East Coast Railway GDCE Recruitment 2026 has been announced for 1,421 vacancies across various posts, including Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP), Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Junior Engineer, Technicians and clerical positions. The official notification was released by the Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), East Coast Railway, Bhubaneswar on August 7, 2026.
The recruitment is being conducted through the General Departmental Competitive Examination (GDCE) and is specifically intended for eligible regular employees having lien in East Coast Railway. The online application process started on August 15, 2026, and eligible employees can submit their applications until September 14, 2026.
East Coast Railway GDCE Recruitment 2026: Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Authority | East Coast Railway |
| Exam Name | General Departmental Competitive Examination |
| Total Vacancies | 1,421 |
| Notification Date | August 7, 2026 |
| Application Start Date | August 15, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 14, 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | RRC Bhubaneswar |
East Coast Railway GDCE Vacancy 2026
A total of 1,421 posts have been notified under the GDCE quota. The largest share of vacancies is for Assistant Loco Pilot, followed by Goods Train Manager and Technicians.
The post-wise vacancy distribution is:
- Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP): 1,046 posts
- Station Master: 12 posts
- Goods Trains Manager: 284 posts
- Junior Engineer (JE): 22 posts
- Technicians: 51 posts
- Junior Clerk cum Typist: 4 posts
- Commercial Clerk cum Ticket Collector: 2 posts
The notification includes 679 UR, 256 SC, 135 ST and 351 OBC vacancies, with one PwBD vacancy indicated for Junior Engineer. Vacancies are provisional and may be revised by the Railway Administration.
Who Can Apply for East Coast Railway GDCE?
This recruitment is different from open Railway recruitment. The notification states that applications are invited from regular and eligible employees, except RPF/RPSF personnel, having lien in East Coast Railway, including the specified former Waltair division/SCoR employees.
Candidates must possess the prescribed educational or technical qualification for the post they select. Those awaiting the final results of the required qualification are not eligible to apply.
Because qualifications differ by post, candidates should carefully check the official notification’s post-wise educational qualification and medical standards before submitting the application.
Age Limit
The age limit is calculated as of January 1, 2027.
- UR: 18 to 42 years
- OBC: 18 to 45 years
- SC/ST: 18 to 47 years
The notification also specifies the applicable date-of-birth requirements and conditions regarding reservation.
Selection Process
The East Coast Railway GDCE selection process generally consists of the following stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Aptitude Test/CBAT or Typing Skill Test, wherever applicable
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Candidates applying for posts requiring an aptitude or typing test must qualify in the relevant stage. The notification also specifies that there will be 1/3 negative marking for incorrect answers in CBT. There is no negative marking in the Computer Based Aptitude Test.
The minimum qualifying percentages mentioned in the notification are 40% for UR, 30% for OBC-NCL and SC, and 25% for ST candidates, with provisions for eligible PwBD candidates.
How to Apply for East Coast Railway GDCE 2026
Eligible railway employees should complete the application process through the official RRC Bhubaneswar website.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the official RRC Bhubaneswar website.
- Open the East Coast Railway GDCE 2026 recruitment link.
- Read the notification and confirm your eligibility.
- Complete the online application form.
- Enter personal, educational and service-related information carefully.
- Upload the required documents, photograph and signature.
- Get the application forwarded by the concerned controlling officer as required.
- Upload the signed application and supporting documents.
- Submit the application before September 14, 2026.
- Save and print the submitted application for future reference.
Candidates should ensure that their personal information, date of birth and qualification details match their official records.
Important Dates
- Notification Released: August 7, 2026
- Online Application Begins: August 15, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: September 14, 2026
- Exam Date: To be announced
Candidates should regularly check the official RRC Bhubaneswar website for CBT, aptitude test, document verification and medical examination updates.
FAQs
1. How many vacancies are available in East Coast Railway GDCE Recruitment 2026?
A total of 1,421 vacancies are available across ALP, Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Junior Engineer, Technician and clerical posts.
2. What is the last date to apply for East Coast Railway GDCE 2026?
The last date for online registration and application submission is September 14, 2026.
3. Who is eligible for East Coast Railway GDCE?
The recruitment is primarily for eligible regular employees having lien in East Coast Railway, excluding RPF/RPSF employees, subject to the post-wise eligibility requirements.
4. What is the biggest vacancy in this recruitment?
Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) has the highest number of vacancies, with 1,046 posts.
5. Is there negative marking in the GDCE CBT?
Yes. The notification states that one-third of the marks allotted to a question will be deducted for an incorrect answer in the CBT.