Eastern Railway Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026

Introduction

The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) of Eastern Railway has announced recruitment for Group 'C' posts under the Cultural Quota for the year 2026-27, inviting applications from eligible candidates to fill two vacancies. This recruitment drive is specifically for individuals with talent in cultural disciplines, and candidates without the required cultural qualifications are advised not to apply. The application process is entirely online, and interested individuals must ensure they meet the specified educational and age criteria before proceeding. The essential qualifications vary depending on the specific post, with one vacancy for Classical Dance (Bharatanatyam/Kathak/Kathakali/Kuchipudi/Manipuri/Mohiniyattam/Odissi/Sattriya) and another for Drama (Acting/Direction). For the Classical Dance post, candidates must have passed the 12th standard with at least 50% marks from a recognized board, or possess a higher qualification from a UGC recognized university; this 50% mark requirement is waived for SC/ST/ESM & PwBD candidates. For the Drama post, candidates need to have passed the 10th standard from a recognized board along with an ITI/National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) approved by NCVT. Additionally, for both posts, a Degree/Diploma/Certificate in the respective cultural discipline from a Government Recognized University/Institute is mandatory. The age limit for candidates applying for Group 'C' posts under the Cultural Quota is between 18 years and 30 years as of January 1, 2027, with relaxations available for specific categories as per government rules. The online application window opens on October 9, 2026, at 10:00 Hrs and closes on November 8, 2026, at 18:00 Hrs. Candidates are strongly advised to submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical issues. The application fee is Rs. 500 for UR, OBC, and EWS male candidates, with a refund of Rs. 400 for those who appear for the written examination. For Women, SC, ST, Ex-servicemen, PwBD, Minorities, and Economically Backward Classes, the fee is Rs. 250, with a refund of the same amount for those who appear for the written examination. The selection process involves a Written Test (Stage-I) and an Assessment of Talent in the Applied Discipline (Stage-II), followed by a medical examination. The official notification provides comprehensive details on all aspects of this recruitment, and candidates should refer to it for the most accurate and authoritative information before applying.

Recruitment Overview

The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Eastern Railway, has released a notification for the recruitment of Group 'C' posts under the Cultural Quota for the year 2026-27. This recruitment aims to fill two vacancies in the specified categories.

Job Highlights

• Organization: Railway Recruitment Cell, Eastern Railway
• Post Name: Group 'C' (Cultural Quota)
• Number of Vacancies: 02
• Application Mode: Online
• Location: Eastern Railway jurisdiction
• Pay Scale: Level-2 in Pay Matrix of 7th CPC, Grade Pay Rs. 1900/-

Important Dates

Candidates are advised to apply well in advance of the closing date to avoid any last-minute rush or technical issues.

Vacancy Details

A total of two (02) vacancies are available for Group 'C' posts under the Cultural Quota. The details are as follows:

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following educational and cultural qualification requirements:

• For Classical Dance Post:
  • Passed 12th or its equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in aggregate from a Government recognized Education Board. (50% marks are not insisted upon for SC/ST/ESM & PwBD candidates and those with higher qualifications from UGC recognized universities).
  • Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Classical Dance (Bharatanatyam/ Kathak/ Kathakali/ Kuchipudi/ Manipuri/ Mohiniyattam/ Odissi/ Sattriya) from a Government Recognized University/Institute.
• For Drama Post:
  • Passed 10th from a recognized Board PLUS ITI/ National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) approved by NCVT for Technician Grade-III in Level 2 of Pay Matrix of 7th CPC. (Diploma in Engineering is not considered an alternative higher qualification).
  • Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Drama (Acting/Direction) from a Government Recognized University/Institute.

Candidates must upload their degree/diploma/certificate for educational and cultural qualifications. If the original is not available, a final mark sheet and provisional certificate with an undertaking can be submitted.

• Experience in the field of applied discipline.
• Performance on AIR (All India Radio)/Doordarshan etc.
• Awards/Prizes won at the National Level in the applied discipline.

Age Limit

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

• Serving Railway Employees: Maximum age UR & EWS - 40yrs., OBC – 43yrs., SC/ST – 45yrs.
• Widows/Divorced Women/ Women Judicially separated but not re-married: Maximum age UR & EWS - 35yrs., OBC - 38yrs., SC/ST - 40yrs.
• Persons with Disabilities (PwBD's): Age relaxation of 10 years.
• Ex-Servicemen: Relaxable up to the extent of service rendered in Defence Forces plus 03 years, provided they have put in a minimum of 6 months attested service.

Application Fee

The examination fee is to be paid online.

• For UR, OBC, EWS Male Candidates: Rs. 500/- (Rupees Five Hundred only). A refund of Rs. 400/- will be provided to those who actually appear in the written examination.
• For Women, SC, ST, Ex-servicemen, PwBD, Minorities and Economically Backward Classes: Rs. 250/- (Rupees Two hundred fifty only). A refund of Rs. 250/- will be provided to those who actually appear in the written examination.

Service charges for payment of fees will be borne by the candidates. Relevant and valid certificates must be enclosed for claiming fee concessions.

Salary / Pay Scale

Selected candidates will be placed in Level-2 in the Pay Matrix of the 7th CPC, with a Grade Pay of Rs. 1900/-.

Selection Process

The recruitment process involves the following stages:

1. Stage-I: Written Test
   • Objective type questions.
   • Duration: 60 minutes.
   • Marks: 50.
   • Minimum Qualifying Percentage: 40% for all candidates.
2. Stage-II: Assessment of Talent in the Applied Discipline
   • Practical Demonstration in the applied discipline: 35 Marks.
   • Testimonials/Prizes etc. in the applied discipline: 15 Marks.
   • Total Marks for Stage-II: 50.
   • Minimum Qualifying Percentage: 40% for all candidates.

Candidates must qualify in Stage-I to be eligible for Stage-II. Candidates will be called for Stage-II in a ratio of 1:3 of the notified vacancies based on merit in Stage-I. After clearing both stages, candidates will undergo a medical examination in a ratio of 1:1 of notified vacancies based on merit order. It is mandatory to be declared fit in the prescribed medical category.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official website of RRC-ER (www.rrcer.org).

1. Visit the official website: www.rrcer.org.
2. Find the link for the Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026-27.
3. Read the detailed official notification carefully.
4. Click on the 'Apply Online' link.
5. Fill in all the required details in the application form accurately.
6. Upload scanned copies of necessary documents, including educational and cultural qualifications, community certificates (if applicable), and other required certificates.
7. Pay the application fee online.
8. Submit the application form before the closing date.
9. Take a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.

Documents Required

Candidates are required to upload the following documents during the online application process:

• Educational Qualification Certificates and Mark Sheets.
• Cultural Qualification Certificates and Mark Sheets.
• Community Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL) as per Annexure-I/II.
• Income Certificate for EBC/EWS candidates as per Annexure-VII.
• Self-declaration for OBC-NCL candidates as per Annexure-IIA.
• Disability Certificate (for PwBD candidates).
• Proof of identity and address.
• Passport-sized photograph and signature.

Original certificates must be produced at the time of Document Verification (DV).

Important Instructions

• Candidates must ensure they fulfill all eligibility criteria before applying.
• The written test will be conducted in either English or Hindi.
• RRC-ER will not provide any instruments for the Stage II examination; candidates must bring their own.
• Call letters will not be sent by post. Candidates should check the official website for updates and download their e-call letters.
• Candidates claiming reservation benefits must submit valid certificates issued by the competent authority.
• Candidates are advised to keep their email ID and mobile number active throughout the recruitment process.

FAQs

What is the last date to apply for Eastern Railway Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026?

The last date to apply online is November 8, 2026, at 18:00 Hrs.

How many vacancies are available?

There are two (02) vacancies for Group 'C' posts under the Cultural Quota.

What is the minimum educational qualification required?

For Classical Dance, it is 12th pass with 50% marks (or higher qualification) plus a degree/diploma/certificate in the discipline. For Drama, it is 10th pass plus ITI/NAC plus a degree/diploma/certificate in the discipline.

What is the age limit for the posts?

The age limit is 18 to 30 years as of January 1, 2027, with relaxations for reserved categories.

What is the application fee?

Rs. 500 for UR/OBC/EWS Male candidates and Rs. 250 for Women, SC, ST, Ex-servicemen, PwBD, Minorities, and Economically Backward Classes.

How will candidates be selected?

Selection will be based on a Written Test (Stage-I) and an Assessment of Talent in the Applied Discipline (Stage-II), followed by a medical examination.

Where can I find the official notification?

The official notification PDF can be accessed via the link provided in the 'Important Links' section.

Official Notification & Apply Online