The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, have issued the centralized employment notification CEN 05/2026 for the direct recruitment of 1,376 vacancies (1376 posts) across Paramedical Categories in Railway hospitals and health units across the nation. Opportunities span high-demand healthcare cadres including Nursing Superintendent, Pharmacist, Lab Superintendent, Health & Malaria Inspector, Radiographer, Dialysis Technician, and Physiotherapist under regular 7th CPC central pay scales. Eligible candidates can register online through the unified railway portal rrbapply.gov.in.
Railway RRB Paramedical CEN 05/2026: Operational Overview
This recruitment fulfills specialized medical staffing requirements across 17 Railway Zones and production units. The critical recruitment benchmarks are summarized below:
| Metric | CEN 05/2026 Official Specification |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways |
| Centralized Notification Number | CEN 05/2026 (Paramedical Staff) |
| Total Number of Posts | 1,376 Posts (1376 vacancies across all participating RRBs) |
| Employment Nature | Permanent Central Government Service (Indian Railways) |
| Pay Scales Range | 7th CPC Level-4 (Rs. 25,500), Level-5 (Rs. 29,200), Level-6 (Rs. 35,400) to Level-7 (Rs. 44,900) |
| Selection Methodology | Single-Stage Computer Based Test (CBT - 100 MCQs) -> Document Verification -> Medical Fitness |
| Online Application Gateway | rrbapply.gov.in |
| Application Submission Deadline | 12 November 2026 (2026-11-12) |
Post-Wise Vacancies, Pay Matrix Level & Educational Criteria
The 1,376 vacancies (1376 posts) encompass a spectrum of specialized healthcare professions, detailed in the matrix below:
| Post Name | Total Posts | 7th CPC Level | Initial Basic Pay | Mandatory Educational & Professional Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | 713 Posts | Level-7 | Rs. 44,900 | Certificate as Registered Nurse & Midwife having passed 3-year course in General Nursing & Midwifery (GNM) or B.Sc (Nursing) from INC recognized school. |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | 246 Posts | Level-5 | Rs. 29,200 | 10+2 in Science with 2 years Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) or Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) + Registration with State / Pharmacy Council of India. |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Gr III | 126 Posts | Level-6 | Rs. 35,400 | B.Sc (Chemistry as main/optional subject) + 1-year Diploma of Health/Sanitary Inspector from recognized institution. |
| Laboratory Superintendent Gr III | 94 Posts | Level-6 | Rs. 35,400 | B.Sc with Bio-Chemistry / Micro-Biology / Life Sciences + 2-year Diploma in Medical Lab Technology (DMLT) or B.Sc in Medical Technology (Laboratory). |
| Radiographer | 64 Posts | Level-5 | Rs. 29,200 | 10+2 with Physics & Chemistry + Diploma in Radiography / X-Ray Technician / Radio-diagnosis Technology (2 years course). |
| ECG & Dialysis Technician / Other Cadres | 133 Posts | Level-4 / 5 | Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 29,200 | 10+2 Science or Degree in Science + Diploma in ECG / Dialysis Technology / Audiology / Physiotherapy from recognized institute. |
| Total Aggregated Vacancies | 1,376 Posts (1376 openings) | UR: 610, SC: 202, ST: 114, OBC: 312, EWS: 138 | ||
Age Limit and Relaxations (With Official 3-Year COVID Relief)
The reference age date is 01 July 2026. In accordance with Railway Board circulars, an additional 3-year age relaxation has been granted across all categories:
| Post Cadre | Normal Age Window | Permissible Upper Age (General/EWS) | OBC Upper Age | SC / ST Upper Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | 20 to 40 Years | 43 Years | 46 Years | 48 Years |
| Pharmacist | 20 to 35 Years | 38 Years | 41 Years | 43 Years |
| Health & Malaria Inspector | 18 to 33 Years | 36 Years | 39 Years | 41 Years |
| Lab Superintendent / Radiographer | 18 to 33 Years | 36 Years | 39 Years | 41 Years |
Salary Structure, Pay Matrix and Monthly In-Hand Emoluments
Railway paramedical staff receive central pay scales along with specialized medical allowances, nursing allowances, dress allowances, and shift allowances:
| Paramedical Post Cadre | 7th CPC Level | Basic Pay | Dearness Allowance (50%) | HRA (X City - 30%) | Special Allowances (Nursing/Hospital) | Estimated Monthly In-Hand Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | Level-7 | Rs. 44,900 | Rs. 22,450 | Rs. 13,470 | Rs. 7,200 (Nursing Allowance) | Rs. 78,500 to Rs. 84,200 |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Gr III | Level-6 | Rs. 35,400 | Rs. 17,700 | Rs. 10,620 | Rs. 4,100 (Hospital Allowance) | Rs. 58,000 to Rs. 63,500 |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | Level-5 | Rs. 29,200 | Rs. 14,600 | Rs. 8,760 | Rs. 3,600 (Patient Care Allowance) | Rs. 49,500 to Rs. 54,000 |
| ECG / Radiographer Technician | Level-4 / 5 | Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 29,200 | Rs. 12,750 to Rs. 14,600 | Rs. 7,650 to Rs. 8,760 | Rs. 3,600 | Rs. 44,000 to Rs. 48,500 |
Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme (Single-Stage CBT)
Unlike NTPC or Group D exams which feature multiple stages, RRB Paramedical selection relies on a single-stage Computer Based Test (CBT):
| Section | Subject Domain | Number of Questions | Marks Weightage | Test Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Professional Ability (Post Specific Domain Discipline) | 70 Questions | 70 Marks | 90 Minutes (1.5 Hours) (120 mins for eligible PwBD scribe candidates) |
| Part B | General Awareness (Current affairs, history, culture, geography) | 10 Questions | 10 Marks | |
| Part C | General Arithmetic, General Intelligence and Reasoning | 10 Questions | 10 Marks | |
| Part D | General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences up to 10th standard) | 10 Questions | 10 Marks | |
| Composite Paper Total | 100 Questions | 100 Marks | Negative Marking: 1/3rd (0.33) | |
Subject-Wise Detailed Syllabus
Because Professional Ability accounts for 70% of the aggregate marks, preparation must prioritize core professional knowledge:
Professional Ability Curricula (70 Marks)
- Nursing Superintendent: Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Nursing Foundations, Psychology, Microbiology, Maternal & Child Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Research and Statistics, Management of Nursing Services and Education.
- Pharmacist: Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Biochemistry and Clinical Pathology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Health Education & Community Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence, Drug Store and Business Management, Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy.
- Health & Malaria Inspector: Food and Nutrition, Environmental Sanitation, Communicable & Non-Communicable Diseases, Entomology (Mosquitoes, Vector control, Insecticides), Disinfection and Sterilization, Public Health Acts, Demography and Vital Statistics, Solid Waste Management.
- Lab Superintendent: Clinical Pathology, Hematology, Blood Banking, Medical Microbiology, Clinical Biochemistry, Histopathology, Cytology, Molecular Biology techniques, Laboratory Safety & Quality Control.
Non-Technical Sections (30 Marks Total)
- General Awareness (10 Marks): Indian Geography, History of India, Indian Polity and Constitution, Indian Economy, Environmental issues, Science and Technology developments, National and International sports, Current affairs.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning (10 Marks): Analogies, Alphabetical and Number series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogisms, Jumbling, Venn diagrams, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision making.
- General Science (10 Marks): Physics (Mechanics, Heat, Light, Electricity), Chemistry (Atomic structure, Chemical bonding, Acids and bases, Metals and Non-metals), Biology (Cell structure, Plant and Human physiology, Genetics, Diseases).
Medical Standards and Physical Fitness Norms
Medical fitness is an indispensable eligibility condition in Indian Railways. Paramedical appointees must qualify the prescribed medical classifications:
- Medical Standard C-1: Distant Vision 6/12, 6/18 with or without glasses. Near vision: Sn. 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses when reading or close work is required. (Applicable to Pharmacist, Lab Superintendent, Radiographer).
- Medical Standard B-1: Physically fit in all respects. Distant Vision: 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses. Near Vision: Sn. 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses. Must pass tests for Color Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, and Night Vision. (Applicable to Nursing Superintendent, Health & Malaria Inspector).
Step-by-Step Online Application Procedure at rrbapply.gov.in
Applications must be submitted via the centralized Railway recruitment portal:
- Navigate to rrbapply.gov.in and click on 'Apply' -> 'Create an Account'.
- Enter your full name, father's name, date of birth, Aadhaar number, email address, and mobile number. Generate and verify OTP.
- Log in with your created credentials. Select 'Centralized Employment Notice CEN 05/2026 (Paramedical Categories)'.
- Choose ONE Railway Recruitment Board (RRB Zone) where you wish to compete. Remember that once selected, the RRB zone cannot be altered.
- Enter educational qualifications (10th standard roll number, year of passing, Board), followed by professional degree/diploma details and state nursing/pharmacy council registration numbers.
- Upload scanned photograph and signature in accordance with Railway technical specifications.
- Pay the examination fee: Rs. 500 for Unreserved / OBC candidates (Rs. 400 refunded after attending CBT) or Rs. 250 for SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / Female / Transgender / EBC candidates (Rs. 250 fully refunded after attending CBT).
- Review the complete application summary, submit the form, and download the confirmation slip.
Important Official Links
| Resource Description | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Official CEN 05/2026 Notification PDF | Download Official Notification PDF |
| Railway Online Application Portal | Apply Online at rrbapply.gov.in |
| Railway Recruitment Control Board Portal | indianrailways.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many total vacancies are available under Railway Paramedical CEN 05/2026?
The Railway Recruitment Boards have released 1,376 vacancies (1376 posts) across Nursing Superintendent, Pharmacist, Lab Superintendent, Health & Malaria Inspector, Radiographer, and technical healthcare cadres.
Can a candidate apply for more than one RRB zone in CEN 05/2026?
No, under CEN 05/2026 rules on rrbapply.gov.in, a candidate can apply to only ONE participating RRB zone across the entire country. Submitting multiple forms to different railway boards results in immediate disqualification and debarment.
What is the negative marking penalty in the Paramedical CBT?
Negative marking is enforced at 1/3rd (0.33) marks deducted for every incorrect response in the 100-mark single-stage Computer Based Test. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.
What is the starting monthly in-hand salary of a Railway Nursing Superintendent?
Nursing Superintendents are placed in 7th CPC Level-7 with an initial basic pay of Rs. 44,900. Including 50% DA, HRA, Nursing Allowance (Rs. 7,200), and hospital allowances, the estimated net monthly take-home salary is Rs. 78,500 to Rs. 84,200.
Is registration with the Nursing Council or Pharmacy Council mandatory?
Yes, valid registration with the Indian Nursing Council / State Nursing Council (holding a 3-year GNM or B.Sc Nursing degree) or with the Pharmacy Council of India (holding a 2-year D.Pharm or B.Pharm degree) is strictly mandatory on or before the closing date 12 November 2026.
What is the closing deadline for Railway RRB Paramedical application submission?
The online application portal on rrbapply.gov.in closes on 12 November 2026 (2026-11-12) at 23:59 Hours. Candidates should complete their Aadhaar verification, document upload, and fee payment before the deadline.