RRB Section Controller CEN 03/2026 Notification Out for 119 Railway Vacancies
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released the much-awaited Section Controller notification under Centralised Employment Notice CEN No. 03/2026. A total of 119 posts are open across 21 RRBs and the Zonal Railways all over India. Section Controller is a responsible Pay Level 6 post that keeps trains running safely, and this is a rare chance to join Indian Railways as a graduate. If you have been waiting for fresh railway jobs, this is an excellent entry point into a stable central government career.
The online application window is open from 15 July 2026 to 14 August 2026. Any candidate aged 20 to 33 years who holds a graduation degree can apply through the official RRB portal. In this GovtJobsAlert.in guide, we explain the full vacancy split, eligibility, salary, selection process, fee, and important dates in very simple language, so you can apply with full confidence and not miss a single step.
Key Highlights — RRB Section Controller CEN 03/2026
Railway Recruitment Boards conduct centralised hiring for various Group posts across Indian Railways. The Section Controller works in the control office and manages the safe movement of trains in a section. This is a single-post recruitment (no grades), and vacancies are spread zone-wise across the whole country.
- Recruiting Body: Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways
- Post Name: Section Controller (CEN 03/2026)
- Total Vacancies: 119
- Pay Level: Level 6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400)
- Job Location: Across Indian Railways zones — All India
- Last Date to Apply: 14 August 2026
Vacancy Breakdown — RRB Section Controller 2026
The 119 vacancies are allotted RRB-wise (region-wise). Remember, you can apply to only one RRB, so pick your region carefully. Here is the RRB-wise post distribution.
| RRB (Region) | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | 11 |
| Ajmer | 1 |
| Bengaluru | 8 |
| Bhopal | 6 |
| Bhubaneswar | 6 |
| Bilaspur | 4 |
| Chandigarh | 6 |
| Chennai | 9 |
| Gorakhpur | 5 |
| Guwahati | 1 |
| Kolkata | 8 |
| Malda | 7 |
| Mumbai | 6 |
| Muzaffarpur | 3 |
| Patna | 6 |
| Prayagraj | 4 |
| Ranchi | 14 |
| Secunderabad | 5 |
| Siliguri | 5 |
| Thiruvananthapuram | 4 |
The category-wise reservation across all RRBs is given below. Ex-Servicemen (5 posts) reservation is horizontal, within these totals.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR (General) | 50 |
| OBC-NCL | 29 |
| SC | 19 |
| ST | 12 |
| EWS | 9 |
| Total | 119 |
Eligibility Criteria — RRB Section Controller 2026
Before applying, check that you meet both the education and age rules on the given cut-off dates. Section Controller is a graduate-level post, so the eligibility is simple and open to all streams.
Educational Qualification
You must hold a Graduate Degree from a recognised University or an equivalent qualification. Any discipline is allowed — there is no branch or stream restriction. This makes it a great opening for graduates looking for government jobs from arts, science, commerce, or engineering backgrounds. Candidates who are still awaiting their final result should not apply — the degree must be complete by the closing date of 14 August 2026.
Age Limit
The age limit is 20 to 33 years, calculated as on 1 July 2026. Reserved category candidates get age relaxation as per railway rules, shown below.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC-NCL | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per rules |
🎂 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 SC / ST / OBC / PwBD age relaxation. →
What is the Salary for RRB Section Controller 2026?
The Section Controller post is placed in Level 6 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, with an initial basic pay of ₹35,400 per month. Over the career, the pay in this level grows from ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400, and on top of the basic pay you also get regular railway allowances.
- Pay Level: Level 6 (7th CPC)
- Starting Basic Pay: ₹35,400 per month
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance and other admissible benefits
The approximate in-hand salary, after adding DA, HRA and other allowances to the ₹35,400 basic, works out to a comfortable amount that grows every year with increments and DA hikes.
During the prescribed training period, only a stipend is paid; the full pay starts after training. Along with the salary, you also get the job security, pension benefits and social respect that come with a permanent Indian Railways post.
What is the Selection Process for RRB Section Controller 2026?
Selection is done in a fixed order of stages. You must clear each stage to move to the next one. The final merit gives weightage to both the written test and the aptitude test.
- Computer Based Test (CBT) — the first screening exam
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) — a psychological aptitude test
- Document Verification (DV) — checking of original certificates
- Medical Examination — as per medical standard A-2
CBT Exam Pattern
The CBT has 100 questions for 100 marks and a duration of 120 minutes (objective type). There is negative marking of 1/3 mark for each wrong answer. The sections are Analytical & Mathematical Capability (60), Logical Capability (20) and Mental Reasoning (20). Minimum qualifying marks are 40% (UR/EWS), 30% (OBC-NCL/SC) and 25% (ST).
CBAT and Final Merit
Candidates equal to 8 times the vacancies are shortlisted for the CBAT. The CBAT has no negative marking, and you must score a minimum T-Score of 42 in each test battery (no relaxation for any category). The final merit list is prepared with 70% weightage to CBT and 30% weightage to CBAT. To plan your preparation, check the detailed exam syllabus and pattern on GovtJobsAlert.in.
How to Apply Online for RRB Section Controller 2026?
Applications are accepted online only. Follow these steps carefully and submit only one application to one RRB.
- Visit the official RRB application portal (link given in Essential Links below).
- Create your account using your mobile number and email, then log in.
- Fill the application form with your personal, educational and category details.
- Upload your live photo and signature as per the given size format.
- Pay the application fee online through net banking, debit card, credit card or UPI.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for your record.
Remember, once submitted you can change details only during the modification window (17–26 August 2026) by paying a modification fee. Applying to more than one RRB will lead to rejection of all your applications.
Important Dates — RRB Section Controller 2026
Note down these dates and apply early to avoid the last-minute rush on the portal.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 27 June 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 15 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 August 2026 |
| Modification Window | 17–26 August 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | To be announced |
Application Fees — RRB Section Controller 2026
The fee is paid online only. The good news is that a large part of the fee is refunded after you appear in the CBT.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General, OBC, EWS (all others) | ₹500 |
| SC, ST, Women, PwBD & concession categories | ₹250 |
For general candidates, ₹400 is refunded (less bank charges) on appearing in the CBT; for the concession categories, the full ₹250 is refunded. The refund is credited only to your Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Essential Links — RRB Section Controller 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for RRB Section Controller 2026
- Visit RRB Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
This RRB Section Controller recruitment is a wonderful chance to build a secure career in Indian Railways with a strong Level 6 salary. Don’t wait for the last day — complete your application well before 14 August 2026. For more railway job notifications, admit cards and results, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in and prepare with full dedication. Your railway dream is truly within reach.