East Coast Railway (ECoR), through the Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Bhubaneswar, has issued the GDCE 2026 notification for eligible departmental railway employees. The General Departmental Competitive Examination (GDCE) has been announced for filling 25% of the net Direct Recruitment Quota vacancies under various Safety and Non-Safety categories.
As per the notification, eligible regular employees having lien in East Coast Railway, including the erstwhile Waltair Division/South Coast Railway, can submit their applications. Employees belonging to RPF/RPSF are not eligible for this recruitment.
The recruitment drive covers a total of 1,421 vacancies in posts such as Assistant Loco Pilot, Station Master, Goods Trains Manager, Junior Engineer, Technician, Junior Clerk cum Typist and Commercial Clerk cum Ticket Collector. The notification was published on August 7, 2026, and the online application window is scheduled to open on August 15, 2026 and close on September 14, 2026.
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ECoR GDCE Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | East Coast Railway |
| Recruitment Authority | Railway Recruitment Cell, Bhubaneswar |
| Examination Name | General Departmental Competitive Examination |
| Notification Number | ECoR/Pers/RRC-GDCE/2026 |
| Notification Date | August 7, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 1,421 |
| Application Method | Online |
| Application Commencement | August 15, 2026 |
| Last Date | September 14, 2026 |
| Eligible Applicants | Eligible regular ECoR employees having lien |
| RPF/RPSF Employees | Not eligible |
| Selection Process | CBT, Aptitude/Typing Test where applicable, DV and Medical Examination |
| Official Website | www.rrcbbs.org.in |
This recruitment is a departmental GDCE examination, meaning that it is primarily intended for eligible employees of East Coast Railway rather than candidates applying through an ordinary open-market recruitment process.
ECoR GDCE Vacancy Details 2026
East Coast Railway has announced 1,421 vacancies under the GDCE quota. Assistant Loco Pilot accounts for the highest number of positions, while Goods Trains Manager and Technician posts also have significant vacancies.
| Post | UR | SC | ST | OBC | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Loco Pilot | 495 | 197 | 104 | 250 | 1,046 |
| Station Master | 7 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 12 |
| Goods Trains Manager | 134 | 47 | 24 | 79 | 284 |
| Junior Engineer | 14 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 22 |
| Technicians | 27 | 7 | 3 | 14 | 51 |
| Junior Clerk cum Typist | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Commercial Clerk cum Ticket Collector | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 679 | 256 | 135 | 351 | 1,421 |
One PwBD vacancy is also included under the Junior Engineer category. The detailed division/unit-wise vacancy information is provided in Annexure-A of the notification.
The detailed vacancy distribution shows Assistant Loco Pilot positions across SBP, WAT and KUR, while Goods Trains Manager vacancies are available in KUR, WAT and SBP. Various Junior Engineer and Technician positions are distributed across different railway units and engineering departments.
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Posts Included in ECoR GDCE 2026
The notification covers several operational, technical and clerical posts. These include:
- Assistant Loco Pilot
- Station Master
- Goods Trains Manager
- Junior Engineer
- Technician-III
- Junior Clerk cum Typist
- Commercial Clerk cum Ticket Collector
The examination process is not identical for every post. Assistant Loco Pilot and Station Master candidates have to appear for a Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) after the CBT. Junior Clerk cum Typist candidates have to qualify in the Computer Based Typing Skill Test (CBTST). Other posts generally proceed through the CBT followed by document verification and medical examination as applicable.
Eligibility for ECoR GDCE 2026
The most important eligibility condition is that the applicant must be an eligible regular employee having lien in East Coast Railway. This includes employees associated with the erstwhile Waltair Division/SCoR as specified in the notification.
Employees belonging to RPF/RPSF are excluded from the recruitment.
Regular and eligible employees working in a lower grade or pay scale may participate in GDCE selection for the notified categories if they possess the prescribed educational qualification. Employees working in the same grade/pay scale may also be eligible for certain Safety and Non-Safety category selections, subject to the conditions mentioned in the notification.
Candidates should carefully verify their service status and qualification before applying.
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Age Limit
The age of candidates will be considered as on January 1, 2027.
| Category | Permitted Age |
|---|---|
| UR | 18 to 42 years |
| OBC | 18 to 45 years |
| SC/ST | 18 to 47 years |
The notification provides the corresponding date-of-birth limits for determining eligibility. Candidates from SC/ST/OBC-NCL categories who apply against an unreserved vacancy will not receive category-based age relaxation for that vacancy.
The date of birth entered in the application must match the date recorded in the candidate’s Matriculation/SSLC/Class 10 certificate and service record. Requests for changing the date of birth later will not be accepted.
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Educational Qualification
The educational requirement varies according to the post.
For Assistant Loco Pilot, candidates require Matriculation/SSLC along with ITI in the specified trades from recognised NCVT/SCVT institutions. The prescribed Act Apprenticeship qualification can also be accepted. A three-year Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics or Automobile Engineering, or the specified combinations, may be accepted in place of ITI. A relevant Engineering degree is also acceptable in lieu of the prescribed diploma as stated in the notification.
For Station Master and Goods Train Manager, candidates must possess a degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
For Junior Engineer posts, the required qualification depends on the relevant engineering discipline. For Civil Engineering-related posts, the notification specifies relevant three-year Diploma/B.Sc. qualifications in Civil Engineering or the specified combinations.
Technician qualifications depend on the particular Technician-III trade. The notification contains vacancies related to Telecom/S&T, Electrical, OHE, Power, Track Machine, Fitter, Welder and other technical areas.
Candidates should refer to the post-specific qualification given in Annexure-B before selecting a post.
Candidates Waiting for Final Results
Candidates whose final examination results for the required minimum educational qualification are still pending should not apply.
The prescribed educational qualification must be possessed within the eligibility requirements mentioned in the notification.
ECoR GDCE Selection Process
The selection procedure generally consists of the following stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), wherever required
- Computer Based Typing Skill Test (CBTST), wherever required
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
The notification clearly states that no supplementary examination will be conducted for candidates who are absent from the CBT, aptitude test or other applicable examination.
For CBAT and typing tests, candidates may be shortlisted up to eight times the number of vacancies. Document Verification shortlisting will be based on merit and the applicable selection criteria.
Candidates who are finally selected must satisfy the prescribed medical requirements and complete verification of educational, community and other relevant certificates. Antecedent and character verification is also part of the appointment process.
Negative Marking
The CBT includes negative marking.
For every wrong answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
There is, however, no negative marking in the Computer Based Aptitude Test.
Therefore, candidates should avoid random guessing in the CBT and concentrate on solving questions accurately.
Minimum Qualifying Percentage
The minimum qualifying percentages prescribed in the notification are:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR | 40% |
| OBC-NCL | 30% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
For PwBD candidates, the minimum qualifying percentage may be relaxed by two marks in the circumstances mentioned in the notification.
These percentages represent the minimum eligibility requirement and should not be treated as the final selection cut-off.
Assistant Loco Pilot Exam Pattern
The Assistant Loco Pilot recruitment includes a single-stage CBT followed by CBAT.
The CBT is conducted for 120 minutes and consists of 100 questions, with one mark assigned to each question.
The examination covers areas such as:
- Mathematics
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Basic Science and Engineering
- Relevant Trade
Mathematics includes topics such as Number System, BODMAS, Fractions, Decimals, Percentage, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry.
Reasoning may include Analogy, Series, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Analytical Reasoning, Data Interpretation and Decision Making. The notification also includes Basic Science and Engineering-related topics.
Station Master Exam Pattern
The Station Master selection includes CBT followed by the Computer Based Aptitude Test.
The CBT has a duration of 90 minutes and contains 120 questions.
| Subject | Questions |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 |
| Mathematics | 35 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 |
| Total | 120 |
General Awareness covers areas such as current affairs, sports, Indian history, geography, polity, economy, science and technology, computers and important government programmes.
Candidates appearing for Station Master CBAT have to qualify each test battery separately. The notification specifies a minimum T-score requirement of 42 in each test battery. The Station Master merit calculation gives 70% weightage to CBT and 30% to CBAT.
Goods Trains Manager Exam Pattern
The Goods Trains Manager post involves a single-stage CBT.
The examination duration is 90 minutes, with a total of 120 questions.
The indicative distribution is:
- General Awareness – 50 questions
- Mathematics – 35 questions
- General Intelligence and Reasoning – 35 questions
The paper consists of objective-type questions and follows the syllabus prescribed in the notification.
Junior Engineer Exam Pattern
The Junior Engineer CBT is conducted for 120 minutes and contains 150 questions.
The major areas include:
- General Awareness
- Physics and Chemistry
- Computer Basics and Applications
- Environment and Pollution Control
- Technical Ability
The tentative distribution includes 15 questions from General Awareness, 15 from Physics and Chemistry, 10 from Computer Basics, 10 from Environment and Pollution Control and 100 technical questions.
The technical portion depends on the selected engineering group. Civil and Allied Engineering candidates may face questions from subjects including Surveying, CAD, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulics, Irrigation Engineering, Mechanics of Structures, Concrete Structures, Steel Structures and Transportation Engineering.
Junior Clerk cum Typist Selection
For Junior Clerk cum Typist, candidates have to clear the CBT and then appear for the Computer Based Typing Skill Test.
The prescribed typing speed is 30 words per minute in English or 25 words per minute in Hindi on a personal computer without editing tools. Candidates eligible for exemption from the typing test have to submit the required medical certificate in the prescribed format.
Commercial Clerk cum Ticket Collector Exam
The Commercial Clerk cum Ticket Collector post is filled through a single-stage CBT.
The indicative paper consists of:
- General Awareness – 50 questions
- Mathematics – 35 questions
- General Intelligence and Reasoning – 35 questions
- Total – 120 questions
The normal examination duration is 90 minutes. Eligible PwBD candidates accompanied by a scribe receive 120 minutes. One-third mark is deducted for each incorrect response.
Medical Examination
Medical fitness is an essential requirement for appointment under ECoR GDCE 2026. Candidates are advised to verify the medical standard associated with the post they intend to apply for.
According to Annexure-B, the medical standards include:
- Assistant Loco Pilot – A-1
- Station Master – A-2
- Goods Trains Manager – A-2
- Several Junior Engineer posts – A-3/B-1/C-1 depending on the post
For certain safety-category posts, strict eyesight requirements apply. For example, Station Master candidates must satisfy the prescribed A-2 vision and colour-vision standards. The notification also states that candidates who have undergone LASIK or another corrective surgery for refractive error are not eligible for posts requiring A-2 medical standards.
Documents Required for Application
Candidates should prepare the necessary documents before beginning the online application.
Important documents include:
- Recent colour passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Date of birth proof
- Educational qualification certificates
- Technical qualification certificates
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
The notification specifies that the photograph should be 35 mm × 45 mm, not more than three months old, in JPEG format and up to 100 KB.
The signature should be made with black ink on white paper in the specified box size and uploaded in JPG/JPEG format. The signature used during registration should match the signature provided during the later stages of recruitment.
ECoR GDCE 2026 Application Process
Eligible employees can apply online through the RRC Bhubaneswar website by following these steps:
- Visit the official RRC Bhubaneswar website.
- Open the ECoR GDCE 2026 application link.
- Read all instructions carefully.
- Enter the required personal and employee details.
- Provide the required service-related information.
- Select the post and preferences carefully.
- Upload the photograph and signature.
- Upload the required certificates and documents.
- Check all entered information.
- Submit the application.
- Download the completed application form.
- Keep the acknowledgement and application copy safely for future reference.
The notification states that once the application is registered, changes cannot be made. Duplicate applications will not be entertained. A unique application number will be generated after successful registration, and candidates should download the completed application in PDF format.
Post preference is also important because the notification states that once a preference is selected, it will be treated as final and cannot be changed later.
Document Verification
Candidates shortlisted for Document Verification must produce the required original documents and supporting certificates.
Candidates seeking reservation benefits must submit valid certificates in the prescribed format. OBC-NCL candidates must also provide the required declaration confirming their non-creamy-layer status.
Candidates should ensure that all information entered in the online application matches their official service and educational records.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates should carefully follow the instructions issued by RRC throughout the recruitment.
E-call letters containing examination city and date information are to be downloaded through the official website. Candidates should regularly check the official RRC website for examination-related announcements.
Candidates must also follow the instructions concerning identity proof, photographs and examination-centre requirements.
Electronic devices such as mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, calculators, laptops and other prohibited gadgets are not allowed inside the examination venue.
Normalisation of Examination Marks
Where CBT examinations are conducted in multiple shifts, the Railway Recruitment Board’s prescribed normalisation procedure will be applied.
Under the percentile-based methodology, candidates’ raw scores are converted into percentile scores based on their relative performance in their respective examination shift. The normalised score is then used for preparing the merit list.
Tie-Breaking Criteria
If two or more candidates obtain identical marks, the candidate who is older in age will receive the higher merit position.
If the candidates have the same age, the alphabetical order of their given name will be considered for deciding the merit position.
ECoR GDCE 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Published | August 7, 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | August 15, 2026 |
| Online Application Ends | September 14, 2026 |
| Examination Date | To be announced |
The examination schedule and e-call-letter information will be communicated through the official RRC Bhubaneswar website.
ECoR GDCE Important Links
- Official Notification PDF:Â Click here
- Official Website:Â Click hereÂ
ECoR GDCE Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
1. How many vacancies are available under ECoR GDCE Recruitment 2026?
East Coast Railway has announced 1,421 vacancies for various posts, including Assistant Loco Pilot, Station Master, Goods Trains Manager, Junior Engineer, Technician, Junior Clerk cum Typist and Commercial Clerk cum Ticket Collector.
2. Who is eligible to apply for ECoR GDCE 2026?
The recruitment is intended for eligible regular employees having lien in East Coast Railway, including the specified erstwhile Waltair Division/South Coast Railway employees. RPF/RPSF employees are not eligible.
3. What is the age limit for ECoR GDCE Recruitment 2026?
The age is calculated as on January 1, 2027. The basic age limit is 18 to 42 years for UR candidates, 18 to 45 years for OBC candidates, and 18 to 47 years for SC/ST candidates, subject to the conditions in the notification.
4. When does the ECoR GDCE 2026 application process begin?
The online application process is scheduled to start on August 15, 2026, and the last date to apply is September 14, 2026.
5. What is the selection process for ECoR GDCE 2026?
Selection generally involves a Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by a Computer Based Aptitude Test for applicable posts, a Computer Based Typing Skill Test for Junior Clerk cum Typist, Document Verification and Medical Examination.
6. Is there negative marking in the ECoR GDCE examination?
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer in the CBT. There is no negative marking in the Computer Based Aptitude Test.
7. What is the qualification required for Assistant Loco Pilot?
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed Matriculation/SSLC plus ITI/Act Apprenticeship requirements in the specified trades. Relevant three-year Diploma or Engineering qualifications may also be accepted under the conditions mentioned in the notification.
8. What qualification is required for Station Master and Goods Trains Manager?
For Station Master and Goods Trains Manager, candidates must possess a degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification, subject to the other conditions of the notification.
9. Is a typing test required for Junior Clerk cum Typist?
Yes. Candidates for Junior Clerk cum Typist have to qualify in the Computer Based Typing Skill Test. The prescribed minimum typing speed is 30 words per minute in English or 25 words per minute in Hindi.
10. What are the medical requirements for ECoR GDCE posts?
Medical standards vary according to the post. For example, Assistant Loco Pilot is under A-1 medical standard, while Station Master and Goods Trains Manager are under A-2. Candidates should check the medical requirements of their chosen post before applying.