RRB Isolated Category 2026: Short Notice Out — 311 Vacancies, Apply Dec 30, 2025–Jan 29, 2026

Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released a short notification for the RRB Isolated Category 2026 (Centralised Employment Notice CEN 08/2025) announcing 311 vacancies across various specialised posts. This blog post summarises the latest official facts, explains eligibility and application steps, offers targeted preparation tips, and lists authoritative sources you should bookmark.

Background context — What are “Isolated Category” posts?

“Isolated Category” posts are specialised non-technical/ministerial roles in Indian Railways that require specific qualifications or professional expertise (e.g., law, translation, chemistry labs, publicity). These are not part of the large-scale technical recruitments (like NTPC or ALP), so vacancy counts are smaller and selection criteria are post-specific. Historically, RRB publishes a short notice first and follows up with a detailed notification listing post-wise qualifications, pay scales, zone-wise vacancies and exam pattern.

Who should apply — high-level eligibility

Age: General lower limit 18 years; upper limit varies post-wise (typically up to 40 years, with statutory relaxations as per rules).

Educational qualification: Varies by post — from 10+2 with science subjects (for some lab posts) to graduate/postgraduate or professional degrees (law, translation, specialized diplomas). Check the detailed notification once published.

Note: Post-wise eligibility (experience, educational specializations, category-wise vacancies) will be definitive only in the detailed RRB notification (expected 30 Dec 2025). Until then, use the short notice for planning and budget time for document readiness (degree certificates, caste/PwBD documents, photo, signature, ID proofs).

How to apply — step-by-step (quick guide)

Read the detailed RRB notification (links below) when it is published — it contains post-wise eligibility, zone allocation and application link.

Create an account on the relevant regional RRB portal (applications are handled via regional RRB websites).

Fill the online form between 30 Dec 2025 and 29 Jan 2026 — choose post(s) and zone(s) carefully.

Upload documents (photo, signature, qualifications) and pay fee (if applicable). Keep scanned copies in prescribed formats.

Save confirmation and print application / fee receipt. Watch for admit card announcements.

Important dates (reported)

Short notice published: Dec 17, 2025.

Detailed notification (expected): Dec 30, 2025.

Apply online: Dec 30, 2025 — Jan 29, 2026.

Exam & selection process — likely stages

RRB isolated-category recruitments typically include:

Computer Based Test (CBT) — objective-type (for some posts).

Skill test / trade test (if applicable to the post).

Document verification (DV) and medical examination.

Exact exam pattern, negative marking, and syllabus will be specified in the detailed notification.

Conclusion

The RRB Isolated Category 2026 short notice is out and signals the opening of applications for 311 specialised posts under CEN 08/2025. Mark your calendar for the application window 30 Dec 2025 — 29 Jan 2026, keep all documents ready, and follow the official RRB regional portals for the detailed notification and application links. Prepare with domain-specific study materials and high-quality CBT mocks to maximise your chance.