RRC NCR Sitar & Tabla Recruitment 2026

Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), North Central Railway is hiring 2 candidates under Cultural Quota 2026-27 for the posts of Sitar Player and Tabla Player. If you have passed Intermediate (12th) or equivalent along with a recognised qualification in the relevant cultural stream, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 19 September 2026. Selected candidates will get a salary under Pay Matrix Level-2 (Grade Pay Rs. 1,900) of the 7th Central Pay Commission.

North Central Railway (NCR) Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026-27 - 2 Posts

North Central Railway, through its Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC/PRYJ) at Prayagraj, has released Notification No. EN CQ-02/2026 for open market recruitment against Cultural Quota 2026-27. This is a special recruitment drive for talented performers in Sitar and Tabla who will also work as regular railway employees at Pay Matrix Level-2. There is no reservation for any community under this Cultural Quota drive, though SC/ST/OBC candidates still get age relaxation as per rules, and only candidates who qualify the Written Test move ahead to the Practical Demonstration stage. The specific place of posting will be decided by the competent authority in NCR after the recruitment panel is finalised.

Vacancy Breakdown by Discipline

• Sitar: 1 post
• Tabla: 1 post

Who Can Apply?

• Educational Qualification: Intermediate or equivalent exam passed with 50% aggregate marks from a recognised Board/University. The 50% condition does not apply to SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, or PwBD candidates, or to candidates with a higher qualification such as Graduation or Post-Graduation. Matriculation plus ITI approved by NCVT/SCVT is also accepted.
• For Technical Streams: Matriculation/SSLC plus ITI, or Matriculation/SSLC plus Course Completed Act Apprenticeship.
• Cultural Qualification: A degree, diploma or certificate in Sitar or Tabla (as applicable) from a Government-recognised institution is compulsory.
• Preferred: Performance experience, appearances on AIR/Doordarshan, and prizes won at the National level will strengthen your application under the Talent Assessment stage.
• Community Certificate: These posts are open to all communities with no reservation. Only Written Test-qualified SC/ST/OBC candidates get age relaxation, and must upload valid caste/non-creamy-layer certificates as applicable.

Age Limit

• You should be between 18 and 30 years old as on 01 January 2027 (born between 01.01.1997 and 01.01.2009, both dates inclusive).
• Age Relaxation: OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates get 3 years, SC/ST candidates get 5 years, and PwBD candidates (where the post is identified suitable) get 10 years.
• Ex-Servicemen get relaxation equal to their military service plus 3 years. Serving Railway staff and casual labourers get relaxation up to 40-45 years depending on category, subject to a minimum of 3 years of service.
• Widows/Divorced/Judicially Separated Women get relaxation up to 35-40 years depending on category.

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a salary under Pay Matrix Level-2 (Grade Pay Rs. 1,900) of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
• You will also get DA, HRA, TA and other allowances as per Railway rules.

Application Fee

• General/UR and other candidates not covered under concession: Rs. 500 (Rs. 400 refunded if you appear in the written exam).
• SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD/Transgender/Female/Minorities/EBC candidates: Rs. 250 (fully refunded if you appear in the written exam).
• Payment mode: Online only, through internet banking, debit/credit card or UPI.

Selection Process

Selection for Cultural Quota 2026-27 has two stages worth a combined 100 marks:

1. Written Test: 50 objective-type questions for 50 marks, in 60 minutes. Covers General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence, Reasoning and General Knowledge on Cultural Activities. Bilingual paper (Hindi & English). 1/3rd mark negative marking for every wrong answer.
2. Assessment of Talent: Practical demonstration of your instrument for 35 marks, plus testimonials and prizes for 15 marks.

Only Written Test-qualified candidates are called for Talent Assessment and Document Verification. You will also need to pass a medical fitness examination conducted by Railway Medical Authority, since visual acuity is an important criterion for Railway staff.

How to Apply

1. Go to the RRC/NCR portal at www.rrcpryj.org.
2. Read the full notification and instructions carefully before applying.
3. Fill in the online application with your personal and bio-data details.
4. Upload your scanned colour photograph (3.5cm x 3.5cm, JPEG, 20-30 Kb) and signature (JPEG, 10-15 Kb).
5. Upload your certificates and Annexure-G (details of awards/prizes) in PDF format.
6. Pay the application fee online and submit the form. Note down your Registration Number for future reference.

Important Notes

• Your Name, Father's Name and Date of Birth must exactly match your Matriculation certificate — any mismatch found during Document Verification can lead to cancellation.
• Applications with an unsigned form, signature in capital letters, unclear photograph, or missing fee payment are liable to be rejected.
• In case of any dispute in interpretation, the English version of the notification will be treated as final.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 18 August 2026
• Online Application Start: 20 August 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 19 September 2026 (23:59 hrs)

• Perform as a staff Sitar/Tabla artist for official railway cultural programmes and events
• Support cultural activities and functions organised by North Central Railway
• Practice and maintain proficiency in your musical instrument
• Perform assigned regular railway duties alongside cultural responsibilities
• Coordinate with the cultural cell for scheduling of performances and events
• Maintain and take care of instruments and equipment provided by the department