RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2026 (CEN 03/2026) – 119 Posts for Graduates, Level-6 Pay, Apply Online by 14 August
Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Government of India · Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
Published 14 Jul 2026 · Updated 29 Jul 2026
119 Posts
14 Aug 2026
ActiveLevel 6 (7th CPC), Basic ₹35,400
Any Degree, Graduate
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 03/2026 for the recruitment of 119 Section Controller posts across various Zonal Railways of Indian Railways — a rare direct graduate entry into train operations control at Level 6 (7th CPC) with an initial basic pay of ₹35,400.
Graduates in any discipline aged 20–33 years as on 01.07.2026 can apply online at rrbapply.gov.in from 15 July to 14 August 2026 (23:59 Hrs). Selection involves a Single Stage CBT, a strict Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), Document Verification, and an A-2 standard Medical Examination — one of the toughest vision standards in Indian Railways. Final merit is prepared with 70% weightage to CBT and 30% to CBAT.
Quick Answer
The Railway Recruitment Boards have notified 119 Section Controller vacancies under CEN No. 03/2026, open to graduates in any discipline aged 20–33 years as on 01.07.2026. Online applications are accepted at rrbapply.gov.in from 15 July to 14 August 2026 (fee: ₹500 for Gen/OBC/EWS with ₹400 refund after CBT; ₹250 fully refundable for SC/ST/Female/PwBD). Selection comprises a Single Stage CBT (100 questions, 120 minutes, 1/3 negative marking), a qualifying Computer Based Aptitude Test, Document Verification, and an A-2 standard Medical Examination, with final merit weighted 70% CBT and 30% CBAT. The post carries Level 6 (7th CPC) pay with ₹35,400 initial basic.
Organization
Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Government of India
Advt No.
CEN No. 03/2026
Post Name
Section Controller (Level 6, 7th CPC) — zone-wise/RRB-wise break-up as per CEN 03/2026
Total Vacancies
119
Pay Scale
Level 6 (7th CPC), Basic ₹35,400
Age Limit
20–33 years (Additional relaxations apply for Ex-Servicemen, serving Railway employees (Group C & former Group D), Railway canteen/co-operative society staff, and widowed/divorced/judicially separated women, as per CEN 03/2026.)
Apply Window
14 Jul 2026 – 14 Aug 2026
Mode
online
Official Website
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
| Advt No. | CEN No. 03/2026 |
| Post Name | Section Controller (Level 6, 7th CPC) — zone-wise/RRB-wise break-up as per CEN 03/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 119 |
| Pay Scale | Level 6 (7th CPC), Basic ₹35,400 |
| Age Limit | 20–33 years (Additional relaxations apply for Ex-Servicemen, serving Railway employees (Group C & former Group D), Railway canteen/co-operative society staff, and widowed/divorced/judicially separated women, as per CEN 03/2026.) |
| Apply Window | 14 Jul 2026 – 14 Aug 2026 |
| Mode | online |
| Official Website | Visit Website |
Pay Scale Note
Initial basic pay ₹35,400 in Pay Level 6 (7th CPC) plus DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, Night Duty Allowance, and other railway benefits — approximate starting gross varies by posting city. Section Controller is a rare direct graduate entry into divisional train operations control, with a defined promotion ladder (Section Controller → Chief Controller → operations management).
Official Notification Document
Official Notification Link
This notification is hosted directly on the official portal (www.rrbapply.gov.in). Click below to view the official announcement.
Visit Official Notice Page →Read Also
Eligibility Snapshot
Candidates with Any Degree, Graduate qualification are eligible to apply.
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST+5 yrs (up to 38 yrs)
- OBC (NCL)+3 yrs (up to 36 yrs)
- PwBD (UR/EWS)+10 yrs (up to 43 yrs)
- PwBD (OBC)+13 yrs (up to 46 yrs)
- PwBD (SC/ST)+15 yrs (up to 48 yrs)
Qualification
Note
Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognised university or its equivalent. Candidates must fulfil the qualification by the cut-off date in the notification; appearing/result-awaited candidates are not eligible. Candidates apply to one RRB only; zone preferences are filled within the application.
Eligible States
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before applying.
- ✓Passport size photo (recent, prescribed format)
- ✓Signature
- ✓Graduation degree certificate & marksheets
- ✓Class 10 certificate (proof of date of birth)
- ✓Caste/EWS certificate (if applicable)
- ✓PwBD certificate (if applicable)
- ✓Ex-Servicemen documents (if applicable)
- ✓Aadhaar Card
- ✓Valid email ID and mobile number
Selection Process
Selection is through 5 stages.
- Single Stage Computer Based Test (CBT) — 100 questions, 120 minutes, negative marking of 1/3 mark per wrong answer
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) — qualifying; every test battery must be cleared; no relaxation in CBAT standards
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination — A-2 standard (one of the strictest vision standards in Indian Railways)
- Final merit: 70% weightage to CBT marks + 30% weightage to CBAT
Vacancy Breakdown
This recruitment has 119 total vacancies across 1 post.
Swipe to see more →
| Post | Total | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Section Controller (Level 6, 7th CPC) — zone-wise/RRB-wise break-up as per CEN 03/2026 | — | Level 6 (7th CPC), Basic ₹35,400 |
Application Fee
Application fee varies by category — see the table below.
- General / EWS₹500
- OBC / EWS₹500
- SC / ST / PwD₹250
- Female₹250
Payment modes: UPI, Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card
Refund after appearing in CBT: ₹400 refunded to General/OBC/EWS candidates; full ₹250 refunded to SC/ST/Female/PwBD/Ex-SM candidates (bank charges deducted). No refund for candidates who do not appear in the CBT.
Important Dates
Key dates for this recruitment are listed below.
- Indicative Notice (Employment News)—
- Detailed Notification (CEN 03/2026)—
- Application Start Date00:00 Hrs
- Application Last Date23:59 Hrs
- Last Date for Fee Payment—
- Application Modification WindowTill 26 August 2026
- Scribe Details SubmissionTill 31 August 2026
- CBT Exam DateTo be announced by respective RRBs
How to Apply Step-by-Step for Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Government of India Recruitment 2026
Apply online at the official website before 14 Aug 2026 by following the steps below.
- 1
Step 1
Refund after appearing in CBT: ₹400 refunded to General/OBC/EWS candidates; full ₹250 refunded to SC/ST/Female/PwBD/Ex-SM candidates (bank charges deducted). No refund for candidates who do not appear in the CBT.
Full Notification Details
RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2026 (CEN 03/2026): 119 Posts for Graduates – Apply Online by 14 August
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released Centralised Employment Notification No. 03/2026 for the recruitment of 119 Section Controllers across various Zonal Railways of Indian Railways. This is a rare opportunity — a direct graduate entry into train operations control at Pay Level 6, a level at which very few railway posts open for fresh graduates.
A Section Controller sits in the divisional control office, tracks every train moving on their section, and decides train precedence — coordinating with station masters to ensure safe, punctual operations. It is one of the most responsible operational posts in Indian Railways.
Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
| Notification No. | CEN 03/2026 (detailed notification dated 14 July 2026) |
| Post | Section Controller |
| Total Vacancies | 119 (across various RRBs/Zonal Railways) |
| Pay | Level 6 (7th CPC), initial basic ₹35,400 |
| Qualification | Graduate in any discipline |
| Age | 20–33 years as on 01.07.2026 |
| Application Mode | Online at rrbapply.gov.in |
| Application Window | 15 July – 14 August 2026 (23:59 Hrs) |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative Notice (Employment News) | 23 June 2026 |
| Detailed Notification Released | 14 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 15 July 2026 (00:00 Hrs) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14 August 2026 (23:59 Hrs) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 August 2026 |
| Application Modification Window | 17 – 26 August 2026 |
| Scribe Details Submission | 27 – 31 August 2026 |
| CBT Date & Admit Card | To be announced by respective RRBs |
Vacancy Details
A total of 119 posts are distributed across RRB–Zonal Railway combinations. Candidates can apply to one RRB only, so check the RRB-wise vacancy table in the CEN carefully before choosing (West Bengal candidates should note the RRB Kolkata/Eastern & South Eastern Railway numbers in the notification) — your RRB choice cannot be changed later.
Eligibility Criteria
- Education: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university (completed by the cut-off date — result-awaited candidates are not eligible)
- Age: 20 to 33 years as on 01.07.2026
- Nationality: Indian citizen (and other categories as per CEN)
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC (NCL) | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD (UR/EWS / OBC / SC-ST) | 10 / 13 / 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (UR / OBC / SC-ST) | Defence service + 3 / 6 / 8 years |
| Railway employees (Group C & former Group D) | Up to 40 / 43 / 45 years (UR/OBC/SC-ST) |
| Widowed / divorced / judicially separated women | Up to 35 / 38 / 40 years (UR/OBC/SC-ST) |
Selection Process
- Single Stage Computer Based Test (CBT) — 100 questions in 120 minutes, with negative marking of 1/3 mark per wrong answer, covering General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) — a psycho-aptitude test where every test battery must be qualified separately; no relaxation in CBAT standards is permissible for any category
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination — A-2 standard, one of the strictest vision standards in Indian Railways (distant and near vision without glasses as prescribed; colour vision, binocular vision, and night vision requirements apply)
Final merit is prepared with 70% weightage to CBT marks and 30% weightage to CBAT performance.
⚠️ Check the A-2 medical standard before you prepare. Candidates who cannot meet the vision requirements will be eliminated at the medical stage regardless of CBT/CBAT scores — verify the standards in Annexure of CEN 03/2026 first.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Refund after appearing in CBT |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹500 | ₹400 refunded |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female / Ex-SM | ₹250 | ₹250 (full) refunded |
Refunds are processed after deduction of bank charges. No refund if you do not appear in the CBT.
Salary & Career Path
Section Controllers start at ₹35,400 basic in Level 6 plus DA, HRA, transport allowance, night duty allowance, and railway benefits (passes, medical, pension under NPS/UPS). The career ladder runs from Section Controller to Chief Controller and onward into divisional operations management.
How to Apply Online
- Go to rrbapply.gov.in
- Click Login → "Don't have an account? Create an account" and complete one-time registration
- Log in, select "CEN 03/2026 – Section Controller"
- Fill in the form — choose your RRB and zone preferences with care
- Upload photo, signature, and documents in the prescribed formats
- Pay the fee online (by 16 August 2026) and submit
- Download and print the final application
Corrections can be made only during the modification window (17–26 August 2026).
Conclusion
With only 119 posts against a typically massive RRB applicant pool, competition will be intense — but for graduates who meet the age and A-2 medical criteria, this is one of the best Level-6 railway entries available. Apply well before 14 August 2026, verify your medical eligibility first, and start CBT plus aptitude-battery preparation early. Karmosandhan will track the CBT date, admit card, answer key, and result for CEN 03/2026 — bookmark this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2026?
Under CEN No. 03/2026, the Railway Recruitment Boards are recruiting 119 Section Controllers — the divisional control office post that monitors and directs train movements — across various Zonal Railways at Pay Level 6.
What is the last date to apply for RRB Section Controller 2026?
14 August 2026 (23:59 Hrs) at rrbapply.gov.in. The fee can be paid until 16 August 2026.
What is the eligibility for the Section Controller post?
A Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university, and age between 20 and 33 years as on 01.07.2026, with category-wise relaxations.
What is the age relaxation?
OBC-NCL +3 years, SC/ST +5 years, PwBD +10/13/15 years, Ex-Servicemen defence service +3/6/8 years, and special provisions for railway employees and widowed/divorced women as per the CEN.
What is the selection process?
A Single Stage CBT, followed by a qualifying Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), Document Verification, and an A-2 standard Medical Examination. Final merit is 70% CBT + 30% CBAT.
What is the CBT exam pattern?
100 questions in 120 minutes covering General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning, with negative marking of 1/3 mark per wrong answer.
What is the CBAT and is there any relaxation in it?
The CBAT is a psycho-aptitude test in which every test battery must be qualified separately. No relaxation in CBAT standards is allowed for any category.
What is the medical standard for Section Controller?
A-2 — among the strictest in Indian Railways, with demanding distant/near vision, colour vision, and night vision requirements. Candidates should verify the standard in the CEN before applying.
What is the application fee?
₹500 for General/OBC/EWS (₹400 refunded after appearing in the CBT) and ₹250 for SC/ST/PwBD/Female/Ex-SM candidates (fully refunded after appearing in the CBT), less bank charges.
What is the salary of an RRB Section Controller?
Pay Level 6 (7th CPC) with an initial basic of ₹35,400 per month, plus DA, HRA, transport allowance, night duty allowance, and railway benefits.
How many vacancies are there and can I apply to multiple RRBs?
119 vacancies distributed across RRB–zone combinations. You can apply to one RRB only, so choose after checking the RRB-wise vacancy table in CEN 03/2026.
When is the RRB Section Controller CBT exam?
The CBT date has not been announced yet. The respective RRBs will publish the exam date and e-call letter (admit card) schedule on their official websites.
Is there an application correction facility?
Yes, the application modification window is open from 17 to 26 August 2026.
How do I apply online?
Register at rrbapply.gov.in, log in, select CEN 03/2026 – Section Controller, fill in the form with RRB/zone preferences, upload documents, pay the fee, and submit before 14 August 2026.
Do final-year students qualify?
No. The graduation degree must be completed by the cut-off date in the notification; result-awaited candidates are not eligible.
Is there any physical test or skill test for Section Controller?
No. The selection has no physical or skill test — it consists only of the CBT, CBAT, Document Verification, and Medical Examination, as per CEN 03/2026.
Asit Kr Mahata
Content Editor & Govt Job Expert
Updated 29 Jul 2026
Source: Official Notification published on Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Government of India on 14 Jul 2026.
Disclaimer: Karmosandhan is an educational news portal and is not affiliated with any government body. All information provided is for educational and awareness purposes only. Please verify details from the official notification before applying.
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