The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Government of India, have released Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 03/2026 inviting online applications for the post of Section Controller in various Zonal Railways of Indian Railways. A total of 119 vacancies have been notified across all RRBs. This is a Level 6 (7th CPC) post with an initial pay of Rs. 35,400/- per month, open to candidates holding a Graduate Degree from a recognized University, aged 20 to 33 years as on 01.07.2026. Online applications open on 15 July 2026 (00:00 Hrs) and close on 14 August 2026 (23:59 Hrs), with the fee payment deadline on 16 August 2026. Selection is through a Single Stage CBT, followed by CBAT, Document Verification, and Medical Examination. Candidates are advised to read the complete official notification carefully before applying.
Important Note: Candidates can apply to only ONE RRB — applying to more than one RRB will lead to rejection of all applications, disqualification, and lifetime debarment from all RRB/RRC exams. Candidates awaiting final results of their graduation are NOT eligible to apply. Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery or any refractive-error correction surgery are NOT eligible for the Section Controller post. The chosen RRB and “Create an Account” details (mobile number & email ID) cannot be modified at any stage.
Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways |
| Notification No. | CEN No. 03/2026 |
| Post Name | Section Controller |
| Total Vacancies | 119 Posts (All RRBs) |
| Level in 7th CPC | Level 6 |
| Initial Pay | Rs. 35,400/- per month |
| Medical Standard | A-2 |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate Degree from a recognized University or equivalent |
| Age Limit (as on 01.07.2026) | 20 – 33 Years |
| Application Mode | Online only (via official RRB websites) |
| Selection Process | Single Stage CBT → CBAT → Document Verification → Medical Exam |
| Job Location | Various Zonal Railways across India |
| Official Websites | rrbapply.gov.in / rrbbbs.gov.in and other RRB websites |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Indicative Notice | 27 June 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 15 July 2026 (00:00 Hrs) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14 August 2026 (23:59 Hrs) |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | 16 August 2026 (Sunday) |
| Application Modification Window (with Rs. 250 fee) | 17 August 2026 to 26 August 2026 |
| Window to Provide Scribe Details | 27 August 2026 to 31 August 2026 |
| CBT / CBAT / DV Dates | To be intimated through official RRB websites |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Refund on Appearing in CBT |
|---|---|---|
| All candidates (except those below) | Rs. 500/- | Rs. 400/- refunded (less bank charges) |
| Female / Transgender / Ex-Servicemen / SC / ST / Minority Communities / EBC / PwBD | Rs. 250/- | Rs. 250/- fully refunded (less bank charges) |
| Application Modification Fee (per occasion) | Rs. 250/- (non-refundable) | Not applicable |
Payment Mode: Online only — Internet Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI. Applications received without the prescribed fee will be summarily rejected.
Refund Note: Refunds are credited only to the Aadhaar-seeded bank account of the candidate. No refund is admissible for incomplete, unsubmitted, or rejected applications, or where the Aadhaar-linked account is non-operational.
Age Limit (As on 01.07.2026)
Age Range: 20 to 33 Years
Date of Birth Range (both dates inclusive)
| Category | Upper Limit of DOB (Not earlier than) | Lower Limit of DOB (Not later than) |
|---|---|---|
| UR & EWS | 02.07.1993 | 01.07.2006 |
| OBC-Non Creamy Layer | 02.07.1990 | 01.07.2006 |
| SC / ST | 02.07.1988 | 01.07.2006 |
Note: The DOB limits for SC, ST and OBC-NCL above already include community age relaxation.
Additional Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation in Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| OBC-Non Creamy Layer (NCL) | 3 Years |
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (more than 6 months service after attestation) | UR/EWS: 3 Years; OBC-NCL: 6 Years; SC/ST: 8 Years (after deducting length of service from age) |
| Serving Group ‘C’ / erstwhile Group ‘D’ Railway Staff & Substitutes (min. 3 years’ service) | UR/EWS: up to 40 Years; OBC-NCL: up to 43 Years; SC/ST: up to 45 Years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | UR/EWS: 10 Years; OBC-NCL: 13 Years; SC/ST: 15 Years |
| Staff in Quasi-Administrative offices of Railway organization (Canteens, Co-op Societies, Institutes) | Length of service rendered or 5 years, whichever is less |
| Women who are widowed / divorced / judicially separated and not remarried | UR/EWS: up to 35 Years; OBC-NCL: up to 38 Years; SC/ST: up to 40 Years |
Important: No age relaxation is allowed to SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates applying against unreserved vacancies. If eligible for relaxation on more than one ground, the highest applicable relaxation will be granted. The date of birth in the application must match the Matriculation / SSLC / 10th Class certificate — any difference will lead to disqualification.
Eligibility – Educational Qualification
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Section Controller | Graduate Degree from a recognized University or its equivalent |
Critical: Candidates awaiting final results of the prescribed qualification are NOT eligible and should not apply. The qualification must be possessed as on the closing date, 14.08.2026.
Medical Standard – A-2
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Fitness | Physically fit in all respects |
| Distant Vision | 6/9, 6/9 without glasses (No fogging test) |
| Near Vision | Sn 0.6, 0.6 without glasses |
| Other Tests | Must pass Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Night Vision and Myopic Vision tests |
LASIK Restriction: Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery or any other surgical procedure to correct refractive error are NOT eligible for the post of Section Controller. A self-declaration (Annexure VI-B) must be produced during Document Verification.
Vision Certificate Mandatory: All candidates must submit a medical certificate as per Annexure VI / Annexure VI(A) at the time of the CBAT exam. Without this certificate, candidates will not be allowed to appear in the CBAT.
Vacancy Details – Total 119 Posts (RRB & Zone-Wise)
| RRB | Zone | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | Total | ExSM | PwBD (LD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | WR | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| Ajmer | WCR | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Prayagraj | NCR | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Prayagraj | NR | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Bengaluru | SWR | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| Bhopal | WCR | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Bhopal | WR | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Bhubaneswar | ECR | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Bilaspur | CR | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Bilaspur | SECR | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Chandigarh | NR | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Chennai | SR | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| All RRBs Total | 119 |
Note: The table above shows the RRB/zone-wise breakup available; the complete Annexure-B vacancy table for all 21 RRBs is given in the official CEN PDF — download it from the official RRB website and check your chosen RRB before applying. Vacancies are provisional and may increase, decrease, or become NIL as per Railway Administration requirements.
PwBD Note: PwBD-LD [OA, OL, SD (without N/L Df) & SI (without N/L Df)] candidates are eligible but there is no PwBD vacancy in this CEN. If they apply, they will be considered against their respective communities only, with age relaxation and fee exemption applicable.
Salary / Pay Scale
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Level in 7th CPC | Level 6 |
| Initial Pay | Rs. 35,400/- per month |
| Allowances | As per Railway rules (DA, HRA, TA and other applicable allowances) |
| Training | Selected candidates undergo prescribed training; only stipend is paid during training |
Exam Pattern – Single Stage CBT
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical and Mathematical Capability | 60 | 60 |
| Logical Capability | 20 | 20 |
| Mental Reasoning | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer
- Normalization: Applicable when CBT is held in multiple shifts
- Nature: Screening test; normalized score used for CBAT shortlisting
- Section-wise distribution is indicative — there may be variations in the actual paper
Minimum Qualifying Marks (CBT)
| Category | Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|
| UR | 40% |
| EWS | 40% |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 30% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
Applicable to Ex-Servicemen as per their community. Relaxable by 2 marks for PwBD candidates in case of shortage against reserved vacancies.
Medium of Examination
CBT questions will be available in English, Hindi and 13 regional languages — Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. No change in language option is allowed once selected.
CBT Syllabus
1. Analytical and Mathematical Capability
- Mathematics: Number System, Ratio & Proportions, Averages, Percentages, Profit, Loss & Discounts, Time, Speed, Distance, Power & Work, Algebra, Linear Equations, Arithmetic Progression, LCM, HCF, Geometry, Area & Volumes, Probability and Statistics (basic level).
- Data Analysis & Interpretation: Multi-source data analysis from text, tabular and graphical data (charts, graphs, scatter plots, pie charts, statistical curve distribution, Venn diagrams), Data Sufficiency, Data Arrangement.
2. Logical Capability
- Logical Reasoning: Binary Logic, Syllogism, Clocks & Calendars, Assumptions, Blood Relations, Family Tree, logic-based puzzles.
- Reading Comprehension: Passages in English on History, Society, Literature, Science, Environment, Abstract, Mythology, Technology and Culture — questions on main idea, supporting idea, application, logical structure and style.
3. Mental Reasoning
- Analogy, Series Completion, Coding-Decoding, Ranking and Arrangement based problems.
Topics listed are illustrative, not exhaustive.
CBAT (Computer Based Aptitude Test)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Shortlisting for CBAT | 8 times the vacancies (RRB-wise), based on CBT merit |
| Language | English and Hindi only |
| Qualifying Marks | Minimum T-Score of 42 in each test battery |
| Relaxation | No relaxation — applies to all candidates irrespective of SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/ExSM/PwBD |
| Negative Marking | None in CBAT |
| Mandatory Document | Vision Certificate (Annexure VI / VI-A) in original — without it, entry to CBAT is not permitted |
For CBAT information, refer to the RDSO website: rdso.indianrailways.gov.in → Verticals → Traffic and Psychology → Psychology-Candidate’s Corner.
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Single Stage Computer Based Test (CBT) — 100 questions, 120 minutes, negative marking 1/3 |
| Stage 2 | Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) — shortlisting 8x vacancies; T-Score 42 in each battery |
| Stage 3 | Document Verification (DV) — shortlisting at 1:1 of vacancies, based on combined merit |
| Stage 4 | Medical Examination by Railway Administration |
Final Merit Formula: 70% weightage to CBT + 30% weightage to CBAT. Only candidates who pass the CBAT are considered for the merit list.
Tie-Breaker: In case of equal marks, the older candidate is placed higher in merit. If age is also the same, alphabetical order (A to Z) of the given name (not surname) is used.
Required Documents
To upload during online application:
- Candidate Signature (JPG/JPEG, 30 KB – 49 KB, min 140 × 60 pixels, 100 DPI, black ink on white paper, running handwriting only)
- SC/ST Certificate in PDF (below 400 KB) — only for candidates requesting free train travel pass
- Live photograph captured via webcam / mobile front camera during application (no pre-existing photo uploads)
To produce at Document Verification:
- Graduation Degree / Provisional Certificate with date of issue (or consolidated / semester-wise marksheets with result declaration dates)
- Matriculation / SSLC / 10th Class certificate (for date of birth proof)
- Caste Certificate — SC/ST (Annexure I), OBC-NCL (Annexure II) + self-declaration (Annexure IIA)
- EWS Income and Asset Certificate (Annexure III) for FY 2025-26
- EBC Income Certificate (Annexure IV) / BPL Card / Izzat MST — issued on or before 14.08.2026
- Minority Community Affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper (Annexure V), if fee waiver claimed
- Vision Certificate from Eye Specialist (Annexure VI / VI-A) — mandatory at CBAT
- LASIK Surgery self-declaration (Annexure VI-B)
- Ex-Servicemen declarations (Annexure VII / VII-A)
- PwBD Disability Certificate (Form V / Form VI) + UDID
- NOC from present employer (for serving Government / PSU employees)
- Two sets of self-attested photocopies of all originals
- Recent colour passport photograph (not older than two months from the exam / DV date)
How to Apply for RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2026?
- Visit the official RRB website (e.g., rrbbbs.gov.in) or the common portal rrbapply.gov.in and use the link provided for CEN No. 03/2026.
- Create an Account — if you already created an account for CENs notified in 2024 / 2025 / 2026, use the same credentials. A valid personal mobile number and active email ID are mandatory for OTPs.
- Authenticate your identity using DigiLocker or Aadhaar during account creation (strongly advised — alternate Photo ID verification leads to stricter scrutiny at every stage).
- Review Annexure-A (Post Parameters) and Annexure-B (Vacancy Table) to confirm your eligibility, then select only ONE RRB and your zone preference order.
- Fill in the online application carefully with all personal, educational, and category details.
- Capture your live photograph via webcam / mobile front camera — wear dark, non-white clothing, no cap/mask/glasses, camera at eye level, face centred in the frame.
- Upload your scanned signature (JPG/JPEG, 30-49 KB) and SC/ST certificate in PDF (if claiming free travel pass).
- Choose your medium of examination from English, Hindi, or the 13 regional languages.
- Pay the application fee online (Net Banking / Debit / Credit Card / UPI) before 16 August 2026.
- Validate your Aadhaar-seeded bank account for fee refund purposes.
- Submit the application and save the confirmation received via email & SMS. Note your Registration Number for future stages.
Important Note: The last date to apply online is 14 August 2026 (23:59 Hrs) and the fee payment deadline is 16 August 2026. Apply early — RRBs are not responsible if candidates cannot submit due to heavy website traffic near the closing date.
Important Instructions
- Apply to only ONE RRB — multiple applications lead to rejection of all applications, disqualification, and lifetime debarment from all RRB/RRC exams.
- Chosen RRB and “Create an Account” details (mobile number & email ID) cannot be changed at any stage.
- Candidates awaiting final results of graduation are NOT eligible to apply.
- LASIK / refractive surgery candidates are NOT eligible for Section Controller.
- Modifications (except RRB and account details) are allowed from 17.08.2026 to 26.08.2026 on payment of Rs. 250 per occasion (unlimited occasions). No representation entertained after 26.08.2026.
- If changing community from SC/ST to UR/OBC/EWS (or from ExSM/Female/Transgender/PwBD to other categories), pay the Rs. 250 fee difference in addition to the modification fee.
- Keep your mobile number and email ID active for the entire recruitment duration — RRBs will not entertain change requests.
- Request for change of exam centre, date or shift will NOT be entertained under any circumstances.
- Banned items (mobile phones, watches, calculators, pens, pencils, books, bags, caps, water bottles, etc.) are strictly prohibited at test centres. Do not apply henna on hands/feet (obstructs biometrics). Pen will be provided at the centre.
- Write the self-declaration paragraph, signature and LTI only at the exam venue in the invigilator’s presence — writing in advance or signing in CAPITAL letters leads to rejection.
- Signature must be uniform, in running handwriting, across all stages — differing signatures may lead to cancellation of candidature.
- SC/ST free travel pass — indicate “Yes” in the application and upload a valid caste certificate; carry the original certificate and photo ID during travel.
- Beware of touts and job racketeers — RRBs have not appointed any agent or coaching centre. Selection is purely on merit. Visit only official RRB websites.
- E-call letters can be downloaded about 4 days before CBT/CBAT; exam city intimation about 10 days in advance. No call letter is sent by post.
Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download CEN No. 03/2026 Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website (RRB Bhubaneswar) | Click Here |
| Common RRB Website | Click Here |
| Document Verification Portal | Click Here |
Candidate Helpline (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, working days): Email — rrb.help@csc.gov.in | Phone — 9592001188 / 01725653333
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies are there in RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2026?
✅ A total of 119 vacancies for the post of Section Controller have been notified across all RRBs under CEN No. 03/2026. The RRB and zone-wise breakup is given in Annexure-B of the official notification.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for RRB Section Controller 2026?
✅ The online application window opens on 15 July 2026 (00:00 Hrs) and closes on 14 August 2026 (23:59 Hrs). The last date for fee payment is 16 August 2026.
Q3. What is the educational qualification for RRB Section Controller?
✅ Candidates must hold a Graduate Degree from a recognized University or its equivalent as on the closing date (14.08.2026). Candidates awaiting final results are NOT eligible to apply.
Q4. What is the salary of an RRB Section Controller?
✅ The post is at Level 6 of the 7th CPC with an initial pay of Rs. 35,400/- per month, plus applicable allowances. During training, only a stipend is paid.
Q5. What is the age limit for RRB Section Controller 2026?
✅ The age limit is 20 to 33 years as on 01.07.2026. For UR/EWS, DOB must be between 02.07.1993 and 01.07.2006; for OBC-NCL, 02.07.1990 to 01.07.2006; for SC/ST, 02.07.1988 to 01.07.2006 (these already include community relaxation).
Q6. Is there negative marking in the RRB Section Controller CBT?
✅ Yes. 1/3 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in the CBT. There is no negative marking in the CBAT.
Q7. What is the selection process for RRB Section Controller 2026?
✅ Selection involves a Single Stage CBT → CBAT → Document Verification → Medical Examination. The final merit list is drawn with 70% weightage to CBT and 30% weightage to CBAT, only from candidates who qualify the CBAT.
Q8. Can I apply to more than one RRB for CEN 03/2026?
✅ No. Candidates can apply to only ONE RRB. Applying to more than one RRB will result in rejection of all applications, disqualification, and lifetime debarment from all future RRB and RRC examinations.
Q9. Are LASIK surgery candidates eligible for Section Controller?
✅ No. Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery or any other surgical procedure to correct refractive error are NOT eligible for the Section Controller post (Medical Standard A-2). A self-declaration must be produced at Document Verification.
Q10. What is the application fee and is it refundable?
✅ The fee is Rs. 500/- for general candidates (Rs. 400 refunded on appearing in CBT) and Rs. 250/- for Female / Transgender / Ex-Servicemen / SC / ST / Minority / EBC / PwBD candidates (fully refunded on appearing in CBT), less bank charges. Refunds are credited only to the Aadhaar-seeded bank account.
Disclaimer: All information provided is for reference purposes only. Vacancies are provisional and may increase, decrease, or become NIL as per Railway Administration requirements. Candidates are advised to verify all details including RRB-wise vacancy, eligibility, age limit, medical standards, exam pattern, and application procedure from the official CEN No. 03/2026 notification and official RRB websites before applying.
