The Railway Recruitment Cell, Eastern Railway (RRC ER) has officially released notification No. RRC/ER/Cultural Quota/2026-27 for recruitment against Cultural Quota in Group C posts. This competitive recruitment opens online applications for 2 vacancies covering Classical Dance and Drama/Acting disciplines. Online registration begins on 9 October 2026 and closes on 8 November 2026 via rrcer.org. Appointees are placed in Level 2 of the 7th Central Pay Commission matrix with full Central Railway allowances.
RRC Eastern Railway Cultural Quota: Vacancy Breakdown and Disciplines
The 2 Group C vacancies are distributed across two distinct artistic disciplines, each carrying specific proficiency benchmarks:
| Cultural Discipline | Total Posts | 7th CPC Pay Scale | Prescribed Cultural Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical Dance (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Sattriya) | 1 Vacancy | Level 2 (GP Rs. 1,900) | Degree, Diploma, or Certificate in Classical Dance from a Govt-recognized institute |
| Drama (Acting / Stage Direction) | 1 Vacancy | Level 2 (GP Rs. 1,900) | Degree or Diploma in Dramatics from a Govt-recognized university or National School of Drama |
Educational Benchmarks and Age Limits
Candidates must satisfy both basic academic qualifications and age criteria as on the crucial cutoff date of 1 January 2027:
- Academic Qualification: Passed 12th (+2 stage) or equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in aggregate (50% marks condition does not apply to SC, ST, and Ex-Servicemen). Alternatively, candidates possessing 10th pass plus National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) or ITI approved by NCVT/SCVT are eligible.
- Age Limit: 18 to 30 years as on 01.01.2027.
- Age Relaxation: 3 years for OBC candidates (up to 33 years), 5 years for SC/ST candidates (up to 35 years), and statutory relaxations for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) and Ex-Servicemen as per Indian Railway establishment rules.
Selection Scheme and Examination Pattern
The selection process consists of two sequential testing stages designed to evaluate general cognitive capacity and specialized cultural talent:
| Selection Stage | Test Component | Maximum Marks | Testing Duration / Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Written Examination | General Awareness, Arithmetic, General Intelligence & Cultural History | 50 Marks | 60 Minutes (50 Objective Type Questions, 1/3rd Negative Marking) |
| Stage 2: Practical Demonstration | Live stage performance before jury panel | 35 Marks | Practical execution in Classical Dance or Acting audition |
| Stage 3: Talent Test & Testimonials | Assessment of recognized awards, AIR/Doordarshan grading, and certificates | 15 Marks | Evaluation of past performances and awards |
| Total Evaluation Aggregate | 100 Marks | Final merit formulated across all 3 components | |
Evaluation Criteria and Fee Refund Policy
Candidates must qualify the written test to be called for the practical demonstration stage at a ratio determined by RRC Eastern Railway. The application fee structure includes a significant refund provision for candidates who actually sit for the written test:
| Candidate Category | Application Fee | Refund Amount on Appearing in Exam |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 500/- | Rs. 400/- (after deducting bank charges) |
| Women, SC, ST, PwBD, Minorities, EBC, Ex-Servicemen | Rs. 250/- | Rs. 250/- (Full refund after deducting bank charges) |
Preparation Guidelines and Submission Protocols
- Digital Certificate Uploads: Ensure cultural degree or diploma certificates along with testimonial documentation of live performances or national festival participation are scanned clearly and uploaded in PDF format.
- Bank Account Details Accuracy: While completing online registration on rrcer.org, provide your own savings bank account number, account holder name, and IFSC code accurately to ensure seamless electronic refund of the examination fee.
- Stage Performance Readiness: Practical audition will evaluate improvisation, rhythm, expression (Bhava and Abhinaya in dance, voice modulation in drama). Carry necessary stage props or accompaniment tracks as instructed on call letters.
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must pass the standard Indian Railway medical examination in C-1 category prior to final appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application schedule for RRC Eastern Railway Cultural Quota 2026?
Online registration opens on 9 October 2026 and closes on 8 November 2026 on the official portal rrcer.org.
What are the total vacancies available under this notification?
There are 2 vacancies in Group C posts: 1 for Classical Dance and 1 for Drama (Acting/Direction).
What is the age limit for Eastern Railway Cultural Quota posts?
The age limit is 18 to 30 years as of 1 January 2027, with relaxation of 3 years for OBC candidates and 5 years for SC/ST candidates.
Is any portion of the application fee refundable?
Yes. Candidates who appear in the written test receive a refund: Rs. 400 for General/OBC male candidates and full Rs. 250 for reserved categories and women.
What is the pay scale for selected candidates?
Selected candidates will be placed in Level 2 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix (Grade Pay Rs. 1,900) with standard railway allowances.