RRC NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for Sitar & Tabla Posts
Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), North Central Railway (NCR), Prayagraj has released an official recruitment notification (EN CQ-02/2026) for filling vacancies under the Cultural Quota for the year 2026-27. Eligible candidates specializing in Sitar and Tabla performance can submit their applications through online mode.
Recruitment Overview
The quick summary below provides essential information regarding the RRC NCR Cultural Quota recruitment drive.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | North Central Railway (NCR), Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Prayagraj |
| Post Name | Cultural Quota (Sitar & Tabla) |
| Total Vacancies | 2 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | North Central Railway (NCR) |
Important Dates
All critical dates regarding notification publication, online application windows, and exam schedules are listed below.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 18.08.2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20.08.2026 |
| Application Form Closing Date | 19.09.2026 (till 23:59 Hrs) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 19.09.2026 |
| Written Exam Date | Check Official Notification |
Application / Registration Fee
The application fee varies by candidate category. A partial or full refund is processed upon appearing in the written examination.
| Category | Application Fee | Refund Amount (On Exam Appearance) | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / Unreserved Candidates | Rs. 500 | Rs. 400 | Online (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI) |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / PwBD / Female / Transgender / Minorities / EBC | Rs. 250 | Rs. 250 (Full Refund) | Online (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI) |
Eligibility Criteria & Vacancy / Seat Details
Candidates must fulfill both educational and cultural qualifications along with the prescribed age limit as of 01.01.2027.
| Post Name | Vacancy Count | Pay Scale | Age Limit | Educational & Cultural Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural Quota - Sitar | 1 | Level-2 (GP Rs. 1900/-) | 18 - 30 Years | Intermediate (10+2) with 50% aggregate (50% condition relaxed for SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-SM and higher degree holders) OR Matriculation + ITI. And Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Sitar from a Govt Recognized Institution. |
| Cultural Quota - Tabla | 1 | Level-2 (GP Rs. 1900/-) | 18 - 30 Years | Intermediate (10+2) with 50% aggregate (50% condition relaxed for SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-SM and higher degree holders) OR Matriculation + ITI. And Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Tabla from a Govt Recognized Institution. |
Upper Age Relaxation Details
Category-wise age relaxations apply over the maximum age limit of 30 years as follows:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years |
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) | 10 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Service rendered in Defence + 3 Years |
| Serving Railway Staff / Casual Labour | Up to 40 years (UR), 43 years (OBC), 45 years (SC/ST) |
Selection / Admission / Evaluation Process
Selection for the RRC NCR Cultural Quota positions will be based on a competitive recruitment process carrying a total evaluation of 100 marks.
| Component | Assessment Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Written Test | 50 Objective-type MCQs covering General Awareness, Mathematics, Reasoning, and Cultural Knowledge (60 Minutes Duration, 1/3rd negative marking) | 50 Marks |
| Practical Demonstration | Practical performance test in the relevant cultural stream (Sitar or Tabla) | 35 Marks |
| Assessment of Testimonials | Verification of awards, prizes, and performances declared in Annexure-G | 15 Marks |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
Note: Candidates qualifying in the Written Test will be called for the Practical Demonstration, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
How to Apply / Register / Check Status
Candidates must follow the step-by-step application procedure to successfully apply online before the closing deadline.
Application Steps
- Visit the official RRC Prayagraj website.
- Select the "Cultural Quota (02/2026)" recruitment link on the portal.
- Click on "New Registration" and register using basic personal details, Aadhaar number, email address, and mobile number.
- Log in using the generated Registration Number and Password.
- Fill in the educational details, cultural qualifications, and category details accurately.
- Pay the applicable examination fee using online payment modes.
- Upload scanned copies of the required photograph, signature, and certificates in the prescribed dimensions.
- Submit the completed application form and print a copy of the final acknowledgment page for reference.
Required Documents Checklist
- Proof of Date of Birth (Matriculation/10th Marksheet or Birth Certificate).
- Essential Educational Qualification Certificate and Marksheets.
- Degree, Diploma, or Certificate in the specified cultural discipline (Sitar/Tabla).
- Caste Certificate for SC/ST/OBC candidates (Central Government format).
- Annexure-G (duly filled and signed detailing awards, prizes, and performances).
- Income Certificate for EBC candidates / Minorities Declaration (if claiming fee relaxation).
- Discharge Certificate / Disability Certificate / NOC (where applicable).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in RRC NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026?
A total of 2 vacancies are available, with 1 post dedicated to Sitar and 1 post to Tabla in Pay Level-2.
Q2. What is the age limit for applying to RRC NCR Cultural Quota posts?
Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years old as of 01.01.2027. Category-wise age relaxations are applicable as per rules.
Q3. What is the selection process for these posts?
The selection process consists of a Written Test (50 marks), Practical Demonstration (35 marks), Assessment of Testimonials/Prizes (15 marks), Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
Q4. Is there any negative marking in the written examination?
Yes, the written examination carries a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every wrong answer.
Q5. What is the last date to submit the online application form?
The online application window closes on 19 September 2026 at 23:59 Hrs.
| Link Name | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification / Advertisement | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |