North Central Railway Recruitment 2025-26: Cultural Quota Vacancies – Apply Online for Guitar & Keyboard Posts
Introduction to North Central Railway (NCR) and Recruitment Overview
The North Central Railway (NCR), one of the 19 railway zones in India, plays a pivotal role in the country’s rail network. Headquartered in Prayagraj (Allahabad), NCR encompasses three key divisions: Prayagraj, Jhansi, and Agra, ensuring seamless connectivity across northern and central India. With Kanpur Central as its largest railway station, NCR is a critical hub for both passenger and freight transportation, contributing significantly to India’s economic and infrastructural growth.
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In a significant move to promote cultural talent within its workforce, NCR has announced the Cultural Quota Recruitment 2025-26 under Notification No. EN: CQ-03/2025. This recruitment drive aims to fill vacancies for Guitar and Keyboard positions under Pay Matrix Level-2 (Grade Pay Rs. 1900/-). The selection process will evaluate candidates based on their educational qualifications, cultural expertise, and performance in written tests and practical demonstrations.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the recruitment process, including vacancy details, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and key dates. Whether you are a seasoned musician or an aspiring candidate, this opportunity offers a unique pathway to a stable and prestigious career in the Indian Railways.
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Vacancy Details
The North Central Railway has announced two vacancies under the Cultural Quota for the year 2025-26. Below is a detailed breakdown of the available positions, including the number of vacancies, age limits, and pay scales.
| Post Name | Number of Vacancies | Age Limit (as on 01.01.2026) | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar (Level-2) | 01 | 18 to 30 years | Pay Matrix Level-2 (Grade Pay Rs. 1900/-) as per 7th CPC |
| Keyboard (Level-2) | 01 | 18 to 30 years | Pay Matrix Level-2 (Grade Pay Rs. 1900/-) as per 7th CPC |
Important Notes on Age Limit:
- The age limit is calculated as of January 1, 2026. Candidates must have been born not earlier than January 1, 1996, and not later than January 1, 2008.
- Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government norms (detailed in the Eligibility Criteria section).
- Candidates must submit a valid 10th/Matriculation Certificate or an equivalent document as proof of date of birth. Applications without this will be rejected.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure a fair and transparent selection process, the North Central Railway has defined specific educational qualifications, cultural expertise, and age requirements for candidates applying under the Cultural Quota. Below are the detailed eligibility criteria:
Vacancy Notice Download Official Recruitment Notification
1. Educational Qualifications
Candidates must fulfill one of the following educational criteria to be eligible for the Guitar and Keyboard positions:
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Intermediate (10+2) or equivalent with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board/university.
- The 50% marks condition is relaxed for SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen and candidates with higher qualifications (Graduation/Post-Graduation).
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Matriculation (10th Pass) from a recognized board plus ITI (approved by NCVT/SCVT) in a relevant trade.
- For technical posts, candidates must have completed Matriculation/SSLC + ITI or Matriculation/SSLC + Course Completed Act Apprenticeship.
2. Cultural Qualifications
In addition to educational qualifications, candidates must possess the following cultural credentials:
- A degree or diploma in the relevant cultural stream (Guitar/Keyboard) from a government-recognized institution.
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Desirable qualifications include:
- Experience in the relevant field (e.g., performances on All India Radio (AIR)/Doordarshan).
- Prizes won at the national level in music competitions.
Note: Candidates must fill out Annexure-G (available on the official website) with details of their cultural achievements. While uploading certificates is not required during the application, candidates must produce original documents during Document Verification (DV).
3. Age Relaxation
The upper age limit (30 years) is relaxable for candidates belonging to reserved categories as follows:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Up to the extent of service rendered in defense + 3 years (minimum 6 months of service required) |
| Serving Railway Staff/Casual Laborers | Up to 40 years (UR), 43 years (OBC), 45 years (SC/ST) with a minimum of 3 years of service |
| Widows/Divorced/Judicially Separated Women (unremarried) | Up to 35 years (UR), 38 years (OBC), 40 years (SC/ST) |
| Jammu & Kashmir Domiciles (1980-1989) | 5 years |
| Course Completed Act Apprentices |
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