Railway Exam 2026: Which Post Is Best For 10th, 12th & Graduate

Indian Railways, the nation's largest employer, now follows an annual recruitment calendar, similar to the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). This ensures a consistent and predictable schedule for numerous vacancies each year. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of upcoming railway recruitment opportunities for 2026, covering roles suitable for 10th pass, 12th pass, and graduate-level candidates, guiding aspirants to select the most suitable career path.

Also Read: Railway RRB Calendar 2026

Railway Exam 2026  Overview

The 2025 cycle saw approximately 50,500 total vacancies. Aspirants should note the status of these recruitments as they prepare for the 2026 cycle.

Railway Recruitment Calendar 2026

Indian Railways has officially released its recruitment calendar for 2026, confirming that vacancies will be announced annually. The notification for the 2026 cycle is expected soon, likely around January-March. Students should maintain continuous and dedicated preparation.

The posts identified in the 2026 calendar include:

• Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP)

• Technician

• Section Controller

• Junior Engineer (JE)

• Para-Medical Categories

• Ministerial & Isolated Categories

• Level 1 (Group D) Jobs

A detailed notification specifying the number of vacancies for each post will be released by the railway board.

Detailed Analysis of Key Railway Posts

This section details the eligibility, salary, syllabus, and selection process for major railway posts expected in the 2026 cycle. A common feature across all railway exams is a negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks for each incorrect answer.

1. RRB Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP)

• Age: 18 - 30 years (Category-wise relaxation available).

• Qualification: 10th pass with ITI or an Engineering Diploma.

• Approx. Salary: ₹27,000 (plus allowances).

• Subjects: Mathematics, Reasoning, General Science, General Awareness.

• Selection Process: CBT 1, CBT 2, Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), Document Verification (DV), and Medical Examination.

• Exam Pattern (CBT 1):

• Mathematics: 20 Questions

• Reasoning: 25 Questions

• Science: 20 Questions

• GK & Current Affairs: 10 Questions

• Total: 75 Questions (75 Marks)

2. RRB Technician Grade I

• Age: 18 - 36 years.

• Qualification: Graduation or an Engineering Diploma.

• Approx. Salary: ₹35,000.

• Subjects: Mathematics, Reasoning, General Awareness, Basic Science & Engineering, Basic Computer.

• Selection Process: CBT, DV, and Medical Examination.

• Exam Pattern (CBT):

• General Awareness: 10 Questions

• General Intelligence & Reasoning: 15 Questions

• Basic Computer Applications: 20 Questions

• Mathematics: 20 Questions

• Basic Science & Engineering: 35 Questions

• Total: 100 Questions (100 Marks, 90 mins).

3. RRB Technician Grade III

• Age: 18 - 30 years.

• Qualification: 10th pass with ITI Diploma.

• Approx. Salary: ₹27,000.

• Subjects: Mathematics, Reasoning, Science, General Awareness.

• Selection Process: CBT, DV, and Medical Examination.

• Exam Pattern (CBT):

• Mathematics: 25 Questions

• Reasoning: 25 Questions

• General Science: 40 Questions

• General Awareness: 10 Questions

• Total: 100 Questions (100 Marks).

4. RRB Junior Engineer (JE)

• Age: 18 - 33 years.

• Qualification: Graduation in Engineering.

• Approx. Salary: ₹45,000.

• Subjects: Mathematics, Reasoning, Science, General Awareness.

• Selection Process: CBT 1, CBT 2, DV, and Medical Examination.

• Exam Pattern (CBT 1):

• Mathematics: 30 Questions

• General Intelligence & Reasoning: 25 Questions

• General Science: 30 Questions

• General Awareness: 15 Questions

• Total: 100 Questions (100 Marks).

5. RRB Section Controller

• Age: 20 - 33 years.

• Qualification: Graduation.

• Approx. Salary: ₹55,000.

• Subjects: Mathematics, Reasoning, Science, General Awareness.

• Selection Process: CBT 1, CBT 2, DV, and Medical Examination.

• Exam Pattern:

• Mathematical Ability: 60 Questions

• Logical Reasoning: 20 Questions

• Logical Capability: 20 Questions

• Mental Reasoning: 20 Questions

• Total: 100 Questions (100 Marks, 120 mins).

6. Railway Para-Medical Categories

• Age: 18 - 40 years (varies by post).

• Qualification: 12th pass or higher, depending on the specific post.

• Approx. Salary: ₹50,000.

• Subjects: Professional Ability, General Awareness, Maths, Reasoning, and Science.

• Selection Process: CBT and DV.

• Exam Pattern (CBT):

• Professional Ability: 70 Questions

• General Awareness: 10 Questions

• Reasoning: 10 Questions

• General Science: 10 Questions

• Total: 100 Questions (100 Marks).

7. RRB NTPC (Graduate Level)

• Age: 18 - 33 years.

• Qualification: Graduation (Compulsory).

• Approx. Salary: ₹55,000.

• Subjects: Mathematics, Reasoning, General Awareness.

• Selection Process: CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT (for specific posts), DV, and Medical Examination.

• Exam Pattern (CBT 1):

• General Awareness (GS+GA): 40 Questions

• Mathematics: 30 Questions

• Reasoning: 30 Questions

• Total: 100 Questions (100 Marks, 90 mins).

8. RRB NTPC (Under-Graduate Level)

• Age: 18 - 30 years.

• Qualification: 12th Pass.

• Approx. Salary: ₹30,000.

• Subjects: Mathematics, Reasoning, General Awareness.

• Selection Process: CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT (for specific posts), DV, and Medical Examination.

• Exam Pattern (CBT 1):

• General Awareness: 40 Questions

• Mathematics: 30 Questions

• Reasoning: 30 Questions

• Total: 100 Questions (100 Marks, 90 mins).

9. RRB Group D (Level 1)

• Age: 18 - 33 years.

• Qualification: 10th Pass (some posts may require ITI).

• Approx. Salary: ₹25,000 (plus overtime and allowances).

• Subjects: Mathematics, Reasoning, Science, General Awareness & Current Affairs.

• Selection Process: CBT, Physical Efficiency Test (PET), DV, and Medical Examination.

• Exam Pattern (CBT):

• General Science: 25 Questions

• Mathematics: 25 Questions

• Reasoning: 30 Questions

• General Awareness & Current Affairs: 20 Questions

• Total: 100 Questions (100 Marks, 90 mins).

Railway Exam 2026: Which Railway Job is Best for You?

The best job choice depends entirely on your educational qualifications.