The RRB Pharmacist Recruitment 2026 notification has been released under CEN No. 05/2026 (Paramedical Categories). Railway Recruitment Boards have announced 118 vacancies for Pharmacist (Entry Grade). The post comes under Pay Level 5 with an initial pay of ₹29,200. Eligible pharmacy candidates can submit their online applications from 15 September 2026 to 14 October 2026.
For B.Pharm and Pharm.D candidates looking for a government pharmacy career in Indian Railways, this recruitment is an important opportunity. Below, GDC Classes explains the official eligibility criteria, vacancy, age limit, salary, CBT pattern, syllabus, selection process and important dates.
Quick Summary: RRB Pharmacist Recruitment 2026
RRB Pharmacist Recruitment 2026 has announced 118 Pharmacist (Entry Grade) vacancies under CEN 05/2026. The post is in Pay Level 5 with ₹29,200 initial pay. Eligible B.Pharm or Pharm.D candidates with pharmacist registration can apply online from 15 September to 14 October 2026.
RRB Pharmacist Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment | RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 |
| CEN Number | CEN No. 05/2026 |
| Post | Pharmacist (Entry Grade) |
| Total Pharmacist Vacancies | 118 |
| Pay Level | Level 5 |
| Initial Pay | ₹29,200 |
| Age Limit | 20–35 years |
| Age Reference Date | 01 January 2027 |
| Medical Standard | C2 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 October 2026, 23:59 hrs |
| Selection | CBT → Document Verification → Medical Examination |
The vacancy, pay, age and medical-standard information above comes directly from the official CEN 05/2026 notification.
RRB Pharmacist Vacancy 2026
A total of 118 vacancies have been notified for the Pharmacist (Entry Grade) post across all RRBs.
Candidates should note that the RRB-wise and Railway-wise vacancies are provisional and may increase or decrease according to the requirements of the respective Railway administrations.
RRB Pharmacist Post Details
| Detail | Pharmacist (Entry Grade) |
|---|---|
| Category Number | 5 |
| Vacancies | 118 |
| Pay Level | 5 |
| Initial Pay | ₹29,200 |
| Medical Standard | C2 |
| Minimum Age | 20 years |
| Maximum Age | 35 years |
RRB Pharmacist Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates should carefully check their eligibility before applying. The prescribed educational/professional qualification must be possessed by the closing date of the application.
Candidates who are awaiting the final result of the required educational or technical qualification are not eligible to apply.
RRB Pharmacist Educational Qualification
For Pharmacist (Entry Grade), candidates must possess either:
Option 1: Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy (Allopathic) from a Central or State Government-recognized university/institute and be registered as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
OR
Option 2: Doctor of Pharmacy from a Central or State Government-recognized university/institute and be registered as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
Important: The notification does not list D.Pharm alone as the minimum educational qualification for the Pharmacist (Entry Grade) post under CEN 05/2026.
RRB Pharmacist Age Limit 2026
The prescribed age limit for RRB Pharmacist (Entry Grade) is:
| Criteria | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 20 years |
| Maximum Age | 35 years |
| Age calculated as on | 01 January 2027 |
The official notification also provides applicable upper-age relaxation according to candidate category and eligibility conditions. Candidates should verify the relevant relaxation provisions in CEN 05/2026 before applying.
RRB Pharmacist Salary 2026
The RRB Pharmacist (Entry Grade) position is placed at Level 5 under the 7th CPC, with an initial pay of ₹29,200.
| Salary Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 5 |
| Initial Pay | ₹29,200 |
| Pay Commission | 7th CPC |
The exact monthly in-hand salary is not mentioned in the official notification.
Therefore, candidates should avoid relying on unofficial fixed in-hand salary figures.
RRB Pharmacist Important Dates 2026
Candidates should keep these dates in mind:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative Notice in Employment News | 12 September 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 15 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 October 2026, 23:59 hrs |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Application Modification Window | 17–26 October 2026 |
| Scribe Details Submission | 27–31 October 2026 |
| CBT Date | Not mentioned in the official notification |
The RRB states that the CBT date and subsequent notices will be communicated separately through the official website.
RRB Pharmacist Selection Process 2026
The recruitment process primarily consists of:
Computer Based Test (CBT) → Document Verification (DV) → Medical Examination
RRB may conduct additional CBTs if considered necessary. Candidates are shortlisted for document verification based on CBT performance, and final empanelment is subject to successful document verification and passing the prescribed medical examination.
RRB Pharmacist Exam Pattern 2026
The Single Stage CBT consists of 100 objective-type questions for 100 marks.
The standard duration is 90 minutes. Eligible PwBD/PWD candidates using the scribe facility receive 120 minutes.
RRB Pharmacist CBT Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Ability | 70 | 70 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| General Arithmetic, General Intelligence & Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| General Science | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
The notification states that this section-wise distribution is indicative and the question paper may vary.
Is There Negative Marking in RRB Pharmacist Exam?
Yes. There is a negative marking of 1/3 mark for every wrong answer in the CBT.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR/EWS | 40% |
| OBC-NCL | 30% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
These percentages also apply to Ex-Servicemen and PwBD candidates according to their respective communities. The notification provides for a possible two-mark relaxation for PwBD candidates in case of a shortage against reserved PwBD vacancies.
RRB Pharmacist Syllabus 2026
Professional Ability carries 70 marks, making pharmacy subjects the largest component of the examination.
According to Annexure C of CEN 05/2026, the RRB Pharmacist syllabus includes:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Pharmaceutics
- Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry
- Remedial Biology/Remedial Mathematics
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Pathophysiology
- Computer Applications in Pharmacy
- Environmental Sciences
- Physical Pharmaceutics
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical Engineering
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
- Industrial Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
- Herbal Drug Technology
- Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
- Quality Assurance
- Instrumental Methods of Analysis
- Pharmacy Practice
- Novel Drug Delivery System
- Biostatistics and Research Methodology
- Social and Preventive Pharmacy
- Pharma Marketing Management
- Pharmaceutical Regulatory Science
- Pharmacovigilance
- Quality Control and Standardization of Herbals
- Computer Aided Drug Design
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Cosmetic Science
- Experimental Pharmacology
- Advanced Instrumentation Techniques
- Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals
General Arithmetic Syllabus
The common syllabus includes number systems, BODMAS, decimals, fractions, LCM and HCF, ratio and proportion, percentages, mensuration, time and work, time and distance, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, elementary statistics, square roots, age calculations, calendar and clock, and pipes and cistern.
General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus
Topics include analogies, alphabetical and number series, coding-decoding, mathematical operations, relationships, syllogism, jumbling, Venn diagrams, data interpretation and sufficiency, conclusions and decision-making, similarities and differences, analytical reasoning, classification, directions, statements, arguments and assumptions.
General Awareness Syllabus
The General Awareness section includes current affairs, Indian geography, Indian culture and history including the freedom struggle, Indian polity and Constitution, Indian economy, environmental issues, sports, and general scientific and technological developments.
General Science Syllabus
General Science covers Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences up to the Class 10 CBSE syllabus.
Why Should Pharmacy Candidates Apply?
RRB Pharmacist Recruitment 2026 is particularly relevant for eligible pharmacy graduates because it provides 118 vacancies for Pharmacist (Entry Grade) in Indian Railways, with an initial pay of ₹29,200 at Level 5.
Another important factor from an exam-preparation perspective is that 70 out of the indicative 100 CBT questions are allocated to Professional Ability. Therefore, candidates with a strong command of core pharmacy subjects can focus a substantial part of their preparation on their professional syllabus.
How to Apply for RRB Pharmacist Recruitment 2026
Applications for CEN 05/2026 must be submitted online only through the official RRB website.
Candidates should:
- Visit the official unified RRB website.
- Open the application link for CEN No. 05/2026 – Paramedical Categories.
- Create an account or log in using an existing RRB account, where applicable.
- Enter the required personal and qualification details carefully.
- Select the eligible RRB/post preferences.
- Complete the required application process and fee payment.
- Review the information carefully before final submission.
- Keep application details safely for future reference.
Candidates can choose only one RRB. Multiple applications to different RRBs or the same RRB can lead to rejection and debarment from future RRB/RRC examinations.
Details entered during “Create an Account”, including the mobile number and email ID, cannot be modified later. The chosen RRB also cannot be changed through the modification window.
Application Correction Window
The modification window is scheduled from 17 October to 26 October 2026.
A ₹250 non-refundable modification fee per occasion applies. However, details entered under “Create an Account” and the chosen RRB cannot be changed.
RRB Pharmacist Application Fee 2026
Candidates should check the applicable examination fee according to their category in the official CEN 05/2026 before payment.
Detailed application-fee information has not been reproduced here because it was not established in the extracted notification sections used for this blog.
Important Links
| Link | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Official RRB Website | Apply online and check official updates |
| CEN No. 05/2026 Official Notification | Check complete recruitment rules |
| RRB Pharmacist Syllabus | Refer to Annexure C of the official notification |
| GDC Classes | Pharmacy exam preparation, updates and study resources |
Candidates are specifically advised by RRB to rely on the official RRB website for authentic and timely recruitment information and to beware of fake websites.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates must possess the prescribed qualification by the application closing date. Those waiting for their final qualifying results are not eligible.
Only one application should be submitted under this CEN. Candidates must also ensure that they meet the prescribed medical standard for their chosen post. Eligibility remains provisional until the required documents and certificates are verified.
RRB Pharmacist Preparation Strategy
Since Professional Ability accounts for 70 of the indicative 100 marks, pharmacy subjects should receive the largest share of preparation time. Candidates should systematically revise core areas such as Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Jurisprudence, Biopharmaceutics, Quality Assurance and Pharmacy Practice.
At the same time, the remaining sections should not be ignored. General Awareness, Arithmetic/Reasoning and General Science together account for 30 marks in the indicative pattern.
Candidates can use GDC Classes study resources, pharmacy MCQs, previous-year question practice and subject-wise revision material as part of their preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions About RRB Pharmacist Recruitment 2026
1. How many vacancies are available in RRB Pharmacist Recruitment 2026?
There are 118 vacancies for Pharmacist (Entry Grade) under CEN No. 05/2026.
2. What is the RRB Pharmacist age limit in 2026?
The prescribed age limit is 20 to 35 years as on 1 January 2027, subject to applicable age-relaxation provisions.
3. What is the salary of an RRB Pharmacist?
The Pharmacist (Entry Grade) post is under Pay Level 5, with an initial pay of ₹29,200. The exact in-hand salary is not mentioned in the official notification.
4. Can B.Pharm candidates apply for RRB Pharmacist Recruitment 2026?
Yes. A Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy (Allopathic) from a recognized university/institute is accepted, provided the candidate is also registered as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
5. Can Pharm.D candidates apply for RRB Pharmacist 2026?
Yes. Doctor of Pharmacy from a recognized university/institute is an accepted qualification, along with registration as a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
6. Is there negative marking in the RRB Pharmacist CBT?
Yes. One-third (1/3) of the marks allotted to a question will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
7. How many questions are asked in RRB Pharmacist CBT?
The Single Stage CBT is scheduled for 100 questions carrying 100 marks, with a standard duration of 90 minutes.
8. What is the last date to apply for RRB Pharmacist Recruitment 2026?
The last date for online application submission is 14 October 2026 at 23:59 hours.
Conclusion
The RRB Pharmacist Recruitment 2026 is a significant opportunity for eligible B.Pharm and Pharm.D candidates seeking a pharmacist position in Indian Railways. With 118 Pharmacist (Entry Grade) vacancies, Pay Level 5, ₹29,200 initial pay, and a CBT in which Professional Ability carries the largest share of marks, candidates should begin focused preparation early.
Before submitting the application, candidates should read CEN No. 05/2026 carefully and verify their educational qualification, pharmacist registration, age, category, medical standard and other eligibility conditions.
For RRB Pharmacist preparation, pharmacy MCQs, previous-year questions, subject-wise revision and government pharmacist exam updates, candidates can follow GDC Classes.
Recommended Products
