Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), East Central Railway has released Notification No. RRC/ECR/HRD/Rectt/GDCE/2026 for recruitment through the General Departmental Competitive Examination (GDCE) 2026. The notification is dated 11 September 2026, and online applications are scheduled from 15 September 2026 at 00:01 hours to 15 October 2026 at 23:59 hours.
A total of 1,465 vacancies are available across 24 post categories, including Assistant Loco Pilot, Technician, Junior Engineer, Depot Material Superintendent, Chief Commercial Cum Ticket Supervisor, Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Senior Clerk, Section Controller and Commercial Cum Ticket Clerk. Current recruitment reporting also corroborates the 1,465-post figure and the September 15–October 15 application window.
Important: This is not an open recruitment for the general public. The notification invites applications from eligible regular employees of East Central Railway and Rail Wheel Plant, Bela, excluding RPF/RPSF personnel.
This JobDekho.co guide explains the vacancy distribution, post-wise qualifications, age limit, medical standards, CBT pattern, CBAT/typing test requirements, document verification, application process and important candidate checks.
Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Railway Recruitment Cell, East Central Railway (RRC/ECR) |
| Recruitment | General Departmental Competitive Examination (GDCE) 2026 |
| Notification No. | RRC/ECR/HRD/Rectt/GDCE/2026 |
| Notification Date | 11 September 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 1,465 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start | 15 September 2026, 00:01 Hours |
| Last Date | 15 October 2026, 23:59 Hours |
| Age Limit | 18–42 years for UR; 18–45 years for OBC; 18–47 years for SC/ST |
| Pay Levels | Level 2, 3, 5 and 6 under 7th CPC |
| Eligible Applicants | Eligible regular employees of ECR and RWP/Bela, except RPF/RPSF |
| Selection | CBT + CBAT/Typing Test where applicable + Document Verification + Medical Examination |
| Website | https://ecr.indianrailways.gov.in |
The vacancy count, application dates and departmental eligibility are stated in the notification and are also consistent with current recruitment reporting.
ECR GDCE Vacancy 2026
The notification contains 1,465 vacancies across 24 post categories. The detailed distribution is given below.
| S.No. | Post | Level | UR | SC | ST | OBC | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) | 2 | 445 | 138 | 80 | 247 | 910 |
| 2 | Technician-III/Blacksmith | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 3 | Technician-III/Fitter | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Technician-III/Mason | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 5 | Technician-III/Welder | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 6 | Technician-III/Electrical General | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 7 | Technician-III/TRS | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 8 | Technician-III/Mechanical Power | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 9 | Technician-III/C&W/Welder | 2 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 19 |
| 10 | Technician-III/Signal | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 |
| 11 | Technician-III/Tele | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 12 | Junior Engineer/C&W | 6 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 15 |
| 13 | Junior Engineer/Diesel Mechanical | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 14 | Junior Engineer/Electrical General | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 15 | Junior Engineer/Electrical/TRD | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 16 | Junior Engineer/P.Way | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 7 |
| 17 | Junior Engineer/Works | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 |
| 18 | Depot Material Superintendent (DMS) | 6 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 19 |
| 19 | Chief Commercial Cum Ticket Supervisor | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| 20 | Station Master | 6 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 9 |
| 21 | Goods Train Manager | 5 | 176 | 68 | 46 | 99 | 389 |
| 22 | Senior Clerk | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| 23 | Section Controller | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 24 | Commercial Cum Ticket Clerk (CCTC) | 3 | 22 | 6 | 3 | 11 | 42 |
| Total | 1,465 | ||||||
The post-wise totals above are transcribed from the vacancy table on page 2 of the notification.
Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 11 September 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 15 September 2026 at 00:01 Hours |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 October 2026 at 23:59 Hours |
| CBT Date | Not specified in the provided notification. |
The application window is explicitly stated on page 1 of the notification. Current recruitment reporting also gives the same September 15 to October 15 schedule.
Who Can Apply for ECR GDCE 2026?
This point is especially important.
The notification is for regular and eligible employees of East Central Railway and RWP/Bela. RPF/RPSF personnel are specifically excluded.
The notification also states that:
- Resigned or transferred-out employees are not eligible.
- Candidates must remain on the rolls until the selection process is completed.
- A candidate cannot apply for the post that they are presently working in.
- Only one online application is to be submitted.
- Post preference, once exercised, is treated as final.
- Candidates must satisfy the prescribed educational qualification and medical standard for the post.
- Candidates awaiting the result of the prescribed minimum qualification should not apply.
Who Should Avoid Applying?
A candidate should not proceed with this application if they are:
- Not a regular eligible employee of ECR or RWP/Bela.
- An RPF/RPSF employee.
- Applying for the post they are currently holding.
- Awaiting the result of the required qualification.
- Unable to satisfy the prescribed medical standard.
- Outside the permitted age range.
- Unable to provide the required service, educational or category documents.
Age Limit
The notification prescribes the following age limits:
| Category | Age Limit | Upper DOB Limit |
|---|---|---|
| UR | 18–42 Years | 02 January 1985 |
| OBC | 18–45 Years | 02 January 1982 |
| SC/ST | 18–47 Years | 02 January 1980 |
The lower age boundary corresponds to 01 January 2009, while the notification gives separate upper birth-date limits for UR, OBC and SC/ST candidates. It also states that category relaxation is not available to SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates applying against unreserved vacancies.
Educational Qualification
There is no single qualification for all 24 posts. The required qualification depends on the post.
The post-wise qualification details are given in Annexure-A of the notification on pages 28–30.
ALP
For Assistant Loco Pilot, the notification provides several qualification routes, including:
- Matriculation/SSLC + ITI in specified trades; or
- Matriculation/SSLC + completed Act Apprenticeship in specified trades; or
- Three-year Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics/Automobile Engineering or specified combinations.
- Engineering degree in the specified disciplines is also accepted in lieu of Diploma in Engineering in the applicable cases.
Technician Posts
Technician posts generally require Matriculation/SSLC plus ITI or completed Act Apprenticeship in the relevant trade.
For Technician-III/Signal and Technician-III/Tele, the notification additionally provides a 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics route.
Junior Engineer
The qualification depends on the engineering discipline:
- Mechanical-related JE posts: three-year Diploma in specified Mechanical/related engineering streams or accepted combinations.
- Electrical-related JE posts: three-year Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics engineering or specified combinations.
- P.Way/Works: three-year Diploma in Civil Engineering, three-year B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, or specified Civil Engineering combinations.
DMS
Depot Material Superintendent: Three-year Diploma in Engineering in any discipline from a recognized University/Institution.
Chief Commercial Cum Ticket Supervisor
Degree from a recognized University or equivalent.
Station Master
Degree from a recognized University or equivalent.
Goods Train Manager
Degree from a recognized University or equivalent.
Senior Clerk
Degree from a recognized University or equivalent plus typing proficiency in English/Hindi on computer.
Section Controller
Graduate Degree from a recognized University or equivalent.
Commercial Cum Ticket Clerk
12th (+2 stage) or equivalent with at least 50% marks in aggregate.
The 50% requirement is not insisted upon for SC/ST, Persons with Benchmark Disability, Ex-servicemen and candidates possessing qualifications higher than 12th (+2 stage).
Salary / Pay Scale
The notification provides posts under 7th CPC Pay Levels 2, 3, 5 and 6.
| Pay Level | Posts | Basic Pay* |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | ALP, Technician posts | ₹19,900 |
| Level 3 | CCTC | ₹21,700 |
| Level 5 | Goods Train Manager, Senior Clerk | ₹29,200 |
| Level 6 | JE, DMS, Chief CCTS, Station Master, Section Controller | ₹35,400 |
*Basic pay figures correspond to the applicable 7th CPC pay matrix levels; actual monthly earnings can include admissible allowances and deductions. The notification itself specifies the applicable pay level for each post.
Application Fee
The notification does not specify an application fee for this GDCE recruitment. Current secondary reporting also identifies the application fee as not specified in the official notification.
Therefore:
Application Fee: Not specified in the provided notification.
ECR GDCE Selection Process 2026
The selection process varies according to the post.
Broadly, candidates may have to undergo:
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), where applicable
- Computer Based Typing Skill Test (CBTST), where applicable
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
The notification states that selection is based on merit and option, with post-specific testing where prescribed.
Post-wise additional test
| Post | Additional Test |
|---|---|
| Assistant Loco Pilot | CBAT after qualifying CBT |
| Station Master | CBAT after qualifying CBT |
| Section Controller | CBAT after qualifying CBT |
| Senior Clerk | Computer Based Typing Skill Test |
| Other listed posts | CBT followed by DV and Medical, as applicable |
The notification specifically identifies CBAT for ALP/Station Master/Section Controller and CBTST for Senior Clerk.
ALP CBT & CBAT Pattern
For Assistant Loco Pilot, the CBT is described as a 120-minute test with 100 questions.
The approximate distribution is:
- Mathematics – 25%
- General Intelligence & Reasoning – 25%
- Basic Science & Engineering – 25%
- Trade Specific Section – 25%
After qualifying CBT, candidates may be shortlisted for CBAT according to the vacancy and community-wise conditions.
For CBAT:
- Minimum T-Score: 42 in each test battery
- Questions/options are in English and Hindi.
- No negative marking in CBAT.
- ALP merit uses 70% CBT + 30% CBAT among candidates qualifying the CBAT.
Technician CBT Pattern
For Technician posts, the notification prescribes a Computer Based Test of 90 minutes and 100 questions.
The notification specifies 1/3 mark deduction for each wrong answer and gives minimum qualifying percentages for different categories.
Junior Engineer CBT Pattern
For Junior Engineer posts, the CBT duration is 120 minutes, with 150 questions.
The syllabus covers areas such as:
- General Awareness
- Physics and Chemistry
- Basics of Computers and Applications
- Basics of Environment and Pollution Control
- Technical abilities according to the relevant engineering group
The notification provides detailed technical syllabus tables for the different engineering groups.
Goods Train Manager, Station Master, Senior Clerk & Chief CCTS
For these posts, the notification prescribes a common CBT structure.
The CBT is generally 120 minutes, with questions based on:
- General Awareness
- Mathematics
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
For eligible scribe candidates, the duration is extended as prescribed, with exceptions mentioned for Goods Train Manager and Station Master.
Station Master
Station Master candidates who qualify the CBT are considered for CBAT.
The notification requires a minimum T-Score of 42 in each test battery. The Station Master merit list is prepared with:
- 70% weightage from CBT
- 30% weightage from CBAT
There is no negative marking in CBAT.
Senior Clerk
Senior Clerk candidates have to qualify the Computer Based Typing Skill Test.
The typing test is qualifying in nature and its marks are not added to the merit calculation. The notification also specifies computer typing requirements and provisions relating to eligible PwBD candidates.
Commercial Cum Ticket Clerk CBT
For CCTC, the notification prescribes a 120-minute CBT with 120 questions.
The paper covers:
- General Awareness
- Mathematics
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
The qualifying and negative-marking conditions are governed by the notification’s general CBT provisions.
Section Controller CBT & CBAT
The Section Controller CBT has:
- 120-minute duration
- 100 questions
- Analytical and Mathematical Capability
- Logical Capability
- Mental Reasoning
Candidates qualifying the CBT can be shortlisted for CBAT.
The CBAT requires a minimum T-Score of 42 in each test battery, and the final merit for the post is based on 70% CBT + 30% CBAT among candidates qualifying CBAT.
Negative Marking
The notification contains different provisions depending on the examination.
For the relevant CBT examinations, 1/3 mark is deducted for each wrong answer where prescribed. CBAT does not have negative marking.
Candidates should therefore check the post-specific examination instructions rather than assuming the same marking rule applies to every stage.
Medical Standards
Medical standards are post-specific.
The vacancy table gives the applicable medical standard for each post, such as A-1, A-2, A-3, B-1, B-2 and C-1/C-2.
Candidates should check the medical standard against their selected post before submitting the application. The notification specifically cautions candidates to ensure that they meet the prescribed medical fitness requirements.
PwBD Vacancy Information
PwBD suitability is specified post-wise in the vacancy and qualification tables.
For example, the notification identifies PwBD suitability for DMS and CCTC, with the relevant disability categories shown in Annexure-A.
The notification also contains provisions regarding scribe assistance for eligible candidates with benchmark disabilities.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the required documents ready before completing the online application.
Important documents include:
- Matriculation/SSC certificate or equivalent proof of date of birth
- Educational qualification certificates
- ITI/Act Apprenticeship documents wherever applicable
- Diploma/Degree certificates
- Service-related information
- Caste certificate wherever applicable
- OBC-NCL certificate/self-declaration where applicable
- PwBD certificate wherever applicable
- Other documents required for Document Verification
The notification states that original documents will be verified during the relevant stage.
How to Apply for ECR GDCE Recruitment 2026
Eligible employees should submit the application online only through the application link provided on the official RRC/ECR website.
Step-by-step process
Step 1: Visit the official East Central Railway/RRC website https://ecr.indianrailways.gov.in/.
Step 2: Open the recruitment/GDCE section.
Step 3: Locate Notification No. RRC/ECR/HRD/Rectt/GDCE/2026.
Step 4: Open the online application link.
Step 5: Enter the required employee, personal and educational information.
Step 6: Upload the required scanned documents, photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
Step 7: Carefully verify all information before final submission.
Step 8: Submit the application before 15 October 2026 at 23:59 hours.
Step 9: Save/download the submitted application for future reference.
The notification specifically advises candidates to retain the relevant application record and maintain their registered mobile number and email address throughout the recruitment process.
Important Application Instructions
Candidates should pay attention to the following points:
- Only one online application should be submitted.
- Personal mobile number and valid email ID should remain active.
- Applications must be submitted within the prescribed deadline.
- Candidates should upload clear and valid documents.
- Incomplete or incorrectly filled applications can be rejected.
- Candidates should carefully select post preferences because the notification says preference once exercised is final.
- No request for changing the examination centre/date/shift will ordinarily be entertained.
- E-call letters are to be downloaded from the website; they are not sent by post.
- Candidates should carry the documents and identification required at the examination/DV stage.
ECR GDCE 2026 Exam Centre
The notification states that examination-related information, including CBT/CBAT/CBTST dates and centres, will be published through the official website.
Candidates should therefore regularly check the official RRC/ECR website after submitting their application.
CBT Exam Date: Not specified in the provided notification.
Important Candidate Self-Check
Before applying, an eligible employee should verify these points:
1. Employee Status
Are you a regular eligible employee of ECR or RWP/Bela?
2. Current Post
Are you avoiding applying for the post you are currently holding?
3. Qualification
Does your qualification exactly match the prescribed qualification for the selected post?
4. Age
Do your date-of-birth details fall within the applicable limit?
5. Medical Standard
Can you satisfy the medical standard prescribed for your selected post?
6. Documents
Are your educational, service and category documents available and valid?
7. Post Preference
Have you carefully checked your post preference before final submission?
This self-check is particularly important because the notification states that eligibility and documents are subject to verification and that incorrect information can lead to rejection or other action.
What Happens After CBT?
The next stage depends on the post.
- ALP: CBT → CBAT → DV → Medical
- Station Master: CBT → CBAT → DV → Medical
- Section Controller: CBT → CBAT → DV → Medical
- Senior Clerk: CBT → Typing Skill Test → DV → Medical, as applicable
- Other posts: CBT → DV → Medical, subject to the applicable post-specific rules
The notification also states that final selection/allotment is subject to merit, options, eligibility, document verification and medical fitness.
ECR GDCE Recruitment 2026 – Key Takeaways
- Organization: Railway Recruitment Cell, East Central Railway
- Recruitment: GDCE 2026
- Notification: RRC/ECR/HRD/Rectt/GDCE/2026
- Total Vacancies: 1,465
- Highest vacancy category: Assistant Loco Pilot – 910 posts
- Application Start: 15 September 2026
- Last Date: 15 October 2026
- Eligible applicants: Regular eligible ECR/RWP-Bela employees
- RPF/RPSF: Not eligible
- Age: 18–42 years UR; 18–45 OBC; 18–47 SC/ST
- Pay Levels: 2, 3, 5 and 6
- Mode: Online
- CBAT: Applicable to ALP, Station Master and Section Controller
- Typing Test: Applicable to Senior Clerk
- CBT Date: Not specified in the provided notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is ECR GDCE Recruitment 2026?
Ans: ECR GDCE Recruitment 2026 is a General Departmental Competitive Examination conducted by Railway Recruitment Cell, East Central Railway for eligible regular employees of East Central Railway and Rail Wheel Plant, Bela.
Q2. How many vacancies are announced under ECR GDCE 2026?
Ans: A total of 1,465 vacancies have been notified across 24 post categories.
Q3. Who can apply for ECR GDCE 2026?
Ans: Eligible regular employees of East Central Railway and RWP/Bela can apply, subject to the post-specific conditions. RPF/RPSF personnel are excluded.
Q4. What is the last date to apply for ECR GDCE 2026?
Ans: The last date is 15 October 2026 at 23:59 hours.
Q5. How many ALP vacancies are available?
Ans: There are 910 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies.
Q6. What is the age limit for ECR GDCE 2026?
Ans: The age limit is 18–42 years for UR candidates, 18–45 years for OBC candidates and 18–47 years for SC/ST candidates, subject to the notification’s conditions.
Q7. Is ECR GDCE open to candidates from outside the railway department?
Ans: No. This notification is for eligible regular employees of East Central Railway and RWP/Bela, subject to the prescribed conditions.
Q8. Is there a negative marking in ECR GDCE CBT?
Ans: For the applicable CBT examinations, the notification provides for deduction of one-third mark for each wrong answer. CBAT has no negative marking.
Q9. Is CBAT required for all posts?
Ans: No. CBAT is specifically prescribed for posts such as ALP, Station Master and Section Controller.
Q10. Is a typing test required for Senior Clerk?
Ans: Yes. Senior Clerk candidates have to qualify the Computer Based Typing Skill Test, subject to the notification’s applicable provisions.
Q11. What is the application fee?
Ans: Not specified in the provided notification. Current secondary reporting also indicates that no application fee is specified.
Q12. When will the ECR GDCE CBT be conducted?
Ans: Not specified in the provided notification.
Final Words
ECR GDCE 2026 is a departmental recruitment examination, so candidates should first verify their employee status and post-specific eligibility rather than treating it as a regular open Railway recruitment.
The notification contains 1,465 vacancies across 24 categories, with qualifications ranging from Matriculation/ITI and Apprenticeship to Diploma, 12th and Graduate-level qualifications depending on the post.
Candidates should carefully check the medical standard, educational qualification, age condition, post preference and applicable CBT/CBAT/typing requirements before submitting the application. The detailed post parameters and medical standards are provided in Annexure-A of the notification.
JobDekho.co Note: This article is prepared primarily from the current ECR GDCE 2026 notification. Candidates should always verify any subsequent corrigendum, amendment, exam-date notice or application update on the official East Central Railway/RRC website before taking action.
Official Links
ECR GDCE Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
Apply only through the official East Central Railway recruitment process. Check the latest official notification for any corrigendum, amendment, examination date or other recruitment updates before submission.
