NPPA Recruitment 2026: 7 Consultant and Young Professional Vacancies
NPPA Recruitment 2026: 7 Consultant and Young Professional Vacancies Published on: October 15, 2026 Last Updated:… Read More

Published on: September 18, 2026
Last Updated: November 4, 2026
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have announced 590 vacancies for paramedical categories under Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) 05/2026. The recruitment includes 118 Pharmacist (Entry Grade) vacancies, along with positions for Nursing Superintendent, Health & Malaria Inspector, Lab Assistant, Radiographer and other healthcare professionals.
The online application process closed on October 14, 2026. The application fee payment deadline was October 16, and the application modification window closed on October 26, 2026.
The Railway Recruitment Boards have also announced the tentative Computer-Based Test (CBT) schedule. The examination is scheduled for November 23 and 25, 2026. Candidates who have applied should check their respective RRB websites for exam city intimation, admit card and other examination updates.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
| Recruitment Notification | CEN 05/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 590 (provisional) |
| Major Posts | Pharmacist, Nursing Superintendent, Lab Assistant and others |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | September 15, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 14, 2026 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | October 16, 2026 |
| Correction Window | October 17–26, 2026 |
| CBT Exam Dates | November 23 and 25, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Selection Process | CBT, Document Verification and Medical Examination |
| Application Status | Closed |
Current status: Applications and scheduled correction windows are closed. Registered candidates should follow official RRB announcements for examination updates.
The notification lists 590 provisional vacancies across nine paramedical categories.
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | 365 |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | 118 |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | 43 |
| Lab Assistant Grade II | 31 |
| Radiographer/X-Ray Technician | 25 |
| ECG Technician | 4 |
| Optometrist | 2 |
| Dialysis Technician | 1 |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | 1 |
| Total | 590 |
Vacancies are provisional and may change according to the requirements of the concerned Railway administrations. Candidates should consult the detailed notification for RRB-wise and category-wise vacancy distribution.
RRB CEN 05/2026 includes 118 vacancies for Pharmacist (Entry Grade). This is one of the relevant posts for eligible pharmacy graduates and diploma holders.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Pharmacist (Entry Grade) |
| Vacancies | 118 |
| Pay Level | Level 5 |
| Initial Basic Pay | ₹29,200 per month |
| Age Limit | 20–35 years |
| Qualification | Prescribed pharmacy diploma or degree qualification |
| Registration | Applicable professional registration requirements |
Candidates must possess the pharmacy qualification prescribed for Pharmacist (Entry Grade) in CEN 05/2026. The specified qualification routes include the relevant pharmacy diploma or degree, subject to the conditions and professional registration requirements mentioned in the notification.
Applicants should carefully check the post-specific eligibility requirements. Merely holding a pharmacy-related degree does not automatically establish eligibility.
Candidates must possess the prescribed educational or professional qualification by the application closing date. Those awaiting the final results of their qualifying examination are not eligible under the notification’s stated conditions.
For more career guidance, read Career Options After B.Pharm.
Educational qualifications differ according to the post. The following table provides a general guide; it is not a substitute for the detailed post parameters in the notification.
| Post | Qualification Overview |
|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | Prescribed GNM or B.Sc. Nursing qualification and applicable registration |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | Prescribed pharmacy diploma or degree qualification and applicable registration requirements |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | Prescribed science degree and Health/Sanitary Inspector qualification, as applicable |
| Lab Assistant Grade II | 10+2 Science with the prescribed DMLT or equivalent qualification |
| Radiographer/X-Ray Technician | Prescribed 10+2 Science and Radiography/X-Ray qualification |
| ECG Technician | Qualification specified for the ECG Technician post |
| Optometrist | Prescribed Optometry qualification |
| Dialysis Technician | Prescribed Dialysis Technician qualification |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | Prescribed Audiology and Speech Therapy qualification |
Important: Refer to the post-wise qualification details in Annexure A of CEN 05/2026. Candidates should also verify recognition of their institution, required registration, experience conditions where applicable, and the date by which the qualification must have been obtained.
The age limits vary by post. The notification specifies January 1, 2027, as the age-calculation date.
| Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | 20–40 years |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | 20–35 years |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | 18–33 years |
| Lab Assistant Grade II | 18–33 years |
| Radiographer/X-Ray Technician | 19–33 years |
| ECG Technician | 18–33 years |
| Optometrist | 18–33 years |
| Dialysis Technician | 20–33 years |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | 21–30 years |
Age relaxation is available to eligible categories according to the applicable recruitment rules. Candidates should check the prescribed date-of-birth limits and category-specific relaxation in the official notification.
The initial basic pay depends on the post and its corresponding Pay Level under the 7th Central Pay Commission.
| Post | Pay Level | Initial Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | Level 7 | ₹44,900 |
| Dialysis Technician | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | Level 5 | ₹29,200 |
| Radiographer/X-Ray Technician | Level 5 | ₹29,200 |
| ECG Technician | Level 4 | ₹25,500 |
| Optometrist | Level 4 | ₹25,500 |
| Lab Assistant Grade II | Level 3 | ₹21,700 |
These figures represent initial basic pay, not total monthly salary. Applicable allowances and deductions affect the final amount received.
The selection process includes a Computer-Based Test (CBT). The examination pattern specified in the recruitment notification is summarized below.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Ability | 70 | 70 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| General Arithmetic, Intelligence & Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| General Science | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Examination duration: 90 minutes.
The Professional Ability section assesses knowledge relevant to the candidate’s respective paramedical post. Candidates should prepare using the syllabus and subject requirements applicable to their chosen category.
Negative marking applies to incorrect answers. Candidates should check the detailed notification for the prescribed penalty and examination instructions.
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The Railway Recruitment Boards have announced the tentative CBT schedule for Paramedical Categories under CEN 05/2026.
The RRB Paramedical CBT is scheduled for November 23 and 25, 2026. The examination schedule announcement was reported on October 18, 2026.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment | RRB Paramedical Categories |
| CEN Number | 05/2026 |
| Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Dates | November 23 and 25, 2026 |
| Exam Schedule Status | Tentative |
| Exam City Intimation | To be checked through regional RRB websites |
| Admit Card | To be checked through regional RRB websites |
Candidates should regularly check their respective RRB websites for:
The examination date, shift, reporting time and center stated in the candidate’s official e-call letter should be treated as authoritative.
Candidates appearing for the RRB Paramedical CBT should keep checking their respective regional RRB websites for the exam city intimation slip and e-call letter.
The exam city intimation slip helps candidates check their allotted examination city and exam date. It is different from the admit card and should not be treated as an entry pass to the examination center.
The city and date intimation facility is generally made available around 10 days before the examination.
The e-call letter, commonly referred to as the admit card, contains important examination information such as:
The e-call letter is generally made available around four days before the respective examination date.
Candidates should download their e-call letters only through the official RRB websites and follow the instructions mentioned on the document.
Official website: Railway Recruitment Boards
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative Notice in Employment News | September 12, 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | September 15, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 14, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | October 16, 2026 |
| Application Modification Window | October 17–26, 2026 |
| Scribe Details Submission Window for Eligible Candidates | October 27–31, 2026 |
| CBT Schedule Announcement | October 18, 2026 |
| Tentative CBT Dates | November 23 and 25, 2026 |
The application modification and scribe-details submission windows have closed. Candidates who have already applied should check the official RRB websites for further examination-related notices.
The application fee depends on the category specified in CEN 05/2026.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General and other candidates not covered by the reduced-fee provisions | ₹500 |
| SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, Female, Transgender, Minorities and eligible Economically Backward Class (EBC) candidates | ₹250 |
The notification provides for a refund, after applicable bank charges, to candidates who appear in the CBT:
Candidates claiming the EBC concession must meet the specific conditions and documentary requirements. EBC should not be confused with OBC or EWS. Refer to the notification for the exact definitions, required documents and refund conditions.
The selection process includes the following stages:
Selection depends on performance, eligibility, document verification, medical fitness and other conditions specified in the notification.
Since the original application period has ended, candidates should retain copies of their submitted application and relevant supporting documents.
Depending on the post and category, these may include:
Candidates should use the official portal and their registered credentials to check application details and any permitted services.
Use official RRB sources for recruitment notices and examination updates.
Application status: The original application deadline has passed. The application portal link is provided for checking permitted application-related services and updates; it should not be interpreted as confirmation that fresh applications are open.
The notification lists 590 provisional vacancies across nine paramedical categories under CEN 05/2026.
There are 118 vacancies for Pharmacist (Entry Grade).
The initial basic pay is ₹29,200 per month under Pay Level 5.
The prescribed pharmacy qualifications include relevant degree and diploma routes. B.Pharm candidates must check the exact qualification and registration requirements in CEN 05/2026.
The application deadline was October 14, 2026. Fresh applications are closed under the original schedule.
The scheduled modification window was October 17–26, 2026. This window has now closed.
The tentative CBT dates are November 23 and 25, 2026.
Candidates should check their respective regional RRB websites for the official city intimation link. Do not rely on unofficial download links.
The e-call letter is generally made available around four days before the respective examination date. Candidates should follow official RRB announcements.
The process includes CBT, document verification and a medical examination, subject to the prescribed eligibility and selection rules.
The vacancy numbers, dates, eligibility conditions and pay details in this article are based on the available CEN 05/2026 recruitment information. Vacancies may be revised, and examination schedules or other conditions may be updated by the Railway Recruitment Boards.
Candidates should refer to the detailed notification and official RRB websites before relying on any recruitment information. PharmaCareerUpdates.com is an independent career-information website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or officially associated with the Railway Recruitment Boards or Indian Railways.
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