RRB Isolated Categories Recruitment 2026 (CEN 09/2026) offers 191 vacancies across 7 specialist categories through a structured selection process. The primary examination is a 100-mark Computer Based Test conducted over 90 minutes, with subject matter expertise assessed via post-specific professional ability components.
Overview
The Railway Recruitment Boards invite applications for isolated category posts through CEN 09/2026, filling 191 positions across seven distinct roles. These specialized positions require domain knowledge evaluated through a computer-based examination followed by translation tests, document verification, and medical checks. The recruitment targets candidates with professional qualifications in law, psychology, chemistry, metallurgy, communication, and other technical fields.
Exam Pattern
The examination comprises 100 objective multiple-choice questions totalling 100 marks. The Computer Based Test runs for 90 minutes under standard conditions, extending to 120 minutes for eligible scribe users. Each correct answer awards 1 mark, while incorrect responses incur a penalty of 1/3 mark. Unattempted questions do not affect the score.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Ability | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 15 | 15 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 15 | 15 |
| Mathematics | 10 | 10 |
| General Science | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Marking Scheme
| Examination Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Maximum Marks | 100 |
| Correct Answer | +1 Mark |
| Wrong Answer | −1/3 Mark |
| Unattempted Question | 0 Mark |
| Standard Duration | 90 Minutes |
| Duration for Eligible Scribe Users | 120 Minutes |
Subject-Wise Syllabus
General Science
General Science questions follow Class 10 CBSE level standards and cover Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences. Candidates should be comfortable with fundamental concepts in these three domains.
Professional Ability – Post-Specific
Professional Ability accounts for 50 of the 100 marks and varies by post:
Junior Translator (Hindi): Translation and language-related competencies assessed through a separate translation test.
Lab Assistant Grade III (Chemist & Metallurgist): Mechanical testing (tensile, impact, bend tests), testing equipment and machines, steel and cast iron properties, estimation of elements, electroplating and paint testing, rubber and composite testing, oils and lubricants testing, radiography, ultrasonic testing, and magnaflux testing.
Staff and Welfare Inspector: Industrial relations (9–11 questions), social security (9–11), wages (9–11), conditions of work (7–10), basics of computers (3–5), Right to Information Act (2–4), and New Pension Scheme (1–3).
Public Prosecutor: Indian Constitution (3–5 questions), administrative law (2–3), jurisprudence (3–4), law of torts (2–3), Hindu law (3–4), Code of Civil Procedure (5–7), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (2–3), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2–3), Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 (2–3), Indian Contract Act 1872 (2–3), Limitation Act 1963 (2–3), Specific Relief Act 1963 (1–2), Indian Partnership Act 1932 (1–2), Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 (2–3), Consumer Protection Act (1–2), Protection of Human Rights (1–2), Transfer of Property Act (2–3), Right to Information Act (1–2), Company Law (2–3), and Labour Laws (3–5).
Chief Law Assistant: Legal concepts—person, property, ownership, possession, rights and state (3–4 questions); criminology and penology (3–4); general principles of crime (3–4); general exceptions under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (5–7); offences against the human body (3–4); offences against property and other offences (5–7); criminal justice administration (5–7); principles of evidence under Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (5–7); constitutional rights of accused and arrested persons (5–7); Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (5–7); and Railway Protection Force Act, Railways Act, and railway property legislation (5–7).
Senior Publicity Inspector: Communication—history, tools, types, theories and processes (12–15 questions); mass communication—journalism, ethics, theories and public opinion (12–15); advertising—campaigns, brand management, laws and agencies (10–13); public relations—media relations, event and crisis management (10–13); and social media—blogs and digital platforms (3–5).
Scientific Assistant (Training): Basic psychological processes (7–8 questions), psychology of personality (5–7), counselling and training (6–8), research methodology (6–8), test construction and standardisation (6–8), statistical methods in psychology (6–8), and applied psychology (6–8).
Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 40% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 40% |
| Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) | 30% |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 30% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 25% |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Junior Translator (Hindi) | 79 |
| Lab Assistant Grade III (Chemist & Metallurgist) | 36 |
| Staff and Welfare Inspector | 27 |
| Public Prosecutor | 21 |
| Chief Law Assistant | 17 |
| Senior Publicity Inspector | 8 |
| Scientific Assistant (Training) | 3 |
| Total | 191 |
Selection Process
| Stage | Selection Process |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Stage 2 | Translation Test for Junior Translator (Hindi), where applicable |
| Stage 3 | Document Verification |
| Stage 4 | Medical Examination |
Candidates selected in the CBT move to the next stage. Junior Translator (Hindi) candidates must appear for a translation test and qualify with a minimum of 60% marks. Shortlisting for this test occurs up to 10 times the number of vacancies. Those who pass document verification and medical examination become eligible for final appointment.
Important Links
- RRB Isolated Categories CEN 09/2026 Notification PDF
- Official RRB Recruitment Website
- RRB Online Application Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the total number of vacancies in RRB Isolated Categories 2026?
- A: The recruitment offers 191 vacancies across 7 distinct posts. Junior Translator (Hindi) has the highest vacancies with 79 positions, followed by Lab Assistant Grade III with 36 positions.
- Q: How many sections are in the CBT exam?
- A: The CBT has 5 main sections: Professional Ability (50 marks), General Awareness (15 marks), General Intelligence and Reasoning (15 marks), Mathematics (10 marks), and General Science (10 marks).
- Q: What is the penalty for incorrect answers?
- A: Each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1/3 mark. Unattempted questions are not penalised and carry zero marks.
- Q: Who appears for the Translation Test?
- A: Only candidates applying for the Junior Translator (Hindi) post appear for the Translation Test, which is a qualifying stage with a minimum score requirement of 60%.
- Q: What are the different qualifying mark thresholds?
- A: Unreserved and EWS candidates must score 40%, while OBC-NCL and SC candidates need 30%. Scheduled Tribe candidates must achieve 25% of the total marks to qualify.
- Q: What happens after clearing the CBT?
- A: After clearing the CBT (and Translation Test for Junior Translator positions), candidates undergo Document Verification followed by Medical Examination before final appointment.
Disclaimer: Candidates must verify all details and dates on the official RRB website before applying, as this post is for informational purposes only and not officially affiliated with any government authority.