Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Exam Calendar 2026

Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the RRB Exam Calendar 2026, providing a tentative schedule for various recruitment examinations to be conducted by the Indian Railways for the financial year 2026-27. This calendar outlines the expected release of notifications and examination dates for popular posts such as Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP), Technician, Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC), Junior Engineer (JE), Paramedical, and Group D. Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Railways can now plan their preparation based on this crucial information. The calendar aims to bring transparency and predictability to the recruitment process, allowing lakhs of aspirants to prepare effectively for their target examinations.

The RRB Exam Calendar 2026 is a significant announcement for job seekers in the railway sector. It provides a roadmap for upcoming recruitments, helping candidates to strategize their application and preparation timelines. The Indian Railways is one of the largest employers in the country, and these recruitments offer stable government jobs with attractive salary packages and career growth opportunities. The selection process for these posts is highly competitive, involving multiple stages of examination. Understanding the tentative schedule allows candidates to focus their efforts and stay ahead of the competition.

The release of the exam calendar signifies the commencement of a new recruitment cycle. Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official websites of the respective RRBs for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding specific post notifications, application procedures, and examination details. While the calendar provides tentative dates, actual dates may be subject to change based on administrative requirements and other factors.

RRB Exam Calendar 2026 — Important Highlights

• Recruiting Organization: Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) on behalf of Indian Railways
• Calendar Year: 2026 (for FY 2026-27)
• Posts Covered: ALP, Technician, NTPC (Graduate & Under-Graduate), JE, Paramedical, Group D, etc.
• Mode of Application: Online
• Official Website: indianrailways.gov.in
• Key Information Provided: Tentative notification release dates and examination dates.

RRB Exam Calendar 2026 — Tentative Schedule

Post Name	Tentative Notification Release Date	Tentative Examination Date
Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP)	[To Be Announced - Likely Q1 2026]	[To Be Announced - Likely Q2 2026]
Technician	[To Be Announced - Likely Q1 2026]	[To Be Announced - Likely Q2 2026]
Junior Engineer (JE)	[To Be Announced - Likely Q2 2026]	[To Be Announced - Likely Q3 2026]
Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) - Graduate	[To Be Announced - Likely Q3 2026]	[To Be Announced - Likely Q4 2026]
Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) - Under-Graduate	[To Be Announced - Likely Q3 2026]	[To Be Announced - Likely Q4 2026]
Paramedical Staff	[To Be Announced - Likely Q4 2026]	[To Be Announced - Likely Q1 2027]
Group D	[To Be Announced - Likely Q4 2026]	[To Be Announced - Likely Q1 2027]
Senior Section Engineer (SSE)	[To Be Announced - Likely Q1 2027]	[To Be Announced - Likely Q2 2027]

Note: The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notifications for precise details.

Understanding the RRB Exam Calendar 2026

The RRB Exam Calendar 2026 is a vital document for anyone aiming for a government job in the Indian Railways. It serves as a guide, indicating when recruitment notifications will be released and when the examinations are expected to be held. This allows aspirants to:

• Plan Preparation: Allocate study time effectively for each exam based on the expected timeline.
• Gather Information: Prepare to gather detailed information from official notifications once they are released.
• Avoid Missing Deadlines: Stay aware of application start and end dates to ensure timely submission.
• Focus Efforts: Concentrate on specific exams that align with their qualifications and career goals.

Key RRB Posts and Their Recruitment Cycles

Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) & Technician

These are entry-level technical posts. The recruitment for ALP and Technician is often conducted together or in close succession. Candidates need to have ITI/NTC or Diploma qualifications in relevant trades. The selection process typically involves a Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for ALP and a second stage CBT for Technician.

Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC)

NTPC posts cover a wide range of non-technical roles such as Commercial Apprentice, Goods Guard, Junior Clerk cum Typist, Station Master, etc. These are categorized into Graduate and Under-Graduate posts, each with specific educational requirements. The selection process usually includes a first stage CBT, a second stage CBT, a Skill Test (like typing proficiency), and Document Verification.

Junior Engineer (JE)

The JE posts are for engineering diploma holders in various disciplines like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, etc. The recruitment process involves a first stage CBT and a second stage CBT, followed by Document Verification and Medical Examination.

Group D

Group D recruitment, often referred to as Level 1 posts, includes positions like Track Maintainer, Gateman, Helper, etc. These are generally for candidates who have completed 10th or ITI. The selection process typically involves a CBT followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Document Verification.

How to Use the RRB Exam Calendar 2026

Candidates should treat the RRB Exam Calendar 2026 as a guide. While it provides tentative dates, it's essential to stay updated by checking the official websites of the various RRBs (e.g., RRB Mumbai, RRB Chennai, RRB Kolkata, RRB Chandigarh, etc.). When a specific notification is released, it will contain all the precise details regarding eligibility criteria, application procedure, syllabus, exam pattern, and exact dates.

1. Visit the official website of the RRB relevant to your region or the central Indian Railways website.
2. Navigate to the 'Recruitment' or 'Latest News' section.
3. Look for the link to the 'RRB Exam Calendar 2026 PDF'.
4. Download and save the calendar for future reference.
5. Mark the tentative dates for the posts you are interested in.
6. Regularly check for official notifications related to these posts.

⚠️ Expert Tip: Do not solely rely on the calendar. Always refer to the official notification for the most accurate and detailed information. Prepare diligently for the Computer-Based Tests (CBTs) as they are the primary stage of selection for most RRB recruitments.

Documents Required for RRB Applications (General)

While specific documents will be detailed in each notification, generally, candidates will need:

• Scanned Photograph (as per specifications)
• Scanned Signature (as per specifications)
• 10th/12th/ITI/Diploma/Degree Certificates and Mark Sheets
• Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL) if applicable
• Disability Certificate (PwBD) if applicable
• Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, etc.)

Important Tips for RRB Exam Aspirants

• 🔔 Start Preparation Early: Given the competitive nature, begin your preparation well in advance.
• ✅ Understand the Syllabus and Pattern: Thoroughly study the exam pattern and syllabus for each post.
• 📸 Maintain Document Quality: Ensure your photograph and signature meet the specified dimensions and file size.
• 📧 Keep Communication Channels Active: Use a valid email ID and mobile number, as all correspondence will be through these.
• 🖨️ Save Application Printouts: Keep copies of your application form and admit cards safe.