At a Glance
- Total Vacancies
- 6,565 Posts (323 Grade 1 Signal + 6,242 Grade 3)
- Post Name
- CEN No. 02/2026
- Eligibility
- Details
- Exam / Result Date
- 4 days before the exam (exact date to be notified)
- Application Last Date
- 29 July 2026
- Application Start Date
- 30 June 2026
- Salary
- ₹29,200 | Pay Level-5, 7th CPC
Quick Summary
Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released RRB Technician CEN 02/2026 for 6,565 posts (323 Grade 1 Signal + 6,242 Grade 3). Apply online 30 June – 29 July 2026 at rrbapply.gov.in. Eligibility: Class 10 + ITI or B.Sc./Diploma/B.Tech.
RRB Technician Recruitment 2026 (CEN 02/2026) – Overview
RRB Technician CEN 02/2026 follows a single-stage Computer-Based Test (CBT) leading directly to Document Verification and Medical Examination — a significantly leaner selection pipeline than other Railway technical recruitments. The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, have issued Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 02/2026 for 6,565 posts across two distinct grades: Technician Grade 1 Signal (323 posts) and Technician Grade 3 Open Line (6,242 posts). The online application window opens on 30 June 2026 and closes on 29 July 2026 at rrbapply.gov.in. Technician Grade 3 requires Class 10 plus ITI; Grade 1 Signal requires a B.Sc. or Engineering Diploma/Degree in Physics, Electronics, Computer Science, IT, or Instrumentation. Pay scales are ₹29,200 (Level 5, 7th CPC) for Grade 1 Signal and ₹19,900 (Level 2, 7th CPC) for Grade 3. Application fee is ₹500 for General/OBC/EWS and ₹250 for SC/ST/PH/Female — refunded on appearing in the CBT.
The previous Technician cycle (CEN 02/2025) announced 6,238 vacancies; CEN 02/2026 raises this to 6,565 — an increase of 327 posts (roughly 5.2% more), continuing Indian Railways' annual cadence of technical staff replenishment.
| Organisation | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) – Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
|---|---|
| Advt. No. | CEN No. 02/2026 |
| Posts | Technician Grade 1 Signal & Technician Grade 3 (Open Line) |
| Total Vacancies | 6,565 Posts (323 Grade 1 Signal + 6,242 Grade 3) |
| Pay Scale – Grade 1 Signal | ₹29,200 | Pay Level-5, 7th CPC |
| Pay Scale – Grade 3 | ₹19,900 | Pay Level-2, 7th CPC |
| Application Start | 30 June 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 29 July 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online only – rrbapply.gov.in |
| Official Portal | rrbapply.gov.in |
Source: Official CEN No. 02/2026 short indicative notice published by Railway Recruitment Boards on 18 May 2026. Detailed notification PDF with zone-wise vacancies and complete eligibility will be released separately at rrbapply.gov.in and all 21 RRB regional websites.
RRB Technician CEN 02/2026 – Important Dates & Schedule
The application portal opens on 30 June 2026 — candidates have exactly 30 days to register and submit before the 29 July 2026 deadline. Note that the fee payment last date is the same as the application last date (29 July 2026), unlike CEN 01/2026 (ALP) where fee payment was extended by two days. Exam city intimation and admit card will be available closer to the exam date; the CBT date itself has not been fixed yet.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Begin | 30 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 29 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Pay Exam Fee | 29 July 2026 |
| Exam City Intimation | 10 days before the exam (exact date to be notified) |
| Admit Card Available | 4 days before the exam (exact date to be notified) |
| CBT Exam Date | To be announced — check rrbapply.gov.in |
Dates are as per CEN No. 02/2026 short notice published on 18 May 2026. CBT date and admit card link will be notified on the official RRB portal and regional websites.
RRB Technician 2026 – Vacancy Details (Post-wise)
CEN 02/2026 covers two distinct posts with separate eligibility, pay levels, and CBT patterns. Technician Grade 3 accounts for 95% of total vacancies (6,242 posts) and is the primary avenue for ITI-qualified candidates. Grade 1 Signal (323 posts) is aimed at Diploma, B.Sc., and Engineering Degree holders and carries a significantly higher pay level. Detailed zone-wise and category-wise (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/ExSM/PwBD) breakdowns will be published in the detailed notification PDF at rrbapply.gov.in.
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Initial Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technician Grade 1 Signal | 323 | Level-5 | ₹29,200 / month |
| Technician Grade 3 (Open Line) | 6,242 | Level-2 | ₹19,900 / month |
| Total | 6,565 | – | – |
Post-wise vacancy count as per CEN No. 02/2026 (18 May 2026 short notice). Zone-wise and category-wise distribution to be released in the detailed notification PDF.
RRB Technician CEN 02/2026 – Application Fee
The fee structure mirrors the ALP cycle — largely refundable for candidates who appear in the CBT. General, OBC, and EWS candidates get ₹400 back; all other categories get their full ₹250 back. Fee payment is accepted only through online modes. Cash (e-challan) may be offered as per updated RRB instructions — confirm the accepted modes in the detailed notification before payment.
| Category | Application Fee | Refund (after appearing in CBT) | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹500 | ₹400 (after deducting bank charges) | ~₹100 |
| SC / ST | ₹250 | ₹250 (full refund) | Nil |
| PH / Divyang (PwBD) | ₹250 | ₹250 (full refund) | Nil |
| All Category Female | ₹250 | ₹250 (full refund) | Nil |
| Ex-Servicemen / Minorities / EBC | ₹250 | ₹250 (full refund) | Nil |
RRB Technician 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements differ significantly between Grade 1 Signal and Grade 3. Grade 3 accepts Class 10 plus ITI in the relevant trade; Grade 1 Signal requires a science/engineering degree or diploma. Both posts require candidates to be Indian nationals and to satisfy age conditions as on 01 July 2026.
Age Limit for RRB Technician CEN 02/2026 (as on 01 July 2026)
| Category | Technician Grade 3 – Max Age | Technician Grade 1 Signal – Max Age |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS (Minimum Age: 18) | 30 Years | 33 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 33 Years (+3 relaxation) | 36 Years (+3 relaxation) |
| SC / ST | 35 Years (+5 relaxation) | 38 Years (+5 relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen (ExSM) | As per Railway recruitment rules (additional relaxation over category limit) | |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | Additional relaxation as per Railway rules; post-specific PwBD suitability confirmed in detailed notification | |
Educational Qualification for RRB Technician Grade 1 Signal (CEN 02/2026)
| Qualification Track | Details |
|---|---|
| B.Sc. Degree | Bachelor of Science in Physics / Electronics / Computer Science / Information Technology / Instrumentation — OR — B.Sc. in a combination of any sub-stream from these disciplines |
| Engineering Degree (B.E. / B.Tech) | In the streams of Physics / Electronics / Computer Science / Information Technology / Instrumentation or related engineering disciplines |
| 3-Year Engineering Polytechnic Diploma | In the relevant streams as specified above (Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, IT, Instrumentation) |
Educational Qualification for RRB Technician Grade 3 Open Line (CEN 02/2026)
| Qualification Track | Details |
|---|---|
| Class 10 / Matric / SSLC + ITI (NCVT/SCVT) | ITI certificate in the relevant trade/branch as specified in the detailed notification. Common eligible trades include: Fitter, Electrician, Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic Diesel, Instrument Mechanic, Machinist, Welder, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, Wireman, Turner, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Tractor Mechanic, and other trade-specific categories as per post/department. Exact trade mapping to each Grade 3 post is in Annexure-A of the detailed notification. |
| Class 10 / Matric / SSLC + Course Completed Act Apprenticeship (CCAA) | In the relevant trade under the Apprentices Act — accepted in lieu of ITI |
| Class 10+2 (Intermediate) with Physics & Mathematics | Eligible for specific Signal & Telecommunication (S&T) sub-posts within Technician Grade 3 — not applicable to all Grade 3 posts; confirm in the detailed notification |
Medical Standard for RRB Technician 2026
Unlike ALP (which has a uniform A-1 standard), Technician posts carry varying medical categories depending on the trade and department. The most common standards are:
| Medical Category | Vision Requirement | Applicable To |
|---|---|---|
| A-3 | Distant vision 6/9 in each eye with or without glasses (max power ±2D); colour vision, binocular, and night vision required | Track Machine operators and safety-critical Grade 3 posts |
| B-1 | Distant vision 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (max ±4D); colour and night vision required | Many Electrical, Mechanical, and S&T Grade 3 posts |
| C-1 | Distant vision 6/12, 6/18 with or without glasses; no colour vision test required | Certain workshop and non-safety-critical Grade 3 posts |
Exact medical standard applicable to each specific post/trade combination will be specified in Annexure-A of the detailed CEN 02/2026 notification. Candidates should verify their medical fitness against the specific standard before applying.
RRB Technician 2026 – Pay Scale & Salary
Two distinct pay levels apply to the two posts — Grade 1 Signal sits at Level 5 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix (₹29,200 starting), while Grade 3 is at Level 2 (₹19,900 starting). Both are permanent Group C central government posts with full allowance entitlements.
At Level 5 of the 7th Pay Matrix, a newly joined Grade 1 Signal Technician earns a basic pay of ₹29,200. Adding DA (currently around 58–60% of basic, revised every January and July), HRA, and transport allowance, the estimated monthly in-hand ranges from ₹38,000 to ₹42,000 in metro postings. Grade 3 Technicians at Level 2 can expect ₹28,000–₹35,000 per month. Both grades offer strong career progression: Grade 3 → Grade 2 → Grade 1 → Senior Section Engineer — each step backed by departmental exams and seniority.
RRB Technician CEN 02/2026 – Selection Process
Selection for RRB Technician 2026 is merit-based on a single CBT — no aptitude test, no physical test, no interview. Separate CBTs are conducted for Grade 1 Signal and Grade 3, with trade-specific technical sections in each. The final merit list is drawn directly from CBT marks.
| Stage | Description | Merit Counting |
|---|---|---|
| 1. CBT (Computer-Based Test) | Single objective-type test; 100 questions; 90 minutes; 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer. Separate CBT for Grade 1 Signal and Grade 3. Final merit list drawn from CBT marks. | Yes – sole merit basis |
| 2. Document Verification (DV) | Original certificate verification: academic qualifications, ITI/Diploma/Degree, age proof (Class 10), category certificate, Aadhaar, and other documents as specified. | Qualifying |
| 3. Medical Examination (ME) | Railway Medical Examination per the applicable standard (A-3, B-1, or C-1) for the specific post. Conducted at Railway Hospitals. No CBAT/Aptitude Test at any stage. | Qualifying |
| CBT Component | Technician Grade 1 Signal | Technician Grade 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Questions / Marks | 100 questions / 100 marks | 100 questions / 100 marks |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark per wrong answer | 1/3 mark per wrong answer |
| Sections | Mathematics | General Intelligence & Reasoning | Basic Science & Engineering | Basics of Computers & Applications | General Awareness & Current Affairs | Mathematics | General Intelligence & Reasoning | General Science (Class X level) | General Awareness & Current Affairs | Trade-specific Technical Knowledge |
| Language | Available in 15 regional languages including Hindi, English, and 13 other scheduled languages | |
How to Fill RRB Technician 2026 Online Form – Step by Step
The online portal opens on 30 June 2026 at rrbapply.gov.in. Candidates eligible for both Grade 1 Signal and Grade 3 may apply for both — but must submit separate applications and pay separate fees for each, as both involve distinct CBTs. Apply to only one RRB per pay level; applying to multiple RRBs for the same post results in rejection of all applications.
- From 30 June 2026, visit rrbapply.gov.in and click on the CEN 02/2026 Technician application link on the homepage.
- Click "Apply" and "Create an Account." Complete Aadhaar verification — your name and date of birth in Aadhaar must match your Class 10 certificate exactly. Set a strong password combining uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.
- Log in and select your preferred RRB zone and post (Grade 1 Signal or Grade 3 — or submit two separate applications if eligible for both). Select your specific trade/stream for Grade 3 carefully — this determines your CBT technical section.
- Fill in all personal and educational details accurately. For Grade 3, enter your ITI trade name exactly as it appears on your ITI certificate. For Grade 1 Signal, enter your B.Sc./Diploma/B.Tech stream details.
- Upload the required scanned documents: recent passport-size photograph (clear, white background), signature in cursive (running/joined) handwriting in black ink on white paper — block or capital signatures are grounds for rejection — and any other documents specified in the detailed notification.
- Pay the application fee online (debit card, credit card, net banking, or as accepted per CEN 02/2026 instructions) before 29 July 2026 (23:59 hrs). Ensure your Aadhaar-linked bank account is active for the refund process.
- Preview every field on the form carefully before final submission. Pay special attention to your ITI trade name, qualification year, and RRB zone — these cannot be changed after the correction window closes.
- Submit and download the final confirmation PDF. Take a printout and preserve it for all future stages: admit card, document verification, and medical examination.
RRB Technician 2026 Admit Card – How to Download (When Released)
The RRB Technician 2026 CBT admit card (hall ticket) will be available for download approximately 4 days before the exam on rrbapply.gov.in and all 21 RRB regional websites. The exam city intimation slip will be released 10 days before the exam. No physical admit card will be dispatched by post.
- Visit your chosen RRB's regional website or rrbapply.gov.in when the admit card link is activated (approximately 4 days before the exam).
- Click the RRB Technician CEN 02/2026 Admit Card / Hall Ticket link on the homepage.
- Log in with your registration credentials (application number / registered mobile number and password or date of birth as prompted).
- Download the admit card PDF and print at least two copies on A4 paper.
- Carry the printed admit card plus a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, or PAN card) to the exam centre on exam day. Both are mandatory for entry.
RRB Technician 2026 – Exam Syllabus & Paper Pattern (Brief)
A single 90-minute CBT of 100 questions covers both general aptitude and trade-specific knowledge. The split between general and technical sections differs for Grade 1 Signal (more engineering and computer fundamentals) versus Grade 3 (more ITI-trade knowledge). Negative marking of 1/3 applies throughout.
| Subject | Grade 1 Signal | Grade 3 (Open Line) |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Included | Included |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Included | Included |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | Included | Included |
| General Science (Class X level) | Not applicable | Included |
| Basic Science & Engineering | Included | Not applicable |
| Basics of Computers & Applications | Included | Not applicable |
| Trade-specific Technical Knowledge | Electronics / Computer Science / IT / Instrumentation / Physics streams | Specific to chosen ITI trade (Fitter, Electrician, Mechanic, Welder, etc.) |
RRB Technician CEN 02/2026 – Official Links & Notification
| Apply Online (Active from 30 June 2026) | rrbapply.gov.in |
| Download Detailed Notification PDF (when released) | rrbapply.gov.in (notification link on homepage) |
| RRB CDG (Chandigarh) | rrbcdg.gov.in |
| RRB Secunderabad | rrbsecunderabad.gov.in |
| RRB Chennai | rrbchennai.gov.in |
| RRB Mumbai | rrbmumbai.gov.in |
| Indian Railways Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in |
