Latest official update
The latest verified Level 1 recruitment is CEN 09/2025, which opened applications in 2026. Its answer-key notice records CBT from 3–25 August 2026 and objections from 7–17 September; that window is closed. The older CEN 08/2024 PET shortlist is a separate recruitment record.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment | CEN 09/2025, Level 1 |
| Initial notified vacancies | 22,195; subject to annexure revisions |
| Applications | Closed after extension to 9 March 2026 |
| CBT | 3–25 August 2026, as recorded in objection notice |
| Objections | Closed 17 September 2026 |
| Age | 18–33 on 1 January 2026 before relaxations |
| Initial basic pay | Level 1: ₹18,000 |
What changed in this cycle?
Corrigenda revised post parameters and vacancy annexures. Corrigendum 4 extended the application deadline and subsequent windows. The older CEN 08/2024 age limit of 18–36 included exceptional relaxation and must not be reused as this notice’s ordinary age range.
Notification and official PDF
Read CEN 09/2025 with its corrigenda, including the final application-window extension. The year in the CEN is the recruitment identifier, even though applications and CBT took place in 2026.
Important dates
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Applications opened | 31 January 2026 |
| Extended submission deadline | 9 March 2026, 23:59 — closed |
| Fee deadline | 11 March 2026 — closed |
| Correction period | 12–21 March 2026 — closed |
| Scribe details | 22–26 March 2026 — closed |
| CBT | 3–25 August 2026 |
| Answer-key objections | 7–17 September 2026 — closed |
Vacancies and posts
The detailed CEN initially advertised 22,195 Level 1 posts. Read amended Annexures A and B for the exact post, Railway, category, qualification, medical standard and disability suitability. Horizontal reservations are not extra seats to add again to the principal vacancy count.
Eligibility
The ordinary age is 18–33 on 1 January 2026, with prescribed relaxations. Post qualifications are given in amended Annexure A. Candidates must possess the required educational/technical qualification by the applicable closing date; those awaiting final results were not eligible. An engineering degree does not automatically substitute for an ITI or apprenticeship requirement wherever the notice specifically requires that route.
Application process and fees
The application period has closed. The notice charges ₹500 for the ordinary category, of which ₹400 is refundable after CBT attendance subject to bank charges. The specified concessional categories pay ₹250, refundable after attendance subject to charges. Concession includes categories such as SC/ST, ex-servicemen, PwBD, women, transgender, minorities and qualifying EBC under the full rules. EBC fee concession is distinct from OBC/EWS reservation.
Exam pattern
| Subject | Questions |
|---|---|
| General Science | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 |
| General Awareness and Current Affairs | 20 |
The CBT has 100 questions in 90 minutes ordinarily, with one-third mark deducted per wrong answer. The subject distribution is indicative. Eligible scribe cases have the prescribed extended time. Qualifying percentages and competitive cut-offs serve different purposes.
Syllabus
Revise Class 10 Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences; arithmetic, elementary algebra/geometry and statistics; analogies, series, coding, reasoning and data interpretation; and general awareness/current affairs. Use the syllabus in the CEN as a checklist rather than a coaching prediction of exact topic weight.
Selection process
The process comprises CBT, qualifying PET, document verification and medical examination, subject to the CEN’s exemptions and category provisions. PET instructions are issued for the applicable recruitment by the responsible Railway/RRC. An answer key is not a result, and the older recruitment’s PET list does not establish selection for CEN 09/2025.
Salary and job profile
Initial basic pay is ₹18,000 in Level 1. Duties differ across the notified operational, maintenance and support posts. Allowances and deductions affect net salary; the vacancy annexure and service conditions determine the actual post requirements.
Preparation and previous papers
Use timed 100-question practice with negative marking, and record calculation, science and reasoning errors separately. Prepare for the applicable physical stage progressively; check exemptions in the CEN. Previous-year papers are practice material and keep their original dates.
Previous-cycle archives
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Why does a 2026 guide mention CEN 09/2025?
That is the official recruitment number; its application period opened in January 2026.
Is the objection window open?
No. The cited window ended on 17 September.
Can I use the older 18–36 limit?
No. The newer notice’s ordinary age band is 18–33 on 1 January 2026, before applicable relaxations.