Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), Ministry of Railways, Government of India
Last Date: 14 August 2026

The Railway Recruitment Board has opened Centralised Employment Notification CEN 03/2026 for the post of Section Controller, offering 119 vacancies across Zonal Railways. Online applications begin on 15 July 2026 and close on 14 August 2026. Graduate candidates between 20 and 33 years of age can apply through their chosen RRB's official website.

RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview

RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2026: Quick Intro

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released CEN 03/2026 for the recruitment of Section Controller posts, a Level 6 graduate role responsible for regulating train movement across Zonal Railways. This is a fresh recruitment drive, separate from the previous Section Controller conducted by RRB barely a year ago. A total of 119 vacancies have been announced under this notification across 21 RRBs and 27 Railway Zone combinations. 

The 119 vacancies announced in this recruitment are lower than the previous Section Controller recruitment, which had a significantly higher number of posts (more than three times), but even with fewer vacancies this time, the post is expected to attract applications from a large number of graduates across the country, and as a result, candidates should be prepared for strong competition and aim to perform well in every stage of the selection process.

Vacancy Details

RRB CEN 03/2026 notifies 119 Section Controller vacancies in total. Of these, 50 are Unreserved, 19 are for Scheduled Caste, 12 for Scheduled Tribe, 29 for Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer), and 9 for Economically Weaker Sections. A separate horizontal quota of 5 posts is earmarked for Ex-Servicemen, and no PwBD-LD vacancy currently exists in this cycle, though PwBD-LD candidates remain eligible to apply against their respective community vacancies where the post is suitable. The category wise vacancy breakup is shown below:

The vacancies are further divided into RRB-wise and zone-wise, and the table below shows the full distribution of the same: 

Note: Vacancies are not evenly distributed across all RRBs and Railway Zones. Some RRB–Zone combinations have only one or two vacancies, while others have comparatively more posts, for example, Ahmedabad RRB have the largest vacancies with 11 posts under Western Railway, while Jammu-Srinagar and the SCR zones under Mumbai carry no vacancy this cycle. Candidates should therefore check the vacancy distribution carefully before selecting their preferred RRB and Railway Zone.

Application Fee

Category-wise Fee structure is shown below: 

Note: Application fee can be paid only through the online mode using Internet Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI. Also, candidates who are eligible for a fee refund should ensure that their bank account is linked with their Aadhaar number, as the refund will be credited only to an Aadhaar-seeded bank account.

Age Limit

Candidates must be between 20 and 33 years of age as on 1 July 2026, meaning date of birth should fall between 2 July 1993 and 1 July 2006 for the unreserved category. The category-wise relaxation in upper age limit is shown below:

Note: No age relaxation applies to SC, ST, or OBC-NCL candidates who choose to apply against unreserved vacancies rather than their own community quota. Candidates who are eligible for age relaxation under more than one category will be granted only one applicable relaxation, as per official rules. Multiple age relaxation benefits cannot be combined, and highest eligible relaxation will be considered while determining the candidate's maximum permissible age.

Educational Qualification

The minimum qualification is a graduate degree from a recognized university, in any discipline. RRB doesn't does not prescribe any specific stream or subject requirement to this post, unlike several technical railway roles that demand engineering or science backgrounds specifically. As a result, this recruitment is expected to attract a large number of applicants from different educational backgrounds.

Candidates awaiting their final semester or final year results are not eligible to apply for this recruitment, the required Bachelor's Degree must have been completed on or before 14 August 2026.

Selection Process

Selection runs through 4 stages: a Computer Based Test, a Computer Based Aptitude Test, Document Verification, and a Medical Examination.
The CBT runs for 120 minutes and carries 100 questions across Analytical and Mathematical Capability, Logical Capability, and Mental Reasoning, with a third of a mark deducted for every wrong answer. A detailed demonstration of Exam pattern & Syllabus of CBT are as follows: 

Note: Qualifying marks in the CBT vary by category: 40 percent for UR and EWS, 30 percent for OBC-NCL and SC, and 25 percent for ST. Candidates equal to eight times the vacancy count, RRB-wise, are then shortlisted for the CBAT purely on CBT merit.
> The Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) is an important stage of the selection process and is different from a regular written examination. It is a psychology-based aptitude test conducted using the RDSO test batteries to assess the aptitude required for the post. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying T-score of 42 in every test battery to qualify, and no relaxation in this qualifying standard is available for any category, including PwBD candidates. The CBAT also has no negative marking, but candidates must qualify each test battery individually, as clearing some batteries while failing others doesn't qualify them for the next stage.
 
> The final merit list is prepared by giving 70% weightage to the Computer Based Test (CBT) and 30% weightage to the Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). Based on this combined score, candidates are shortlisted for Document Verification in a 1:1 ratio against the notified vacancies. Candidates belonging to reserved categories will continue to receive the applicable reservation benefits throughout every stage of the selection process. 

Salary, Job Location, and Service Conditions

The Section Controller post is placed in Level 6 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Pay Matrix, with an initial basic pay of ₹35,400 per month, although in-hand salary or gross monthly salary may vary as the actual take-home pay depends on the applicable allowances & deductions, which may vary according to the place of posting.

Section Controller post is allotted on a Railway Zone basis, and selected candidates may be posted at any station or office within the allotted zone, depending on administrative requirements. Candidates should choose their preferred Railway Zone carefully while filling out the application form, as transfers to another Railway Zone are generally not permitted during the initial years of service, and such requests are considered only in accordance with the applicable Railway rules. Therefore, the zone selected at the time of application is an important decision.

Selected candidates undergo training on a stipend before confirmation and are required to execute a surety or indemnity bond at the time of joining wherever applicable. They also remain liable for service in the Railway Engineers' Unit of Territorial Army after appointment, in accordance with the applicable rules.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official website of the chosen RRB from the list of 21 regional RRBs, or the unified portal at rrb.indianrailways.gov.in, and locate the CEN 03/2026 Section Controller application link.
2. Complete the Create an Account step with accurate personal details, since the mobile number, email ID, and chosen RRB cannot be modified once the account is created.
3. Authenticate identity using DigiLocker or Aadhaar at this stage itself, since applicants who skip this face stricter document scrutiny at every later stage.
4. Log in and fill the online application form with educational, personal, and category details, then select the RRB and zone preference order carefully.
5. Capture the live photograph directly through the application module's webcam or mobile camera feature; pre-existing photographs are not accepted and lead to summary rejection.
6. Upload the scanned signature in JPG or JPEG format, written in running handwriting on white paper with black ink, following the exact size specifications given in the notification.
7. Choose the applicable fee category and complete payment through internet banking, debit or credit card, or UPI.
8. Review every entry carefully before final submission, since corrections after submission are possible only during the modification window between 17 and 26 August 2026, on payment of a separate fee.
9. Download and save the submitted application form and note the registration number for future reference.

Required Documents and Important Instructions

Keep these below documents ready before starting the application:
= graduate degree certificate or provisional certificate,
= category certificates where applicable, and
= a valid photo ID.
= SC and ST candidates who want the free Sleeper Class travel pass for exam travel must additionally upload their community certificate in PDF format, under 400 KB.
 
A few important instructions:  
> Signatures must be in running handwriting, not block or capital letters, and any mismatch across CBT, Document Verification, and Medical Examination stages can lead to cancellation of candidature.
> Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery or any similar refractive correction procedure are not eligible for this post at all, regardless of current vision quality, and must submit a self-declaration confirming this at the time of Document Verification.
> No electronic devices, watches, wallets, or even pens are allowed inside the exam centre, and also RRB doesn't guarantee cloakroom facilities for safekeeping valuables.
> Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has clearly stated that the recruitment process is completely merit-based and candidates should be cautious of touts, agents, or individuals claiming they can secure a Railway job through influence or payment. 
> RRB doesn't authorise any person, coaching institute, or agency to offer appointments or selection assistance, therefore, candidates are advised to ignore such claims and rely only on info published through the official RRB websites.

These Important Points Will Help You Understand This Recruitment Better:

Why the CBAT Is the Most Challenging Stage

The Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) is a unique and important stage of the Section Controller recruitment. Unlike many other RRB graduate-level recruitments that end with the Computer Based Test (CBT) and Document Verification, this post also includes a psychology-based aptitude test conducted through the RDSO test batteries. The CBAT assesses abilities such as attention, decision-making, reasoning, and mental alertness required for the role. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying T-score of 42 in every test battery, and no relaxation is available for any category.

The Job Involves Shift-Based Control Room Duty

Section Controllers work inside railway control rooms, monitoring train movement in real time and coordinating with Station Masters and Traffic Inspectors to keep sections running safely. Although this is an office-based control room role, it involves rotational shift duties, as railway operations continue throughout the day and night. Candidates should therefore be prepared to work in different shifts after appointment. They should also ensure that they meet the prescribed A-2 medical standard, including the applicable vision requirements, before applying for the post.

Related Posts

• RRC North Central Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 1853 Posts Before 7 August
• Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) Recruitment 2026: 1213 Vacancies for Executive & Non Executive posts, Apply by July 25.
• Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) Recruitment 2026: 259 Mining Sirdar and Surveyor Posts, Apply from July 14 to August 5.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many vacancies are there in RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2026?

CEN 03/2026 notifies 119 Section Controller vacancies across various Zonal Railways, spread over 21 RRB regions and 27 RRB-zone combinations.

What is the last date to apply for RRB Section Controller 2026?

The online application window closes on 14 August 2026 at 23:59 hrs. Fee payment for submitted applications must be completed by 16 August 2026.

Who is eligible to apply for this recruitment?

Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, and persons of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with the intention of settling permanently in India can apply, subject to holding a graduate degree and meeting the age criteria.

What is the age limit for RRB Section Controller, including relaxation?

Candidates must be between 20 and 33 years as on 1 July 2026. OBC-NCL gets 3 years relaxation, SC/ST gets 5 years, and PwBD candidates get 10 to 15 years depending on category, among other relaxations listed in the notification.

What educational qualification is required for Section Controller?

A graduate degree from a recognized university, in any discipline, completed on or before the closing date of application. Candidates awaiting final results are not eligible.

What does the selection process for Section Controller involve?

Selection runs through a Computer Based Test, a Computer Based Aptitude Test, Document Verification, and a Medical Examination, with 70 percent weightage from CBT and 30 percent from CBAT in the final merit list.

What is the salary for RRB Section Controller?

The post carries Level 6 of the 7th Pay Commission, with an initial basic pay of Rs 35,400 per month, plus applicable allowances based on posting location.

What is the application fee for this recruitment?

General category candidates pay Rs 500, with Rs 400 refunded on appearing in the CBT. Female, SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, Minority, EBC, and PwBD candidates pay Rs 250, refunded on the same basis.

How can I apply online for RRB Section Controller 2026?

Applications must be submitted through the official website of the chosen RRB, also accessible via the unified portal rrb.indianrailways.gov.in, by first creating an account and then completing the CEN 03/2026 application form.

What is the official website for RRB Section Controller Recruitment?

Each of the 21 regional RRBs has its own website, and a unified portal at rrb.indianrailways.gov.in is also available for accessing CEN 03/2026 details and updates.

Can candidates who have had LASIK eye surgery apply for Section Controller?

No. The notification specifically excludes candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery or any similar refractive correction procedure from eligibility for this post, regardless of current vision quality.

Can I apply to more than one RRB under CEN 03/2026?

No. Only one application to one chosen RRB is permitted. Applying to more than one RRB leads to rejection of all applications and can result in debarment from future RRB and RRC examinations.

Conclusion

We hope the information provided above has helped you understand this recruitment better, now before starting the online application, carefully decide your preferred RRB and Railway Zone, as these choices are final and cannot be changed after submission of the application. Before completing the "Create an Account" step, go through the zone-wise vacancy table provided above in the "Vacancy Details" section of this article, because choosing your RRB and Railway Zone carefully at the beginning can help you avoid mistakes later in the recruitment process.

Keep the graduate certificate, category documents, and Aadhaar-linked bank details ready in advance, since the fee refund and free travel authority both depend on that linkage working correctly. Also candidates eligible for a scribe should note that the window to register scribe details opens only after the modification period closes, from 27 to 31 August 2026.

The CBT and CBAT examination dates have not yet been announced. Once the schedule is finalised, the details will be published on the official website of the concerned RRB. Candidates are advised to rely only on official RRB notifications for examination dates, admit cards, and other recruitment updates. (you can also bookmark this page and follow our social media handles such as telegram and WhatsApp for quick updates)

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.