RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: 590 Nursing, Pharmacist and Technician Posts Explained
If you have a nursing, pharmacy or paramedical qualification and have been waiting for a big Railway opening, this is your moment. The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under the Ministry of Railways have released the full detailed notification for CEN No. 05/2026 (Paramedical Categories), offering 590 vacancies across 9 different posts and 20 RRBs all over India. Pay runs from Pay Level 3 to Pay Level 7 of the 7th CPC, with initial pay between ₹21,700 and ₹44,900 per month. For anyone hunting Railway jobs in 2026, a permanent Railway medical job is hard to beat.
The online application window opens on 15 September 2026 and closes at 23:59 hours on 14 October 2026, so you have a full month — but don’t leave it to the last night. Nursing Superintendent alone accounts for 365 of them, and there are openings for pharmacists, lab assistants, technicians and inspectors too. In this article we have put together the complete vacancy split, post-wise qualification, age limits, fee, exam pattern and the exact steps to apply. Read it carefully, and keep GovtJobsAlert.in open beside your application form.
What are the Key Highlights of RRB Paramedical CEN 05/2026 Recruitment?
The Railway Recruitment Boards handle recruitment for all Indian Railways zones and production units. This CEN fills medical and paramedical posts in Railway hospitals and health units nationwide. The earlier one-page indicative notice carried tentative figures; this detailed CEN supersedes it, and every term below comes from it.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways |
| Advertisement | CEN No. 05/2026 (Paramedical Categories) |
| Post Names | Nursing Superintendent, Dialysis Technician, Health & Malaria Inspector Gr II, Audiologist & Speech Therapist, Pharmacist (Entry Grade), Radiographer X-Ray Technician, ECG Technician, Optometrist, Lab Assistant Gr. II |
| Total Vacancies | 590 (all RRBs, provisional) |
| Salary / Pay Level | Pay Level 3 to Level 7, initial pay ₹21,700 – ₹44,900 |
| Job Location | All India — 20 RRBs and their allotted Railway Zones and Production Units |
| Application Start Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 October 2026 (23:59 hours) |
| Mode of Application | Online only |
What are the Post-wise Vacancy Details for RRB Paramedical CEN 05/2026?
| Post Name | Pay Level | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | Level 7 | 365 |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | Level 5 | 118 |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Gr II | Level 6 | 43 |
| Lab Assistant Gr. II | Level 3 | 31 |
| Radiographer X-Ray Technician | Level 5 | 25 |
| ECG Technician | Level 4 | 4 |
| Optometrist | Level 4 | 2 |
| Dialysis Technician | Level 6 | 1 |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | Level 6 | 1 |
| Grand Total | — | 590 |
The reservation split varies by post, so check your own row — some posts have zero seats in several categories.
| Post Name | Category-wise Vacancies | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | UR 144, SC 72, ST 38, OBC 78, EWS 32 | 365 |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | UR 54, SC 19, ST 21, OBC 15, EWS 9 | 118 |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Gr II | UR 19, SC 7, ST 6, OBC 10, EWS 1 | 43 |
| Lab Assistant Gr. II | UR 18, SC 3, ST 0, OBC 8, EWS 2 | 31 |
| Radiographer X-Ray Technician | UR 15, SC 3, ST 4, OBC 2, EWS 1 | 25 |
| ECG Technician | UR 3, SC 1, ST 0, OBC 0, EWS 0 | 4 |
| Optometrist | UR 1, SC 1, ST 0, OBC 0, EWS 0 | 2 |
| Dialysis Technician | UR 0, SC 0, ST 0, OBC 0, EWS 1 | 1 |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | UR 1, SC 0, ST 0, OBC 0, EWS 0 | 1 |
Ex-Servicemen (49) and PwBD (LD 28, HI 11) reservations are horizontal and already counted inside the totals above. One extra PwBD backlog (LD) seat at RRB Ranchi for Nursing Superintendent sits inside the grand total of 590 but outside the community columns. Vacancies are provisional. RRB and zone-wise distribution is in Annexure B.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for RRB Paramedical CEN 05/2026?
RRB Paramedical 2026 Educational Qualification (Post-wise)
You must already hold the qualification on or before 14 October 2026 — if your final result is awaited, do not apply. This drive is aimed at candidates seeking medical and healthcare government jobs.
| Post Name | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | Certificate as Registered Nurse and Midwife with a 3-year course in General Nursing and Midwifery from a school of Nursing or institution recognised by the Indian Nursing Council, OR B.Sc Nursing. Candidates who obtained the qualification under the Indian Nursing Council’s special concessions (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, Midwives, B-grade Nurses — reduced course period) are also eligible |
| Dialysis Technician | B.Sc. plus Diploma in Haemodialysis, or B.Sc. plus 2 years satisfactory in-house training / experience in Haemodialysis in a reputed institution (proof must be attached). B.Sc. in Dialysis Techniques / Dialysis Technology / Renal Dialysis Technology are accepted as equivalent |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Gr II | B.Sc. with Chemistry studied as a main or optional subject in any branch of Chemistry, plus a 1-year Diploma of Health / Sanitary Inspector or a 1-year National Trade Certificate in Health Sanitary Inspector awarded by NCVT |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | Bachelor in Audiology, Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from a recognised University, and registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy (Allopathic) or Doctor of Pharmacy from a Central or State Government recognised University or Institute, and registration as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948 |
| Radiographer X-Ray Technician | 10+2 with Physics and Chemistry plus a 2-year Diploma in Radiography / X-Ray Technician / Radiodiagnosis Technology from a recognised institute. Science graduates with the same diploma are preferred. B.Sc. Medical Technology in Radiography, B.Sc. Medical Radiography and Imaging Technology, B.Sc. (Radiography), B.Sc. Medical Imaging Technology, B.Sc. Radiological & Image Techniques, a 2-year Diploma in Radiation Technology, and 10+2 (Physics, Chemistry) with a Bachelor of Radiation Technology are accepted as equivalent |
| ECG Technician | 10+2 or graduation in Science with a Certificate / Diploma / Degree in ECG Laboratory Technology, Cardiology, Cardiology Technician or Cardiology Techniques from a reputed institution. The certificate must be of at least one year duration |
| Optometrist | B.Sc. in Optometry or Diploma in Ophthalmic Technician (course of 3 to 4 years duration), and registration with the concerned Council or licensing body |
| Lab Assistant Gr. II | 12th (10+2) in Science plus a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT), or a full-time Certificate Course in Medical Lab Technology of at least one year from an institution recognised by a University or a State / Central Government Technical Board with a passed final examination. 12th in Science with a B.Sc. in Medical Lab Technology is also accepted |
RRB Paramedical 2026 Age Limit as on 1 January 2027
Age is counted as on 1 January 2027, and the limit is different for each post.
| Post Name | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | 20 to 40 years |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | 20 to 35 years |
| Dialysis Technician | 20 to 33 years |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Gr II | 18 to 33 years |
| Radiographer X-Ray Technician | 19 to 33 years |
| ECG Technician | 18 to 33 years |
| Optometrist | 18 to 33 years |
| Lab Assistant Gr. II | 18 to 33 years |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | 21 to 30 years |
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (UR & EWS) | 3 years, after deducting length of service |
| Ex-Servicemen (OBC-NCL) | 6 years, after deducting length of service |
| Ex-Servicemen (SC & ST) | 8 years, after deducting length of service |
| Ex-Servicemen — condition on the three rows above | Allowed only with at least six months continuous service after attestation |
| PwBD (UR & EWS) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC-NCL) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC & ST) | 15 years |
| Serving Group C / erstwhile Group D Railway staff and Substitutes with 3+ years service | Upper age 40 (UR & EWS), 43 (OBC-NCL), 45 (SC & ST) |
| Staff of Railway quasi-administrative offices (canteens, co-operative societies, institutes) | Length of service rendered or 5 years, whichever is less |
| Widowed / divorced / judicially separated women (not remarried) | Upper age 35 (UR & EWS), 38 (OBC-NCL), 40 (SC & ST) |
| Eligible on more than one ground | Not cumulative — only the single largest relaxation applies |
| SC / ST / OBC-NCL applying against a UR vacancy | No age relaxation at all |
| PwBD applying against a UR vacancy | Only the PwBD (UR) relaxation, subject to suitability |
🎂 Not sure if you meet the age criteria? Use our free Age Calculator for Government Exams to find your exact age on the cut-off date and instantly check your eligibility — including any age relaxation you qualify for. →
RRB Paramedical 2026 Medical Standards and Vision Requirement
Every post carries a fixed medical standard. A candidate found medically unsuitable for the opted post gets no alternative appointment.
| Standard | Vision Requirement | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| B-1 | Distance vision 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (lens power up to 4D); near vision Sn 0.6, 0.6; must pass colour, binocular, night and mesopic vision tests | Dialysis Technician, Audiologist & Speech Therapist, Radiographer, Optometrist, Lab Assistant Gr. II |
| C-1 | Distant vision 6/12, 6/18 with or without glasses; near vision Sn 0.6, 0.6 | Nursing Superintendent, Health & Malaria Inspector Gr II, ECG Technician |
| C-2 | Distance vision 6/12, nil with or without glasses; near vision Sn 0.6 combined | Pharmacist (Entry Grade) |
What is the Salary for RRB Paramedical CEN 05/2026?
Pay follows the 7th Central Pay Commission matrix and varies by post — your starting basic pay is fixed by the level of the post you get.
| Pay Level | Initial Pay (per month) | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Level 7 | ₹44,900 | Nursing Superintendent |
| Level 6 | ₹35,400 | Dialysis Technician, Health & Malaria Inspector Gr II, Audiologist & Speech Therapist |
| Level 5 | ₹29,200 | Pharmacist (Entry Grade), Radiographer X-Ray Technician |
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ECG Technician, Optometrist |
| Level 3 | ₹21,700 | Lab Assistant Gr. II |
The figures above are the initial basic pay printed in the notification. Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance and other Railway benefits are paid on top of this, so your actual in-hand amount will be higher.
The CEN does not list allowance rates, so we are not quoting an in-hand figure. What it does give you is a permanent Central Government job with Railway medical facilities and a clear promotion path.
What is the Selection Process for RRB Paramedical CEN 05/2026?
There is a Single Stage Computer Based Test (CBT) for all categories, followed by Document Verification and Medical Examination. The RRBs reserve the right to hold additional CBTs if needed.
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Single Stage CBT | 100 objective questions in 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates eligible for a scribe). Negative marking of 1/3 mark for every wrong answer |
| Document Verification (DV) | Shortlisting is RRB-wise at 1:1 of the vacancies, strictly on CBT merit. Original certificates must be produced on the given date |
| Medical Examination (ME) | You must meet the medical standard fixed for your post. One final Medical Appeal is allowed on payment of the prescribed charges |
| Empanelment | Based on CBT merit, subject to clearing DV and the medical test. Zone / Production Unit is allotted by merit, medical standard and vacancy position |
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Ability (syllabus at Annexure-C) | 70 | 70 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| General Arithmetic, General Intelligence and Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| General Science | 10 | 10 |
| All Sections | 100 | 100 |
The subject-wise split above is indicative only and the paper may vary. Minimum qualifying marks depend on your community.
| Community | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 40% |
| OBC (NCL) and SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
| PwBD (where reserved seats fall short) | May be relaxed by 2 marks |
Ex-Servicemen and PwBD candidates are judged by their own community percentage. On a tie, the older candidate ranks higher. Marks are normalised across multi-session CBTs, so start early with the exam syllabus and preparation material.
What Mistakes Can Cost You the RRB Paramedical 2026 Job?
Read this table twice — most rejections happen here, not in the exam hall.
| Condition | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Only ONE application | Choose one RRB only. More than one application to different RRBs, or to the same RRB, gets all your applications summarily rejected and you are debarred from future RRB and RRC exams |
| Already debarred | If any RRB or RRC has currently debarred you, do not apply — your candidature will be rejected whenever it is detected |
| Qualification deadline | You must already hold the prescribed qualification as on 14 October 2026. Candidates awaiting final results should not apply |
| Date of birth | It must match your Matriculation / SSLC certificate exactly. Any difference leads to disqualification, and no change is allowed later |
| Fee not paid | An application received without the prescribed fee will not be considered and is summarily rejected |
| EBC, minority, PwBD and Ex-Servicemen claims | Certificates must be dated on or before 14 October 2026 and produced in original at DV, failing which your candidature is rejected |
| Photo and signature | Blurred, illegible or non-standard photographs and signatures can get your application rejected at any stage |
| NOC from employer | If you are already employed in government or a PSU, bring the NOC on the DV date, failing which your candidature is cancelled |
| Absent at DV | Candidature of candidates absent during Document Verification is cancelled |
| Unauthorised scribe | Using a scribe or compensatory time without being eligible leads to disqualification, and removal from service if already appointed |
| Mobile phone in the exam | Carrying a mobile, Bluetooth or any wireless device — even switched off — gets your candidature cancelled and you debarred |
| False information | If any claim is found false or material facts are suppressed at any stage, candidature or appointment is cancelled and a serving candidate is dismissed |
| Impersonation or unfair means | Sending someone else to the exam, impersonation or any unfair means means lifetime debarment from all RRB and RRC examinations, plus dismissal if already appointed |
| Category certificate not produced | If the SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS certificate is not produced at DV, your candidature is treated against the Unreserved category |
| OBC-NCL certificate date | The OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate must be issued on or after 1 April 2026 and not later than 14 October 2026, in the Annexure II format, with the Annexure II-A self-declaration at DV — otherwise the OBC claim is refused and you are considered Unreserved |
| OBC creamy layer | Candidates in the creamy layer are not entitled to OBC reservation and are considered as Unreserved, and a fraudulent category claim gets candidature or appointment cancelled at any stage |
| Once empanelled | You forfeit the right to be considered for any other post or category in the same pay level, and missing your merit-and-choice turn forfeits your next priority zone or unit |
| Visual disability below 40% | One-eyed candidates and those with a visual disability degree below 40% are not treated as Visually Impaired for reservation. PwBD seats that stay unfilled are carried as Shortfall |
| After 26 October 2026 | RRBs will not entertain any representation to modify the information you furnished |
| Refund account | Refunds go only to the Aadhaar-seeded bank account, and no correspondence is entertained over an incorrect, invalid or non-operational account |
| Serving Defence personnel | You may apply one year before your terms of engagement end and claim Ex-Servicemen concessions, but you cannot leave the uniform until that engagement is complete |
| Free travel pass | SC and ST candidates using the free pass must carry the original community certificate and the prescribed photo ID, failing which they are treated as travelling without ticket and charged |
How to Apply Online for RRB Paramedical CEN 05/2026?
Keep ready: Aadhaar, matriculation and qualification certificates, category certificate, a scanned signature in JPG/JPEG (30–49 KB) and an online payment method. There is no offline form.
- Visit the official application portal (link in Essential Links below).
- Click Create an Account with a valid personal mobile number and active email ID — OTPs come there and these details cannot be changed later. Already have an account from an earlier RRB CEN? Sign in with the same credentials.
- Authenticate yourself using DigiLocker or Aadhaar. Those using an alternate photo ID face stricter scrutiny at every stage.
- Fill the form carefully, choose only one RRB, and give your Railway Zone and post preferences within that RRB.
- Capture your live photo in the form and upload the scanned signature, plus the SC / ST certificate in PDF if you want the free travel pass.
- Pay the fee online by internet banking, debit card, credit card or UPI — on or before 16 October 2026.
- Submit, then download and save the confirmation page.
Changes are possible only between 17 and 26 October 2026 for ₹250 per occasion, so re-check every field before submitting. You may also apply through a Common Services Centre.
What are the Important Dates for RRB Paramedical CEN 05/2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative notice in Employment News | 12 September 2026 |
| Online application starts | 15 September 2026 |
| Last date to apply online | 14 October 2026 (23:59 hours) |
| Last date for fee payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Application modification window | 17 to 26 October 2026 |
| Scribe details submission window | 27 to 31 October 2026 |
| Qualification cut-off date | 14 October 2026 |
| Age reckoned as on | 1 January 2027 |
| CBT date | To be announced later on the official RRB website |
What is the Application Fee for RRB Paramedical CEN 05/2026?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All candidates | ₹500 — of this, ₹400 is refunded (less bank charges) if you appear in the CBT |
| SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, Female, Transgender, Minorities, EBC | ₹250 — fully refunded (less bank charges) if you appear in the CBT |
| Application modification | ₹250 per occasion, non-refundable, payable by all candidates |
| Fee difference during modification | Changing SC or ST to UR, OBC or EWS — or Ex-Servicemen, Female, Transgender or PwBD to a non-concessional status — costs ₹250 more on top of the modification fee; without it the modified application is not accepted |
Payment is online only — internet banking, debit card, credit card or UPI, with service charges borne by you. Refunds reach only the bank account seeded with your Aadhaar, and there is no refund for incomplete, unsubmitted or rejected applications.
| Term | Who It Covers |
|---|---|
| Minorities | Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Zoroastrians (Parsis) |
| EBC | Annual family income below ₹50,000, with a valid EBC income certificate, BPL card or Izzat MST — not the same as OBC or EWS |
Essential Links — RRB Paramedical CEN 05/2026
- Download RRB Paramedical CEN 05/2026 Detailed Notification PDF (English)
- Download RRB Paramedical CEN 05/2026 Notification PDF (Hindi)
- Apply Online for RRB Paramedical CEN 05/2026
- Visit the Official RRB Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
With 590 permanent Railway posts open and a full month to apply, this is one of the best paramedical openings of the year. Get your certificates and Aadhaar details in order today, fill the form calmly, and pay the fee well before 16 October 2026 — the application itself closes on 14 October 2026. For more Railway recruitment updates and admit card alerts, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in.