RRB Technician Application 2026: The Ministry of Railways, Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), has officially released the detailed Centralised Employment Notification under CEN No. 02/2026 for the recruitment of Technicians. This recruitment drive offers a golden opportunity for engineering degree/diploma holders, ITI pass-outs, and Course Completed Act Apprentices to secure stable permanent career options within various Zonal Railways and Production Units of the Indian Railways.
Eligible candidates must submit their application forms completely through the online mode. Below are the comprehensive specifications regarding crucial dates, pay levels, vacancy distribution, educational criteria, physical-medical parameters, selection structure, and application directions taken directly from the official notification.
RRB Technician Recruitment 2026: Official Overview
| Job Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways |
| Notification Number | Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 02/2026 |
| Designation Name | Technician Grade-I Signal & Various Categories of Technician Grade-III |
| Short Core Education | B.Sc / Engineering Diploma / B.E. / B.Tech (for Grade I); Matriculation + ITI / CCAA or 10+2 Physics & Maths (for Grade III) |
| Application Mode | Online Only via Unified Portal |
| Total Vacancies Available | 6,557 Positions |
| Official Recruitment Portal | rrbapply.gov.in |
RRB Technician Recruitment: Important Dates
- Date of Indicative Notice Publication: May 23, 2026
- Opening Date for Online Applications: June 30, 2026
- Closing Date for Application Submission: July 29, 2026 (until 23:59 Hrs)
- Last Date for Application Fee Payment: July 31, 2026 (until 23:59 Hrs)
- Online Form Modification Window: August 1, 2026 to August 10, 2026
- Scribe Details Submission Window (For Eligible PwBD): August 11, 2026 to August 15, 2026
- CBT, DV, and Medical Exam Schedules: To be updated dynamically on the official RRB portals
RRB Technician Application Fee Details
A separate application form and fee payment must be submitted for each Pay Level, as separate Computer-Based Tests will be executed for Level 5 and Level 2.
- For General, OBC, and EWS Category Candidates: Rs. 500/-. (An amount of Rs. 400/- shall be refunded, after deducting applicable bank charges, upon appearing in the Phase-I CBT).
- For SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, Female, Transgender, Minorities, and EBC Candidates: Rs. 250/-. (This complete amount of Rs. 250/- shall be refunded, after deducting bank charges, upon appearing in the Phase-I CBT).
- The candidates are required to deposit the requisite examination fees online via internet banking or a debit or credit card or UPI.
RRB Technician Department Age Limit
The age limits are calculated as of the standard target date of July 1, 2026:
- Technician Grade-I Signal (Pay Level 5): 18 to 33 Years
- Technician Grade-III Posts (Pay Level 2): 18 to 30 Years
- Age Calculator
Upper Age Relaxation Limits
- SC & ST Category Candidates: 5 Years relaxation
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Candidates: 3 Years relaxation
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 10 Years for UR/EWS, 13 Years for OBC-NCL, and 15 Years for SC/ST
- Widowed, Divorced, or Judicially Separated Women (Not Remarried): Maximum age up to 35 years for UR/EWS, 38 years for OBC-NCL, and 40 years for SC/ST
- Serving Railway Staff & Substitutes (With 3+ years continuous service): Maximum age up to 40 years for UR/EWS, 43 years for OBC-NCL, and 45 years for SC/ST
RRB Technician Post-Wise Vacancies & Salary Scales
| Cat No. | Name of the Post Designation | Medical Standard | Total Vacancies (All RRBs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Technician Grade I Signal | B-1 | 323 |
| 2 | Technician Grade III Track Machine | A-3 | 172 |
| 3 | Technician Grade III Blacksmith | B-1 | 306 |
| 4 | Technician Grade III Bridge | B-1 | 34 |
| 5 | Technician Grade III Carriage and Wagon | B-1 | 501 |
| 6 | Technician Grade III Diesel Electrical | B-1 | 206 |
| 7 | Technician Grade III Diesel Mechanical | B-1 | 346 |
| 8 | Technician Grade III Electrical / TRS | B-1 | 268 |
| 9 | Technician Grade III Electrical (GS) | B-1 | 329 |
| 10 | Technician Grade III Electrical (TRD) | B-1 | 152 |
| 11 | Technician Grade III EMU | B-1 | 147 |
| 12 | Technician Grade III Fitter (OL) | B-1 | 469 |
| 13 | Technician Grade III Refrigeration and Air Conditioning | B-1 | 162 |
| 14 | Technician Grade III (S & T) | B-1 | 320 |
| 15 | Technician Grade III Welder (OL) | B-1 | 150 |
| 16 | Technician Grade III Crane Driver | B-2 | 13 |
| 17 | Technician Grade III Carpenter (Workshop) | C-1 | 229 |
| 18 | Technician Grade III Electrical (PU & WS) | C-1 | 128 |
| 19 | Technician Grade III Fitter (PU & WS) | C-1 | 1109 |
| 20 | Technician Grade III Machinist (Workshop) | C-1 | 123 |
| 21 | Technician Grade III Mechanical (Workshop) | C-1 | 193 |
| 22 | Technician Grade III Millwright | C-1 | 170 |
| 23 | Technician Grade III Painter (Workshop) | C-1 | 77 |
| 24 | Technician Grade III Trimmer (Workshop) | C-1 | 46 |
| 25 | Technician Grade III Welder (PU & WS) | C-1 | 584 |
| GRAND COMBINED VACANCIES | 6,557 Posts |
RRB Technician Educational Qualifications & Criteria
Candidates waiting for final-year technical results are strictly NOT eligible to apply.
- Technician Grade I Signal (Cat 1):
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physics / Electronics / Computer Science / Information Technology / Instrumentation from a recognised University or Institute. OR
- Three-year Diploma OR a regular B.E. / B.Tech Degree in Engineering in the basic streams mentioned above, or in a combination of these sub-streams.
- Technician Grade III (S&T) (Cat 14):
- Matriculation / SSLC plus ITI from recognised NCVT/SCVT institutions in Electrician / Electronics Mechanic / Wireman trades. OR
- Passed Class 12th (10+2 Intermediate) with Physics and Mathematics as core subjects.
- All Other Technician Grade III Categories (Cat 2 to 13 & Cat 15 to 25):
- Matriculation / SSLC passed plus ITI from recognised institutions of NCVT/SCVT in the respective core trade matching the post parameters. OR
- Matriculation / SSLC plus Course Completed Act Apprenticeship (CCAA) in the relevant trades. (Note: A standalone Engineering Diploma or Degree will not be accepted instead of ITI/CCAA for Pay Level-2 posts unless explicitly matching the specific category metrics).
RRB Technician Salary Scales
- Technician Grade-I Signal: Pay Level 5, Initial Pay- Rs. 29200
- Technician Grade-III: Pay Level 2, Initial Pay- Rs. 19900
RRB Technician Medical & Vision Fitness Standards
Candidates called for Document Verification must clear the mandatory visual acuity metrics. Those who have undergone LASIK surgery are strictly not eligible for posts requiring the A3 standard.
- A-3 Standard: Physically fit in all respects. Distance Vision: 6/9, 6/9 with or without glasses (lens power must not exceed 2D). Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses. Must pass tests for Colour, Binocular, Night, and Mesopic vision.
- B-1 Standard: Physically fit in all respects. Distance Vision: 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (lens power must not exceed 4D). Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without close-work glasses. Must pass tests for Colour, Binocular, Night, and Mesopic vision.
- B-2 Standard: Physically fit in all respects. Distance Vision: 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (lens power must not exceed 4D). Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses. Must pass the test for Binocular vision.
- C-1 Standard: Physically fit in all respects. Distant Vision: 6/12, 6/18 with or without glasses. Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses for close reading.
RRB Technician Recruitment Selection Process
The comprehensive allocation sequence consists of the following automated steps:
- Single-stage Computer-Based Test (CBT) for each Pay Level.
- Document Verification (DV) is carried out in a strict 1:1 ratio based on CBT merit rankings.
- Medical Examination (ME) executed by official Railway Medical Authorities.
RRB Technician Computer-Based Test (CBT) Pattern
A separate CBT will be conducted for each Pay Level. There will be a strict negative marking penalty of one-third (1/3rd) mark deducted for every incorrect answer choice.
1. Exam Layout for Pay Level 5 (Technician Grade I Signal)
| Subject Section Details | Number of Questions | Total Marks Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 15 | 15 |
| Basics of Computers and Applications | 20 | 20 |
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 |
| Basic Science and Engineering | 35 | 35 |
| Total Test Evaluation | 100 Qs | 100 Marks |
2. Exam Layout for Pay Level 2 (Technician Grade III Categories)
| Subject Section Details | Number of Questions | Total Marks Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Science (Class 10th Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences) | 40 | 40 |
| General Awareness (Current affairs, sports, culture, politics) | 10 | 10 |
| Total Test Evaluation | 100 Qs | 100 Marks |
- The total Exam duration is 90 Minutes.
- Minimum Qualifying Score: UR: 40%
* EWS: 40%
* OBC-NCL: 30%
* SC: 30%
* ST: 25%
Vertical & Horizontal Reservations Policy
- Reservation Entitlements: Vertical job reservations are strictly allocated for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, and EWS candidates who submit valid Central-format certificates issued by a competent authority on or before the closing date.
- OBC-NCL Certificate: Must be issued on or after April 1, 2026, but not later than the closing application date. Candidates must also sign a non-creamy layer self-declaration (Annexure IIA) during verification.
- EWS Criteria: Family gross annual income must be below Rs. 8 Lakhs for the financial year 2025-26. Candidates must possess a valid Income and Asset Certificate (Annexure III) on the closing date.
- Horizontal Allocation: Provided to Ex-Servicemen (ExSM) and PwBD candidates across parent social categories. If PwBD quota seats cannot be filled, they will be treated as shortfall vacancies for future notifications.
Important Added Instructions
- Banned Items: Mobile phones, pagers, earphones, health bands, smartwatches, calculators, books, pens, paper, scales, wallets, purses, or open food items are strictly banned inside testing centres. A pen will be provided by the board inside the exam lab.
- Biometric Authentication: Mandatory biometric logs will be executed at multiple stages. Candidates are strictly cautioned not to apply Henna or Mehandi on their hands or feet to prevent errors during biometric scanning.
- NOC Rule: Candidates serving in Central/State Government, Railways, or Public Sector Undertakings (including induction trainees/probationers) must explicitly notify their employer and present an original ‘No Objection Certificate’ on their DV date.
- Posting Policy: A newly appointed railway servant will ordinarily remain posted within their first assignment unit. No request for inter-railway transfer will be registered or processed until the appointee completes at least 5 to 10 years of service.
Mandatory Scanned Documents Checklist
- Scanned image of candidate’s signature written on plain white paper using a black ink pen in regular running script (Cursive format only). File size: 30 KB to 49 KB; Dimensions: minimum 140 × 60 pixels. (Block/capital letters or thumb impressions in place of signature will cause immediate application rejection).
- Legible PDF copy of SC/ST Caste Certificate (File size less than 400 KB) for candidates who wish to avail of the Free Sleeper Class Railway Travel Pass option.
How to Apply for RRB Technician Recruitment 2026
- Open your web browser and navigate directly to the Unified Portal link: rrbapply.gov.in or visit individual official RRB websites.
- Click on the registration options to “Create an Account”. (If you have already created an account during any earlier RRB CENs in 2024, 2025, or 2026, use your pre-existing login credentials directly).
- Fill out your account details with extreme care, as name, father’s name, mother’s name, DOB, mobile number, and email ID cannot be changed at any stage after account creation.
- Authenticate your primary identity profile using your Aadhaar details or DigiLocker link to ensure smooth future processing.
- Log in to the application portal using your account credentials and select the specific CEN No. 02/2026 tab.
- Select only one preferred RRB for each Pay Level you wish to apply for, and submit your common application containing post preference ranks across Zonal Railways.
- Live Photo Capture: The portal does not accept pre-existing scanned photo files. You must look straight ahead into your computer’s webcam or smartphone front camera when prompted. Ensure you are wearing non-white, dark-coloured clothing against a well-lit, clear background without any caps, masks, or spectacles.
- Upload your clear scanned signature image file drawn using black ink on white paper.
- Fulfill your application fee payment online using integrated gateway panels via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI channels.
- Confirm success status alerts, download your completed application page layout, and press print to save a physical copy for your future reference.
Important Links Table
| Target Link Type | URL Endpoint |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Syllabus & Exam Pattern | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| WhatsApp Channel | Join Now |
| Telegram Channel | Join Now |
| Arattai Channel | Join Now |
| Home Page | Click Here |
Source: Information is taken from the official notification released by the Railway Recruitment Board.
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FAQ
Question: What is the final deadline to apply online for the RRB Technician vacancies?
Answer: Eligible candidates must complete their online registration and application form mapping on or before July 29, 2026, until 23:59 Hrs. The application modification link will remain open from August 1 to August 10, 2026, on payment of a fee of Rs. 250/- per change.
Question: Is a regular engineering diploma or B.Tech degree holder eligible to apply for RRB Technician Level-2 Technician Grade III posts?
Answer: No, a standalone Engineering Diploma or Degree will not be accepted instead of ITI or Course Completed Act Apprenticeship (CCAA) for Level-2 positions unless specifically noted for a post category.
Question: Can I apply to multiple RRB regions for the same RRB Technician Pay Level post?
Answer: No, candidates must choose only one RRB for a given Pay Level. Submitting multiple applications to different RRBs or trying to register forms with minor information changes for the same Pay Level will result in immediate disqualification and debarment from all future RRB and RRC examinations.
Question: Will candidates who fail the online RRB Technician written exam receive an application fee refund?
Answer: Fee refunds are granted strictly to candidates who actively appear in the Computer-Based Test (CBT). Unsuccessful applicants who attempted the exam will get their respective refunds processed automatically to their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
