South Eastern Railway Group C Recruitment 2026

Introduction

South Eastern Railway (SER) has announced a recruitment drive for Group 'C' posts under the Cultural Quota for the year 2026-27. This notification, issued on October 10, 2026, by the Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), invites eligible candidates to apply for two vacancies. The recruitment aims to fill positions in Pay Level-2 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) with a Grade Pay of Rs. 1900/-. Candidates interested in a career with South Eastern Railway and possessing the required qualifications and cultural proficiency are encouraged to review the detailed eligibility criteria, age limits, application process, and important dates outlined in this article. It is essential for all applicants to carefully read the official notification for complete and definitive information before submitting their application. The application window opens on October 17, 2026, and closes on November 16, 2026. This is a significant opportunity for individuals with artistic talents to join the Indian Railways.

Recruitment Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

South Eastern Railway is recruiting for a total of 02 vacancies for Group 'C' posts under the Cultural Quota. The specific distribution of these vacancies across different categories (like UR, SC, ST, OBC, etc.) is not detailed in the supplied notification.

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

To be eligible for these Group 'C' posts, candidates must meet the following essential qualifications:

• For Classical Dance (Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi, Kuchipudi): Passed 12th standard or equivalent examination with at least 50% marks in aggregate from a Government recognized Education Board. A relaxation of the 50% mark requirement is provided for SC/ST/ESM & PWBD candidates and those with higher qualifications from UGC recognized Universities.
• For Instrumental Music (Flute, Violin, Veena, Sitar, Sarod): Must have completed a Degree/Diploma/Certificate course in the respective discipline from a Government recognized University/Institute.
• Alternative Qualification (for Technician Grade-III in Level-2): Passed 10th standard from a recognized Board plus an ITI/National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) approved by NCVT. A Diploma in Engineering is not considered an alternative higher qualification.

Candidates who do not possess the prescribed Cultural Qualification are not eligible to apply. Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Experience in the field of the applied discipline and have given performances on All India Radio/Doordarshan etc.
• Received Awards/Prizes at the National Level in the applied discipline.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The age of the candidate will be reckoned as on 01.01.2027.

• Minimum Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Age (UR Category): 30 Years

Age relaxations are applicable as follows:

• OBC Candidates: Up to 3 years relaxation in upper age limit.
• SC/ST Candidates: Up to 5 years relaxation in upper age limit.
• Persons with Disabilities (PwBDs): 10 years age relaxation, subject to production of a Disability Certificate.
• Ex-Servicemen: Age relaxable up to the extent of service rendered in Defence Forces plus 3 years, provided they have put in a minimum of 6 months attested service.
• Serving Railway Employees (including casual labours/substitutes): Maximum age limit is 40 years for UR, 43 years for OBC, and 45 years for SC/ST, provided they have put in three years of continuous service or three years in broken spells.
• Widows / Divorced Women and Women Judicially Separated but not re-married: Maximum age limit is 35 years for UR, 38 years for OBC, and 40 years for SC/ST.
• Staff of Quasi-Administrative offices or organizations (e.g., Railway Consumer Co-operative Societies, Canteens): Age relaxation up to 05 years of service rendered in such organization, or the actual period of service, whichever is less.

Candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/ESM/PWBD) applying against the Cultural Quota will be extended age relaxation only as admissible in general Open Market Recruitment. If selected by availing any relaxation, they will be adjusted against the respective reserved roster point.

Application Fee

The examination fee is structured as follows:

• For all candidates (except those in sub-para (ii)): Rs. 500/- (Rupees Five Hundred only).
• For candidates belonging to SC, ST, Ex-servicemen, PwBD, Women, Minorities and Economically Backward Class: Rs. 250/- (Rupees Two Hundred and Fifty only).

Refundable Portion: Rs. 400/- of the examination fee is refundable for candidates who appear in the Written Test. This refundable portion will be refunded after deducting bank charges, provided the candidate indicates their wish for a refund on the online application form. Failure to indicate this will result in forfeiture of the refund.

Payment Method: Fees must be paid online using Internet Banking or Debit Card or Credit Card. Service charges for payment will be borne by the candidates.

Salary and Pay Scale

Selected candidates will be appointed in Group 'C' category and will be placed in Pay Level-2 of the Pay Matrix of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). The Grade Pay for this level is Rs. 1900/-.

Selection Process

The recruitment process involves two stages:

• Stage-I: Written Test/OMR/CBT (50 Marks)
  • This stage consists of Objective type questions.
  • Duration: 60 minutes.
  • Negative Marking: One-third (1/3rd) of the marks allotted to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
  • Syllabus: General Knowledge, General Science, General Mathematics, Knowledge of General English & Official Language, Professional Knowledge, Reasoning and Aptitude.
  • Qualifying Percentage: 40% in the Written Test.
  • Candidates must choose either English or Hindi for the Written Test.
• Stage-II: Assessment of Talent in the Applied Discipline (Marks not specified)
  • Candidates will be called for Stage-II in a 1:5 ratio of notified vacancies based on their merit order in Stage-I.
  • This stage includes a Practical Demonstration in the applied discipline and evaluation of Testimonials/Prizes etc.

The total marks will be the sum of marks from Stage-I and Stage-II.

Application Procedure

Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the official website of South Eastern Railway. The application process involves the following steps:

1. Visit the official website of South Eastern Railway (link to be provided).
2. Locate and click on the link for the Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026-27.
3. Read the detailed employment notice carefully to ensure eligibility.
4. Fill in the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and cultural details.
5. Upload scanned copies of all required documents as specified in the notification.
6. Pay the application fee online through the available payment gateway.
7. Review all entered information before final submission.
8. Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.

Candidates are strongly advised to apply well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Required Documents

Candidates are required to upload the following documents along with their online application:

• All certificates and mark sheets proving educational qualifications and desirable qualifications, duly self-attested and issued by Government recognized Boards/Universities/Institutes. Provisional certificates will not be accepted.
• Community certificates for SC/ST candidates, issued by the Competent Authority (as per Annexure-I).
• Community certificates for OBC-NCL candidates, issued by the Competent Authority (as per Annexure-II).
• Self-declaration for OBC-NCL candidates, confirming they do not belong to the Creamy Layer (as per Annexure-IIA).
• Income Certificate for EBC candidates, issued by the Competent Authority (as per Annexure-VII).
• Income Certificate for EWS candidates, issued by the Competent Authority (as per Annexure-VI).
• Declaration for waiver of Examination Fees for Minority candidates (as per Annexure-VIII).
• Disability Certificate for PwBD candidates (as per Annexure-III/IV).

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

• Read the Notification Carefully: Ensure you understand all eligibility criteria, especially the cultural qualifications and age limits, before applying.
• Accurate Information: Provide correct details in the application form. Any discrepancy may lead to disqualification.
• Document Upload: Ensure all uploaded documents are clear, legible, and in the prescribed format.
• Application Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment process carefully. Note the details for the refundable portion.
• Last Date Rush: Avoid applying on the last day to prevent website congestion issues.
• Medical Fitness: It is mandatory for empaneled candidates to be declared fit in the prescribed medical category.
• Typing Proficiency: If appointed to Clerk-cum-Typist posts, candidates must acquire typing proficiency within two years.

Official Notification and Application Links

Official Notification PDF: Download Notification

Application Link: Not specified in the supplied notification. Candidates should check the official RRC SER website for the application portal once it is active.

Relevant FAQs

Q1: What is the last date to apply for the South Eastern Railway Group C Cultural Quota recruitment?
A1: The last date to apply online is November 16, 2026.

Q2: What are the minimum educational qualifications required?
A2: Candidates need to have passed 12th standard with at least 50% marks, or 10th pass with ITI/NAC, along with specific cultural qualifications for their discipline.

Q3: Is there any negative marking in the written test?
A3: Yes, there is negative marking in the Stage-I Written Test, with one-third of the marks deducted for each incorrect answer.

Q4: How is the application fee paid?
A4: The application fee must be paid online using Internet Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card.

Q5: What is the age limit for the UR category?
A5: The age limit for the Unreserved (UR) category is between 18 to 30 years as on 01.01.2027.