NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 – Apply Now, 2 Posts
NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced by North Central Railway (NCR), Railway Recruitment Cell, Prayagraj, vide notification EN CQ-02/2026. A total of 2 vacancies are open for Sitar and Tabla artists in Pay Matrix Level-2 (Grade Pay ₹1900/-). The last date to apply is 19 September 2026. This is a golden sarkari naukri opportunity for talented cultural artists — read on for complete eligibility, salary, and how to apply at agrijob.in.
This official notification released on 18 August 2026 opens a rare avenue for musically skilled candidates to secure a permanent government job in Indian Railways without competing through the usual technical or clerical recruitment channels. Online applications open on 20 August 2026 and close on 19 September 2026 at 23:59 hrs, so eligible artists should not delay their preparation.

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📋 Table of Contents
NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | North Central Railway (NCR), Railway Recruitment Cell, Prayagraj |
| Notification No. | EN CQ-02/2026 |
| Post Name | Sitar Player, Tabla Player (Cultural Quota) |
| Total Vacancies | 2 Posts (1 Sitar + 1 Tabla) |
| Salary / Pay Scale | Pay Matrix Level-2, Grade Pay ₹1900/- |
| Age Limit | 18–30 years (as on 01.01.2027) |
| Application Fee | ₹500 (General/OBC/EWS) | ₹250 (SC/ST/PwBD/Female/Minorities/EBC) |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 September 2026, 23:59 hrs |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.rrcpryj.org |
Who Should Apply for NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026?
This govt job is ideal for candidates who match the following profile. Check if you qualify before applying:
- Candidates with Intermediate (12th) pass, 50% aggregate, from a recognized Board/University
- Candidates holding a degree/diploma/certificate in Sitar or Tabla from a Government Recognized Institution
- Candidates aged 18 to 30 years as on 01.01.2027 (age relaxation available for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen)
- Artists with performance experience on All India Radio (AIR) or Doordarshan
- Candidates who have won prizes or awards at National/State level cultural competitions
- Candidates looking for a stable sarkari naukri in the Railway cultural sector
Salary & Pay Details for Sitar/Tabla Posts 2026

One of the most attractive aspects of NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 is the government pay package. Here are the salary details:
- Pay Matrix: Level-2 (7th CPC), Grade Pay ₹1900/-
- Emoluments: Minimum pay of Level-2 plus other admissible allowances at the time of appointment
- Training Period: Stipend applicable during training
- Allowances: DA, HRA, TA, and Medical benefits as per Railway norms
- Job Security: Permanent Central Government employment with Railway benefits
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹500 (₹400 refundable after appearing in exam) |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / PwBD | ₹250 (fully refundable after appearing in exam) |
| Transgender / Female | ₹250 (fully refundable after appearing in exam) |
| Minorities / Economic Backward Classes | ₹250 (fully refundable after appearing in exam) |
Note: SC/ST/PwBD candidates and other exempt categories may claim fee relaxation as admissible. Fee must be paid online via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
Age Limit
The candidate should be aged between 18 to 30 years as on 01.01.2027 (born between 01.01.1997 and 01.01.2009). Age relaxation is available as per government norms:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General | 18–30 years (no relaxation) |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years relaxation |
| SC / ST | 5 years relaxation |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) | 10 years relaxation |
| Ex-Servicemen | Service rendered + 3 years |
| Widows / Divorced / Judicially Separated Women | Up to 35 years (General), 38 (OBC), 40 (SC/ST) |
Sitar & Tabla 2026 Vacancy Details
The NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 notification (EN CQ-02/2026) covers vacancies in two cultural streams, both open to all communities with no category-wise reservation:
| Stream | Pay Matrix Level | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Sitar | Level-2 (Grade Pay ₹1900/-) | 01 |
| Tabla | Level-2 (Grade Pay ₹1900/-) | 01 |
| Total | 02 |
Posts are open to all communities; SC/ST/OBC candidates get standard age relaxation as admissible in general open market recruitment, though there is no seat reservation for this Cultural Quota drive.
North Central Railway conducts this Cultural Quota recruitment cycle periodically to induct trained artists who can represent the zone at official functions, cultural events, and competitions while also serving in their allotted posts. Selected candidates are expected to balance regular Railway duties with cultural performance assignments whenever required by the administration.
Eligibility / Qualification
Before applying for NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026, candidates must fulfil the following eligibility criteria as per the official notification:
- Essential Qualification: Intermediate or equivalent exam passed with 50% aggregate from a recognized Board/University (relaxed for SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD and higher-qualified candidates), OR Matriculation plus ITI approved by NCVT/SCVT
- Cultural Qualification: Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Sitar or Tabla from a Government Recognized Institution
- Desirable: Experience in the relevant cultural field and performances on AIR/Doordarshan
- Desirable: Prizes won at National level competitions (details to be filled in Annexure-G)
- Nationality: Indian Citizen
- Required Documents: Date of birth proof, educational certificates, cultural qualification certificate, caste certificate (if applicable)
Candidates should note that the Name, Father’s Name, and Date of Birth entered in the online application must exactly match the Matriculation certificate. Any mismatch discovered at the time of Document Verification will lead to cancellation of candidature. Those awaiting final semester or exam results are not eligible to apply for this recruitment cycle.
Serving Railway employees and staff working in Quasi-Administrative offices such as Railway Canteens, Co-operative Societies, and Institutes must upload a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by their employer along with the online application. Candidates claiming benefits under EWS, OBC-NCL, PwBD, or Minority categories must upload the relevant certificates in the prescribed format as specified in the official notification annexures.
Selection Process for NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026
The updated selection process for NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 consists of the following stages, totaling 100 marks:
- Written Test – 50 Objective Type Questions covering General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence, Reasoning, and Cultural Knowledge (50 Marks, bilingual Hindi/English, 60 minutes, negative marking of 1/3rd per wrong answer)
- Practical Demonstration of Talent in the relevant stream (35 Marks)
- Assessment of Testimonials/Prizes (15 Marks)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Fitness Examination by Railway Medical Authority
- Final Merit List Preparation
The Written Test carries negative marking — one-third of the marks allotted to each objective question is deducted for every wrong answer, so candidates should attempt questions carefully. The question paper will be bilingual (Hindi and English), and candidates may choose either language to attempt the 60-minute test.
Only candidates who qualify in the Written Test will be called for the Practical Demonstration round, where their skill in Sitar or Tabla will be assessed by a panel. Testimonials, National-level prizes, and performance records on All India Radio or Doordarshan (if any) will also be evaluated at this stage as per the details filled in Annexure-G.

How to Apply Online for NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026
Follow these simple steps to complete your online application process before the last date 19 September 2026:
- Visit the official website: www.rrcpryj.org
- Click on the Cultural Quota (EN CQ-02/2026) link
- Click on the Online/E-Application link and select “New Registration”
- Fill in basic details — Name, Father’s Name, Aadhaar No., Email, Mobile Number
- Note your Registration Number and Password after registration
- Login and fill educational/cultural qualification, community, and other details
- Upload scanned color photograph (3.5cm x 3.5cm, JPEG, 20–30 Kb) and signature (JPEG, 10–15 Kb)
- Upload age proof, cultural qualification certificate, and category certificates (if applicable) in PDF format
- Pay the application fee online via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking
- Submit the form and print the acknowledgement for future reference
Candidates should keep their active mobile number and valid email ID handy while filling the application, since all official communication regarding the NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 — including exam city, admit card, and result updates — will be sent only through the registered email and SMS. It is advisable to regularly check the spam folder and revisit www.rrcpryj.org for the latest updates.
To avoid last-minute technical issues due to heavy website traffic near the closing date, candidates are strongly advised to complete and submit their online application well ahead of 19 September 2026. The Railway Recruitment Cell will not be responsible for failure to submit an application due to internet or server load near the deadline.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 18 August 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 20 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 September 2026, 23:59 hrs |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced on official website |
| Written Test / CBT Date | To be announced on official website |
| Result Date | To be announced on official website |
Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply |
| Official Notification PDF (EN CQ-02/2026) | Download Notification PDF |
| Official Website | RRC/NCR Official Site |
| India.gov.in (Authority Link) | India Government Portal |
| More Agriculture Jobs | Latest Agriculture Jobs |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Govt Jobs 2026 |
| Join Telegram for Job Alerts | Join @agrijob_in |
Bookmark this page and join the agrijob.in Telegram channel to receive instant updates on the NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 admit card release, exam date announcement, and result declaration as soon as the Railway Recruitment Cell publishes them on the official notification portal.
Frequently Asked Questions about NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026
What is NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026?
NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 is an official government recruitment notification (EN CQ-02/2026) released by North Central Railway for 2 vacancies in Sitar and Tabla under the Cultural Quota 2026-27. Eligible candidates can apply online before 19 September 2026 at www.rrcpryj.org.
What is the salary for Sitar/Tabla posts 2026?
The salary for Sitar and Tabla posts under NCR Cultural Quota 2026 is as per Pay Matrix Level-2 with Grade Pay ₹1900/-, along with DA, HRA, TA, and other allowances as per Railway norms.
What is the eligibility for NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must have Intermediate (12th) pass with 50% marks along with a recognized degree/diploma/certificate in Sitar or Tabla. The age limit is 18–30 years as on 01.01.2027, with relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates as per government rules.
What is the last date to apply for NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply for NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 is 19 September 2026 at 23:59 hrs. Candidates are advised to submit their online application well before the closing date to avoid last-minute website rush.
How many vacancies are there in NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026?
There are a total of 2 vacancies in NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026 — 1 post for Sitar and 1 post for Tabla, both in Pay Matrix Level-2. These posts are open to all communities with no category-wise reservation.
Is there an application fee for NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026?
Yes, General/OBC/EWS candidates must pay ₹500 (₹400 refundable after appearing in the exam). SC/ST/PwBD/Female/Minority/EBC candidates pay ₹250, fully refundable after appearing in the written test.
What is the selection process for NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026?
Selection consists of a 50-mark Written Test, a 35-mark Practical Demonstration of talent, and 15 marks for testimonials/prizes, followed by Document Verification and Medical Fitness examination, totaling 100 marks.
Is medical fitness required for NCR Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026?
Yes, candidates recommended for appointment must pass the prescribed medical examination conducted by the Railway Medical Authority, including the Visual Acuity Standard, before joining North Central Railway.
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