RRB Optometrist Recruitment 2026: Vacancy, Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Complete Syllabus
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released CEN No. 05/2026 for recruitment to various Para-Medical Categories. One of the notified posts is Optometrist (Cat. No. 8).
This article provides a complete overview of the RRB Optometrist Recruitment 2026, including vacancies, educational qualification, age limit, salary, medical standards, examination pattern, selection process, and the complete Optometrist syllabus.
RRB Optometrist Vacancy 2026
According to the notification, the details of the Optometrist post are:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Optometrist |
| Category No. | 8 |
| Pay Level | Level 4 |
| Initial Pay | ₹25,500 |
| Medical Standard | B-1 |
| Age Limit | 18–33 years |
| Total Vacancies | 2 |
| RRB | Patna |
| Railway/Unit | East Central Railway (ECR) |
The two Optometrist vacancies are distributed as follows:
| Category | Vacancy |
|---|---|
| UR | 1 |
| SC | 1 |
| ST | 0 |
| OBC | 0 |
| EWS | 0 |
| Total | 2 |
The notification states that RRB-wise and Railway-wise vacancies are provisional and may be modified according to Railway requirements.
Educational Qualification for RRB Optometrist
Candidates applying for the Optometrist post must possess either of the following:
Option 1
B.Sc. in Optometry
OR
Option 2
Diploma in Ophthalmic Technician
The diploma course should be of 3 to 4 years duration.
In addition, candidates must have registration with the concerned Council/Licensing Body.
Therefore, candidates should carefully verify that their qualification and registration meet the exact requirements of the notification before applying.
Age Limit
The prescribed age range for the Optometrist post is:
The age is calculated as on 01 January 2027.
Applicable age relaxations are provided for reserved categories as per the recruitment rules.
Salary of RRB Optometrist
The Optometrist post is placed in:
7th CPC Pay Level 4
The initial pay mentioned in the notification is:
₹25,500 per month
Other applicable allowances and benefits are governed by Railway rules.
RRB Optometrist Medical Standard
The Optometrist post has a:
B-1 Medical Standard
The notification specifies visual and other medical requirements for the B-1 standard, including distance vision, near vision, colour vision, binocular vision, night vision and mesopic vision requirements.
Candidates should carefully check the detailed medical requirements before applying because medical fitness is an essential part of the recruitment process.
RRB Optometrist Exam Pattern 2026
The selection process includes a Single Stage Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by Document Verification and the applicable subsequent stages.
CBT Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Ability | 70 | 70 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| General Arithmetic, General Intelligence & Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| General Science | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Examination Duration
- 90 minutes – General candidates
- 120 minutes – eligible PwBD/PWD candidates with scribe facility
The questions are objective multiple-choice questions with four options.
Negative Marking
There is negative marking in the RRB CBT.
1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
Therefore, candidates should attempt questions carefully and avoid unnecessary guessing.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
The notification specifies the following minimum qualifying marks:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 40% |
| OBC-NCL | 30% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
The notification also provides provisions regarding relaxation for PwBD candidates in specific circumstances.
Complete RRB Optometrist Syllabus 2026
The Professional Ability section carries 70 out of 100 questions, making it the largest section of the CBT.
According to Annexure-C of CEN 05/2026, the Optometrist syllabus includes the following subjects:
1. Physical and Geometrical Optics
Important areas include the principles of physical and geometrical optics.
2. General Anatomy
Basic human anatomy relevant to optometry and healthcare.
3. General Physiology
Fundamentals of normal physiological functions.
4. Ocular Anatomy
Structure and anatomy of the eye and its associated structures.
5. Ocular Physiology
Physiological functions of the visual system.
6. Basic Biochemistry
Basic biochemical concepts relevant to healthcare and ocular sciences.
7. Nutrition
Basic principles of nutrition and its relevance to health.
8. Principles of Lighting
Fundamentals of lighting and illumination.
9. Hospital Procedures
Basic procedures and practices followed in hospital settings.
10. Optometric Optics
Optical principles and their application in optometry.
11. Ocular Diseases
Common and important diseases affecting the eye and visual system.
12. Visual Optics
Optical principles related to vision and the visual system.
13. Pharmacology
Drugs and pharmacological principles relevant to optometry and ophthalmic practice.
14. Pathology
Basic pathological processes relevant to ocular and systemic diseases.
15. Microbiology
Microorganisms and infections relevant to clinical practice.
16. Optometric Instruments
Principles, uses and applications of instruments used in optometric practice.
17. Clinical Examination of Visual System
Clinical assessment and examination of the visual system.
18. Clinical Psychology
Basic psychological aspects relevant to clinical practice and patient care.
19. Clinics
Clinical aspects of optometric practice.
20. Binocular Vision
Assessment and management of binocular vision-related conditions.
21. Glaucoma
Basic concepts and clinical aspects of glaucoma.
22. Low Vision Aids
Low-vision assessment and optical/non-optical low-vision aids.
23. Dispensing Optics
Lens and frame dispensing, optical measurements and related concepts.
24. Pediatric Optometry
Optometric examination and management of children.
25. Geriatric Optometry
Optometric care of older adults.
26. Contact Lens
Basic concepts and clinical aspects of contact lenses.
27. Law & Optometry
Legal and professional aspects related to optometry.
28. Occupational Optometry
Optometry related to workplace and occupational visual requirements.
29. Systemic Diseases
Systemic diseases having relevance to the visual system.
30. Epidemiology
Basic epidemiological concepts.
31. Biostatistics
Basic statistical concepts used in healthcare and research.
32. Public Health
Principles of public health relevant to eye care.
33. Community Optometry
Community-based eye care and optometric services.
This entire list is taken from the Optometrist syllabus specified in Annexure-C of the notification.
General Arithmetic Syllabus
The common Arithmetic syllabus includes:
- Number System
- BODMAS
- Decimals
- Fractions
- LCM and HCF
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentages
- Mensuration
- Time and Work
- Time and Distance
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Profit and Loss
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Elementary Statistics
- Square Root
- Age Calculation
- Calendar
- Clock
- Pipes and Cisterns
General Intelligence & Reasoning
The Reasoning syllabus includes:
- Analogies
- Alphabetical Series
- Number Series
- Coding and Decoding
- Mathematical Operations
- Relationships
- Syllogism
- Jumbling
- Venn Diagrams
- Data Interpretation
- Data Sufficiency
- Conclusions and Decision Making
- Similarities and Differences
- Analytical Reasoning
- Classification
- Directions
- Statements
- Arguments
- Assumptions
General Awareness
The General Awareness section covers:
- Current Affairs
- Indian Geography
- Indian Culture
- Indian History
- Freedom Struggle
- Indian Polity
- Indian Constitution
- Indian Economy
- Environmental Issues
- Sports
- Scientific Developments
- Technological Developments
General Science
General Science is based on:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Life Sciences
The notification specifies the level as generally up to the 10th Standard CBSE syllabus.
RRB Optometrist Selection Process
The recruitment process broadly consists of:
The CBT merit is used for shortlisting candidates for Document Verification, subject to the prescribed qualifying marks and vacancy conditions.
Important Application Information
Candidates can choose only one RRB for this CEN and can provide preferences for the eligible posts and Railway Zones available under that chosen RRB.
Multiple applications to different RRBs or multiple applications to the same RRB can lead to rejection and debarment.
The examination can be taken in English, Hindi and 13 regional Indian languages, including Marathi.
Important Dates
According to the notification:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 October 2026 |
| Modification Window | 17–26 October 2026 |
| CBT Date | To be notified |
Candidates should check the official RRB website regularly for updates, amendments and examination dates.
RRB Optometrist 2026 – Quick Summary
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