Introduction
The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Chennai, has officially announced the Southern Railway Scouts & Guides Quota Recruitment 2026-27. This employment notification opens up 17 vacancies across Level-2 and Level-1 posts for eligible candidates active in the Bharat Scouts & Guides movement. Aspiring applicants looking to build a career in the Indian Railways must understand the eligibility rules, application steps, and key dates to ensure a successful submission before the deadline on 18 October 2026.
Southern Railway Scouts & Guides Recruitment Overview
This recruitment drive targets qualified individuals across Southern Railway and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF). Candidates who meet the rigorous scouting standards alongside the mandatory educational qualifications can apply online through the official RRC Chennai portal.
| Recruiting Organization | Employment Notice No. | Total Vacancies | Application Mode | Last Date to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Railway / RRC Chennai | RRC-01/S&G/2026-27 | 17 Posts | Online | 18 October 2026 (11:59 PM) |
Vacancy Distribution and Pay Levels
The 17 available posts are distributed across different pay levels and administrative divisions within Southern Railway and ICF. Reviewing the division-wise breakdown helps applicants choose the right category.
| Organization | Pay Level | No. of Posts | Division Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Railway | Level-2 | 2 | General allocation |
| Southern Railway | Level-1 | 12 | 2 Posts each for Chennai, Tiruchchirappalli, Madurai, Palakkad, Thiruvananthapuram, and Salem Divisions |
| Integral Coach Factory (ICF) | Level-2 | 1 | General allocation |
| Integral Coach Factory (ICF) | Level-1 | 2 | General allocation |
Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications
To qualify for the Southern Railway Scouts & Guides Quota, candidates must satisfy both scouting credentials and educational benchmarks set by the recruitment cell.
Scouts & Guides Requirements
- Must be a President’s Scout, Guide, Rover, or Ranger, or a Himalayan Wood Badge (HWB) holder in any section.
- Must have been an active member of a Scouts organization for the last five consecutive years, validated via the Certificate of Activeness (Annexure-A).
- Must have attended at least two events at the National level or All Indian Railway level, and two events at the State level.
Educational Qualifications
Level-2 Posts: Passed 12th (+2 stage) with at least 50% aggregate marks (50% rule relaxed for SC/ST and Ex-Servicemen for NTPC categories), OR Matriculation plus completed Act Apprenticeship / ITI approved by NCVT for technician categories.
Level-1 Posts: 10th Pass, or ITI, or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT, or a combination of 10th Pass with ITI/NAC.
Age Limit and Relaxations
The age of the candidate is calculated as on 01 January 2027. Standard age criteria vary by category and pay level, with structural relaxations available for reserved categories, serving employees, and special groups.
| Pay Level | UR / General | OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | SC / ST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level-2 | 18 to 30 Years | 18 to 33 Years | 18 to 35 Years |
| Level-1 | 18 to 33 Years | 18 to 36 Years | 18 to 38 Years |
Selection Process and Examination Structure
The final selection is based on a combined assessment totalling 100 marks, evaluating both written aptitude and documented scouting achievements.
- Written Test / Hybrid CBT-cum-Physical Examination (60 Marks): Comprises 40 objective-type questions (40 marks) with 1/3 negative marking for wrong answers, and 1 essay-type question (20 marks) focusing on scouting history, general knowledge, and activities. The duration is 1 hour.
- Scouts & Guides Certificates (40 Marks): Awarded based on participation in national events, state rallies, specialized courses, and district rallies.
Application Fee and Fee Refund Details
Applicants must pay the fee online via debit card, credit card, net banking, or other digital gateways.
- General and Other Candidates: ₹500 (₹400 refunded after appearing in the written examination).
- SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, Female, Minorities, and EBC: ₹250 (Full ₹250 refunded after appearing in the written examination).
How to Apply Online
- Go to the official RRC Chennai website at www.rrcmas.in.
- Navigate to the Scouts & Guides Quota Recruitment 2026-27 link.
- Review the complete notification and verify your compliance with all criteria.
- Fill out the online application form with personal, educational, and scouting details.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph in uniform, signature, and mandatory certificates.
- Pay the required application fee online and submit the form before 18 October 2026 (11:59 PM).
- Download and print a copy of the final application and e-receipt for future verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for Southern Railway Scouts & Guides Recruitment 2026-27?
The last date to submit online applications is 18 October 2026 up to 11:59 PM.
How many total vacancies are announced under this notification?
A total of 17 posts are available under Level-2 and Level-1 across Southern Railway and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF).
What are the photograph requirements for the online application?
The photograph must be a recent passport-size colour photo taken within the last three months, showing a clear front view in Scout/Guide uniform without caps or sunglasses, sized between 50 KB and 100 KB in JPG/JPEG format.
Are application fees refundable?
Yes, a major portion of the fee is refunded to eligible candidates who actually appear for the written examination, minus applicable bank charges.
