Key dates
The detailed notification under CEN 03/2026 is being released on July 14, with the online application process opening the very next day, July 15, and running until August 14. Candidates should apply through the official RRB websites rather than third-party portals.

Eligibility
Applicants need a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university — diploma, ITI or vocational qualifications alone won't qualify. The age limit is 20 to 33 years as on July 1, 2026, with standard age relaxations applying for reserved categories as per government norms. Candidates must also meet the A2 medical standard, which includes specific requirements around vision — distant, near, colour and night vision — along with binocular vision and general physical fitness, given the safety-critical nature of the role.

Selection process
The recruitment runs across four stages: a Computer-Based Test (CBT), a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), document verification, and a final medical examination. Candidates must clear each stage in sequence to remain in contention — only those who qualify the CBT move to the CBAT, and only those who clear the CBAT proceed to document verification.

Exam pattern
The CBT consists of 100 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 120 minutes, with one mark for each correct answer and a penalty of one-third of a mark deducted for every wrong answer. The paper is split across three sections: 60 questions from Analytical and Mathematical Capability, 20 from Logical Capability, and 20 from Mental Reasoning. If the exam is held across multiple shifts, scores will be normalised to ensure fairness across different question sets. This stage carries the heaviest weight — 70 percent — in the final merit calculation.

Salary and role
Section Controller falls under Pay Level 6 of the 7th Central Pay Commission, with a starting basic pay of ₹35,400 a month. Once Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance and Night Duty Allowance are added, gross monthly compensation can work out to ₹60,000 or more depending on posting location. The role itself centres on ensuring the safe, coordinated movement of trains across a railway zone — effectively acting as air-traffic-control for train operations.

Vacancy spread
The 119 posts are distributed across 15 zonal railways, with East Central Railway currently accounting for the largest single share at 17 posts. The full zone-wise breakdown will be available in the detailed notification once released.

Candidates preparing for this cycle should keep educational documents ready in advance and watch the official RRB websites closely from July 14 onward, since the detailed notification will carry the complete, authoritative eligibility and application instructions.