RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 590 Vacancies | Apply Online

Last Updated: 15 September 2026 | Source: Official RRB CEN 05/2026 Notification | Recruitment: RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 | Posted By: GovtJobDeck

The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released the detailed CEN 05/2026 for recruitment to various Paramedical Categories in Indian Railways. The detailed notification covers 590 vacancies across 9 posts, including Nursing Superintendent, Pharmacist, Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II, Radiographer, ECG Technician, Optometrist and Lab Assistant Grade II.

The RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 apply online process has started on 15 September 2026. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online up to 14 October 2026, 11:59 PM. The application fee can be paid up to 16 October 2026, while the application modification window will remain open from 17 October to 26 October 2026.

Candidates should note that the earlier recruitment information mentioned 560 vacancies. The detailed CEN 05/2026 now specifies 590 vacancies, so the detailed notification should be treated as the current vacancy position. The official vacancy table confirms the all-RRB grand total of 590 posts.

Candidates interested in more railway vacancies can explore the Railway Jobs 2026 section for the latest RRB and RRC recruitment updates and for another major nursing opportunity, check the PGIMER Nursing Officer vacancies.

RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The detailed notification states that candidates can choose only one RRB and indicate their preferred Railway Zones and posts/categories within that chosen RRB. Multiple applications to different RRBs or the same RRB will lead to rejection.

RRB Paramedical Important Dates 2026

The official CEN specifies the online application opening date as 15 September and the closing date as 14 October 2026 at 23:59 hours.

Quick Access Link

Apart from railway healthcare vacancies, candidates can also explore the NHM Tamil Nadu Staff Nurse Recruitment 2026 for 4,724 Contractual/Temporary Staff Nurse posts.

RRB Paramedical Vacancy 2026

The detailed CEN 05/2026 contains 590 vacancies across nine paramedical categories.

The vacancy position is provisional and may increase, decrease or become nil depending on Railway Administration requirements. Detailed RRB-wise, Railway/Production Unit-wise and post-wise distribution is provided in Annexure B of the notification.

Important: 560 Vacancies vs 590 Vacancies

Candidates who saw the earlier RRB Paramedical recruitment announcement may have noticed 560 vacancies being reported.

That was the earlier indicative vacancy figure. The detailed CEN 05/2026 now gives an all-RRB grand total of 590 vacancies. Therefore, for the current recruitment, candidates should use 590 vacancies as the detailed notification figure. The Annexure B grand total also confirms 590 posts.

RRB-wise Vacancy Distribution

The detailed Annexure B provides the RRB-wise, Railway/Production Unit-wise and post-wise vacancy distribution.

The detailed Annexure B shows, for example, 98 vacancies under RRB Kolkata, 71 under RRB Secunderabad, 65 under Chennai and 61 under Mumbai. The complete distribution also includes category-wise and PwBD vacancy details.

Candidates should note that only one RRB can be selected for this CEN. Within the chosen RRB, candidates can provide preferences for eligible posts and Railway Zones/Units. Multiple applications to different RRBs or even multiple applications to the same RRB can result in rejection and debarment.

RRB Paramedical Posts and Salary 2026

The recruitment covers posts from Pay Level 3 to Pay Level 7 under the 7th Central Pay Commission.

The figures above are the initial basic pay, not the final in-hand salary. Actual monthly salary will depend on applicable allowances, deductions, posting location and other service conditions.

Want to estimate your expected in-hand salary after joining the Railways? Use our Central Government Salary Calculator to estimate salary after applicable allowances and deductions.

Candidates looking for other technical opportunities in Indian Railways can also check the RRB Technician Recruitment 2026 for the latest vacancy, eligibility and application details.

RRB Paramedical Eligibility 2026

Eligibility is post-specific. Candidates must possess the prescribed educational/technical/professional qualification on or before 14 October 2026, the closing date of the online application. Candidates waiting for the final result of the prescribed qualification are not eligible to apply.

Important Eligibility Points

• The prescribed qualification must be obtained on or before 14 October 2026.
• Candidates awaiting final results of the required qualification are not eligible.
• Professional registration is mandatory wherever specified in the notification.
• Eligibility varies significantly from one paramedical post to another; therefore, candidates should check the qualification for their specific post before applying.

RRB Paramedical Age Limit 2026

The age will be calculated as on 1 January 2027.

The post-wise age limits are:

The detailed CEN provides different age-relaxation provisions depending on category and status.

Age Relaxation

Eligible widowed, divorced or judicially separated female candidates who have not remarried also have separate maximum-age provisions under the CEN.

Age relaxation is not cumulative. Where a candidate qualifies for relaxation on more than one ground, the maximum applicable relaxation is allowed.

RRB Paramedical Medical Standards 2026

Medical fitness is an important eligibility condition because each post has a prescribed medical standard.

The detailed notification specifies:

• B-1
• C-1
• C-2

medical standards for the various posts.

For example, Nursing Superintendent and Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II carry the C-1 standard, while Dialysis Technician, Audiologist & Speech Therapist, Radiographer, Optometrist and Lab Assistant carry B-1 or other prescribed standards depending on the post.

For B-1, the notification specifies distance vision of 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses, subject to the prescribed lens-power limit, along with near-vision and colour/binocular/night/mesopic vision requirements. C-1 and C-2 have their own prescribed vision standards.

Candidates who fail the prescribed medical standard for the opted post will not be provided an alternative appointment.

Therefore, candidates should check the medical requirements of their selected post before applying rather than assuming that every paramedical post has the same medical standard.

RRB Paramedical Selection Process 2026

The recruitment process consists of:

Computer-Based Test (CBT) → Document Verification → Medical Examination → Empanelment/Appointment

There will be a Single Stage CBT for the notified categories, followed by Document Verification. RRB reserves the right to conduct additional CBTs if necessary.

Candidates will be shortlisted for Document Verification based on CBT merit, subject to the prescribed minimum qualifying marks.

The final empanelment is subject to:

• CBT performance and merit
• Document Verification
• Prescribed medical fitness
• Verification of educational and community certificates
• Character/antecedent verification
• Availability of vacancies and applicable preferences

If you are also preparing for other RRB recruitments, check the RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 for vacancy, eligibility, salary and selection details Candidates preparing for upcoming Railway exams can also check the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 to understand the CBT pattern, subjects and preparation requirements for another major RRB examination.

RRB Paramedical Application Fee 2026

The examination fee is:

Only candidates who appear in the CBT are eligible for the applicable fee refund.

Fee Payment Mode

The examination fee can be paid online only through:

• Internet Banking
• Debit/Credit Card
• UPI

Applicable service charges are to be borne by the candidate. There is no other fee-payment mode under the CEN.

RRB Paramedical Exam Pattern 2026

The Single Stage CBT will contain 100 questions for 100 marks and will be conducted for 90 minutes.

Eligible PwBD/PWD candidates using the scribe facility will get 120 minutes.

The notification states that this section-wise distribution is indicative, and the actual question paper may vary.

Negative Marking

There will be negative marking of 1/3 mark for every wrong answer in the CBT.

Minimum Qualifying Marks

The notification also provides for a possible relaxation of 2 marks for PwBD candidates where there is a shortage of PwBD candidates against reserved vacancies.

Candidates should not confuse the minimum qualifying percentage with the final selection cutoff. Final shortlisting is based on merit and vacancy position.

RRB Paramedical Syllabus 2026

The detailed syllabus is given in Annexure C of CEN 05/2026.

Nursing Superintendent Syllabus

Professional Ability includes:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Nutrition
• Biochemistry
• Nursing Foundations
• Psychology
• Microbiology
• Sociology
• Pharmacology
• Pathology
• Genetics
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Community Health Nursing
• Child Health Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Midwifery and Obstetrical Nursing
• Nursing Research & Statistics
• Management of Nursing Services and Education

Dialysis Technician Syllabus

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry & Pharmacology
• Physiology
• Introduction to Kidney Diseases
• Principles and Practice of Dialysis

Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II Syllabus

• Food & Nutrition
• Environmental Sanitation and Sanitary Engineering
• Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases
• Prevention and Control
• Health and Death Statistics

Audiologist & Speech Therapist Syllabus

Includes Speech and Language Development & Disorders, Anatomy and Physiology related to Speech and Hearing, Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Audiology, Psychology related to Speech and Hearing, Acoustic, Pathology of Hearing, Phonetics and Phonology, Speech-Language Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Paediatric Audiology, Hearing Conservation and Aural Rehabilitation.

Pharmacist Syllabus

The Pharmacist professional syllabus is extensive and includes:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Pharmaceutics
• Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology
• Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
• Industrial Pharmacy
• Pharmacy Practice
• Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
• Quality Assurance
• Pharmacovigilance
• Quality Control and Standardization
• Cosmetic Science
• Advanced Instrumentation Techniques
• Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals

Radiographer X-Ray Technician Syllabus

Major areas include:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Radiology Physics
• General Physics
• Radiation Physics
• Physics of Diagnostic Radiology
• X-Ray Machines & Accessories
• Maintenance
• X-Ray Film/Image Processing
• Clinical Radiography and Positioning
• Medical Ethics and Patient Care
• Medical Emergencies
• Modern Imaging Modalities
• Contrast and Special Radiography Procedures
• Quality Control
• Radiation Safety

ECG Technician Syllabus

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Basic Cardiovascular Investigations
• Advanced Cardiovascular Investigations

Optometrist Syllabus

Includes:

• Physical and Geometrical Optics
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Ocular Anatomy and Physiology
• Optometric Optics
• Ocular Diseases
• Visual Optics
• Pharmacology
• Pathology and Microbiology
• Optometric Instruments
• Clinical Examination of Visual System
• Binocular Vision
• Glaucoma
• Low Vision Aids
• Dispensing Optics
• Paediatric and Geriatric Optometry
• Contact Lens
• Occupational Optometry
• Systemic Diseases
• Public Health and Community Optometry

Lab Assistant Grade II Syllabus

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Fundamentals of Medical Laboratory Technology
• Microbiology
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Pathology & Histopathology
• Haematology and Blood Bank

Common Subjects Syllabus

The common General Arithmetic syllabus includes:

• Number Systems
• BODMAS
• Decimals
• Fractions
• LCM and HCF
• Ratio and Proportion
• Percentages
• Mensuration
• Time and Work
• Time and Distance
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Elementary Statistics
• Square Root
• Age Calculations
• Calendar and Clock
• Pipes and Cistern

RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 – How to Apply

Candidates should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official RRB website/application portal.
2. Create an RRB account if they do not already have one.
3. Candidates with an existing RRB account should use their existing credentials.
4. Complete Aadhaar/DigiLocker authentication where applicable.
5. Select CEN 05/2026 – Paramedical Categories.
6. Select one RRB.
7. Select eligible posts and provide post/Railway Zone preferences.
8. Enter personal, educational and other required details.
9. Select the examination language.
10. Capture the required live photograph.
11. Upload the required signature and applicable documents.
12. Pay the examination fee online.
13. Preview and carefully verify all information.
14. Submit the application.
15. Save the final application and payment confirmation for future reference.

The application must be submitted using the official RRB application link.

Live Photograph Requirement

One important change candidates should understand is that they are not required to upload an old/pre-existing photograph during the application.

The application system captures a live photograph through a webcam or the front camera of a mobile device. Candidates should face the camera directly, keep the face clearly visible and avoid wearing a cap, mask or spectacles during capture.

Documents Required for RRB Paramedical Application

Candidates should keep the following information/documents ready as applicable:

• Aadhaar details/identity information
• Class 10/Matriculation certificate
• Educational qualification certificates
• Professional qualification certificates
• Registration certificates wherever applicable
• SC/ST certificate, particularly where free train travel is being claimed
• OBC-NCL/EWS/category documents wherever applicable
• PwBD documents, where applicable
• Ex-Servicemen documents, where applicable
• Signature
• Active personal mobile number
• Active personal email ID

Candidates should remember that eligibility is initially provisional. Original documents will be verified at the Document Verification stage.

One RRB Only – Important Application Rule

Candidates cannot apply to multiple RRBs under CEN 05/2026.

A candidate can choose only one RRB and then provide preferences for eligible posts and Railway Zones/Units within that chosen RRB.

Submitting multiple applications can result in rejection of all applications and debarment from future RRB/RRC examinations.

Candidates should therefore decide their RRB preference carefully before final submission.

Application Modification Window

After submitting the application and paying the applicable fee, candidates can modify eligible application details during:

17 October 2026 to 26 October 2026

A ₹250 non-refundable modification fee is payable for each modification occasion.

However, two things cannot be changed:

1. Details entered in the Create an Account form, including mobile number and email ID.
2. Chosen RRB.

Candidates can make modifications more than once by paying the prescribed fee for each occasion.

After 26 October 2026, requests for modification will not be entertained.

RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 – Examination Language

The CBT will be available in:

• English
• Hindi
• Assamese
• Bengali
• Gujarati
• Kannada
• Konkani
• Malayalam
• Manipuri
• Marathi
• Odia
• Punjabi
• Tamil
• Telugu
• Urdu

Candidates will select their examination medium during the online application. Questions will be displayed in the selected language as well as English.

Document Verification and Medical Examination

Candidates shortlisted on CBT merit will be called for Document Verification.

The notification states that candidates equal to the number of vacancies will ordinarily be called for Document Verification, subject to the applicable recruitment conditions and merit.

At DV, candidates must produce their original certificates. Failure to produce required original documents can result in forfeiture of candidature.

After successful Document Verification, candidates must pass the prescribed Railway medical examination before empanelment/appointment.

RRB Paramedical E-Call Letter and Exam City

The CBT city information will be provided in advance, while the e-call letter will be available through the official RRB website.

The notification states that eligible candidates can download the CBT e-call letter approximately four days before the CBT, while examination-city information is expected approximately 10 days before the examination. No call letter will be sent by post.

Candidates should regularly check their concerned RRB website, SMS and registered email.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Candidates applying for RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 should keep the following points in mind:

• Read the complete CEN before applying.
• Ensure the required qualification has already been obtained by 14 October 2026.
• Candidates awaiting final qualifying results should not apply.
• Select only one RRB.
• Carefully provide post and Railway Zone preferences.
• Do not submit multiple applications.
• Enter name, parents’ names and date of birth according to the Class 10/Matriculation certificate.
• Keep the registered mobile number and email active throughout the recruitment.
• Complete Aadhaar/DigiLocker authentication wherever possible.
• Capture the live photograph according to the portal instructions.
• Upload the signature in the prescribed format.
• Check the medical standard for the selected post.
• Remember that vacancies are provisional.
• Do not bring prohibited electronic devices or other banned items to the examination centre.
• Keep checking the official RRB website for amendments, corrigenda and examination notices.

The RRB specifically warns that mobile phones, watches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, earphones, cameras and several other items are prohibited inside the examination centre. Candidates should also note that pens/pencils are not to be carried into the test centre; the notification states that a pen will be provided during the exam.

For Railway exam practice, candidates can also solve RRB ALP Previous Year Question Papers to understand question patterns, difficulty level and time management.

Who Should Apply for RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026?

This recruitment is particularly relevant for candidates who already possess the prescribed professional qualification for one of the nine notified categories.

Candidates should consider applying if they:

• Hold the required Nursing qualification for Nursing Superintendent.
• Hold the required Pharmacy qualification and registration for Pharmacist.
• Have the prescribed Radiography/X-Ray qualification.
• Have the required DMLT/Medical Laboratory qualification for Lab Assistant.
• Hold the prescribed Optometry qualification and registration.
• Possess the specified ECG qualification.
• Meet the specific qualification for Dialysis Technician.
• Hold BASLP and RCI registration for Audiologist & Speech Therapist.
• Meet the Chemistry + Health/Sanitary Inspector qualification for Health & Malaria Inspector

Important Links

Related Opportunities

Candidates interested in Railway and RRB recruitment can also check these related opportunities:

• RRB Technician Recruitment 2026 – Railway technical posts and recruitment details.
• RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 – Check vacancy, eligibility, salary and selection process.
• Railway Jobs 2026 – Explore the latest Railway and RRB recruitment opportunities.

FAQs – RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026

How many vacancies are there in RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026?

The detailed CEN 05/2026 has notified 590 vacancies across nine paramedical categories.

How many posts are included in RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026?

There are 9 notified posts, including Nursing Superintendent, Dialysis Technician, Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II, Audiologist & Speech Therapist, Pharmacist, Radiographer, ECG Technician, Optometrist and Lab Assistant Grade II.

When does the RRB Paramedical application start?

The online application process starts on 15 September 2026.

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

The last date is 14 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.

What is the last date for fee payment?

The application fee can be paid up to 16 October 2026.

What is the RRB Paramedical application fee?

The fee is ₹500 for general candidates, with ₹400 refundable after appearing in CBT, subject to applicable bank charges.

For SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, Female, Transgender, Minority and EBC candidates, the fee is ₹250, which is refundable after appearing in CBT, subject to applicable bank charges.

What is the age limit for RRB Paramedical Recruitment?

The age depends on the post. The minimum age is 18 years for several posts, while the maximum age ranges from 30 to 40 years depending on the category/post.

Age is calculated as on 1 January 2027.

What is the qualification for Nursing Superintendent?

Candidates need a recognized 3-year General Nursing and Midwifery qualification with Registered Nurse and Midwife certification or B.Sc Nursing, as prescribed in Annexure A.

What is the RRB Paramedical CBT pattern?

The CBT is 100 questions for 100 marks with a duration of 90 minutes. The indicative distribution is 70 Professional Ability, 10 General Awareness, 10 Arithmetic/General Intelligence & Reasoning and 10 General Science.

Is there negative marking?

Yes. One-third of the marks allotted to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer.

Can I apply for more than one RRB?

No. Candidates can select only one RRB. Multiple applications can lead to rejection and debarment from future RRB/RRC examinations.

Can I change my selected RRB later?

No. The selected RRB cannot be changed during the modification window.

When is the application modification window?

The modification window is 17 October to 26 October 2026. A ₹250 non-refundable modification fee is applicable for each modification.

Has the CBT date been announced?

No. The CBT date will be announced separately by the RRBs through their official websites.

Where can I apply for RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026?

Candidates can submit the application through the official RRB Apply portal.

Is the earlier 560-vacancy figure still applicable?

No. The detailed CEN 05/2026 gives the current all-RRB total as 590 vacancies. The detailed notification should be used for the current post-wise and RRB-wise vacancy position.

What is the salary in RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026?

The initial basic pay ranges from ₹21,700 to ₹44,900, depending on the Pay Level and post.

Is medical examination required?

Yes. Candidates must pass the prescribed Railway medical standard for the post. Candidates found medically unsuitable for their opted post will not be given an alternative appointment.

Conclusion

The release of the detailed RRB CEN 05/2026 changes the recruitment from an indicative vacancy announcement into a complete application-stage recruitment. Candidates now have the exact post-wise vacancy, qualification, age, medical standards, CBT pattern, syllabus, fee structure and application requirements.

The most important update is that the vacancy figure has moved from the earlier 560 tentative posts to 590 vacancies in the detailed CEN. Candidates should therefore no longer rely on the earlier short-notification figures while applying.

With applications open from 15 September 2026, eligible candidates should first verify their post-specific qualification, age and medical standard, then select their RRB and preferences carefully before submitting the application. The RRB specifically warns that the chosen RRB cannot subsequently be changed and multiple applications can result in rejection and debarment.

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Sandeep Dev researches and verifies government recruitment notifications using official advertisements, government recruitment portals, and official notifications. Every article published on GovtJobDeck is reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and timely updates before publication.

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