Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB), Ministry of Railways
Last Date: 13.09.2026

The Railway Recruitment Boards have opened CEN No. 04/2026, inviting applications for 3,993 posts of Junior Engineer and Depot Material Superintendent across 21 RRB zones. Online applications begin on 14 August 2026 and close on 13 September 2026. The posts carry Pay Level 6 with an initial basic pay of Rs.35,400, and candidates with a diploma or degree in engineering can apply depending on the discipline they choose.

RRB JE Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview

RRB JE Recruitment 2026: Quick Intro

Indian Railways conducts technical recruitment through 21 Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) across the country. CEN 04/2026 is the latest centralized recruitment notification covering posts such as Junior Engineer (JE) and Depot Material Superintendent (DMS). The notification covers multiple technical disciplines, including Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Signal & Telecommunication, along with the Stores-focused Depot Material Superintendent (DMS) post. These are regular technical positions in Indian Railways, offering structured career progression, established service benefits, and the stability associated with a long-term railway career. Asa result Railway technical recruitments continue to attract diploma and degree holders every year.

This recruitment is smaller than the previous full-scale JE cycle. Under CEN 03/2024, RRBs had announced 7,951 vacancies across Junior Engineer, Depot Material Superintendent, and Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant posts, which was roughly twice the size of the current recruitment. The RRBs also conducted a smaller JE recruitment under CEN 05/2025, with around 2,585 vacancies and that recruitment process is still progressing through its later stages while the new CEN 04/2026 notification is being opened.

Vacancy Details

A total of 3,993 vacancies are available under this recruitment. The detailed category-wise vacancy distribution is provided below.

Note: PwBD reservation is provided across the applicable disability categories and detailed distribution of these reserved vacancies is given in Annexure-A (Page 31), while the complete RRB-wise and post-wise vacancy breakdown is provided in Annexure-B (Page 35) of the official notification PDF (available in the Important Links section toward end of the page). Review these complete vacancy distribution carefully to understand the available posts, categories, and RRB-wise vacancies before submitting your application.
=> The vacancies are spread across several technical groups, including Civil (P.Way, Works, Design, Drawing & Estimation), Electrical (EMU, TRD, General Services), Mechanical (Carriage & Wagon, Workshop, Diesel Shed), Signal & Telecommunication, and Depot Material Superintendent (DMS). Civil and Mechanical posts generally attract a large number of applicants because these are among the most common engineering diploma disciplines. The Depot Material Superintendent (DMS) post also has a broader eligibility base, as candidates with a diploma in any engineering discipline can apply, which can further increase the number of applications.  So, with fewer than 4,000 vacancies in this recruitment distributed across multiple RRBs, technical disciplines, and categories, some RRB-post combinations may have only a small number of openings. Candidates should therefore review the detailed vacancy table carefully in saidlocation mentioned above, as competition can vary considerably depending on the RRB and post selected.

Application Fee

The category-wise application fee and related payment details are provided below:

Note: The application fee can be paid through internet banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. Candidates should note that the fee refund is linked to appearing in CBT-1, and not to qualifying the examination, this means candidates who appear for CBT-1 but do not qualify can still receive the applicable refund, while those who do not appear for the exam are not eligible for the refund. The refund is credited only to a bank account linked with the candidate's Aadhaar number.

Age Limit

The age is calculated as on 1 January 2027, and candidates must be between 18 and 33 years of age on that date. For UR and EWS candidates, the date of birth should fall between 2 January 1994 and 1 January 2009, both dates inclusive. The category-wise upper age relaxation is detailed below:

Note: If a candidate is eligible for age relaxation under more than one category or provision, only the highest applicable relaxation will be granted. The relaxations cannot be combined or added together.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have either a 3-year Diploma in Engineering or a Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology in the relevant discipline. The discipline determines the exam group for the technical paper. The 4 exam groups are as follows:
1. Mechanical and Allied Engineering: Mechanical, Production, Automobile, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Industrial, Tool & Die, and related disciplines.
2. Electrical and Allied Engineering
3. Electronics and Allied Engineering: including Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Information Technology.
4. Civil and Allied Engineering

**For the Depot Material Superintendent (DMS) post, the qualification requirement is broader and candidates with a 3-year Diploma in any Engineering discipline are eligible. DMS candidates can select the exam group corresponding to their diploma discipline for the technical paper in CBT-2.

Note: Candidates whose final-semester results are still pending are not eligible to apply. The required qualification must be completed and available by 13 September 2026. It is also important to note that if a candidate holds qualifications that correspond to more than one exam group, they can choose only one exam group for the examination. However, they remain eligible for all opted posts that fall under the selected exam group, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions.

Selection Process

The recruitment process consists of 4 stages:
1. 1st Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT-1)
2. 2nd Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT-2)
3. Document Verification (DV)
4. Medical Examination
**There is no interview stage in this recruitment.

The complete CBT-1 examination pattern and syllabus details are provided below:

The complete CBT-2 examination pattern and syllabus details are provided below:

Note: CBT-1 marks are used only for shortlisting candidates for CBT-2. Roughly 15 times the number of vacancies for each RRB may be shortlisted for the second stage. However, CBT-1 marks do not carry any weight in the final merit calculation and final selection is based primarily on CBT-2 performance, with scores considered through the prescribed Merit Index formula to normalise performance across different exam groups.
Both CBT-1 and CBT-2 carry negative marking of one-third mark for each incorrect answer. For CBT-1, the minimum qualifying percentage varies by category --> 40% for UR and EWS, 30% for OBC-NCL and SC, and 25% for ST candidates.

Salary, Job Location and Service Conditions

Selected candidates are appointed in Pay Level 6 with a starting basic pay of Rs.35,400 under the 7th Central Pay Commission. The same pay level applies to both Junior Engineer (JE) and Depot Material Superintendent (DMS) posts. Applicable allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA) and House Rent Allowance (HRA) are provided separately as per the prevailing Central Government rules after joining.
Posting can be anywhere across the 21 RRB jurisdictions, depending on the post, RRB, and administrative requirements. Candidates indicate their preferred RRB and relevant options during the application process. Once a Railway zone is allotted, candidates should be prepared to remain within that zone for a significant period as transfer to another Railway zone is generally not permitted during the initial service period of approx 5 to 10 years subject to the applicable Railway rules and conditions. Candidates should therefore consider their RRB or zone preference carefully before submitting the application, as the choice can have long-term implications for their posting.

The day-to-day work can vary significantly depending on the post and technical department. P.Way and Works JE positions generally involve field inspections and site supervision, while Signal & Telecommunication JE roles combine technical desk responsibilities with field maintenance. In comparison, Depot Material Superintendent (DMS) is primarily focused on stores, materials, and inventory management, with relatively less field work. Candidates should therefore consider these differences when ranking their post preferences, as positions under the same pay level can involve very different work environments and responsibilities.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official RRB website at rrb.indianrailways.gov.in and find the CEN 04/2026 application link, which redirects to the applicable RRB portal.
2. Create an account using a valid personal mobile number and email ID; these details cannot be changed later, so enter them carefully.
3. Use DigiLocker or Aadhaar to authenticate identity during account creation, since alternate photo ID verification invites stricter scrutiny at every later stage.
4. Fill in personal, educational and category details, then select the RRB, posts and Railway zone preferences in order.
5. Capture a live photograph through a webcam or phone camera when prompted; pre-existing or pre-uploaded photographs are not accepted and will be rejected.
6. Upload a scanned signature in JPG format, between 30 KB and 49 KB, written in running handwriting rather than block letters.
7. Choose the medium of examination from the available language options and pay the application fee online through net banking, card or UPI.
8. Review every entry carefully, since corrections after submission require a separate modification fee during a fixed window later.
9. Submit the form and save the confirmation for future reference.

Required Documents and Important Instructions

RRB generally does not require candidates to upload educational or category documents during the initial application, apart from the prescribed signature upload. However, SC/ST candidates who wish to use the free Railway travel facility for the examination must upload their valid caste certificate as required. Full Document Verification, including educational and category certificates, is conducted only after candidates qualify in CBT-2.
 
A few important instructions should be read carefully before applying, as they can affect your eligibility, application, examination, and selection process:
> The live photograph must be captured directly through the camera while filling out the application form. Candidates should not photograph an existing printed photograph or use a previously saved digital photo. RRB has clearly stated that failure to follow the live-photo requirement may lead to rejection of the application.
> The date of birth entered in the application must exactly match the date recorded on the candidate's Matriculation certificate. Candidates should verify this detail carefully before submitting the form, as corrections may not be permitted later.
> Candidates already working in Central or State Government departments, including Railways or PSUs, can apply directly but must produce a No Objection Certificate from their employer at the Document Verification stage.
> RRB has again warned candidates against touts, intermediaries, and fake websites that claim to provide jobs through influence or other unofficial means. Candidates should rely only on official RRB websites and recruitment notices for authentic information and avoid sharing money or personal details with unauthorised individuals or platforms.

Read the points below carefully to get a clearer understanding of this recruitment:

A Look at Competition by Engineering Discipline

Civil and Mechanical exam groups generally attract a large number of RRB JE applicants because these are among the most widely pursued engineering diploma disciplines. The Depot Material Superintendent (DMS) post has a broader eligibility base, as candidates with a diploma in any engineering discipline can apply. Meanwhile, candidates from comparatively less common disciplines, such as Instrumentation or Mechatronics, may receive less number of applications in some cases simply because fewer candidates hold these qualifications. However, actual competition can vary by RRB, post, category, and vacancy availability, so applicants should not assume that a smaller discipline automatically means a lower cutoff.

Zone and Post Selection Is an Important Decision

The RRB or zone preference entered during the application can have long-term implications as mentioned earlier in this article, so candidates should consider it carefully. The nature of the work can also differ significantly by post. P.Way and Works JE roles may involve regular field visits, site supervision, and postings in less accessible locations, while DMS is generally more focused on stores, materials, and office-based responsibilities.
Candidates should therefore consider both the preferred zone and the nature of the post when arranging their choices, rather than basing their preference only on the perceived location or reputation of a zone.

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• RRC North Central Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026
• Railway ICF Chennai Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 1,010 Posts

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many vacancies are there in RRB CEN 04/2026?

There are 3,993 total vacancies for Junior Engineer and Depot Material Superintendent posts combined, spread across 21 RRB zones and multiple engineering disciplines.

What is the last date to apply for RRB JE Recruitment 2026?

The online application window closes on 13 September 2026 at 23:59 hours. Fee payment for submitted applications must be completed by 15 September 2026.

Who is eligible to apply for this recruitment?

Candidates who are Indian citizens (or fall under specific eligible categories from Nepal, Bhutan or Indian-origin migrants), hold the prescribed engineering diploma or degree, and meet the age and medical standards can apply.

What is the age limit for RRB CEN 04/2026?

Candidates must be between 18 and 33 years old as on 1 January 2027, with relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC-NCL, and additional relaxation for PwBD and Ex-servicemen candidates.

What educational qualification is needed for JE and DMS posts?

A three-year Diploma in Engineering or a Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology is required for JE posts, mapped to one of four exam groups. DMS only needs a diploma in any engineering discipline.

What does the selection process involve?

Selection runs through CBT-1 (screening only), CBT-2 (which decides final merit), Document Verification and Medical Examination. There is no interview stage in this recruitment.

What is the salary for Junior Engineer and DMS posts?

Both posts carry Pay Level 6 with an initial basic pay of ₹35,400 under the 7th Central Pay Commission, plus standard allowances once appointed.

What is the application fee for CEN 04/2026?

General category candidates pay ₹500, with ₹400 refunded after appearing for CBT-1. SC, ST, Ex-servicemen, PwBD, Female, Transgender, Minority and EBC candidates pay ₹250, fully refundable on appearing for CBT-1.

How can candidates apply online for this recruitment?

Applications must be submitted through the official RRB website, rrb.indianrailways.gov.in, which links to the applicable regional RRB portal for account creation and form submission.

What is the official website for RRB JE Recruitment 2026?

The official website is rrb.indianrailways.gov.in, and candidates should rely only on this site or its linked regional RRB portals for updates.

Does the CBT-1 score count towards final selection?

No. CBT-1 is used only to shortlist candidates for CBT-2, at roughly 15 times the vacancy count per RRB. Final merit is calculated entirely from CBT-2 performance.

Will SC/ST candidates get free travel for the exam?

Yes, SC and ST candidates who opt for it during the application get a free Sleeper Class Railway travel pass for attending the CBT, provided they upload the required caste certificate.

Conclusion

At apnaupdates, we have tried to provide only the most relevant information about the latest CEN 04/2026 Railway recruitment, so you can understand the key requirements clearly and apply with confidence.
Before starting the application, carefully review and finalise your exam group and post preferences, as your choices can have long-term implications for your posting and career. Also keep your qualification certificates and Matriculation details ready and enter them exactly as required, as certain details may not be editable after submission.

After the application window closes on 13 September 2026, candidates should regularly check the official RRB website for updates on the CBT-1 examination schedule and related notices. With other Railway recruitment processes also progressing during the same period, candidates should keep track of official updates and ensure that all application details are entered carefully, as accuracy at the application stage is an important first step in the selection process. (You can also bookmark this page for quick reference and follow our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to receive important recruitment updates and notifications without missing any major announcement)

 

This article is based on the official notification and simplified for easy understanding. For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official website.