arithmetic, Intelligence & Reasoning: 10 questions / 10 marks
- General Science: 10 questions / 10 marks
A negative marking scheme applies where one-third (1/3) of the marks allotted are deducted for every incorrect response. Minimum qualifying marks are set at 40% for UR/EWS, 30% for OBC-NCL and SC, and 25% for ST candidates.
How to Apply Online
Eligible candidates should execute the application sequence meticulously:
- Navigate to the official application portal at www.rrbapply.gov.inguidelines thoroughly
- Complete the registration and fill out the online form with exact personal and academic details[cite: 13].
- Upload scanned photographs, signatures, and essential certificates in the specified format.
- Process the examination fee payment via Net Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card, and secure a final printout of the confirmation page
