Official Notification Summary: The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have officially announced the tentative Computer Based Test (CBT) dates for the recruitment of Section Controller under Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 03/2026. The nationwide online examination is scheduled to be conducted on 12th and 13th October 2026 in multiple daily shifts. The Exam City and Date Intimation Slip along with the travel authority for eligible SC/ST candidates will be activated online 10 days before the exam (starting 2nd October 2026). Candidates can download their official e-Call Letter (Admit Card) exactly 4 days prior to their specific examination date from rrbapply.gov.in. Review the full shift timetable, CBT test scheme, CBAT weightage, and Aadhaar biometric rules below.
| RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2026: Key Overview | |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Govt. of India |
| Centralised Employment Notice | CEN No. 03/2026 (Section Controller) |
| Post Name & Pay Scale | Section Controller – Level 6 (7th CPC), Basic Pay ₹35,400/- |
| Total Notified Vacancies | 119 Posts across Participating Regional RRBs |
| Examination Stage | Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT) – Objective Multiple Choice |
| CBT Exam Dates | 12th October 2026 and 13th October 2026 |
| City Intimation Slip Live Date | 2nd October 2026 (10 Days Before Exam) |
| e-Call Letter (Admit Card) Download | 8th October 2026 onwards (4 Days Before Exam Date) |
| Exam Duration & Shifts | 90 Minutes (1.5 Hours) | Multiple Daily Shifts |
| Total Questions & Marks | 100 Questions – 100 Marks (1 Mark each) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd (0.33 Mark) deducted for each incorrect answer |
| Mandatory Biometrics | Aadhaar Biometric Verification at Examination Centre |
| Subsequent Stage | Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for Shortlisted Candidates |
| Official Recruitment Portal | rrbapply.gov.in |
| Ministry of Railways Portal | rrb.indianrailways.gov.in |
1. RRB Section Controller CBT Exam Pattern 2026 & Marks Distribution
As prescribed in the master employment notification CEN 03/2026, the online Computer Based Test (CBT) for Section Controller assesses numerical acumen, critical logical reasoning, and operational decision-making. The test comprises 100 objective questions carrying 100 marks to be completed within 90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates utilizing a scribe). A strict penalty of 1/3rd mark is deducted for every incorrect response:
- Analytical and Mathematical Capability (60 Questions – 60 Marks): Forms the core component of the paper. Focuses on Number Systems, Simplification, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Speed, Distance and Time, Elementary Algebra, Statistics, Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Charts, Line Graphs), and Quantitative problem solving.
- Logical Capability (20 Questions – 20 Marks): Focuses on Syllogisms, Statement-Conclusions, Statement-Assumptions, Cause and Effect, Course of Action, Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Seating Arrangements, and Blood Relations.
- Mental Reasoning (20 Questions – 20 Marks): Tests Analogies, Classification, Direction Sense, Visual Memory, Series Completion, Decision Making, and Spatial Judgment essential for safe train traffic regulation.
| Section / Test Domain | Total Questions | Maximum Marks | Marking Scheme & Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical & Mathematical Capability | 60 | 60 | +1.0 Mark | -0.33 (1/3rd) deduction |
| Logical Capability | 20 | 20 | +1.0 Mark | -0.33 (1/3rd) deduction |
| Mental Reasoning | 20 | 20 | +1.0 Mark | -0.33 (1/3rd) deduction |
| Total (CEN 03/2026 CBT Paper) | 100 Questions | 100 Marks | Duration: 90 Minutes |
2. RRB Section Controller CBT Shift Timings & Reporting Schedule (12 & 13 Oct 2026)
The Computer Based Test for CEN 03/2026 will run in multiple daily shifts across authorized test venues. Candidates must plan their arrival strictly according to the reporting schedule indicated on their e-Call Letter. No examinee will be allowed inside after the Gate Closing Time:
| Exam Shift | Candidate Reporting Time | Strict Gate Closing Time | Exam Timing & Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 (Morning Shift) | 07:30 AM | 08:30 AM | 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM (90 Mins) |
| Shift 2 (Afternoon Shift) | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 01:00 PM – 02:30 PM (90 Mins) |
| Shift 3 (Evening Shift) | 03:30 PM | 04:30 PM | 05:00 PM – 06:30 PM (90 Mins) |
3. Exam City Intimation Slip & SC/ST Free Railway Travel Pass Details
The Railway Recruitment Boards issue exam city slips in advance to help candidates make travel arrangements without last-minute panic:
- Release Timeline: The online window to view the Exam City and Date will be activated on 2nd October 2026 (strictly 10 days prior to the test date).
- What the Slip Displays: Your allocated exam city, test state, date of the test, and assigned shift timing. Remember that this slip is solely for travel planning and cannot be used as an entry ticket.
- SC/ST Free Travel Pass: Candidates belonging to SC/ST categories who opted for the travel concession can download their official Sleeper Class Train Travel Authority along with the city intimation slip. You must carry the printed pass and original caste certificate while boarding the train.
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Download RRB Section Controller Admit Card 2026
The e-Call Letters for CEN 03/2026 will be released on 8th October 2026 onwards (exactly 4 days prior to your assigned exam date). Follow these steps to obtain your hall ticket:
Step 1: Open the Official Application Portal
Visit the centralized RRB online portal at www.rrbapply.gov.in or navigate to your regional RRB portal.
Step 2: Click on Login
Click on the "Login" button located in the navigation bar on the top-right corner of the website.
Step 3: Enter Your Login Credentials
Provide your registered Mobile Number / Email Address and your secret Password, enter the security Captcha text, and click "Login".
Step 4: Download and Print Hall Ticket
Click on "Download e-Call Letter – CEN 03/2026 (Section Controller)". Save the PDF document to your device and take two high-clarity printouts on standard A4 sheets.
5. Mandatory Aadhaar Biometric Verification & Exam Hall Rules
The recruitment boards enforce digital verification at every center to maintain exam sanctity. Adhere strictly to the following instructions:
Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication is mandatory at the exam venue prior to lab entry. If you have locked your biometric records using the UIDAI portal or the mAadhaar mobile app, you must unlock your biometrics at least 24 to 48 hours prior to your exam day. A failure during fingerprint validation due to locked data will bar you from taking the examination.
- Printed copy of the official RRB Section Controller CBT e-Call Letter.
- Original Valid Photo Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, e-Aadhaar printout with verifiable QR code, Voter ID, Driving License, PAN Card, or Passport). Photocopies, scanned images, or mobile screenshots will be rejected.
- Two recent color passport-size photos matching the photograph submitted in the online application.
- Original SC/ST certificate and travel pass printout (for eligible travel concession holders).
Mobile phones, Bluetooth accessories, smart watches, digital bands, calculators, earphones, loose paper, metallic items, belts, and bags are strictly barred inside the examination center. No lockers or custody facilities are guaranteed by testing centers.
6. RRB Section Controller Selection Process & CBAT Weightage
The recruitment framework for Section Controller (CEN 03/2026) is finalized through a competitive multi-tier selection procedure:
| Selection Stage | Evaluation Criteria | Final Merit Weightage | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Online CBT | 100 Questions – 100 Marks (90 Mins) | 70% Weightage | Shortlisting for CBAT (8 times the vacancies) |
| Stage 2: Aptitude Test (CBAT) | Psychometric test battery (Min T-Score 42 in each battery) | 30% Weightage | No negative marking in CBAT; mandatory to qualify |
| Stage 3: Document Verification (DV) | Verification of educational qualifications, age, and caste | Qualifying | Based on composite merit: 70% (CBT) + 30% (CBAT) |
| Stage 4: Medical Examination (DME) | Medical fitness confirming Standard A-2 (Vision 6/9, 6/9) | Mandatory Clearance | Conducted at Railway Hospitals |
| Minimum Qualifying Percentage in CBT: UR & EWS: 40% | OBC (NCL): 30% | SC: 30% | ST: 25% (2% relaxation for PwBD in case of shortage) | |||
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – RRB Section Controller CBT 2026
Access RRB Section Controller CEN 03/2026 Portal
Official direct link to check candidate dashboard, city intimation slip, and e-call letters.
Visit Official RRB Portal