Job Description
Overview
The North Central Railway (NCR), through its Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) in Prayagraj, has officially announced the recruitment for the Cultural Quota for the 2026-27 cycle. This initiative aims to induct talented individuals into the Sitar and Tabla streams to support the cultural activities of the Indian Railways. The recruitment process is conducted via an open advertisement, ensuring transparency and merit-based selection for these specialized roles.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform in cultural events and programs organized by the North Central Railway.
- Maintain proficiency in the chosen musical instrument (Sitar or Tabla) to represent the organization.
- Carry out regular administrative or technical duties associated with the assigned Pay Level-2 post.
- Participate in departmental cultural committees and regional talent showcases.
- Collaborate with other cultural artists to promote traditional music within the railway community.
- Adhere to the professional standards and conduct expected of a railway employee.
Why Apply
Joining the Indian Railways under the Cultural Quota offers a unique blend of professional stability and the opportunity to pursue artistic excellence. Employees receive competitive pay scales, standard government benefits, and a platform to showcase their talent on a national stage.
Important Dates
- Application Start: 20 August 2026
- Application End: 19 September 2026
Quick Facts
- Total Vacancies: 2
- Pay Level: Level-2 (Grade Pay Rs. 1900/-)
- Location: North Central Railway
- Category: Railway Recruitment
RRC NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 Overview
Registration Date
20 Aug 2026 –
19 Sep 2026
Salary
Level-2 (Grade Pay Rs. 1900/-)
Vacancies
2
Eligibility
Intermediate or Matriculation with ITI plus Cultural Degree/Diploma
Application Link
Vacancy Details
| Stream | Posts |
|---|---|
| Sitar | 1 |
| Tabla | 1 |
How to Apply
- Visit the official RRC Prayagraj website at www.rrcpryj.org.
- Locate and click on the Cultural Quota (02/2026) recruitment link.
- Select the 'New Registration' option to create an account.
- Complete the registration form with personal details and submit to receive login credentials.
- Log in using the provided credentials to fill out the detailed application form.
- Upload the required documents, including a recent photograph, signature, and educational/cultural certificates in the specified formats.
- Pay the applicable examination fee through the online payment gateway.
- Review all information carefully and submit the final application.
- Download and print the acknowledgement receipt for future reference.
Cutoff Marks
Not specified; merit-based selection.
Application Fee
General/OBC: Rs. 500 (Rs. 400 refundable). SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD/Female/Minorities/EBC: Rs. 250 (Full refund). Payment via online modes.
Age Limit
18-30 years as on 01.01.2027; relaxations as per government norms.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of a two-stage evaluation. First, a Written Test comprising 50 objective-type questions covering General Awareness, Mathematics, Reasoning, and Cultural Knowledge, carrying 50 marks. Second, an Assessment of Talent involving a Practical Demonstration (35 marks) and an evaluation of testimonials/prizes (15 marks). A negative marking of 1/3rd applies to the written test. Candidates must qualify in the written test to proceed to the practical demonstration.
Exam Pattern
Written Test: 50 MCQs, 60 minutes duration, 1/3rd negative marking. Practical Demonstration: 35 marks. Testimonials: 15 marks.
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Organization
North Central Railway (NCR) is one of the vital zones of the Indian Railways, headquartered in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Established to manage and operate railway infrastructure across the central region of India, it plays a crucial role in the transportation of passengers and freight. The organization functions under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, and is responsible for maintaining extensive rail networks, workshops, and training facilities to ensure efficient and safe railway operations across its jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a total of 2 vacancies available for this recruitment cycle. Specifically, there is 1 post for the Sitar stream and 1 post for the Tabla stream. Both positions are in Pay Matrix Level-2.
Candidates must have passed Intermediate or an equivalent exam with 50% marks, or Matriculation with an ITI certificate. Additionally, a degree, diploma, or certificate in the relevant cultural stream (Sitar or Tabla) from a government-recognized institution is mandatory.
The age limit is 18 to 30 years as of 01 January 2027. Age relaxations are provided for reserved categories such as OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), and PwBD (10 years), among others, as per government guidelines.
The online application window for the RRC NCR Cultural Quota recruitment closes on 19 September 2026 at 23:59 Hrs. It is recommended to apply well before the deadline to avoid any technical issues.
The application fee is Rs. 500 for general candidates (with Rs. 400 refundable upon appearing for the written exam) and Rs. 250 for SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, female, and minority candidates (fully refundable upon appearing for the written exam).
The selection process includes a Written Test (50 marks) followed by a Practical Demonstration (35 marks) and an assessment of testimonials/prizes (15 marks). Candidates must qualify in the written test to be eligible for the practical demonstration.
You can apply online exclusively through the official website of the Railway Recruitment Cell, Prayagraj, at www.rrcpryj.org. No physical applications will be accepted.
Yes, the written test includes negative marking. For every wrong answer, 1/3rd of the marks allotted to that specific question will be deducted. Ensure you answer carefully to maintain your score.
