The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), on behalf of the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, have released the Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 02/2026 on 29 June 2026 for the recruitment of Technician Grade-I Signal and various categories of Technician Grade-III posts.
The notification covers a total of 6,557 vacancies — 323 posts for Technician Grade I Signal and 6,234 posts for Technician Grade III — distributed across all 21 RRB zones and Production Units of Indian Railways.
Eligible candidates can apply online only at rrbapply.gov.in from 30 June 2026 to 29 July 2026 (23:59 hrs). Technician Grade I Signal requires a B.Sc. (Physics/Electronics/Computer Science/IT/Instrumentation) or an Engineering Degree/Diploma, age 18–33 years. Technician Grade III requires Matriculation (10th) + ITI in a relevant trade from NCVT/SCVT (or Act Apprenticeship), age 18–30 years — both as on 01 July 2026.
Selection is through a single-stage Computer Based Test (CBT) — 100 objective MCQs, 100 marks, 90 minutes, with 1/3rd negative marking per wrong answer — followed by Document Verification and Medical Examination. No interview. A separate application and fee is required for each Pay Level.
Key Highlights
- CEN 02/2026 — 6,557 Posts
- Apply: 30 June – 29 July 2026
- Notification: 29 June 2026
- Grade I: 323 | Grade III: 6,234
- Single CBT — No Interview
- Fee ₹500 (Gen) / ₹250 (Reserved)
- 1/3rd Negative Marking
- 21 RRB Zones — All India
- Age: 18–30/33 Yrs (as on 01-07-2026)
Quick Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 6,557 |
| Grade I Signal | 323 |
| Grade III Posts | 6,234 |
| Last Date to Apply | 29 July |
| CBT | 100 Q / 100 M / 90 min |
| RRB Zones | 21 |
1. Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Govt of India (21 RRB Zones) |
| Notification | CEN No. 02/2026 — Technician Grade-I Signal & Grade-III |
| Notification Released | 29 June 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 6,557 posts (Grade I Signal: 323 + Grade III: 6,234) |
| Application Mode | Online only — rrbapply.gov.in |
| Application Opens | 30 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 29 July 2026 (23:59 hrs) |
| Pay Levels | Grade I Signal: Level 5 |
| Selection Process | Single CBT → Document Verification → Medical Examination — No interview, no CBAT |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) — Online, 200+ centres nationwide |
| Exam Date | To be notified separately |
| Age Limit (as on 01-07-2026) | Grade I Signal: 18–33 yrs |
| Application Fee | Gen/OBC/EWS: ₹500 (₹400 refunded after CBT) |
| Selection Basis | Merit in CBT — normalised score (if multiple shifts) → DV → Medical fitness |
| Vacancy Note | RRB-wise/Railway-wise vacancies are provisional |
| Posting | Various Zonal Railways and Production Units, per RRB/zone choice |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
2. Vacancy Breakdown — Grade I Signal vs Grade III
| Post | Total Posts | Pay Level | Qualification Required | Age (as on 01-07-2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technician Grade I Signal | 323 | Pay Level 5 | B.Sc. (Physics/Electronics/CS/IT/Instrumentation) OR Engineering Degree/Diploma | 18–33 years |
| Technician Grade III | 6,234 | Pay Level 2 | Matriculation (10th) + ITI (NCVT/SCVT) OR Act Apprenticeship | 18–30 years |
| Total | 6,557 | — | — | — |
Important Vacancy Notes:
- Vacancies are provisional; RRB-wise/Railway-wise numbers may increase or decrease at actual recruitment
- Compared to CEN 02/2025 (6,238 posts), this cycle’s vacancy count has increased slightly to 6,557
- Technician Grade III accounts for 95.1% of total vacancies — the primary opportunity for ITI-qualified candidates
- Detailed RRB-wise/zone-wise distribution is in the full CEN PDF on rrbapply.gov.in and regional RRB websites
3. Eligibility Criteria — Age & Educational Qualification
(As on 01 July 2026)
| Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Technician Grade I Signal | 18 years | 33 years |
| Technician Grade III | 18 years | 30 years |
Age Relaxation (Upper Limit):
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD (General/EWS) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC-NCL) | 13 years (10+3) |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years (10+5) |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Govt norms — see Para 8.0 of CEN |
Educational Qualification:
| Post | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Technician Grade I Signal | EITHER B.Sc. (Physics/Electronics/CS/IT/Instrumentation) OR Degree/Diploma in Engineering in relevant discipline |
| Technician Grade III | 10th/Matriculation + ITI in relevant trade (NCVT/SCVT) OR Act Apprenticeship; no engineering knowledge required |
Important Eligibility Notes:
- RRB does not undertake detailed scrutiny at application stage — candidature is accepted only provisionally
- Candidates must self-verify they meet qualification, age, and medical standards before applying
- Certificates are sought only at Document Verification
- Unsubstantiated claims at DV lead to cancellation of candidature
- False/incorrect information at any stage leads to cancellation and possible debarment from future RRB exams
4. Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CEN 02/2026 Notification Released | 29 June 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 30 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 29 July 2026 (23:59 hrs) |
| CBT Exam Date | To Be Notified |
| Admit Card / Exam City Intimation | To Be Notified |
Note: Candidates with existing accounts from earlier RRB CENs (2024/2025/2026) should use the same login credentials. New candidates must create an account carefully — mobile number and email ID cannot be modified once created. Other application details may be corrected within a limited window after submission (except ‘Create an Account’ fields and chosen RRB) — check the official notification.
5. CBT Exam Pattern — Single Stage Test
100 Questions · 100 Marks · 90 Minutes · 1/3rd Negative Marking · No Interview
| Detail | Grade I Signal | Grade III |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 100 MCQs | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 100 | 100 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| PwBD Duration | 120 minutes (scribe) | 120 minutes (scribe) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark per wrong | 1/3 mark per wrong |
| Subjects | 4 sections (incl. Computers) | 4 sections (no Computers) |
Section-wise Breakdown:
| Section | Grade I Signal | Grade III |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Included | Included |
| Mathematics | Included | Included |
| Basic Science & Engineering | Included (Engineering-focused) | Included (General Science only) |
| General Awareness / Current Affairs | Included | Included |
| Basic Computers & Applications | Included (key differentiator) | Not included |
| Total | 100Q/100M/90min | 100Q/100M/90min |
Minimum Qualifying Marks:
| Category | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| UR & EWS | 40% |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 30% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
Key Exam Rules:
- 1/3rd mark deducted per incorrect answer; no negative marking for unattempted questions
- Questions available in English, Hindi, and 13 regional languages
- Scores normalised if CBT is conducted in multiple shifts
- No separate Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for Technician posts
- Qualifying marks differ from actual cutoff, which varies year to year
- Selection is purely merit-based on CBT score — no interview at any stage
6. Complete Selection Process
- Online Application (30 June – 29 July 2026): Create/use existing account, select CEN 02/2026 — Technician, choose one RRB and one Pay Level, complete application, upload photo/signature/documents, pay fee. Separate application + fee required for each Pay Level.
- Computer Based Test (CBT) — Single Stage: 100 MCQs, 100 marks, 90 minutes, 1/3rd negative marking. Held across 200+ centres in multiple shifts. Admit card ~4 days before exam; City Intimation Slip ~10 days before. This is the only test stage.
- Document Verification (DV): Shortlisted candidates’ original documents (10th certificate, ITI/Degree-Diploma certificate, category certificate, age proof, photo ID) verified against application claims. Mismatch leads to cancellation.
- Medical Examination: Candidates clearing DV undergo medical examination per Railway standards. PwBD candidates must submit disability forms with supporting documents. Only medically fit candidates proceed.
- Final Merit List & Appointment: Final selection based on CBT merit, subject to DV and Medical clearance. Posting to various Zonal Railways/Production Units per RRB/zone choice, subject to vacancy position.
7. Salary & Pay Structure
7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) | Group C Posts | Indian Railways
Technician Grade I Signal: ₹29,200/- Initial Basic Pay (Pay Level 5)
Higher technical post handling installation, maintenance, inspection, and troubleshooting of railway signalling systems — critical for safe train movement, with better career growth.
Technician Grade III: ₹19,900/- Initial Basic Pay (Pay Level 2)
Entry-level technical post for ITI-qualified candidates. Largest vacancy share this cycle (6,234 posts).
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pay Commission | 7th CPC |
| Grade I Signal — Pay Level | Level 5 — ₹29,200/- |
| Grade III — Pay Level | Level 2 — ₹19,900/- |
| Allowances | DA, HRA, TA, and other Railway allowances per Pay Level |
| Additional Benefits | Pension (NPS), medical facilities, travel concessions (Railway Pass), standard Group C benefits |
| Job Nature | Permanent/Regular Government Group C post with promotional avenues |
8. Application Fee & How to Apply
| Category | Fee | Refund After CBT |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹500/- | ₹400 refunded (₹100 retained as processing fee) |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / PwBD / Female / Transgender / Minorities / EBC | ₹250/- | Fully refunded |
How to Apply:
- Visit rrbapply.gov.in — Log in with existing credentials (if available from earlier CENs) or click ‘Create an Account’ as a new user.
- Register / Create Account Carefully — Enter Name, DOB, Aadhaar Number, Mobile Number, Email ID. Verify via OTP. These details cannot be changed later.
- Select CEN 02/2026 and Choose RRB + Pay Level — Choose “CEN No. 02/2026 (Technician)” and your preferred RRB Zone. Only ONE RRB per Pay Level. Apply separately (with separate fees) for both Grade I Signal and Grade III if interested in both.
- Fill Details, Upload Documents & Set Preferences — Fill personal, address, category, and qualification details accurately. Upload photo, signature, category certificate. Select Zonal Railway/PU preferences — no option given means unwillingness for that zone.
- Pay Fee & Submit — Pay ₹500 or ₹250 online. Review carefully — most fields cannot be edited after submission except within a limited correction window. Download/save the application PDF.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in RRB Technician CEN 02/2026?
A total of 6,557 vacancies — 323 posts for Technician Grade I Signal and 6,234 posts for Technician Grade III, across 21 RRB zones and Production Units nationwide.
Q2. Can I apply for both Grade I Signal and Grade III in the same application?
No. They are different Pay Levels with separate CBTs. You must submit a separate application and pay separate fees for each Pay Level. Within a single Pay Level, you can choose only ONE RRB.
Q3. What is the educational qualification for Technician Grade III?
10th/Matriculation/SSLC pass plus ITI in a relevant trade from NCVT or SCVT, or completion of an Act Apprenticeship in the concerned trade. No engineering degree/diploma required — it’s an entry-level post.
Q4. What is the educational qualification for Technician Grade I Signal?
Either a B.Sc. degree (Physics/Electronics/Computer Science/IT/Instrumentation) or a Degree/Diploma in Engineering in the relevant discipline. This higher technical post works mainly in signalling — installation, maintenance, inspection, and troubleshooting of railway signalling systems.
Q5. Is there negative marking in the RRB Technician CBT?
Yes — 1/3rd (0.33) mark deducted per incorrect answer. No negative marking for unanswered questions, so it’s safer to leave a question blank than guess randomly. CBT: 100 questions, 100 marks, 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD with scribe).
Q6. Is there an interview for RRB Technician posts?
No. The process is: CBT → Document Verification → Medical Examination. No interview and no separate CBAT — selection is purely CBT-merit based, subject to DV and Medical fitness.
Q7. What is the application fee and is it refundable?
General/OBC/EWS: ₹500/-, of which ₹400 is refunded after appearing in CBT (₹100 retained as processing charge). SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD/Female/Transgender/Minorities/EBC: ₹250/-, fully refunded after appearing in CBT. Refund applies only if the candidate actually appears for the exam.
Q8. Can I correct mistakes in my application after submission?
Details in ‘Create an Account’ (including mobile number and email ID) cannot be modified at any stage. After submission and fee payment, certain other details (except ‘Create an Account’ fields and chosen RRB) may be modified during a limited correction window specified by RRB. Double-check everything before final submission.
10. Official Links & Resources
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| RRB Centralised Apply Portal | https://www.rrbapply.gov.in/#/auth/landing |
| Detailed CEN No. 02/2026 PDF (RRB Thiruvananthapuram) | https://www.rrbthiruvananthapuram.gov.in/assets/pdf/Detailed_CEN_02_2026.pdf |
Key Summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | RRBs, Ministry of Railways, Govt of India |
| Notification | CEN No. 02/2026 dated 29 June 2026 |
| Total Posts | 6,557 (Grade I Signal: 323 |
| Application Period | 30 June 2026 – 29 July 2026 (23:59 hrs) |
| Pay Levels | Grade I Signal — Level 5 (₹29,200) |
| Age (as on 01-07-2026) | Grade I: 18–33 yrs |
| Qualification | Grade I: B.Sc./Degree/Diploma Engg. |
| Selection | Single CBT (100Q/100M/90min, 1/3 negative marking) → DV → Medical — No interview |
| Fee | ₹500 (Gen, ₹400 refundable) |
| Zones | 21 RRB Zones across India |
| Official Portal | rrbapply.gov.in |
All updates — Exam Date, Admit Card, Results — will be published exclusively on official RRB websites listed in Para 19.0 of the CEN. Beware of fraudulent websites.
Important Warnings:
- Apply only through rrbapply.gov.in and official RRB websites — beware of fake websites with misleading information
- Details entered in ‘Create an Account’ cannot be modified — fill them with utmost care, especially mobile number and email ID
- Only ONE RRB per Pay Level allowed — multiple forms for the same Pay Level across different zones leads to rejection
- RRB does not undertake detailed scrutiny at application stage — ensure you genuinely meet all eligibility criteria before applying
- False or incorrect information at any stage leads to cancellation and possible debarment from future exams
- All dates (exam, admit card, results) are subject to change — monitor official RRB websites regularly
Leave a Comment