NFR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is hiring for 2 Cultural Quota posts — one Saxophonist and one Western Classical Pianist. If you have passed Class 12 and hold a diploma or certificate in your cultural discipline, you can apply by post. The last date to apply is 3 August 2026. Selected candidates get a salary in Pay Level 2 (Rs. 19,900-63,200 per month).

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has released Employment Notice No. 02/2026 to fill 2 posts under the Cultural Quota for the year 2026-27. This is a special drive for talented performers — one Saxophonist and one Western Classical Pianist. If you are a trained musician who has performed on stage or on All India Radio and Doordarshan, this is a rare chance to get a permanent Railway job while continuing your art. Selected candidates can be posted anywhere within the NF Railway area and will undergo the training prescribed for the post.

Vacancy Breakdown

• Saxophonist: 1 post
• Western Classical Pianist: 1 post

Both posts are in Pay Level 2 (Grade Pay Rs. 1,900) and reservation follows Railway rules.

Who Can Apply?

• Education: You must have passed Class 12 (+2) with at least 50% marks. The 50% rule does not apply to SC/ST/Ex-servicemen/PwD candidates or to those holding a higher qualification.
• Cultural qualification: You need a Degree, Diploma or Certificate in your cultural discipline (Saxophone or Western Classical Piano) from a government-recognised institute.
• Desirable: Experience in the field, performances on All India Radio or Doordarshan, and national-level awards or prizes will strengthen your case.

Age Limit

• You should be between 18 and 30 years old as on 1 July 2026 (for General/UR candidates).
• OBC: up to 33 years. SC/ST: up to 35 years.
• PwBD: 10 years extra relaxation. Ex-servicemen: relaxation as per Railway rules.
• Widows, divorced women and serving Railway employees get additional age relaxation as per the notification.

Salary

• You will get pay in Level 2 of the 7th Pay Commission — Rs. 19,900 to Rs. 63,200 per month (Grade Pay Rs. 1,900).
• You will also get DA, HRA, TA and other allowances as per Railway rules.

Application Fee

• General and OBC candidates: Rs. 500 (Rs. 400 is refunded to those who actually appear in the written exam).
• SC / ST / Ex-servicemen / PwBD / Women / Minorities / Economically Backward: Rs. 250 (fully refunded to those who appear in the written exam).
• Payment mode: Indian Postal Order (IPO) drawn in favour of PFA/NF Railway, payable at Maligaon Post Office, Guwahati.

Selection Process

The selection is done in two stages for a total of 100 marks:

1. Stage I - Written Test: An objective (MCQ) test of 50 marks in 60 minutes. There is negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each wrong answer. You must score at least 40% to move ahead.
2. Stage II - Talent Assessment: Practical demonstration of your cultural talent (35 marks) plus marks for testimonials and prizes (15 marks). Only candidates up to 5 times the number of vacancies are called for this stage.
3. Medical Examination by the Railway Medical Authority before appointment.

The final panel is drawn on merit out of 100 marks. You must qualify each stage separately with at least 40%.

How to Apply

1. Fill the application in the prescribed format (Annexure-A) given in the notification — write items 1 to 10 in English only.
2. Attach self-attested copies of age proof, education, cultural qualification and caste certificates.
3. Attach the Indian Postal Order and two self-addressed envelopes with Rs. 6 postage stamps (SC/ST candidates are exempt from the envelopes).
4. Send the application by ordinary/speed post or drop it in the application box at the Principal Chief Personnel Officer's Office, NF Railway HQ, Maligaon, Guwahati - 781011.
5. Your application must reach the office by 17:30 hours on 3 August 2026. For candidates in A&N Islands, J&K, Lakshadweep and some remote districts, the last date is 13 August 2026.

Important Dates

• Opening Date: 4 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply (by post): 3 August 2026 (17:30 hrs)
• Last Date for Remote Areas: 13 August 2026
• Written Test Date: To be announced

• Perform the saxophone or piano at Railway cultural programmes and official functions
• Represent Northeast Frontier Railway in cultural competitions and events
• Practise and rehearse regularly to keep your performance standard high
• Take part in all cultural programmes organised by the Railway administration
• Undergo the training prescribed for the post after joining
• Maintain and take care of your assigned musical instruments