For lakhs of graduates dreaming of a stable government job with the Indian Railways, this week brought genuinely big news. The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have issued an indicative short notice for the Station Master post under Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 08/2026, announcing around 1,250 vacancies across the country. The detailed notification arrives on October 26, and online applications open the very next day, on October 27.
What makes this recruitment particularly notable is a structural change. From the 2026 cycle onwards, the Station Master post will no longer be filled through the regular RRB NTPC recruitment. It now has its own standalone selection process, its own exam pattern, and its own timeline. Here is everything a candidate needs to know before the application window opens.
1,250 posts: the headline numbers
The short notice puts the tentative vacancy count at 1,250 Station Master posts spread across all Railway Recruitment Boards and zonal railways. The zone-wise and category-wise break-up will be published with the detailed CEN 08/2026 notification on October 26, 2026.
- Advertisement: CEN No. 08/2026
- Post: Station Master, Pay Level 6 of the 7th Central Pay Commission
- Basic pay: Rs. 35,400 per month (gross pay typically Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000 with allowances)
- Short notice date: October 21, 2026
- Detailed notification: October 26, 2026
- Applications open: October 27, 2026
- Last date to apply: November 25, 2026
- Application portal: rrbapply.gov.in
Who can apply: eligibility at a glance
The eligibility bar is straightforward, which is exactly why this recruitment is expected to draw a massive response, with over 25 lakh candidates estimated to appear.
Educational qualification: A graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university. There is no stream restriction, so arts, commerce and science graduates are all eligible.
Age limit: Candidates must be between 20 and 30 years of age as on January 1, 2027. Relaxation in the upper age limit applies for SC, ST, OBC and other reserved categories as per government norms.
Medical standard: Applicants must qualify the A-2 medical standard, which includes vision requirements. Candidates with colour vision deficiencies or vision below the prescribed standard will not clear this stage, so it is worth checking the detailed medical norms in the full notification before applying.
A new exam pattern, and a surprise addition
The selection process has been reworked for this standalone recruitment. Instead of the old multi-stage NTPC format, aspirants now face a single-stage Computer-Based Test (CBT), then a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), document verification and a medical examination. The CBT will include an English language section for the first time, and the CBAT tests the reaction speed and judgement a Station Master needs when running train operations and handling emergencies.
Application fee and how to apply
Applications will be accepted only in online mode through rrbapply.gov.in. The application fee is Rs. 500 for General, OBC and EWS candidates, with the usual concessions expected for SC, ST, women and other categories as detailed in the full notification.
Before the window opens on October 27, candidates should keep these documents ready: graduation certificate or mark sheets, a valid photo ID, recent passport-size photographs, signature and caste or category certificates if applicable. Aadhaar-based verification is part of the process, so keeping Aadhaar details handy is sensible.
The short runway to January
The exam is tentatively expected in January 2027, which leaves candidates roughly two months between the application deadline and the test. Do not wait for the detailed notification to begin preparation. Map the syllabus, once published on October 26, to study material you are already using, and get your documents in order now.
FAQs
How many vacancies are there in RRB Station Master Recruitment 2026?
Around 1,250 tentative vacancies have been announced under CEN No. 08/2026. The exact zone-wise and category-wise distribution will be released with the detailed notification on October 26, 2026.
When do applications for RRB Station Master 2026 open?
Online applications open on October 27, 2026 and close on November 25, 2026. Apply only through the official portal, rrbapply.gov.in.
What is the eligibility for the Station Master post?
Any graduate from a recognised university, aged 20 to 30 years as on January 1, 2027, can apply. Reserved categories get age relaxation as per government rules.
What is the salary of a Station Master in the Railways?
The post is in Pay Level 6 of the 7th Pay Commission with a basic pay of Rs. 35,400 per month. With allowances, gross monthly pay is typically between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 60,000.
What is the selection process for RRB Station Master 2026?
A single-stage Computer-Based Test (70 percent weightage) followed by a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (30 percent weightage), then document verification and an A-2 standard medical examination. The CBT will include an English language section for the first time.
If you have been waiting for a big railway opening to start your preparation in earnest, this is it. The detailed notification drops on October 26, the application window opens on October 27, and the competition will be fierce. Get your documents in order, start the aptitude practice, and apply early rather than in the last-week rush.
