RRB PHARMACIST 2026 RECRUITMENT: COMPLETE DETAILS
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA • MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS RAILWAY RECRUITMENT BOARDS (RRBs)
DETAILED CENTRALISED EMPLOYMENT NOTICE (CEN) NO. 05/2026
Comprehensive Guide & Essential Information Summary — Recruitment of Paramedical Categories
| EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW & JURISDICTION: This Centralised Employment Notification (CEN 05/2026) invites online applications from eligible Indian citizens and eligible candidates for filling 590 vacancies across 9 paramedical categories in various Railway Zones and Production Units. Candidates can apply to ONLY ONE Railway Recruitment Board (RRB). Multiple applications will lead to summary rejection and lifetime debarment. |
1. CRITICAL DATES & TIMELINES
Candidates must adhere strictly to the schedule prescribed below. No representations for extensions or offline submissions will be entertained.
| Event / Activity | Scheduled Date / Time |
| Date of Indicative Notice in Employment News | 12.09.2026 |
| Opening Date of Online Application | 15.09.2026 |
| Closing Date for Submission of Online Application | 14.10.2026 (23:59 hours) |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment (Online Only) | 16.10.2026 (23:59 hours) |
| Application Modification Window (Corrections on payment of Rs. 250 fee) | 17.10.2026 to 26.10.2026 |
• Scribe Details Submission Window: 27.10.2026 to 31.10.2026 (5-day window immediately following modification window).
• CBT Exam Schedule & E-Call Letters: City intimation will be released ~10 days prior; E-call letters can be downloaded ~4 days prior to CBT from https://rrb.indianrailways.gov.in/.
2. VACANCY MATRIX, PAY LEVELS, MEDICAL STANDARDS & AGE LIMITS
The recruitment covers 9 paramedical categories under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). Age limits are calculated as of 01.01.2027.
| Cat. | Post Name | Pay Level | Initial Pay | Med. Std. | Vacancies (Total) |
| 1 | Nursing Superintendent | Level 7 | Rs. 44,900 | C-1 | 365 |
| 2 | Dialysis Technician | Level 6 | Rs. 35,400 | B-1 | 01 |
| 3 | Health & Malaria Inspector Gr II | Level 6 | Rs. 35,400 | C-1 | 43 |
| 4 | Audiologist & Speech Therapist | Level 6 | Rs. 35,400 | B-1 | 01 |
| 5 | Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | Level 5 | Rs. 29,200 | C-2 | 118 |
| 6 | Radiographer X-Ray Technician | Level 5 | Rs. 29,200 | B-1 | 25 |
| 7 | ECG Technician | Level 4 | Rs. 25,500 | C-1 | 04 |
| 8 | Optometrist | Level 4 | Rs. 25,500 | B-1 | 02 |
| 9 | Lab Assistant Gr. II | Level 3 | Rs. 21,700 | B-1 | 31 |
| — | GRAND TOTAL (All RRBs) | — | — | — | 590 Vacancies |
Community-Wise Vacancy Split across all RRBs: Unreserved (UR): 255 | SC: 106 | ST: 69 | OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 113 | EWS: 46 | Ex-Servicemen (Horizontal): 49 | PwBD (Horizontal): 39 regular + 1 backlog vacancy.
3. PRESCRIBED MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL & TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must possess the complete prescribed qualification on or before the closing date (14.10.2026). Candidates awaiting results of final examinations are strictly ineligible.
- Nursing Superintendent (Level 7): Certificate as Registered Nurse and Midwife having passed 3 years course in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) from a school of nursing or other institution recognized by the Indian Nursing Council (INC) OR B.Sc. Nursing. Concessions in course duration laid down by INC for Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Midwives, and B-Grade Nurses are recognized.
- Dialysis Technician (Level 6): B.Sc. plus either: (a) Diploma in Haemodialysis, OR (b) 2 years satisfactory in-house Training/Experience in Haemodialysis work in a reputed institution (proof must be attached). Note: B.Sc. in Dialysis Techniques / Dialysis Technology / Renal Dialysis Technology are also recognized as equivalent qualifications.
- Health & Malaria Inspector Gr II (Level 6): B.Sc. having studied Chemistry as Main / Optional subject in any branch of Chemistry while undertaking the degree, PLUS either: (a) 1-year Diploma of Health / Sanitary Inspector, OR (b) 1-year National Trade Certificate (NTC) in Health Sanitary Inspector awarded by National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT), Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- Audiologist & Speech Therapist (Level 6): Bachelor in Audiology, Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from a recognized University, AND must be registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).
- Pharmacist (Entry Grade) (Level 5): Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm – Allopathic) from a Central/State Government recognized University/Institute AND registered as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948; OR Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) from a recognized University/Institute and registered as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
- Radiographer X-Ray Technician (Level 5): 10+2 with Physics and Chemistry, PLUS a 2-year Diploma in Radiography / X-Ray Technician / Radiodiagnosis Technology from a recognized Institute. Science graduates with Diploma in Radiography are preferred. Equivalents recognized: B.Sc. Medical Technology (Radiography), B.Sc. Medical Radiography & Imaging Technology, B.Sc. (Radiography), B.Sc. in Radiological & Image Techniques, or 2-Year Diploma in Radiation Technology.
- ECG Technician (Level 4): 10+2 or Graduation in Science having a Certificate / Diploma / Degree in ECG Laboratory Technology / Cardiology / Cardiology Technician / Cardiology Techniques of a reputed institution (course duration must be at least 1 year full-time).
- Optometrist (Level 4): B.Sc. in Optometry OR Diploma in Ophthalmic Technician (course duration 3 to 4 years). Candidates must possess valid registration with the concerned Council / Licensing body.
- Lab Assistant Grade II (Level 3): 12th (10+2 stage) in Science PLUS either: (a) Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT), OR (b) Full-time Certificate Course in MLT at par with DMLT (minimum 1 year duration from recognized technical board/university with examination passed), OR Degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology (B.Sc. MLT).
4. MEDICAL FITNESS STANDARDS & VISUAL ACUITY
Candidates shortlisted for Document Verification (DV) must pass the mandatory Medical Fitness Test conducted by Railway Medical Authorities. If found medically unfit for the opted post, no alternative appointment is provided.
| Medical Standard | Distant Vision | Near Vision | Special Tests / Requirements |
| B-1 | 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (power <= 4D) | Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with/without glasses | Must pass Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Night Vision & Mesopic Vision. Physically fit. |
| C-1 | 6/12, 6/18 with or without glasses | Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with/without glasses | Physically fit in all respects. |
| C-2 | 6/12, Nil with or without glasses | Sn: 0.6 combined with/without glasses | Physically fit in all respects. |
• Candidates with LASIK Surgery: Permitted for B-1 standard provided: (1) no surgical complications, (2) surgery completed at least 1 year prior with specialist certificate, (3) residual corneal thickness >= 425 microns on pachymetry, (4) visual acuity conforms to Para 512(1)(A) IRMM Vol. I, (5) normal fundus, and (6) no progressive eye disease.
• Medical Appeal: Candidates who fail the initial medical examination may submit a one-time final appeal on payment of prescribed charges. The outcome of the medical appeal board is final.
5. AGE LIMITS & CATEGORY-WISE AGE RELAXATIONS (AS ON 01.01.2027)
Crucial Date: The lower and upper age limits are reckoned as on 01.01.2027. Dates of birth must fall between the prescribed brackets below:
| Age Group | Lower Limit (Not born after) | Upper: UR / EWS (Not before) | Upper: OBC-NCL (Not before) | Upper: SC / ST (Not before) |
| 18 – 33 yrs | 01.01.2009 | 02.01.1994 | 02.01.1991 | 02.01.1989 |
| 19 – 33 yrs | 01.01.2008 | 02.01.1994 | 02.01.1991 | 02.01.1989 |
| 20 – 33 yrs | 01.01.2007 | 02.01.1994 | 02.01.1991 | 02.01.1989 |
| 21 – 30 yrs | 01.01.2006 | 02.01.1997 | 02.01.1994 | 02.01.1992 |
| 20 – 35 yrs | 01.01.2007 | 02.01.1992 | 02.01.1989 | 02.01.1987 |
| 20 – 40 yrs | 01.01.2007 | 02.01.1987 | 02.01.1984 | 02.01.1982 |
Summary of Permissible Upper Age Relaxations
- SC & ST Candidates: 5 years relaxation above normal upper age limit.
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years relaxation above normal upper age limit.
- Ex-Servicemen (with min 6 mos service): Length of service + 3 years (UR/EWS), +6 years (OBC-NCL), +8 years (SC/ST).
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 10 years (PwBD-UR/EWS), 13 years (PwBD-OBC-NCL), 15 years (PwBD-SC/ST).
- Serving Group C & erstwhile Group D Railway Staff (min 3 yrs service): Up to 40 years of age (UR/EWS), 43 years (OBC-NCL), 45 years (SC/ST).
- Quasi-Administrative Staff (Railway canteens, cooperative societies): Up to length of service rendered OR 5 years, whichever is less.
- Widowed, Divorced, or Judicially Separated Women (not remarried): Up to 35 years (UR/EWS), 38 years (OBC-NCL), 40 years (SC/ST).
Note: Age relaxations are NOT cumulative. Candidates eligible on multiple grounds receive the single highest relaxation. Reserved candidates applying against Unreserved (UR) vacancies get NO age relaxation.
6. EXAMINATION FEES, CONCESSIONS & REFUND RULES
| Candidate Category | Fee Payable | Refund on Attending CBT |
| General / OBC Male Candidates (All unreserved candidates) | Rs. 500/- | Rs. 400/- refunded (deducting applicable bank charges) upon appearing in CBT. |
| SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, Female, Transgender, Minorities, and Economically Backward Classes (EBC) | Rs. 250/- | Rs. 250/- (full refund deducting bank charges) upon appearing in CBT. |
• Refund Mechanism: Refunds are processed exclusively to the candidate’s Aadhaar-linked bank account validated through NPCI integration during the online application process. Incomplete, unsubmitted, or rejected applications will NOT receive a refund.
• Essential Distinction: Economically Backward Class (EBC – annual income < Rs. 50,000) entitles the candidate ONLY to examination fee concession, NOT to job reservation. It is completely distinct from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS – income < Rs. 8 Lakh) and OBC.
7. SELECTION PROCESS & CBT EXAMINATION SCHEME
The selection process consists of a Single-Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT), followed by Document Verification (DV) and Medical Examination (ME). Empanelment is strictly merit-based.
| Section / Subject Area | No. of Questions | Marks Allocated |
| Professional Ability (Core Domain Subject Syllabus as per Post) | 70 | 70 Marks |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 Marks |
| General Arithmetic, General Intelligence & Reasoning | 10 | 10 Marks |
| General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences up to 10th CBSE) | 10 | 10 Marks |
| TOTAL (Single Stage CBT) | 100 Questions | 100 Marks |
Key Examination Specifications & Qualifying Rules
- Exam Duration: 90 minutes for 100 questions (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates utilizing a scribe).
- Question Format: Objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with 4 options and a single correct answer.
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd (one-third) of marks allocated to the question will be deducted for each incorrect response.
- Medium of Exam: Questions available in English, Hindi, and 13 Regional Languages: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
- Minimum Qualifying Cut-Off Marks: UR & EWS: 40% | OBC-NCL: 30% | SC: 30% | ST: 25%. (Relaxation of up to 2 marks admissible for PwBD shortfall).
- Document Verification Shortlisting: Candidates equal to the number of vacancies (1:1 ratio) called strictly on CBT merit.
- Tie-Breaking Criteria: 1st: Older age candidate ranked higher; 2nd: Alphabetical order of given first name (A to Z).
8. COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION SYLLABUS (ANNEXURE-C)
Part A: Common Non-Technical Subjects (30 Marks Total)
- General Arithmetic (10 Qs): Number systems, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM & HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple & Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Elementary Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cisterns.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning (with Arithmetic): Analogies, Alphabetical & Number Series, Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagrams, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement-Arguments and Assumptions.
- General Awareness (10 Qs): Current Affairs, Indian Geography, Culture and History of India including the Freedom Struggle, Indian Polity and Constitution, Indian Economy, Environmental Issues concerning India and the World, Sports, Scientific & Technological Developments.
- General Science (10 Qs): Foundational concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences covering up to 10th Standard CBSE Curriculum.
Part B: Professional Ability Subjects (70 Marks Total)
- Nursing Superintendent: Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Nursing Foundations, Psychology, Microbiology, Sociology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Genetics, Medical-Surgical Nursing (Adult & Geriatrics), Community Health Nursing, Child Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery & Obstetrical Nursing, Nursing Research & Statistics, Management of Nursing Services & Education.
- Dialysis Technician: Anatomy, Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Physiology, Introduction to Kidney Diseases, Principles and Clinical Practice of Dialysis.
- Health & Malaria Inspector Gr II: Food & Nutrition, Environmental Sanitation and Sanitary Engineering, Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases (Prevention and Control), Public Health and Death Statistics.
- Audiologist & Speech Therapist: Speech and Language Development & Disorders, Basic Anatomy & Physiology related to Speech & Hearing, Diagnostic & Rehabilitation Audiology, Acoustics, Pathology of Auditory System, Phonetics, Diagnostics, Paediatric Audiology, Voice & Laryngectomy, Hearing Conservation.
- Pharmacist (Entry Grade): Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, Pharmaceutical Inorganic & Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pathophysiology, Physical Pharmaceutics, Microbiology, Jurisprudence, Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics, Novel Drug Delivery Systems, Quality Assurance, Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacovigilance.
- Radiographer X-Ray Technician: Radiology Physics, Radiation Physics & Diagnostic Radiology Physics, X-Ray Machines & Accessories Maintenance, Dark Room & Digital Image Processing Techniques, Clinical Radiography Positioning, Patient Care & Medical Emergencies, CT/MRI & Modern Imaging Modalities, Radiation Safety & Quality Control.
- ECG Technician: Anatomy & Physiology of Cardiovascular System, Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Introduction to Heart Diseases, Basic and Advanced Cardiovascular Investigations (ECG recording, lead placement, arrhythmia detection, Holter monitoring, stress testing).
- Optometrist: Physical & Geometrical Optics, Ocular Anatomy & Physiology, Visual Optics, Optometric Instruments, Clinical Examination of Visual System, Binocular Vision, Glaucoma, Contact Lenses, Low Vision Aids, Pediatric & Geriatric Optometry, Dispensing Optics, Occupational Optometry, Public Health Optometry.
- Lab Assistant Grade II: Fundamentals of Medical Laboratory Technology, Clinical Biochemistry, Hematology & Blood Banking, Clinical Microbiology, Histopathology & Cytology, Parasitology, Urinalysis, Lab Safety & Quality Control.
9. ONLINE APPLICATION PROCEDURE & SCAN SPECIFICATIONS
Applications are submitted exclusively online via unified RRB portal (https://rrb.indianrailways.gov.in/).
Critical Account Creation Rules
- One Account Only: Candidates must use their existing RRB credentials if registered in earlier 2024-2026 CENs, or create an account. The mobile number and email ID entered during account creation CANNOT be altered at any stage.
- Identity Verification: Authentication through DigiLocker or Aadhaar is strongly advised during account setup to ensure seamless biometric clearance during examination and verification stages.
Mandatory Live Photograph Guidelines (Para 14.4)
- Live Capture System: No pre-existing photos can be uploaded! The portal captures a live photograph through a webcam or smartphone front camera.
- Attire & Contrast: Wear dark-colored, non-white clothing to maintain sharp contrast against background.
- Framing & Posture: Camera positioned at eye level, look straight with a neutral expression. Head and face fully centered within designated frame.
- Prohibitions: Do NOT wear caps, hats, masks, tinted glasses, or spectacles during live photo capture.
- Photo Mismatch Remedy: If automated live validation fails, candidate must download Annexure-VII and have it signed and attested by a Gazetted Officer as identity proof.
Signature Specifications (Para 14.5.1)
- Handwriting Format: Must be in RUNNING/CURSIVE handwriting. Signatures in BLOCK / CAPITAL / DISJOINTED letters will result in INSTANT REJECTION!
- Ink & Medium: Signed with a black ink pen on clean white paper.
- File Dimensions & Size: JPG/JPEG format, file size between 30 KB and 49 KB; minimum image dimensions 140 x 60 pixels (scanned box 35 mm x 20 mm at >=100 DPI).
- Signature Consistency: Signature uploaded must match perfectly across CBT attendance sheets, Document Verification, Medical Exam, and final appointment joining.
10. RESERVATION FRAMEWORKS & REQUISITE PROFORMA
- Vertical Reservation (EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST): EWS reservation requires valid Income & Asset Certificate for FY 2025-26 with family income below Rs. 8 Lakh. OBC-NCL certificates must be issued on or after 01.04.2026 along with self-declaration (Annexure-IIA).
- Supreme Court Rulings on Caste Status in Bihar: 1. Lohar Caste: Under WP(C) 1052/2021 (Sunil Kumar Rai vs State of Bihar, 21.02.2022), candidates originally belonging to Lohar/Lohara/Lohra caste must submit certificates issued after 01.04.2023 for ST/OBC-NCL claims.
2. Pan/Panr/Sawasi/Tanti-Tatwa Caste: Under CA 18802/2017 (15.07.2024), candidates must upload latest certificates issued on or after 01.09.2024; failing which candidature will be treated as Unreserved (UR). - Horizontal Reservation (ExSM & PwBD): Ex-Servicemen: Entitled to horizontal quota. Serving defence personnel to be retired within one year can apply with Employment Certificate (Annexure-VIA).
PwBD: Minimum 40% benchmark disability required. Scribe facility available for eligible categories with 20 minutes/hour compensatory time. Scribes must have completed OTR on rrbapply.gov.in.
11. RRB-WISE & ZONE-WISE VACANCY DISTRIBUTION (ANNEXURE-B)
The table below details total vacancy numbers across participating Railway Recruitment Boards:
| Railway Recruitment Board | Vacancies | Railway Recruitment Board | Vacancies |
| RRB Ahmedabad (WR) | 7 | RRB Jammu-Srinagar (NR, RCF) | 6 |
| RRB Ajmer (NWR) | 11 | RRB Kolkata (ER, SER, Metro, CLW) | 98 |
| RRB Bengaluru (SWR) | 18 | RRB Malda (ER, SER) | 28 |
| RRB Bhopal (WCR) | 21 | RRB Mumbai (CR) | 61 |
| RRB Bhubaneswar (ECoR) | 5 | RRB Muzaffarpur (ECR) | 19 |
| RRB Bilaspur (CR, SECR) | 18 | RRB Patna (ECR, RWP) | 21 |
| RRB Chandigarh (NR) | 6 | RRB Prayagraj (BLW, NCR, NR) | 33 |
| RRB Chennai (SR) | 65 | RRB Ranchi (ECR, SER) | 21 |
| RRB Gorakhpur (NER, MCF) | 33 | RRB Secunderabad (SCR, SCoR) | 71 |
| RRB Guwahati (NFR) | 29 | RRB Siliguri (NFR) | 19 |
| GRAND TOTAL VACANCIES | — | ALL 20 RRBs COMBINED | 590 |
12. STATUTORY ANNEXURES & CERTIFICATE FORMATS DIRECTORY
- Annexure-A: Post Parameters: Post name, Level, Initial Pay, Medical Standard, Age, Disability Suitability & Qualifications
- Annexure-B: RRB-wise, Railway-wise & Community-wise Vacancy Breakdown Table
- Annexure-C: Detailed Examination Syllabus for Core Professional Subjects and Common Non-Technical Subjects
- Annexure-I: Prescribed Caste Certificate Proforma for SC and ST Candidates
- Annexure-II & IIA: OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Certificate Format and Non-Creamy Layer Self-Declaration Undertaking
- Annexure-III & IIIA: Income & Asset Certificate for EWS Candidates and Income Certificate for EBC Fee Concession
- Annexure-IV: Minority Community Declaration Affidavit for Examination Fee Waiver
- Annexure-V (A & B): Form-V (Single Disability) and Form-VI (Multiple Disabilities) PwBD Medical Certificates
- Annexure-V (C, D, E, F): Scribe Undertakings and Medical Certificates regarding physical limitation to write examination
- Annexure-VI & VIA: Declarations and Serving Official Discharge Certificates for Ex-Servicemen
- Annexure-VII: Online Generated Identity Certificate to be signed and attested by a Gazetted Officer
13. CRUCIAL DO’S AND DON’TS FOR ASPIRANTS
- Only One RRB Application: DO choose only one RRB and order your post/zone preferences within that board. DO NOT submit multiple applications across boards or within the same board; doing so will result in instant disqualification and lifetime debarment from all RRB/RRC exams.
- Aadhaar Identity Authentication: DO link your Aadhaar or DigiLocker during account setup to ensure seamless biometric entry and expeditious fee refund directly to your Aadhaar-seeded bank account.
- No Banned Electronic Gadgets: DO NOT bring mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, earphones, calculators, or any electronic items inside the examination venue. No cloakroom facility is guaranteed. Even pens will be provided inside the hall.
- Avoid Henna / Mehndi on Hands: DO NOT apply Henna or Mehndi on hands and feet prior to CBT and DV, as this severely obstructs biometric fingerprint scanning and will cause denial of entry.
- Strict Warning Against Malpractice: Under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act and Rules, 2024 (amended 31.07.2026), impersonation, cheating, and false certificates carry criminal prosecution, immediate dismissal from service, and permanent lifetime debarment.
Link to Apply: https://rrb.indianrailways.gov.in