Central Railway Cultural Quota Recruitment 2025–26

Employment Notice No. RRC/CR/CULTURAL/03/2025 dated 28/11/2025

Introduction

Indian Railways is one of the largest employers in the world and conducts specialised recruitments to encourage sports, culture, and young talent. The Central Railway Cultural Quota Recruitment 2025–26 is one such unique opportunity. Unlike regular government job exams focused on academic subjects, this recruitment places special emphasis on cultural talent in two disciplines:

1. Percussion Instrument Player
2. Classical Singer (Male/Female)

These posts are released under Pay Level-2 of the 7th CPC and provide stable government employment within the Railway organisation. If you are selected under Cultural Quota usually get clerical or technical posts in initial stages, and over time, they may be absorbed into higher positions based on internal promotions and departmental exams.

This recruitment is ideal for you are passionate about music and wish to build an official career in Indian Railways while continuing to pursue their cultural skills.

Vacancy Details – 2025–26

As per the official notification:

The Central Railway may interchange selection if no suitable you are found in any of the disciplines. If a good percussion you are not available, a classical singer may be selected and vice versa. Gender does not matter.

Central Railway – Overview

Central Railway (CR) is headquartered in Mumbai, one of India’s largest and busiest railway zones. Its network covers almost 4,000+ km and spreads across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. CR handles millions of commuters daily, freight operations, and interstate connectivity, making it a crucial part of Indian Railways.

The zone has a strong cultural history. Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik are hubs of classical music and performing arts. Many instrumentalists and vocalists have emerged from Maharashtra and contributed significantly to India’s cultural heritage. Because of this, Central Railway frequently recruits musicians to support cultural events, employee engagement programs, official ceremonies, and promotional activities.

Eligibility Requirements

The recruitment includes Academic Qualification and Professional Cultural Qualification.

Academic Qualification (Mandatory)

You must possess one of the following:

Passed 12th (+2) stage with at least 50% marks

50% marks not required for SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen candidates

OR

Passed Matriculation + Course Completed Act Apprenticeship

OR

Passed Matriculation + ITI (NCVT/SCVT approved)

Note: Clerical recruits must demonstrate typing skill 30 wpm English / 25 wpm Hindi within 2 years, otherwise selection becomes provisional.

Essential Professional Qualification

Percussion Instrument Player

You must hold any of the following from a recognized institute:

• Degree / Diploma / Certificate in:
  • Tabla
  • Dholak / Naal
  • Pakhawaj
  • Mridangam
  • Octopad
  • Acoustic Drum set
  • Hand-sonic
  • Tumba / Kongo etc.

This demonstrates formal training under an authorised curriculum.

Classical Singer (Male/Female)

You must possess a Degree / Diploma / Certificate course in Classical Singing from a recognized university/institute.

This includes Hindustani or Carnatic traditions under classical frameworks.

Desirable Qualifications (Important Advantage)

These do not guarantee selection but significantly improve merit.

For Percussion Instrument Player

1. Experience with Octopad (high preference)
2. 3 years’ experience in:
   • Doordarshan
   • All India Radio
   • Reputed TV music groups
   • Reputed performing groups
3. Awards at State/National level
4. Ability to play Hindi songs (filmy/semi-classical)

A “Reputed Musical Group” is defined in the notification as performers associated with national-level artists or AIR/TV professionals.

For Classical Singer (Male/Female)

1. 3 years of experience in:
   • Doordarshan
   • All India Radio
   • Reputed Musical Groups / TV channels
2. Award certificates at State/National competitions
3. Proficiency in Hindi filmy/semi-classical songs

This ensures performance adaptability beyond pure classical training.

Creative & Skill Expectations

You should:

• Demonstrate creative abilities and instructional capacity
• Have ability to guide fresh performers
• Must have participated in:
  • 1 National event OR
  • 2 State-level events

Preference for you are with stage performance and production experience.

Citizenship Requirements

You  must be either:

• Citizen of India
• Subject of Nepal/Bhutan
• Tibetan refugee (before 1 Jan 1962)
• Person of Indian origin migrated from:
  Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam (with eligibility certificate)

This is standard central government recruitment protocol.

Age Limit (as of 01/01/2026)

• 18–30 years (UR)

Age Relaxations:

• SC/ST → +5 years
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) → +3 years
• Ex-servicemen → Service + 3 years (min. 6 months)
• PwBD → 10 years (UR), 13 years (OBC), 15 years (SC/ST)
• Widows/divorced/women separated:
  • UR → 35
  • OBC → 38
  • SC/ST → 40

Additionally, casual labour/substitutes with 3 years service get special relaxation.

Examination Fee

Refund processed after deduction of bank charges.

Recruitment & Selection Process

Selection has three key evaluation stages.

Written Test / CBT / Tab mode – 50 marks

• 50 MCQ questions
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Language: English & Hindi
• Negative marking: 1/3rd per wrong answer
• Subjects include:
  • General Awareness
  • Mathematics
  • Mental Ability
  • Music-related topics

Minimum qualifying: 40% to enter Practical Demonstration

Practical Demonstration – 35 marks

You can perform:

• Classical singing / instrument performance
• Repertoire demonstration
• Octopad + primary instrument test (for percussion)

Testimonial/Awards Marks – 15 marks

Award certificates and achievements evaluated:

• State/National awards
• AIR/TV performances
• Workshop credentials

Posting and Job Responsibilities

If you are selected :

• Serve anywhere under Central Railway
• Participate in official ceremonies
• Train cultural units
• Represent Central Railway in competitions
• Assist HR/cultural committees

Workplace: Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Solapur, Bhusawal divisions.

Documents Required

You must upload:

• Academic certificates
• Cultural qualification certificates
• Date of birth proof
• Caste/EWS/OBC/PwBD certificates (if applicable)
• Photograph and signature (as per sizes)

Multiple applications with mismatched identity will be rejected.

Electronic Devices Ban

No phones, laptops, Bluetooth, calculators inside exam venue.
Possession may lead to disqualification and legal action.

Strict Anti-Fraud Policy

• Impersonation is lifetime ban
• Misleading documents is disqualification
• Multiple identities is ban across RRC/RRB
• Coaching agents not authorized by Railway

Important Dates

• Opening of Online Applications: 01/12/2025 at 10:00 hrs
• Closing Date: 30/12/2025 at 18:00 hrs

Submit early — heavy traffic is common near deadlines.

How to Apply (Online)

You can visit the official RRC Central Railway portal:www.rrccr.com

Steps:

1. Register using Aadhaar (or valid ID if applicable)
2. Fill personal details
3. Upload certificates
4. Pay exam fee
5. Save application print

Why This Recruitment Is Unique

Not academic-focused
Showcases artistic ability instead of raw marks.

Career + Art
Government job + musical growth.

Stability & Benefits
Railway allowances, pension schemes, medical & travel.

Prestige
Perform at official events, cultural festivals, national celebrations.

FAQs

Is reservation applicable?

No reservation by caste in post allocation, but age/fee relaxations apply.

Does gender matter?

No. Either male or female can apply.

What if no suitable candidate for one discipline?

The other discipline may be selected.

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