RRB Exam Calendar 2026 @ indianrailways.gov.in: The Ministry of Railways has released the much-awaited **Annual Recruitment Calendar for 2026-27**. This official planner outlines the tentative schedule for major railway exams, including Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP), Technicians, Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC), Junior Engineers (JE), and Level 1 (Group D) posts. This proactive move allows lakhs of aspirants to plan their preparation well in advance.
The calendar confirms that the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) will follow a structured annual cycle, releasing notifications for specific categories in designated quarters. From January 2026 onwards, candidates can expect a steady stream of notifications starting with the ALP recruitment.
Contents
Notice Brief – RRB Exam Calendar 2026
| Recruitment Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) |
| Notification Type | Annual Exam Calendar 2026-27 |
| Exams Covered | ALP, Technicians, NTPC, JE, Paramedical, Group D (Level 1) |
| Frequency | Annual Cycle |
| Status | Released |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in / indianrailways.gov.in |
RRB Annual Calendar 2026: Official Schedule
The Ministry of Railways has categorized the recruitment drives into four quarters. Here is the detailed breakdown of when you can expect the official notifications for each category:
| Period / Month | Category / Exam Name |
|---|---|
| January – March 2026 | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| April – June 2026 | Technicians (Grade 1 & Grade 3) |
| July – September 2026 |
|
| October – December 2026 |
|
Detailed Breakdown of Upcoming Exams
1. RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 (Jan-Mar)
The recruitment cycle kicks off with the Assistant Loco Pilot exam. This is a technical post responsible for driving trains.
- Expected Notification: January/February 2026.
- Eligibility: Matriculation (10th) + ITI/Diploma/Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, Automobile).
- Selection Process: CBT 1 (Screening), CBT 2 (Merit + Trade Test), and CBAT (Psycho Test).
- Medical Standard: A-1 (Strictest standard).
Candidates preparing for this should refer to the [RRB ALP Result 2025](/rrb-alp-result-2025-out/) to understand the competition level and cut-offs from the previous cycle.
2. RRB Technician Recruitment 2026 (Apr-Jun)
Following the ALP, the notification for Technicians will be released. This usually includes Grade 1 Signal (Degree/Diploma holders) and Grade 3 (ITI holders).
- Expected Notification: April 2026.
- Eligibility:
- Grade 1 Signal: B.Sc / Diploma / B.E. / B.Tech in Electronics, CS, IT, Instrumentation.
- Grade 3: 10th + ITI in relevant trades.
- Selection Process: Likely a single-stage CBT followed by Document Verification.
3. RRB NTPC Recruitment 2026 (Jul-Sep)
This is the most popular category, offering non-technical administrative posts. The recruitment is split into two separate notifications based on educational qualification.
- Graduate Level: For posts like Station Master, Goods Train Manager, and Senior Clerk.
- Eligibility: Any University Degree.
- Undergraduate Level: For posts like Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk, and Trains Clerk.
- Eligibility: 12th Pass (HSC).
- Selection Process: CBT 1, CBT 2, Skill Test (Typing/CBAT), and DV.
Check out the [RRB NTPC Graduate Level Result 2025](/rrb-ntpc-graduate-level-result-2025-out/) to see the latest trends in cut-offs and scoring.
4. RRB Junior Engineer (JE) Recruitment 2026 (Jul-Sep)
Targeted at engineering graduates and diploma holders, this exam recruits for Junior Engineer, DMS, and CMA posts.
- Eligibility: 3-year Diploma or 4-year Degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, etc.).
- Selection Process: CBT 1 and CBT 2.
5. RRB Group D (Level 1) Recruitment 2026 (Oct-Dec)
The massive recruitment drive for Track Maintainers, Pointsmen, and Helpers usually concludes the annual cycle.
- Expected Notification: October 2026.
- Eligibility: 10th Pass OR 10th + ITI / NAC.
- Selection Process: Single Stage CBT followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
For insights into the previous cycle’s timeline, refer to the [RRB Group D Admit Card 2025](/rrb-group-d-admit-card-2025-hall-ticket/) article.
How to Use This Calendar for Preparation?
The release of an annual calendar is a huge advantage. Here is how you can strategize:
- Identify Your Exam: Determine which exams you are eligible for (e.g., if you are a graduate engineer, you can target ALP, Technician Grade 1, JE, and NTPC).
- Understand the Syllabus: Most railway exams have common subjects like Mathematics, Reasoning, and General Awareness. Start mastering these core subjects now.
- Timeline Management: Since exams like ALP come early in the year, prioritize your technical preparation if you are an ITI/Diploma holder.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on the official website rrbapply.gov.in for the exact notification dates.
Official Indian Railways Website
FAQs
Q.1. Is the RRB Exam Calendar 2026 official?
Ans: Yes, the Ministry of Railways has released this tentative annual planner to streamline recruitment and ensure regular vacancies.
Q.2. When will the RRB ALP 2026 notification be released?
Ans: The notification for Assistant Loco Pilot is expected in the **January-March 2026** quarter.
Q.3. Will there be an RRB Group D exam in 2026?
Ans: Yes, the calendar indicates that the notification for Level 1 (Group D) posts will be released in the **October-December 2026** quarter.
Q.4. Can I apply for multiple exams?
Ans: Yes, as long as you meet the specific eligibility criteria for each notification (e.g., age, education), you can apply for multiple exams like NTPC, JE, and Group D.
Q.5. Is the syllabus different for 2026 exams?
Ans: The syllabus usually remains consistent. However, candidates must wait for the detailed CEN (Centralised Employment Notice) for each exam to check for any minor changes in pattern or syllabus.
