Railway Recruitment for various posts of Isolated Categories | 191 Isolated Category Posts

Railway CEN 09/2026 Recruitment: 191 Isolated Category Posts

Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 09/2026 for recruitment to 191 Isolated Category posts. The notification covers Chief Law Assistant, Public Prosecutor, Senior Publicity Inspector, Junior Translator/Hindi, Staff and Welfare Inspector, Scientific Assistant (Training), and Lab Assistant Grade III (Chemist & Metallurgist).

The online application window opened on 5 November 2026. Eligible candidates can submit applications up to 4 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. The last date for fee payment is 6 December 2026. Candidates should apply through the official RRB application system and choose only one RRB.

Important dates

Vacancy, pay level and age limit

Post-wise educational qualification

Age limit and reservation

Age is calculated as on 1 January 2027. The table above gives the general post-wise age ranges. Upper-age relaxation is available under the applicable rules for eligible SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwBD, Ex-Serviceman and other categories. Candidates must hold the prescribed certificates in the required format.

The crucial date for claiming reservation, relaxation and fee-concession benefits is generally the closing date of online applications unless the notification specifies otherwise. Candidates should not confuse EBC with OBC or EWS. In this CEN, EBC is linked to examination-fee concession and does not provide job reservation.

Examination fee and refund

Payment is online only through internet banking, debit/credit card or UPI. The refund is available only to candidates who appear in the CBT and is credited through the Aadhaar-seeded bank account process described in the notification. Incomplete, rejected or non-submitted applications do not qualify for a refund.

Railway CEN 09/2026 exam pattern

The recruitment normally uses a single-stage Computer Based Test, followed by a Translation Test where applicable, document verification and medical examination. The CBT is objective and lasts 90 minutes for 100 questions. Candidates eligible to use a scribe receive 120 minutes.

There is negative marking of one-third mark for every wrong answer. The minimum qualifying percentage is 40% for UR and EWS, 30% for OBC-NCL and SC, and 25% for ST. PwBD relaxation may apply where the notification permits it.

Special rule for Junior Translator / Hindi

Junior Translator candidates take a single-stage CBT followed by a qualifying Translation Test. The CBT tests Hindi and English language knowledge along with general knowledge, reasoning, simple arithmetic and basic computer knowledge. At least 50% of the paper is designed to test language proficiency, with 20% for English and 30% for Hindi.

Up to ten times the number of vacancies may be called for the Translation Test based on CBT merit. The Translation Test is qualifying, with a pass mark of 60%. The final merit for Junior Translator is based on CBT marks, but a candidate who fails the Translation Test is not considered for selection.

How to apply online

1. Visit the unified official RRB website and use the application link for CEN 09/2026. The application module is made available through rrbapply.gov.in.
2. Create an RRB account using your active mobile number and personal email address. Existing RRB accounts from earlier CENs may be used.
3. Enter account details carefully. Mobile number, email address and other account-creation details cannot be changed later.
4. Authenticate your identity through Aadhaar or DigiLocker where possible. Alternative identity verification can lead to stricter scrutiny.
5. Choose only one RRB and enter your post, Railway Zone and production-unit preferences for posts for which you are eligible.
6. Complete the application, choose the examination language, capture the required live photograph and pay the applicable fee online.
7. Save the final application, payment confirmation and registration details.

Modification window

After submission and fee payment, eligible details may be modified from 7 to 16 December 2026 by paying a non-refundable modification fee of ₹250 per occasion. The details entered while creating the account, including mobile number and email address, and the chosen RRB cannot be modified. Candidates should therefore review the form before final submission.

Aspirant preparation strategy

• Law candidates: revise the relevant law syllabus and organise proof of practice or advocacy standing before document verification.
• Translator candidates: practise Hindi-to-English and English-to-Hindi translation early; the translation stage is qualifying but compulsory for selection.
• Publicity and welfare candidates: prepare professional subjects first because the CBT gives 50 marks to Professional Ability.
• Psychology candidates: revise core psychology and prepare examples related to counselling, guidance and organisational settings.
• Lab Assistant candidates: revise Physics and Chemistry at the required level and keep the 12th certificate ready.
• All candidates: practise with the one-third negative marking in mind and avoid guessing without calculation.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying before checking the complete Annexure A qualification for your category.
• Applying while waiting for final examination results.
• Choosing more than one RRB.
• Confusing EBC fee concession with OBC or EWS reservation.
• Using an incorrect date of birth instead of the date recorded on the 10th certificate.
• Ignoring the medical standard. Candidates found medically unsuitable for an opted post are not automatically offered an alternative appointment.
• Bringing banned items such as mobile phones, calculators, watches, bags or writing materials into the examination venue.

Frequently asked questions

How many vacancies are in Railway CEN 09/2026?

There are 191 vacancies across seven Isolated Category posts.

What is the last date to apply?

The last date is 4 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. The last date for fee payment is 6 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Can I apply to more than one RRB?

No. Candidates can choose only one RRB. Multiple applications can result in rejection and debarment.

Is the examination fee refundable?

Eligible candidates receive the prescribed refund only after appearing in the CBT, after applicable bank charges. Incomplete or rejected applications do not qualify for a refund.

Is there negative marking?

Yes. One-third mark is deducted for each wrong answer in the CBT and applicable Translation Test.

Where will exam dates be published?

CBT, Translation Test, document verification and medical-examination dates will be communicated through the unified official RRB website, individual RRB webpages, SMS and email.

Final checklist before submission

• Check the exact post qualification in Annexure A.
• Confirm that your qualification was completed by the application closing date.
• Calculate age as on 1 January 2027.
• Choose one RRB only.
• Enter your account details carefully because they cannot be changed later.
• Keep certificates for age, qualification, caste/category, EBC or minority fee concession ready.
• Pay the fee online and save the confirmation.
• Follow only official RRB websites for updates and e-call letters.

Official update reminder: Verify the latest CEN, corrigendum, application link, city intimation, e-call letter and result notice on the official RRB website before taking action.

Source: Railway Recruitment Boards, Centralised Employment Notification CEN No. 09/2026, Isolated Categories. This article is an aspirant-friendly summary; the official notification and later corrigenda remain final.