Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released CEN No. 05/2026 for the recruitment of various Para-Medical Categories in Indian Railways. A total of 590 vacancies have been notified for Nursing Superintendent, Dialysis Technician, Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II, Audiologist & Speech Therapist, Pharmacist, Radiographer/X-Ray Technician, ECG Technician, Optometrist and Lab Assistant Grade II posts. CEN_05_2026_PM
The online application process started on 15 September 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications online up to 14 October 2026, 11:59 PM
Railway RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
| Advertisement Number | CEN No. 05/2026 |
| Recruitment Name | RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 |
| Total Posts | 590 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Online Application Start Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Modification Window | 17 October to 26 October 2026 |
| Age Limit | 18–40 years, depending on post |
| Selection Process | CBT, Document Verification & Medical Examination |
| Official Website | RRB Official Website |
The notification states that detailed RRB-wise and Railway/Zone-wise vacancy distribution is provided in Annexure B.
Railway RRB Paramedical Vacancy 2026
The post-wise vacancy details are as follows: CEN_05_2026_PM
| No. | Post Name | Pay Level | Initial Pay | Age Limit | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nursing Superintendent | Level 7 | ₹44,900 | 20–40 Years | 365 |
| 2 | Dialysis Technician | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | 20–33 Years | 1 |
| 3 | Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | 18–33 Years | 43 |
| 4 | Audiologist & Speech Therapist | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | 21–30 Years | 1 |
| 5 | Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | 20–35 Years | 118 |
| 6 | Radiographer X-Ray Technician | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | 19–33 Years | 25 |
| 7 | ECG Technician | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | 18–33 Years | 4 |
| 8 | Optometrist | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | 18–33 Years | 2 |
| 9 | Lab Assistant Grade II | Level 3 | ₹21,700 | 18–33 Years | 31 |
| Total | 590 |
Post Details
| Post Name | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | 365 |
| Dialysis Technician | 1 |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | 43 |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | 1 |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | 118 |
| Radiographer X-Ray Technician | 25 |
| ECG Technician | 4 |
| Optometrist | 2 |
| Lab Assistant Grade II | 31 |
| Total | 590 |
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the prescribed educational/technical/professional qualification on or before 14 October 2026. Candidates waiting for the final result of the prescribed qualification are not eligible. CEN_05_2026_PM
1. Nursing Superintendent
Candidates must have either:
- Certificate as Registered Nurse and Midwife after passing a 3-year General Nursing and Midwifery course from a School of Nursing/institution recognized by the Indian Nursing Council; OR
- B.Sc Nursing.
2. Dialysis Technician
- B.Sc. plus Diploma in Haemodialysis; OR
- B.Sc. plus two years’ satisfactory in-house training/experience in Haemodialysis work in a reputed institution.
- B.Sc. in Dialysis Techniques, Dialysis Technology or Renal Dialysis Technology is also eligible.
3. Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II
- B.Sc. with Chemistry as a Main/Optional subject in any branch of Chemistry;
- Plus either:
- One-year Diploma in Health/Sanitary Inspector; OR
- One-year National Trade Certificate (NTC) in Health Sanitary Inspector awarded by NCVT, Ministry of Labour and Employment.
4. Audiologist & Speech Therapist
- Bachelor in Audiology, Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from a recognized university; and
- Registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).
The above four post qualifications are specified in Annexure A of the notification. CEN_05_2026_PM
5. Pharmacist (Entry Grade)
- Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy (Allopathic) from a Central/State Government recognized University or Institute and registration as Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948; OR
- Doctor of Pharmacy from a recognized University/Institute and registration as Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
6. Radiographer X-Ray Technician
- 10+2 with Physics and Chemistry; and
- 2-year Diploma in Radiography/X-Ray Technician/Radiodiagnosis Technology from a recognized institute.
Several equivalent B.Sc./degree qualifications in Radiography, Medical Imaging and Radiation Technology are also specified in the notification. CEN_05_2026_PM
7. ECG Technician
- 10+2 or Graduation in Science; and
- Certificate/Diploma/Degree in ECG Laboratory Technology, Cardiology, Cardiology Technician or Cardiology Techniques from a reputed institution.
- Certificate must be of at least one-year duration.
8. Optometrist
- B.Sc. in Optometry; OR
- Diploma in Ophthalmic Technician of 3–4 years duration.
- Registration with the concerned Council/Licensing Body is required.
9. Lab Assistant Grade II
- 12th/10+2 in Science; plus either:
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT); OR
- Certificate Course in Medical Lab Technology equivalent to DMLT, subject to the conditions prescribed in the notification.
- The notification also states that 10+2 Science plus B.Sc. Medical Lab Technology is eligible.
The qualifications for ECG Technician, Optometrist and Lab Assistant Grade II are prescribed in Annexure A.
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Age Limit
The age will be calculated as on 1 January 2027. The basic age limits vary according to the post:
- 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: 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. CEN_05_2026_PM
Age Relaxation
As prescribed in the notification:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC-NCL | 3 Years |
| PwBD – UR/EWS | 10 Years |
| PwBD – OBC-NCL | 13 Years |
| PwBD – SC/ST | 15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per notification |
| Eligible Railway Staff | As per notification |
| Eligible widowed/divorced/judicially separated women | As per notification |
The notification specifies that applicable age relaxation is subject to the prescribed conditions and certificates.
Salary
The post-wise initial pay under the 7th Central Pay Commission is:
| Post | Pay Level | Initial Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | 7 | ₹44,900 |
| Dialysis Technician | 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Pharmacist | 5 | ₹29,200 |
| Radiographer X-Ray Technician | 5 | ₹29,200 |
| ECG Technician | 4 | ₹25,500 |
| Optometrist | 4 | ₹25,500 |
| Lab Assistant Grade II | 3 | ₹21,700 |
These are the initial pay figures stated in the CEN vacancy table.
Application Fees
The examination fee is:
| Candidate Category | Fee | Refund on Appearing in CBT* |
|---|---|---|
| All candidates | ₹500 | ₹400 |
| SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, Female, Transgender, Minorities & EBC | ₹250 | ₹250 |
*Refund is subject to the conditions in the notification and applicable bank charges. Only candidates who appear in the CBT will receive the applicable refund. CEN_05_2026_PM
The examination fee can be paid online only through internet banking, debit/credit card or UPI.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative Notice in Employment News | 12 September 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 14 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Application Modification Window | 17 October to 26 October 2026 |
| Scribe Details Submission | 27 October to 31 October 2026 |
| CBT Date | To be announced |
The RRB will announce the CBT schedule and subsequent recruitment notices through its official website.
Selection Process
The selection process for RRB CEN 05/2026 Paramedical Categories consists of:
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination
- Empanelment/Appointment
The notification states that a Single Stage CBT will be conducted for the notified categories, followed by document verification. CEN_05_2026_PM
CBT Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Ability | 70 | 70 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| General Arithmetic, General Intelligence & Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| General Science | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Duration: 90 minutes
- PwBD/PWD candidates eligible for scribe facility: 120 minutes
- Questions: Objective Multiple Choice
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark for every wrong answer.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
- UR/EWS: 40%
- OBC-NCL/SC: 30%
- ST: 25%
The notification also provides for a 2-mark relaxation for PwBD candidates in specified circumstances where there is a shortage against reserved PwBD vacancies.
RRB Paramedical Recruitment Syllabus 2026
The professional ability section is based on the relevant post-specific syllabus given in Annexure C. The notification also prescribes common subjects for all posts.
Professional Ability
The syllabus includes post-specific subjects such as:
- Nursing Superintendent: Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Nursing Foundations, Psychology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Child Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery and Obstetrical Nursing, Nursing Research & Statistics, Nursing Services Management and Education.
- Dialysis Technician: Anatomy, Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Physiology, Kidney Diseases, Principles and Practice of Dialysis.
- Health & Malaria Inspector: Food & Nutrition, Environmental Sanitation, Sanitary Engineering, Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, Health and Death Statistics.
- Audiologist & Speech Therapist: Speech and Language Development, Anatomy & Physiology related to Speech/Hearing, Audiology, Psychology, Phonetics, Speech-Language Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Paediatric Audiology, Hearing Conservation and Rehabilitation.
- Pharmacist: Pharmacy-related subjects including Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Pharmacy Practice, Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, Quality Assurance and other areas.
- Radiographer X-Ray Technician: Anatomy & Physiology, Radiology Physics, X-Ray Machines, Image Processing, Clinical Radiography, Imaging Modalities, Contrast/Special Radiography, Quality Control and Radiation Safety.
- ECG Technician: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Diseases and Cardiovascular Investigations.
- Optometrist: Optics, Anatomy, Physiology, Ocular Diseases, Visual Optics, Optometric Instruments, Clinical Examination, Binocular Vision, Glaucoma, Low Vision, Contact Lens, Pediatric/Geriatric Optometry and related subjects.
- Lab Assistant Grade II: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Fundamentals of Medical Laboratory Technology, Microbiology, Clinical Biochemistry, Pathology & Histopathology, Haematology and Blood Bank. CEN_05_2026_PM
Common Subjects
General Arithmetic: Number Systems, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM/HCF, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Mensuration, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Interest, Profit & Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Age, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cisterns.
General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, Series, Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Data Interpretation, Conclusions, Decision Making, Similarities/Differences, Classification, Directions, Statements, Arguments and Assumptions.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Indian Geography, Culture, History, Freedom Struggle, Indian Polity & Constitution, Economy, Environmental Issues, Sports and Scientific/Technological Developments.
General Science: Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences up to 10th Standard CBSE level.
How to Apply?
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official RRB website.
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the official RRB website.
- Open the CEN 05/2026 – Para-Medical Categories recruitment link.
- Create an RRB account if you do not already have one.
- Candidates who created an account during earlier RRB CENs can use the same credentials.
- Enter personal, educational and other required details carefully.
- Select one RRB and provide preferences for eligible posts/Railway Zones.
- Upload the required documents, live photograph and signature as prescribed.
- Pay the applicable examination fee online.
- Submit the application.
- Save/print the submitted application and registration details for future reference.
The notification specifically states that only one application should be submitted and multiple applications to the same or different RRBs can result in rejection/disqualification. CEN_05_2026_PM
Official RRB Website:
RRB Official Website – rrb.indianrailways.gov.in
The RRB notification advises candidates to use only the official RRB website for authentic information and application-related updates.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official RRB Website | Visit Here |
| CEN 05/2026 Notification | Read Here |
| Apply Online | Official RRB Website |
| CBT Updates | Official RRB Website |
Note: The CBT date and other recruitment-stage notices will be communicated later through the official RRB website.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates should carefully check the post-specific educational qualification, age, medical standard and vacancy details before applying. The vacancies are provisional and may increase or decrease according to Railway Administration requirements. CEN_05_2026_PM
Candidates must also keep their registered mobile number and email ID active throughout the recruitment process because RRB may send recruitment-related communication through SMS and email.
RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 (CEN 05/2026) is a major Railway recruitment drive offering 590 vacancies across nine Para-Medical categories. Nursing Superintendent accounts for the highest number of vacancies with 365 posts, followed by Pharmacist with 118 posts. Interested candidates should verify their post-wise eligibility and submit the online application before 14 October 2026.