The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), North Central Railway (NCR), Prayagraj has released Notification No. EN CQ-02/2026 for recruitment against the Cultural Quota (Open Advertisement) for the year 2026-27. Two posts are notified – 1 in Sitar and 1 in Tabla – at Pay Matrix Level-2 (Grade Pay Rs. 1,900, 7th CPC). These are Indian Railways permanent posts open to all communities with no community-wise reservation. Candidates with a formal qualification in Sitar or Tabla from a Government Recognised Institution, along with the prescribed educational qualification, can apply online at rrcpryj.org from 20 August 2026 to 19 September 2026 (23:59 hrs). Selection is through a Written Test (50 marks), Practical Demonstration (35 marks) and assessment of Testimonials and Prizes (15 marks).
Important – Read Before You Apply: These 2 posts carry no community-wise reservation – they are open to all communities, though SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates do get age relaxation. Your cultural qualification MUST be a degree, diploma or certificate from a Government Recognised Institution only – qualifications from unrecognised institutions are not accepted. The Written Test has 1/3 negative marking, and only candidates who qualify the Written Test are called for Practical Demonstration. Your signature in the online application must exactly match your signature at all subsequent stages – any mismatch can lead to disqualification and lifetime debarment from all RRB/RRC examinations. Candidates with results still awaited are NOT eligible. If you are claiming Minority community fee concession, you must upload a self-declaration (Annexure-H) at the time of application AND produce a notarised Minority Community Declaration affidavit at Document Verification – failing to produce the affidavit at DV will result in candidature rejection and the fee will NOT be refunded.
RRC NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | North Central Railway (NCR), Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Prayagraj |
| Notification No. | EN CQ-02/2026 |
| Notification Date | 18 August 2026 |
| Recruitment Type | Cultural Quota – Open Advertisement, 2026-27 |
| Posts | Sitar and Tabla |
| Total Vacancies | 2 (1 Sitar + 1 Tabla) |
| Pay Matrix Level | Level-2, Grade Pay Rs. 1,900/- (7th CPC) |
| Community Reservation | No community-wise reservation – open to all |
| Application Mode | Online only at rrcpryj.org |
| Application Opens | 20 August 2026 |
| Application Closes | 19 September 2026 (23:59 hrs) |
| Age Reckoning Date | 01 January 2027 |
| Official Website | rrcpryj.org |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification published | 18 August 2026 |
| Online application opens | 20 August 2026 |
| Online application closes | 19 September 2026 (23:59 hrs) |
| Written Exam and Document Verification date | To be announced separately on rrcpryj.org |
Vacancy Details
| S. No. | Stream | Pay Matrix Level (7th CPC) | Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sitar | Level-2 (Grade Pay Rs. 1,900/-) | 1 |
| 2 | Tabla | Level-2 (Grade Pay Rs. 1,900/-) | 1 |
| Total | 2 |
These posts are open to all communities. There is no community-wise (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) reservation on these vacancies. Age relaxation, however, is available to SC/ST/OBC and other specified categories as per General Railway recruitment rules.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy BOTH the educational qualification AND the cultural qualification requirements.
Educational Qualification (any one of the following):
| Pathway | Details |
|---|---|
| Pathway 1 | Intermediate or equivalent examination passed with minimum 50% aggregate marks from a recognized Board/University |
| Pathway 2 | Matriculation/SSLC passed from a recognized Board + ITI approved by NCVT/SCVT |
| Pathway 3 | Matriculation/SSLC passed + Course Completed Act Apprenticeship |
Relaxation on 50% condition: The minimum 50% marks requirement in Intermediate is not insisted upon for SC/ST candidates, Ex-Servicemen, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and candidates who possess a higher qualification such as Graduation or Post-Graduation from a recognized university.
Cultural Qualification (mandatory – applies to the specific stream applied for):
| Post | Cultural Qualification |
|---|---|
| Sitar | Degree, Diploma or Certificate in Sitar from a Government Recognised Institution |
| Tabla | Degree, Diploma or Certificate in Tabla from a Government Recognised Institution |
Cultural qualifications from institutions not recognized by the Government are NOT accepted regardless of the level or duration of the course.
Desirable Qualifications (weighed in Testimonials and Prizes assessment):
- Experience in the relevant cultural field
- Performances given on All India Radio (AIR) or Doordarshan
- Prizes won at the National level
Details of awards, prizes and performances must be filled in Annexure-G and signed by the candidate. This form is uploaded as part of the online application. Supporting certificates are NOT uploaded separately but must be produced in original at Document Verification.
Age Limit
Age is calculated as on 01 January 2027.
| Condition | Age |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 18 to 30 years |
| Date of birth range (UR) | Born on or after 01.01.1997 and on or before 01.01.2009 |
Age Relaxation:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years (up to 33 years) |
| SC/ST | 5 years (up to 35 years) |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 10 years (where post is identified as suitable for PwBD) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Period of defence service after attestation + 3 years (must have more than 6 months’ attested service) |
| Widows/Divorced/Judicially separated women (not remarried) | UR: up to 35 years; OBC: up to 38 years; SC/ST: up to 40 years |
| Serving Railway/Quasi-Administrative office staff (minimum 3 years’ service) | UR: up to 40 years; OBC: up to 43 years; SC/ST: up to 45 years |
| Persons domiciled in J&K (01 Jan 1980 to 31 Dec 1989) | 5 years |
Date of birth, once entered in the recruitment records, cannot be changed on any grounds.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Refund Condition |
|---|---|---|
| All candidates except below | Rs. 500 | Rs. 400 refunded (after bank charges) on appearing in Written Test |
| SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD/Transgender/Female/Minorities/EBC | Rs. 250 | Full Rs. 250 refunded (after bank charges) on appearing in Written Test |
Important fee conditions:
- Fee is NOT refunded to candidates found ineligible, regardless of whether they appeared in the Written Test.
- Minority candidates must upload Annexure-H (self-declaration) at the time of application to claim the concession fee. At Document Verification, they must produce a notarised Minority Community Declaration affidavit on Rs. 200 non-judicial stamp paper (Annexure-V). Failure to produce this at DV results in rejection and forfeiture of fee.
- EBC (Economically Backward Class) candidates are those with family annual income below Rs. 50,000. They must upload an EBC certificate (Annexure-D).
- Fee is paid online via credit/debit card, UPI or internet banking. Bank charges are borne by the candidate.
Selection Process
| Stage | Component | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Written Test (MCQ, 50 questions, 60 minutes) | 50 |
| Stage 2 | Assessment of Talent – Practical Demonstration | 35 |
| Stage 3 | Assessment of Talent – Testimonials and Prizes | 15 |
| Total | 100 |
Written Test details:
- 50 objective-type (MCQ) questions
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Subjects: General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence, Reasoning, General Knowledge on Cultural Activities/Cultural Area
- Bilingual: Hindi and English; candidates may attempt in either language
- Negative marking: 1/3rd of marks for each wrong answer is deducted
Only candidates who qualify the Written Test are called for the Practical Demonstration (Stage 2) and assessment of Testimonials and Prizes (Stage 3).
Practical Demonstration (35 marks): Performance assessment in Sitar or Tabla by an expert panel.
Testimonials and Prizes (15 marks): Based on cultural qualifications, performances on AIR/Doordarshan, prizes won at National level, and other achievements as declared in Annexure-G.
Selected candidates must pass a medical examination and, where prescribed, complete initial training before posting.
How to Apply for RRC NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official RRC NCR website at rrcpryj.org and click on the Cultural Quota (02/2026) link.
- Click on the Online/E-Application link, then click “New Registration.”
- Fill in basic details including Name, Father’s Name, Aadhaar Number, email address and mobile number to register.
- Receive your Registration Number and Password via the registered email/mobile. Log in using “Applicant Login.”
- Select the Stream (Sitar or Tabla) as notified. Only one application per candidate per stream. Applying for both streams requires a separate application and separate fee for each.
- Fill in all further required details including educational qualification, cultural qualification details, community, desirable qualification (Annexure-G – awards, prizes, performances), and other particulars.
- Pay the applicable examination fee online via credit/debit card, UPI or internet banking.
- Upload the following documents in the prescribed format and size:
- Colour photograph (3.5 cm x 3.5 cm, JPEG, 20-30 KB)
- Signature (in English or Hindi, JPEG, 10-15 KB)
- Age proof certificate (PDF, 50-150 KB, 150 DPI)
- Cultural qualification certificate (PDF, 50-150 KB, 150 DPI)
- SC/ST certificate if applicable (PDF, 100-200 KB)
- Category/relaxation certificates as applicable (PDF, 100-200 KB)
- Annexure-H self-declaration for Minority community candidates claiming fee concession
- Annexure-D EBC certificate if applicable
- Complete submission and print the acknowledgement for records.
No physical copy needs to be sent to RRC NCR. Online application only.
Documents Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of birth proof | 10th/Matriculation certificate, equivalent educational certificate, or competent authority’s birth certificate |
| Educational qualification certificate and mark sheet | Intermediate or Matriculation as applicable |
| Cultural qualification certificate | Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Sitar or Tabla from a Government Recognised Institution |
| Annexure-G | Filled and signed form listing awards, prizes and cultural performance experience – uploaded in application |
| Caste certificate | SC/ST certificate in Central Government format (Annexure-A) for age relaxation and free railway pass |
| OBC-NCL certificate | Valid for 2026-27, issued on or after 01.04.2026, with non-creamy layer declaration |
| PwBD certificate | From competent medical authority |
| Ex-Servicemen discharge certificate | For Ex-SM candidates |
| Annexure-H (Minority self-declaration) | For Minority candidates claiming fee concession – uploaded at application stage |
| Notarised Minority affidavit (Annexure-V) | On Rs. 200 non-judicial stamp paper – produced at Document Verification |
| Annexure-D (EBC certificate) | For EBC candidates (family income below Rs. 50,000) |
| Annexure-F (Income and Asset Certificate) | For EWS candidates |
| NOC from employer | For serving Railway/Quasi-Administrative office employees |
Important Instructions
- These posts carry no community-wise reservation – open to all communities. Apply for the stream that matches your cultural qualification (Sitar or Tabla).
- Cultural qualification MUST be from a Government Recognised Institution. Qualifications from unrecognised institutions are not accepted regardless of level or duration.
- Written Test carries 1/3 negative marking. Unanswered questions carry zero marks. Only candidates qualifying the Written Test proceed to Practical Demonstration.
- Your signature in the online application must remain consistent throughout all stages – application, Written Test, Document Verification, Medical. A mismatch at any stage can lead to disqualification and lifetime debarment from all RRB/RRC examinations.
- Name, Father’s Name and Date of Birth entered must exactly match the Matriculation certificate. Mismatches at Document Verification lead to cancellation.
- Candidates awaiting final exam results are not eligible to apply.
- Candidates debarred from RRB/RRC examinations (whether for life or for an unexpired period) must not apply.
- Minority candidates must both upload Annexure-H at the time of application AND produce a notarised affidavit at DV. Failing the second step = rejection and fee forfeiture.
- SC/ST candidates called for Written Exam or Document Verification receive a free Second Class Railway Pass on submission of valid caste certificate.
- Selected candidates may be posted anywhere within NCR and will be utilised for cultural activities and events as well as their regular railway post duties.
- Selection does not confer any right of appointment – appointment is subject to medical fitness and availability of vacancy.
- Applications submitted with errors in personal details, without the correct photo or signature format, or from candidates who are over-age, under-age or debarred will be summarily rejected.
- Date of birth once submitted cannot be changed on any grounds.
- Legal jurisdiction: Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Allahabad, only.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online – Cultural Quota EN CQ-02/2026 | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| RRC NCR Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions – RRC NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026
Q1. What is RRC NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026?
✅ Railway Recruitment Cell, North Central Railway (NCR) has notified 2 posts – 1 Sitar and 1 Tabla – under Notification No. EN CQ-02/2026 for the Cultural Quota (Open Advertisement) 2026-27, at Pay Matrix Level-2 (Grade Pay Rs. 1,900). These are permanent Indian Railways posts.
Q2. Are there any reserved vacancies in RRC NCR Cultural Quota 2026?
✅ No community-wise reservation applies to these 2 posts. They are open to all communities. However, SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD and other specified categories do get age relaxation as per General Railway recruitment rules.
Q3. What cultural qualification is required?
✅ A degree, diploma or certificate in Sitar (for the Sitar post) or Tabla (for the Tabla post) from a Government Recognised Institution is mandatory. Qualifications from unrecognised institutions are NOT accepted.
Q4. What is the last date to apply for RRC NCR Cultural Quota 2026?
✅ 19 September 2026 at 23:59 hrs. Applications opened on 20 August 2026 at rrcpryj.org.
Q5. What is the selection process for RRC NCR Cultural Quota 2026?
✅ Three components for 100 marks – Written Test (50 marks, 50 MCQ questions in 60 minutes, with 1/3 negative marking), Practical Demonstration in Sitar/Tabla (35 marks) and assessment of Testimonials and Prizes (15 marks). Only candidates qualifying the Written Test are called for the Practical stage.
Q6. What is the application fee for RRC NCR Cultural Quota 2026?
✅ Rs. 500 for General candidates (Rs. 400 refunded after bank charges on appearing in Written Test). Rs. 250 for SC/ST/Ex-SM/PwBD/Transgender/Female/Minority/EBC candidates (fully refunded after bank charges on appearing in Written Test). Fee is not refunded to ineligible candidates.
Q7. What is the age limit for RRC NCR Cultural Quota 2026?
✅ 18 to 30 years as on 01 January 2027 for General candidates. OBC-NCL: 3 years relaxation, SC/ST: 5 years, PwBD: 10 years, Ex-Servicemen: period of service + 3 years.
Q8. What are the Testimonials and Prizes marks based on?
✅ 15 marks are awarded based on cultural achievements as declared in Annexure-G – covering cultural qualifications, performances given on All India Radio or Doordarshan, and prizes won at the National level. Annexure-G must be filled, signed and uploaded in the online application; supporting certificates must be produced in original at Document Verification.
Q9. Is there negative marking in the RRC NCR Cultural Quota Written Test?
✅ Yes. 1/3rd of the marks allotted to a question is deducted for every wrong answer. Unanswered questions carry no penalty. Only candidates who qualify the Written Test proceed to Practical Demonstration.
Q10. Will selected candidates be posted only at Prayagraj?
✅ No. Selected candidates may be posted anywhere within North Central Railway based on administrative requirements. They will also be required to participate in cultural activities and events organised by the railway, in addition to performing their regular post duties.
Disclaimer: This article is based on Notification No. EN CQ-02/2026 dated 18 August 2026, released by the Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), North Central Railway, Prayagraj, for Cultural Quota recruitment 2026-27. Only 2 posts (1 Sitar, 1 Tabla) are notified with no community-wise reservation. The cultural qualification must be from a Government Recognised Institution. The Written Test date and Document Verification schedule will be announced separately on rrcpryj.org. Minority candidates must upload Annexure-H at the time of application and produce a notarised affidavit at DV or face rejection and fee forfeiture. All legal matters fall under the jurisdiction of CAT, Allahabad only. Candidates must verify all details from the official notification at rrcpryj.org before applying. JobShouter.com is not associated with RRC NCR in any manner.
