The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under the Ministry of Railways have released the preliminary notification for Centralised Employment Notification (CEN No. 07/2026), initiating the national recruitment process for 1,688 Non-Technical Popular Categories (Under Graduate) posts. Designed specifically for candidates who have qualified their Class 12 (10+2) board examinations, this drive covers critical operational and commercial administrative roles across regional zonal divisions in Pay Level 2 and Pay Level 3. Online registrations will formally open on October 15, 2026, and conclude on November 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM via the centralized recruitment portal rrbapply.gov.in.

The Quota Contraction: Post-Wise Breakdown and Pay Structure

The total sanctioned intake of 1,688 posts marks a sharp operational contraction when contrasted against earlier cycles. In 2019, the undergraduate notification accounted for 10,603 vacancies, which reduced to 3,445 posts in 2024, and has now scaled down to 1,688. This persistent downward trajectory highlights ongoing organizational automation and computerized ticketing shifts that have streamlined staffing requirements across stations.

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Among the advertised positions, the Commercial cum Ticket Clerk (CCTC) cadre commands the largest allocation with 700 posts at Pay Level 3 (initial basic pay ₹21,700). The remaining 988 vacancies fall under Pay Level 2 (initial basic pay ₹19,900), distributed among ministerial and traffic recording departments.

"Aspirants must note that while overall undergraduate vacancies are leaner, candidate selection continues to follow a transparent, computerized merit process. Meticulous document synchronization at the registration stage is critical," stated senior Railway Board recruitment officials.

Eligibility Parameters, Age Limits, and Biometric Compliance

Aspirants must satisfy both educational and age criteria prior to portal registration:

  • Academic Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a state or central recognized education board. Candidates awaiting terminal board results are ineligible.
  • Age Cut-Off: The permissible age bracket is 18 to 30 years as of January 1, 2027. Permissible upper-age concessions apply: 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) and 5 years for SC/ST categories, with extended relaxations for PwBD and Ex-Servicemen.
  • Biometric Validation Protocol: Applicants must complete mandatory digital authentication through official UIDAI channels at the time of account creation. Demographic details—including candidate name, parentage, and date of birth—must mirror Class 10 matriculation certificates identically to avoid disqualification during scrutiny.
  • Registration Fees: The application charge is ₹500 for Unreserved and OBC candidates (with ₹400 refundable upon attending CBT-1), and ₹250 for SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, Women, Transgender, and EBC applicants (fully refundable minus banking fees post-examination).

Selection Architecture: Five-Tier Evaluation Structure

Recruitment through CEN 07/2026 involves a rigorous five-stage evaluation:

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  1. Computer Based Test 1 (CBT-1): A common objective screening examination featuring General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning.
  2. Computer Based Test 2 (CBT-2): Post-wise advanced tier testing domain proficiency, with standard negative marking of 1/3rd mark per incorrect response across both CBT tiers.
  3. Computer Based Typing Skill Test (CBTST): Qualifying test for Junior Clerk cum Typist and Accounts Clerk cum Typist (minimum 30 WPM in English or 25 WPM in Hindi on computer terminals).
  4. Document Verification (DV): In-person verification of authentic educational, reservation, and identity records.
  5. Medical Examination: Assessment by Railway Health Services to evaluate visual acuity and fitness standards (A-2, A-3, B-2, and C-2 grades based on post profile).

Next Milestone: Detailed CEN 07/2026 Release Schedule

The Railway Board will publish the complete, comprehensive CEN 07/2026 notification document—including individual RRB zone-wise vacancy distribution matrix tables (covering Mumbai, Patna, Kolkata, Prayagraj, Secunderabad, Bhopal, and other centers)—on October 14, 2026. Candidates are advised to keep verified educational credentials ready ahead of the registration launch on October 15.