South Eastern Railway Group C Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026
Railway Recruitment Cell, Kharagpur — Ministry of Railways
Executive Summary & Key Facts
The Railway Recruitment Cell, Kharagpur has issued an official recruitment notification for Group C (Classical Dance and Instrumental Music), announcing a total of 2 vacancies located in West Bengal. The online application window opens on 17 October 2026 and closes on 16 November 2026. To be eligible, applicants must hold Passed 12th or equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in aggregate from a Government recognized Education Board; 50% marks are not insisted for SC/ST/ESM/PwBD candidates and those with higher qualifications from a UGC recognized University. OR passed 10th from a recognized Board plus ITI/National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) approved by NCVT for Technician Grade-III in Level-2 of Pay Matrix. Candidates must also possess a Degree/Diploma/Certificate course in the respective cultural discipline from a Government recognized University/Institute. and be within the prescribed age limit of 18 to 30 years for UR candidates as on 01-01-2027, with category relaxation applicable as per government guidelines. Selected candidates will receive an approved pay scale of Level-2 in Pay Matrix of 7th CPC, GP Rs. 1900/-. The selection procedure comprises Written Test / OMR / CBT followed by practical talent assessment in the applied discipline and evaluation of testimonials/prizes.. For complete guidelines, syllabus breakdown, and official notification PDF, refer to the verified information below on ApplySarkariJob.
📅 Important Dates & Schedule
| Application Start | 17 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | 16 Nov 2026 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 16 Nov 2026 |
📋 Eligibility Criteria & Vacancy Overview
| Post Name |
💼 Group C (Classical Dance
💼 Instrumental Music)
|
|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 2 |
| Qualification | Passed 12th or equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in aggregate from a Government recognized Education Board; 50% marks are not insisted for SC/ST/ESM/PwBD candidates and those with higher qualifications from a UGC recognized University. OR passed 10th from a recognized Board plus ITI/National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) approved by NCVT for Technician Grade-III in Level-2 of Pay Matrix. Candidates must also possess a Degree/Diploma/Certificate course in the respective cultural discipline from a Government recognized University/Institute. |
| Age Limit | 18 to 30 years for UR candidates as on 01-01-2027 |
| Salary | Level-2 in Pay Matrix of 7th CPC, GP Rs. 1900/- |
| Application Fee |
General: ₹500
OBC: ₹500
EWS: ₹500
SC: ₹250
ST: ₹250
fee_exempted: No
payment_mode: Online (Internet Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card)
|
| Selection Process | Written Test / OMR / CBT followed by practical talent assessment in the applied discipline and evaluation of testimonials/prizes. |
👥 Category-Wise Vacancy Details
Total Seats: 2| Post / Designation | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group C (Classical Dance) | - | - | - | - | - | 1 |
| Group C (Instrumental Music) | - | - | - | - | - | 1 |
| Consolidated Total | - | - | - | - | - | 2 |
Complete Salary Breakup & Allowances
7th CPC Level 2Level 2 (Rs. 19,900 - 63,200) + GP Rs. 1,900; Gross approx. Rs. 35,232/month
📝 Detailed Notification Guide
South Eastern Railway (RRC SER) Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026: A Unique Opportunity for Artists
The South Eastern Railway (RRC SER), operating under the esteemed Ministry of Railways, Government of India, has released an official notification for the recruitment of Group C posts under the Cultural Quota for the year 2026-27. This recruitment drive offers a distinctive pathway for talented individuals in classical dance and instrumental music to join the prestigious Indian Railways.
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
| Post | Scale | Discipline | No. of Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group ‘C’ (in suitable post) | Level-2 in Pay Matrix of 7th CPC GP Rs. 1900/- | Classical Dance – Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi and Kuchipudi | 01 |
| Group ‘C’ (in suitable post) | Level-2 in Pay Matrix of 7th CPC GP Rs. 1900/- | Instrumental Music – Flute, Violin, Veena, Sitar and Sarod | 01 |
A career with the Indian Railways brings stability, comprehensive benefits, and a chance to contribute to the nation's progress. Candidates possessing the requisite artistic skills and academic qualifications are encouraged to seize this opportunity within the South Eastern Railway jurisdiction, with its head office located in Kolkata.
Vacancy Details: Group C Cultural Quota Posts
This special recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 2 Group C posts, specifically dedicated to candidates with proven talent in cultural disciplines. The vacancies are distributed as follows:
- Group C (Classical Dance): 1 Post
- Group C (Instrumental Music): 1 Post
Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualification & Age Limit
Aspiring candidates must carefully review the eligibility requirements before proceeding with their applications. Meeting these criteria is fundamental for consideration.
Educational Qualifications
- For all posts: Candidates must have passed the 12th or equivalent examination with at least 50% marks in aggregate from a Government recognized Education Board. However, the 50% marks criterion is not insisted upon for SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD candidates or those holding higher qualifications from a UGC recognized University.
- Alternative Qualification: A 10th pass certificate from a recognized Board combined with an ITI/National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) approved by NCVT for Technician Grade-III in Level-2 of Pay Matrix is also accepted.
- Cultural Qualification (Mandatory): All applicants must also possess a Degree/Diploma/Certificate course in their respective cultural discipline (Classical Dance or Instrumental Music) from a Government recognized University/Institute. Candidates looking for similar opportunities can also check more 12th Pass jobs in West Bengal.
Age Limit (as on 01 January 2027)
Candidates applying for the Group C posts must be between 18 to 30 years of age for Unreserved (UR) category as on 01-01-2027.
Age Relaxation
Relaxation in the upper age limit will be provided as per Government of India rules for various reserved categories:
- OBC Candidates: 3 Years
- SC/ST Candidates: 5 Years
- PwBD Candidates: As per rules
- Ex-Servicemen: As per rules
- Railway Employees: As per rules
- Widows/Divorced Women: As per rules
Remuneration and Service Benefits
Selected candidates for the Group C cultural quota posts will be compensated according to the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Pay Matrix. This ensures a competitive salary structure along with various allowances.
- Pay Level: Level-2 in Pay Matrix of 7th CPC
- Grade Pay (GP): Rs. 1900/-
- Pay Scale: Rs. 19,900 - 63,200
- Approximate Gross Salary: Approximately Rs. 35,232/- per month (including Basic Pay, DA, HRA, TA, and other allowances as applicable for a Y-class city).
Application Fee Details
Candidates are required to pay an application fee online. Please note the category-wise fee structure:
- General/OBC/EWS Candidates: Rs. 500/-
- SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD/Women/Minorities/EBC Candidates: Rs. 250/-
The application fee must be paid online using Internet Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD/Women/Minorities/EBC categories will have their fee refunded after appearing in the Written Test/CBT, as per official guidelines.
Selection Methodology and Exam Pattern
The selection process for the South Eastern Railway Group C Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 is designed to identify candidates with both academic aptitude and exceptional cultural talent. It involves multiple stages:
- Stage 1: Written Test / OMR / CBT: This objective-type test will comprise 60 questions to be completed within 60 minutes. There will be a negative marking of 1/3rd for each incorrect answer. Candidates must secure a minimum of 40% qualifying marks to proceed to the next stage.
- Stage 2: Practical Demonstration in the Applied Discipline: This stage carries 35 marks and will assess the candidate's actual talent and proficiency in Classical Dance or Instrumental Music.
- Stage 3: Evaluation of Testimonials / Prizes: This stage, carrying 15 marks, will consider the candidate's past achievements, certificates, and prizes related to their cultural discipline.
Written Test Syllabus:
The written examination will cover a broad range of subjects to assess general aptitude and knowledge. For more detailed insights into railway recruitment processes, candidates can refer to other South Eastern Railway (SER) RRC Trade/Technical Test Schedule 2026 recruitment details.
| Subject Areas | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge | Current affairs, Indian history, geography, economy, polity, sports, culture, etc. |
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (up to 10th/12th standard) |
| General Mathematics | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics |
| General English | Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence structure |
| Official Language | Knowledge of Hindi/Official Language rules |
| Professional Knowledge | (Potentially related to Railway operations or cultural field, refer official advt for specifics) |
| Reasoning & Aptitude | Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, analytical skills |
Important Dates to Remember
Candidates should mark these crucial dates on their calendars to ensure timely submission of their applications:
- Online Application Start Date: 17 October 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 16 November 2026
- Last Date for Online Fee Payment: 16 November 2026
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
The application process for the South Eastern Railway Group C Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 is entirely online. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful submission:
- Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the official RRC SER website at www.rrcser.co.in.
- Locate Recruitment Section: On the homepage, find and click on the "Recruitment Cell" section. Then, select the link for "Online E-Application for Cultural Quota 2026-27".
- New User Registration: If you are a new applicant, you will need to register by providing essential details such as your name, father's name, Date of Birth (DOB), community, email address, and mobile number.
- Fill Application Form & Upload Documents: Log in using your registration credentials. Carefully fill out the detailed application form, ensuring all information is accurate. Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-sized color photograph with a light background, signature, Left Thumb Impression (LTI), and all relevant educational and cultural qualification certificates.
- Pay Application Fee & Submit: Proceed to pay the application fee online through the available payment gateway. After successful payment, submit the completed application form. It is highly recommended to download and print the final submitted application form for your records.
Essential Documents Checklist
Prepare the following documents in digital format (scanned copies) before starting your online application:
- Photo Identity Card: Valid Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Driving License.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized color photographs with a light background.
- Educational Certificates: Marksheets and certificates for 10th, 12th, and any higher qualifications.
- Cultural Qualification Certificates: Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Classical Dance or Instrumental Music.
- Caste/Category Certificate: SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS certificate in the prescribed Government of India format, if applicable.
- Signature & Left Thumb Impression: Scanned copy of your signature and left thumb impression.
- Cultural Testimonials/Prizes: Certificates and proofs of any prizes, awards, or significant performances related to your cultural discipline.
Candidate Advisory & Crucial Precautions
Important Warnings for Applicants:
- Name Matching: Ensure that your name, father's name, and date of birth match EXACTLY with your 10th Class / Matriculation certificate. Any discrepancy may lead to disqualification.
- Single Application: Do not submit multiple application forms for the same post. Duplicate submissions will result in outright rejection of all applications.
- Photograph and Signature: Verify the dimensions and clarity of your scanned photograph and signature before final submission. Incorrect specifications can invalidate your application.
- Fee Payment: Complete the online application fee payment well before the deadline. Applications without verified fee payment will be considered incomplete and will not be entertained.
Candidates are strongly advised to thoroughly read the official notification (Advt. No. Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026-27) available on the RRC SER website to understand all terms, conditions, and instructions clearly before applying. Adhering to all guidelines will ensure a smooth application process.
📝 How to Apply Online
⚠️ Important Application Guidelines & Instructions
- Ensure the name, father's name, and date of birth match EXACTLY with your 10th Class / Matriculation certificate.
- Do not submit multiple application forms for the same post; duplicate submissions may lead to outright rejection.
- Verify scanned photograph and signature dimensions before final submission to avoid technical invalidation.
- Complete online fee payment before the deadline; incomplete submissions without verified payment will not be entertained.
