National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has released vacancy notices for 175 posts across two grades – Deputy Engineer / Deputy Chief Controller (34 posts, Vacancy Nos. 21–25/2026) and Junior Engineer / Controller / Train Manager / Station Manager (175 posts, Vacancy Nos. 26–32/2026) – on absorption basis from Regular/Contractual employees of Indian Railways, Government-owned or operated Railways, Metro Railways, and RRTS. These roles support India’s first high-speed rail corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Eligibility criteria are reckoned as on 31 May 2026. Candidates must check the official NHSRCL website for the application portal link and closing date.
NHSRCL DE & JE Recruitment 2026 – Quick Summary
This recruitment covers two distinct pay grades under IDA scales. The Deputy Engineer / Deputy Chief Controller grade carries the NE-6 IDA pay scale of ₹46,000–1,45,000, while the Junior Engineer / Controller / Train Manager / Station Manager grade carries the NE-4 IDA pay scale of ₹40,000–1,25,000. Both grades are open exclusively to serving employees of Indian Railways/Government Railways/Metro Railways/RRTS – this is not an open-market recruitment.
NHSRCL DE & JE Vacancy Breakdown – Post-Wise Details
NHSRCL has announced posts across two separate vacancy notices covering different seniority levels. Candidates can apply for only one post across the relevant vacancy notice group – the Computer Based Test for all posts within each group may be held on the same day and at the same time.
Group 1: Deputy Engineer / Deputy Chief Controller (Vacancy Nos. 21–25/2026)
Group 2: Junior Engineer / Controller / Train Manager / Station Manager (Vacancy Nos. 26–32/2026)
Out of the 55 posts under Vacancy No. 31/2026 (Train Manager/Station Manager series), 16 posts are earmarked for Controller assignment. The medical standard for all posts is Aye-three (A-3) except Vacancy No. 31/2026, which carries Aye-one (A-1).
NHSRCL DE & JE Recruitment 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is assessed differently depending on whether the candidate is employed under IDA or CDA pay scales. All experience and eligibility conditions are reckoned as on 31 May 2026. Experience gained through teaching, faculty, apprenticeship, internship, proprietorship, partnership, or freelancing will not count toward the required years of experience.
Educational Qualification – Post-Wise
Work Experience – Deputy Engineer Grade (Vacancy Nos. 21–25/2026)
For IDA pay scale employees (Metro Railways/RRTS):
- Minimum 5 years’ supervisory work experience in the relevant field (Civil/Track maintenance, Electrical Power Distribution, Railway Signalling, Rolling Stock maintenance, or OCC Operations as applicable); AND
- Currently working in pay scales with minimum bottom pay of ₹46,000, OR
- 2 years’ experience in pay scales with minimum bottom pay of ₹40,000 and above, OR
- 5 years’ experience in pay scales with minimum bottom pay of ₹37,000 and above.
For CDA pay scale employees (Ministry of Railways / other Govt. Railways):
- Minimum 5 years’ supervisory work experience in the relevant field; AND
- Working in PB-2 + GP ₹4,200 (Level 6 of 7th CPC); AND
- Minimum 4 years of Group C service.
For the Deputy Chief Controller (Operations) post specifically, candidates under CDA scales must have 5 years’ supervisory experience in maintenance of Rolling Stock and Depot Machinery (not OCC operations) to be eligible. Under IDA scales, the requirement is 5 years’ post-qualification supervisory experience in OCC/Station/Train operations with minimum 2 years as Traffic Controller in an OCC equipped with modern OCC systems.
Note on MACP: For CDA-scale employees, higher grade pays granted under MACP by the department will not be considered for eligibility. Only the substantive grade is taken into account for determining the grade of absorption.
Work Experience – Junior Engineer Grade (Vacancy Nos. 26–32/2026)
All posts require a minimum of 3 years of post-qualification experience in the relevant field within Operations & Maintenance departments of Indian Railways, Government-owned or operated Railways, Metro Railways, or RRTS systems.
Age Limit
The maximum age limit is 45 years for all posts in both groups. Age is reckoned as on 31 May 2026.
NHSRCL DE & JE Recruitment 2026 – Application Fee
The application fee structure is identical for both vacancy notice groups. Female candidates and candidates from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe backgrounds are fully exempt from paying the fee. The fee, once paid, is non-refundable under any circumstances – candidates are advised to confirm their eligibility before making payment.
Salary / Pay Scale
NHSRCL offers IDA (Industrial Dearness Allowance) pay scales. The pay and emoluments include Perks, HRA, Medical Benefits, other allowances, EPF, and Gratuity as per extant rules of the corporation.
NHSRCL DE & JE Recruitment 2026 – Selection Process
For the Deputy Engineer grade (Vacancy Nos. 21–25/2026), selection consists of four stages in this order: Computer Based Test (CBT), Document Verification, Interview, and Medical Examination.
For the Junior Engineer grade (Vacancy Nos. 26–32/2026), selection consists of three stages: Computer Based Test (CBT), Document Verification, and Medical Examination. Note that the Interview stage is not part of the JE-grade selection process.
In both cases, management reserves the right to include or dispense with any stage of the selection methodology. Shortlisted candidates will be informed through their registered email addresses. Out-station candidates called for interview (DE grade) will be paid Travelling Allowance as per company rules.
Medical fitness is a mandatory condition of appointment. Candidates will be examined as per the Indian Railway Medical Manual (IRMM). Additional medical tests such as Audiometry and Perimetry may also be conducted as required for safe operation of High Speed Trains.
Surety Bond and Service Commitment
Candidates selected for absorption must be aware of the following binding commitments before joining NHSRCL.
Surety Bond on Joining: Selected candidates must execute a surety bond of ₹3,00,000/- committing to serve NHSRCL for a minimum period of 4 years (excluding any period on Leave Without Pay or Extra-Ordinary Leave). A prior notice of 90 days is required before resigning from the corporation.
Surety Bond on Training: If training is provided, candidates must execute a separate surety bond for the cost of training plus applicable service tax, committing to serve for a minimum of 6 years after training completion. A three-month prior notice is required before resignation in such cases.
Candidates appointed on absorption basis will be on probation for one year. They may be posted anywhere across NHSRCL offices and the MAHSR Project.
Important Note on Controller and Safety Assignment
Candidates applying for posts that include a Controller or Safety assignment (such as Vacancy Nos. 21–29, 31/2026) must indicate their willingness for such assignments in the online application form. They must also furnish their order of preference between the available designations at the time of application. However, the final allocation of post or assignment rests entirely at NHSRCL’s discretion, regardless of the candidate’s stated preference.
Document Requirements
Along with the application, candidates must submit a Competency Certificate or Experience Certificate issued by their employer. This certificate must clearly indicate the required work experience with year-wise details of the nature and type of work performed. Incomplete applications or applications submitted without supporting documents will be rejected outright.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for NHSRCL absorption posts is a specialized process. Keep the following in mind to avoid rejection:
- Do not apply for more than one post within the same vacancy notice group (21–25 or 26–32). Only one application is permitted per group, and both CBT sessions may be held simultaneously.
- Save your registration credentials immediately after creating your portal account. NHSRCL communicates exclusively through registered email IDs – check your spam folder regularly.
- Verify eligibility before paying the fee. The ₹400 fee is non-refundable under all circumstances, including ineligibility or withdrawal.
- If your internet connection drops during payment, do not immediately retry – check your bank statement first to avoid a double payment. Contact your bank if the amount is debited but confirmation is not received.
- Use an updated browser on a stable connection for the application portal. Avoid submitting on the final day to prevent server congestion issues.
- Ensure your experience certificate is on your employer’s letterhead with year-wise work details – general appointment letters or offer letters alone are not acceptable.