RRB CEN 03/2026 Recruitment: 119 Section Controller Vacancies, Last date - 14th Aug 2026

The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 03/2026 for recruitment to the post of Section Controller in various Zonal Railways of Indian Railways.

A total of 119 Section Controller vacancies have been notified. The post is a Graduate-level Railway job in 7th CPC Pay Level-6, carrying an initial basic pay of ₹35,400 per month. Candidates with a recognised university degree can apply, subject to the prescribed age, medical and other eligibility conditions.

The online application process begins on 15 July 2026 and the last date for submitting the application is 14 August 2026. The selection process consists of a Computer Based Test (CBT), Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), Document Verification and Medical Examination.

RRB CEN 03/2026 Section Controller Recruitment – Overview

The notification specifically identifies Section Controller as a Level-6 graduate post with 119 vacancies and an initial pay of ₹35,400.

RRB Section Controller Important Dates 2026

The RRB has stated that dates for the CBT and subsequent recruitment stages will be announced separately through the official RRB websites.

RRB Section Controller Vacancy 2026

The recruitment notification contains 119 vacancies for Section Controller across different RRBs and Railway Zones.

Category-Wise Vacancy

The notification states that PwBD-LD candidates with specified eligible locomotor disabilities can apply, but there is currently no separate PwBD vacancy in this CEN; eligible candidates may be considered against their respective community vacancies subject to the applicable conditions.

RRB Section Controller RRB & Railway Zone-Wise Vacancy

The complete vacancy distribution given in Annexure-B is as follows:

This table reproduces the RRB/Zone-wise distribution in Annexure-B of CEN 03/2026.

Important: The vacancy numbers are provisional and may increase, decrease or even become NIL for a particular Railway/Unit/Community depending on Railway Administration requirements. Additional vacancies may also be included later.

RRB Section Controller Salary 2026

The Section Controller post is placed in:

7th CPC Pay Level-6

with an:

Initial Basic Pay of ₹35,400 per month

The ₹35,400 is the initial basic pay, not the final in-hand salary. Actual monthly salary will be higher after applicable allowances and will depend on the posting/location and applicable deductions.

RRB Section Controller Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates must satisfy the educational qualification, age and medical requirements prescribed in CEN 03/2026.

Educational Qualification

The minimum educational qualification is:

Graduate Degree from a recognised University or equivalent

Candidates must already possess the prescribed qualification at the time of applying.

Candidates who are waiting for the final result of the required educational qualification are not eligible to apply.

Post Parameter Table

The official Annexure-A specifies the above qualification, medical standard and PwBD suitability.

RRB Section Controller Age Limit 2026

The age will be calculated as on:

01 July 2026

The normal age limit is:

20 to 33 years

The prescribed date-of-birth ranges are:

The SC/ST and OBC-NCL DOB ranges shown above incorporate the applicable community age relaxation.

RRB Section Controller Age Relaxation

Additional upper-age relaxation is available to eligible categories as prescribed in the notification.

The notification also states that where a candidate is eligible for age relaxation on more than one ground, the highest applicable relaxation will be granted.

Nationality / Citizenship

A candidate must generally be:

• A citizen of India; or

• A subject of Nepal; or

• A subject of Bhutan; or

• A person of Indian origin who migrated from the specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.

For candidates falling under categories requiring a Government of India certificate of eligibility, the certificate must be produced during Document Verification.

RRB Section Controller Medical Standard

The Section Controller post requires:

A-2 Medical Standard

Important: LASIK Surgery

Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery or another surgical procedure to correct refractive error are not eligible for the Section Controller post.

The notification requires the relevant self-declaration at Document Verification.

Candidates must also submit the prescribed eye/medical certificate before appearing for the CBAT. Without the required medical certificate, candidates will not be permitted to appear in CBAT.

RRB Section Controller Selection Process 2026

The recruitment process consists of four major stages:

1. Computer Based Test (CBT)

↓

2. Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)

↓

3. Document Verification (DV)

↓

4. Medical Examination

The notification explicitly prescribes a single-stage CBT followed by CBAT, Document Verification and Medical Examination.

RRB Section Controller CBT Exam Pattern 2026

The CBT contains 100 questions, with each question carrying 1 mark.

The total examination duration is:

120 Minutes

The notification notes that the section-wise distribution is indicative and may vary in the actual question paper.

Negative Marking in CBT

There is negative marking in the Section Controller CBT.

1/3 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.

The marks will be normalised if the CBT is conducted in multiple shifts.

RRB Section Controller CBT Syllabus 2026

1. Analytical and Mathematical Capability

Mathematics

Questions may cover:

• Number System

• Ratio and Proportion

• Averages

• Percentages

• Profit, Loss and Discount

• Time, Speed and Distance

• Power and Work

• Algebra

• Linear Equations

• Arithmetic Progression

• LCM

• HCF

• Geometry

• Area and Volume

• Basic Probability

• Basic Statistics

Data Analysis & Interpretation

Topics include:

• Multi-source data analysis

• Tabular data

• Charts

• Graphs

• Scatter plots

• Pie charts

• Statistical curves

• Venn diagrams

• Data sufficiency

• Data arrangement

2. Logical Capability

Logical Reasoning

Questions may include:

• Binary Logic

• Syllogism

• Clocks and Calendars

• Assumptions

• Blood Relations

• Family Trees

• Logic-based puzzles

Reading Comprehension

Passages may be based on:

• History

• Society

• Literature

• Science

• Environment

• Abstract topics

• Mythology

• Technology

• Culture

Candidates may be asked questions relating to:

• Main idea

• Supporting idea

• Application

• Logical structure

• Writing style

3. Mental Reasoning

The syllabus includes:

• Analogy

• Series Completion

• Coding-Decoding

• Ranking

• Arrangement-based problems

CBT Qualifying Marks

The minimum qualifying percentage is:

Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)

Candidates will be shortlisted for CBAT based on CBT performance.

The number of candidates shortlisted will ordinarily be:

8 times the number of vacancies

for each relevant community/category.

CBAT Important Details

The minimum T-score of 42 applies to all candidates irrespective of category, and no relaxation is permitted in this minimum CBAT T-score.

Final Merit for RRB Section Controller

Only candidates who qualify in CBAT are considered for the final merit list.

The final merit is calculated using:

Candidates equal to the number of vacancies are called for Document Verification based on the combined CBT + CBAT merit and railway options.

Selection Flow

CBT – 100 Marks
↓
CBAT – Qualify each battery with T-score 42
↓
70% CBT + 30% CBAT
↓
Document Verification
↓
Medical Examination
↓
Empanelment / Appointment

RRB Section Controller Examination Fee 2026

The examination fee is different for general applicants and candidates eligible for the fee concession.

The ₹500 fee category receives a ₹400 refund after appearing in CBT, while the ₹250 concession category receives the ₹250 fee back after applicable bank charges.

Important EBC Note

EBC, EWS and OBC are three different categories.

For this recruitment, EBC refers to candidates whose annual family income is below ₹50,000, subject to the prescribed documentation. EBC status provides a fee concession, not job reservation.

RRB Section Controller Application Process 2026

Candidates must submit the application online only through the official RRB application system.

Step 1 – Create an Account

Candidates must first create an account for CEN 03/2026.

A valid:

• Personal mobile number

• Active email ID

is mandatory for receiving OTPs and recruitment communications.

Candidates who have already created an account for an eligible previous RRB CEN can use the same credentials.

Important

Information entered in the Create an Account section cannot subsequently be changed.

This includes details such as:

• Mobile number

• Email ID

• Other account-creation information

Therefore, enter these details extremely carefully.

Step 2 – Aadhaar / DigiLocker Authentication

RRB strongly advises candidates to authenticate their identity through:

• Aadhaar, or

• DigiLocker

during account creation/application.

Candidates using alternate photo IDs may be subject to stricter verification at different stages.

Step 3 – Select RRB

A candidate can apply to:

Only ONE RRB

The candidate must check the Post Parameter Table and Vacancy Table before selecting the RRB.

Once selected, the RRB cannot be changed.

Very Important

Applying to more than one RRB can result in rejection of all applications and debarment from the recruitment process.

Step 4 – Select Railway Zone Preferences

Candidates must provide their order of Railway Zone preference under the selected RRB.

Final allotment will depend on:

• Merit

• Medical standard

• Available vacancies

• Railway/Zone preferences

RRB may also allot a Railway Zone not opted for by a candidate if considered necessary in administrative interest, subject to eligibility.

Step 5 – Choose Examination Medium

The CBT is available in:

• English

• Hindi

• Assamese

• Bengali

• Gujarati

• Kannada

• Konkani

• Malayalam

• Manipuri

• Marathi

• Odia

• Punjabi

• Tamil

• Telugu

• Urdu

The candidate must select the examination language during the application process.

The selected language cannot be changed later.

Questions will appear in the selected language and English.

Step 6 – Upload Photograph / Complete Live Photo Verification

The RRB application includes a live photograph capture process.

Candidates must ensure that the live photograph genuinely represents their current appearance. Taking a photograph of an existing printed or digital photograph is not permitted and may result in rejection.

Step 7 – Upload Signature

The signature must comply with the prescribed specifications.

The signature should be clear, fully visible and match the signature used during subsequent recruitment stages.

Step 8 – Pay the Examination Fee

The fee must be paid online through:

• Internet Banking

• Debit Card

• Credit Card

• UPI

No other mode of fee payment is permitted.

Step 9 – Submit and Save the Application

Before final submission:

• Check your personal details.

• Check your educational details.

• Check category details.

• Verify the selected RRB.

• Verify Railway Zone preferences.

• Verify examination language.

• Check uploaded documents.

• Complete fee payment.

Save/print the submitted application for future reference.

Application Modification Window

Candidates can modify permitted details after application submission by paying:

₹250 per modification

The modification window is open from:

17 August 2026 to 26 August 2026

However, the following cannot be modified:

• Details entered in the Create an Account form

• Mobile number

• Email ID

• Chosen RRB

Documents to Keep Ready

Candidates should keep the following documents/details ready while filling the application:

• Graduation certificate/degree

• Marksheets, as applicable

• Date of Birth proof

• Category certificate, if applicable

• OBC-NCL certificate, if applicable

• EWS certificate, if applicable

• EBC certificate/BPL/Izzat MST, if claiming fee concession

• PwBD certificate, where applicable

• Ex-Servicemen documents, where applicable

• Valid mobile number

• Active email ID

• Signature

• SC/ST certificate if seeking free railway travel facility

Original certificates must be produced during Document Verification. Failure to produce the required originals can result in forfeiture of candidature.

RRB Section Controller Free Train Travel Facility

Eligible SC/ST candidates can request a free Sleeper Class Railway Pass for recruitment stages.

Candidates wishing to use this facility must indicate the option in the online application and upload their valid caste certificate. The travel authority may form part of the e-call letter.

Important Points About Examination Centres

The CBT/CBAT city and date will depend on technical and logistical feasibility.

Candidates may have to travel to another city or state to appear in the examination.

Change of examination centre will not be allowed.

Therefore, candidates should carefully consider their choices/information during application.

Training and Posting

Selected candidates will have to undergo prescribed training.

During the training period, only the applicable stipend will be paid. Candidates may also have to execute a surety/indemnity bond where required.

Ordinarily, a Railway employee will serve on the Railway/Railway establishment to which they are initially posted. The notification also states that requests for transfer to another Railway will not be registered until the newly appointed candidate completes at least 5 to 10 years of service, subject to the applicable rules.

RRB Section Controller 2026 – Important Highlights

Important Instructions for Candidates

• Candidates must fulfil all eligibility conditions by 14 August 2026.

• Candidates awaiting the final result of the required educational qualification must not apply.

• Only one RRB can be selected.

• Applying to multiple RRBs can lead to rejection of all applications.

• The selected RRB cannot be changed.

• The examination language cannot be changed after selection.

• The live photograph must be genuinely captured according to the application instructions.

• Candidates must satisfy the A-2 medical standard.

• Candidates who have undergone LASIK/refractive-error corrective surgery are not eligible for this post.

• There is negative marking of 1/3 mark in CBT.

• There is no negative marking in CBAT.

• Candidates must score 42 T-score in every CBAT test battery.

• Final merit uses 70% CBT + 30% CBAT.

• RRB may change vacancies depending on Railway Administration requirements.

• Candidates should beware of fake websites, agents and job racketeers. RRB states that candidates are selected purely on merit.

RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2026 – FAQs

How many vacancies are available for RRB Section Controller 2026?

There are 119 vacancies for Section Controller under CEN 03/2026.

What is the salary of a Section Controller?

The Section Controller post is in 7th CPC Pay Level-6, with an initial basic pay of ₹35,400 per month.

What is the educational qualification?

Candidates must have a Graduate Degree from a recognised University or equivalent. Candidates awaiting their final results are not eligible.

What is the age limit?

The normal age limit is 20 to 33 years as on 01 July 2026. Applicable category-wise relaxation is available.

What is the Section Controller medical standard?

The post requires A-2 medical standard, including specified distance and near vision requirements and tests for colour, binocular and night vision.

Is LASIK allowed for Section Controller?

No. Candidates who have undergone LASIK or another surgical procedure for correcting refractive error are not eligible for the Section Controller post.

What is the RRB Section Controller exam pattern?

The CBT consists of 100 questions for 100 marks with a duration of 120 minutes. The indicative distribution is 60 questions from Analytical & Mathematical Capability, 20 from Logical Capability and 20 from Mental Reasoning.

Is there negative marking?

Yes. 1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer in CBT. There is no negative marking in CBAT.

How many candidates are shortlisted for CBAT?

Candidates up to 8 times the number of vacancies, RRB-wise, are shortlisted for CBAT based on CBT merit.

What is the CBAT qualifying score?

Candidates must obtain a minimum T-score of 42 in each CBAT test battery. No category-wise relaxation is available in this minimum T-score.

What is the final merit formula?

Final merit is based on 70% CBT marks and 30% CBAT marks, among candidates who qualify in CBAT.

Can I apply to multiple RRBs?

No. A candidate can apply to only one RRB. Multiple applications can lead to rejection and debarment.

What is the application fee?

The normal application fee is ₹500, while eligible fee-concession categories pay ₹250. A refund is provided after appearing in CBT, subject to the prescribed rules and bank charges.

When does the RRB Section Controller application process start?

Online applications start on 15 July 2026 at 00:00 Hrs.

What is the last date to apply?

The last date for online application submission is 14 August 2026 at 23:59 Hrs.

RRB CEN 03/2026 – Important Links

Official Notification PDF

Download RRB CEN 03/2026 Official Notification PDF

Apply Online

Apply Online for RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2026

Helpful Tools for RRB Section Controller Applicants

Age Calculator

Check your exact age as on 01 July 2026 and determine whether you fall within the prescribed age range.

Age Calculator

Date Calculator

Useful for calculating age-related dates, deadlines and date differences.

Date Calculator

Photo Resizer / Editor

Prepare and resize your photograph or other image files for online recruitment applications.

Photo Resizer / Editor

The RRB CEN 03/2026 Section Controller Recruitment is a significant opportunity for graduates looking for a Railway Government job. The notification offers 119 vacancies in a 7th CPC Level-6 post with an initial basic pay of ₹35,400.

Candidates should pay particular attention to the A-2 medical standard, especially the prescribed vision requirements and the restriction on candidates who have undergone LASIK/refractive-error correction surgery.

The selection process is based on CBT followed by CBAT, Document Verification and Medical Examination. Candidates must secure the prescribed CBT qualifying marks, qualify every CBAT test battery with a minimum T-score of 42, and then compete in the final merit calculation based on 70% CBT and 30% CBAT.

Since a candidate can select only one RRB, applicants should carefully compare the RRB/Zone-wise vacancy table before submitting the application. The online application window is open from 15 July 2026 to 14 August 2026.