The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have officially issued the detailed Centralized Employment Notification (CEN) No. 02/2026 for the recruitment of Technician Grade-I Signal posts across various Zonal Railways and Production Units. This recruitment notification opens up excellent career prospects for candidates possessing a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Diploma in Engineering, or B.E. / B.Tech degree in relevant technical streams. As a Level-5 post under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), the Technician Grade-I Signal post carries an initial pay of Rs. 29,200/- per month along with applicable allowances.
Online applications for RRB Technician Grade-I Signal Recruitment 2026 open on June 30, 2026 and the closing date for online submission is July 29, 2026. Candidates seeking a rewarding technical position in Indian Railways are advised to review the official parameters, medical standards, educational qualifications, zone-wise vacancies, and examination scheme provided in the comprehensive guide below.
Table of Contents (Index)
- 1. Important Dates & Official Schedule
- 2. Application Fee & Refund Guidelines
- 3. Age Limit & Category-Wise Relaxations
- 4. Prescribed Educational Qualifications
- 5. Medical Fitness Standards (B-1 Category)
- 6. RRB Zone-Wise Vacancy Distribution
- 7. Computer Based Test (CBT) Exam Pattern
- 8. Subject-Wise Detailed Syllabus
- 9. Step-by-Step Online Application Guide
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Important Dates & Official Schedule
Candidates must keep track of the official dates for application submission, fee payment, and modification windows to ensure timely registration for CEN 02/2026:
| Milestone / Event | Important Date & Timing |
|---|---|
| Employment News Indicative Notice | May 23, 2026 |
| Opening Date for Online Applications | June 30, 2026 (00:00 Hours) |
| Closing Date for Online Applications | July 29, 2026 (23:59 Hours) |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | July 31, 2026 (23:59 Hours) |
| Application Modification Window | August 1, 2026 to August 10, 2026 (Rs. 250/- fee) |
| Computer Based Test (CBT) Schedule | To be announced on official RRB websites |
2. Application Fee & Refund Guidelines
The examination fee structure for RRB Technician Grade-I Signal is specified category-wise. Part or whole of the examination fee is refunded to candidates who appear in the Computer Based Test (CBT):
| Category of Candidate | Examination Fee (Rs.) | Refund Amount (Rs.) | Refund Conditions & Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) / OBC Male Candidates | Rs. 500/- | Rs. 400/- | Refunded to bank account after deducting bank charges upon appearing in the CBT exam. |
| SC / ST Candidates | Rs. 250/- | Rs. 250/- (Full) | Full refund transferred to bank account after appearing in the CBT exam. |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | Rs. 250/- | Rs. 250/- (Full) | Full refund transferred to bank account after appearing in the CBT exam. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ExSM) | Rs. 250/- | Rs. 250/- (Full) | Full refund transferred to bank account after appearing in the CBT exam. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | Rs. 250/- | Rs. 250/- (Full) | Full refund transferred to bank account after appearing in the CBT exam. |
| Transgender Candidates | Rs. 250/- | Rs. 250/- (Full) | Full refund transferred to bank account after appearing in the CBT exam. |
| Minorities & Economically Backward Class (EBC) | Rs. 250/- | Rs. 250/- (Full) | Full refund upon appearing in CBT (Must submit valid certificate during Document Verification). |
3. Age Limit & Category-Wise Relaxations
The age limit for Technician Grade-I Signal (Level-5) is calculated as on July 1, 2026. Candidates must fall within the age bracket of 18 to 33 years. Upper age relaxations apply to reserved categories:
| Category | Age Limit (as on 01.07.2026) | Upper Age Relaxation | Upper Birth Date Cut-off (Not earlier than) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 18 to 33 Years | Nil | July 2, 1993 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 18 to 36 Years | 3 Years | July 2, 1990 |
| SC / ST | 18 to 38 Years | 5 Years | July 2, 1988 |
| PwBD (UR/EWS) | 18 to 43 Years | 10 Years | July 2, 1983 |
| PwBD (OBC-NCL) | 18 to 46 Years | 13 Years | July 2, 1980 |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 18 to 48 Years | 15 Years | July 2, 1978 |
4. Prescribed Educational Qualifications
Candidates applying for Category No. 1 (Technician Grade-I Signal) must possess any one of the following qualifications from a recognized University or Institute as on the closing date (July 29, 2026):
| Qualification Stream | Accepted Degree / Diploma Details |
|---|---|
| B.Sc. Degree | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physics / Electronics / Computer Science / Information Technology / Instrumentation OR B.Sc. in a combination of any sub-streams of these basic subjects. |
| 3-Year Diploma | Three-year Diploma in Engineering in Physics / Electronics / Computer Science / Information Technology / Instrumentation or in any combination of these sub-streams. |
| B.E. / B.Tech Degree | Degree in Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech) in the basic streams of Physics / Electronics / Computer Science / Information Technology / Instrumentation or any combination thereof. |
5. Medical Fitness Standards (B-1 Category)
Candidates shortlisted for Technician Grade-I Signal must satisfy the B-1 Medical Standard during Document Verification & Medical Examination:
| Medical Parameter | Prescribed Standard |
|---|---|
| General Physical Fitness | Physically fit in all respects to perform signal maintenance and operations. |
| Distant Vision | 6/9, 6/9 with or without glasses (Glasses power must not exceed 4D). |
| Near Vision | Sn 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses. |
| Required Vision Tests | Must pass tests for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Night Vision, and Myopic Vision. |
6. RRB Zone-Wise Vacancy Distribution
A total of 323 vacancies are announced for Technician Grade-I Signal across participating Railway Recruitment Boards. Below is the zone-wise breakdown:
| RRB Name | Railway Zone | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | WR | 13 | 5 | 4 | 10 | 5 | 37 |
| Ajmer | NWR / WCR | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 18 |
| Prayagraj | NCR / NR | 12 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 28 |
| Bengaluru | SWR | 10 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 22 |
| Bhopal | WCR / WR | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 20 |
| Bhubaneswar | ECoR | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 13 |
| Bilaspur | SECR / CR | 11 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 25 |
| Chandigarh | NR | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 16 |
| Chennai | SR | 14 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 4 | 32 |
| Gorakhpur | NER | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 11 |
| Guwahati | NFR | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| Kolkata | ER / SER | 12 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 28 |
| Mumbai | CR / WR / SCR | 15 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 5 | 38 |
| Ranchi | SER / ECR | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 20 |
| Secunderabad | SCR | 10 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 25 |
| Total Vacancies (All RRBs) | 155 | 47 | 25 | 95 | 41 | 323 | |
7. Computer Based Test (CBT) Exam Pattern
The recruitment process for Level-5 (Technician Grade-I Signal) involves a single-stage Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by Document Verification (DV) and Medical Examination (ME). The CBT exam structure is as follows:
| Subject / Test Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Exam Duration & Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 10 Questions | 10 Marks | * Total Duration: 90 Minutes (1.5 Hours) * Total Questions: 100 Questions * Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer. * Normalization: Marks normalized for multi-shift CBTs. * Min Qualifying Marks: UR/EWS 40%, OBC 30%, SC 30%, ST 25%. |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 15 Questions | 15 Marks | |
| Basics of Computers & Applications | 20 Questions | 20 Marks | |
| Mathematics | 20 Questions | 20 Marks | |
| Basic Science & Engineering | 35 Questions | 35 Marks | |
| Total | 100 Questions | 100 Marks |
8. Subject-Wise Detailed Syllabus
Candidates preparing for RRB Technician Grade-I Signal CBT must focus on the following subject-wise topics outlined in the official notification:
A. General Awareness
Knowledge of Current Affairs, Indian Geography, Culture and History of India including freedom struggle, Indian Polity and Constitution, Indian Economy, Environmental issues concerning India and World, Sports, General Scientific and Technological developments.
B. General Intelligence & Reasoning
Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement – Arguments and Assumptions.
C. Basics of Computers & Applications
Architecture of Computers, input and output devices, Storage devices, Networking, Operating System (Windows, Unix, Linux), MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Data Representation (Binary, Octal, Hexadecimal), Internet and Email, Websites and Web Browsers, Computer Virus and Malware protection.
D. Mathematics
Number System, Rational and Irrational numbers, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM and HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Basic Trigonometry, Statistics, Probability, Matrices and Determinants.
E. Basic Science & Engineering
Units and Measurements, Mass, Weight and Density, Work, Power and Energy, Speed and Velocity, Heat and Temperature, Basic Electricity and Electronics (Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws, Semiconductor devices, Diodes, Transistors, Operational Amplifiers), Digital Electronics (Logic gates, Boolean algebra, Flip-flops, Counters), Signals and Systems, Communications, Measurements and Instrumentation.
9. Step-by-Step Online Application Guide
- Visit the official RRB online application portal at rrbapply.gov.in.
- Click on "Create an Account" and register using a valid mobile number and personal email ID. If you already created an account during 2024/2025 RRB recruitments, use the same login credentials.
- Complete Aadhaar or DigiLocker verification for seamless identity authentication.
- Fill in primary details, educational qualifications, and choose your designated RRB zone and post preferences.
- Live Photo Upload: Capture a clear live photograph using webcam/mobile camera in front of a plain background without caps or dark glasses.
- Upload a scanned copy of your signature (black ink, running hand, size 30KB - 49KB).
- Pay the application fee online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI and download the final submitted application form for future reference.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the initial pay scale for RRB Technician Grade-I Signal?
Technician Grade-I Signal is a Level-5 post under 7th CPC with an initial pay of Rs. 29,200/- per month plus allowances.
Q2. Can Diploma or B.Tech holders apply for Technician Grade-I Signal?
Yes, candidates with a 3-Year Diploma in Engineering or B.E./B.Tech degree in Physics, Electronics, CS, IT, or Instrumentation are eligible.
Q3. What is the age limit for Grade-I Signal in CEN 02/2026?
The age limit is 18 to 33 years as on July 1, 2026, with 3 years relaxation for OBC-NCL and 5 years for SC/ST.
Q4. Is there negative marking in the CBT exam?
Yes, 1/3rd mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer in the CBT examination.
Q5. Is LASIK surgery allowed for Grade-I Signal medical test?
No, candidates who have undergone LASIK or any refractive eye surgery are ineligible for B-1 medical standard.