RCF Kapurthala Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026

Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala (RCF) is hiring 2 artists under its Cultural Quota — one Percussionist (Punjabi Folk Dhol, Male) and one Theatre/Drama Artist (Male/Female). If you have passed Class 12 and hold a certificate, diploma, or degree in your performing art, you can apply offline by post. The last date to apply is 18 September 2026. Selected candidates join at Pay Level 2, starting from Rs. 19,900 per month.

Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala (RCF) Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala (RCF), under the Ministry of Railways, has released Employment Notice No. 01/CQ/2026-27 to fill 2 posts against its Cultural Quota for the year 2026-27. This is a special recruitment route through which Railways picks talented performers directly for its cultural and ceremonial functions, instead of running a general written-exam-only drive. Only candidates with a recognized certificate, diploma, or degree in the specific art form are eligible — this is not open to general candidates without a cultural background. If you have performed on All India Radio or Doordarshan, or won prizes at the national level in recent years, your application gets extra weightage.

Vacancy Breakdown

• Percussionist – Punjabi Folk Dhol (Male): 1 post
• Theatre/Drama Artist (Male/Female): 1 post

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent with at least 50% marks in the aggregate. This 50% requirement does not apply if you belong to the SC/ST/Ex-Serviceman category, or if you hold a higher qualification such as Graduation or Post Graduation.
• Alternative Qualification: Matriculation plus a Course Completed Act Apprenticeship/ITI (NCVT/SCVT approved) is also accepted for posts in Technical categories.
• Professional Qualification: You need a Degree, Diploma, or Certificate in your specific art form (Punjabi Folk Dhol or Theatre/Drama) from a Government-recognized institute.
• Desirable: Experience performing on All India Radio (AIR) or Doordarshan, and national-level prizes won during 2023-24, 2024-25, or 2025-26 (up to 31 March 2026), will strengthen your application.

Age Limit

• You should be between 18 and 30 years old as on 01 January 2027.
• Age Relaxation: SC/ST and OBC candidates get standard age relaxation. Serving Railway employees with 3+ years of continuous service get additional relaxation. Ex-servicemen get relaxation equal to their Defence service period plus 3 years (minimum 6 months post-attestation service required). Widows, divorced women, and women judicially separated but not remarried also get relaxation, as do staff of Quasi-Administrative Railway Organizations (5 years or actual service rendered, whichever is less) and Persons with Disabilities.

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a salary of Rs. 19,900 to Rs. 63,200 per month under Pay 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/Other candidates: Rs. 500 (Rs. 400 refunded if you actually appear in the written exam)
• SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, Women, Minorities, PwD, and Economically Backward Classes (family income below Rs. 50,000/year): Rs. 250 (refunded if you actually appear in the written exam)
• Payment mode: Deposit the fee online to RCF's SBI account (Account No. 65035290377, IFSC SBIN0050540) and attach the original fee receipt with your application. Cheque, Draft, and Postal Order are not accepted.

Selection Process

The selection will be done in these stages:

1. Written Exam: Tests your general aptitude. Rs. 400 of your fee is refunded if you appear for this exam.
2. Physical Test: Checks your physical fitness for Railway service.
3. Medical Examination: Confirms you meet the medical standards required for Railway employment.

How to Apply

1. Download the application format from rcf.indianrailways.gov.in.
2. Fill in your details along with your educational and professional cultural qualification.
3. Attach your Class 10/Matriculation certificate for date of birth proof — this is mandatory, or your application will be rejected.
4. Attach your professional cultural qualification certificate, category certificate, and other supporting documents.
5. Deposit the application fee in RCF's SBI account and attach the original fee receipt with your application.
6. Send your complete application by post to the Office of the General Manager (P), RCF, Kapurthala before the closing date.

Important Dates

• Date of Issue: 13 August 2026
• Closing Date: 18 September 2026 (up to 17:00 Hrs)

• Perform at official Railway cultural programs, functions, and ceremonies
• Represent RCF Kapurthala in inter-railway and national-level cultural competitions
• Practice and maintain proficiency in the assigned art form (Punjabi Folk Dhol or Theatre/Drama)
• Assist in organizing cultural events and department functions
• Train and mentor other railway staff interested in cultural activities
• Maintain musical instruments, costumes, and other performance equipment
• Follow Railway service rules, discipline, and reporting requirements
• Take up general administrative duties assigned within the Grade Pay 1900 cadre