East Coast Railway (ECoR) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About East Coast Railway (ECoR) Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

The East Coast Railway (ECoR), headquartered in Bhubaneswar, is the premier rail zone serving the mineral-rich regions of Eastern India. Established in 2003, it encompasses nearly the entire state of Odisha, along with significant portions of Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. Its strategic importance lies in its role as a massive freight carrier, transporting coal, iron ore, and steel to the nation's ports and industrial hubs.

The zone is divided into three major operational divisions: Khurda Road, Sambalpur, and the newly established Rayagada division. Working with ECoR means contributing to the nation’s core infrastructure while enjoying the lifestyle of a central government employee in rapidly developing urban and industrial centers.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) & Technicians: Responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of locomotives and rolling stock. Requires ITI or Diploma in engineering.
• Junior Engineer (JE): Oversees the maintenance of tracks, bridges, signals, and electrical installations. Recruitment is typically handled via the RRB JE exams.
• Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC): Includes roles like Station Master, Goods Guard (Train Manager), Senior Clerk, and Commercial Apprentice. These roles are open to graduates and 12th-pass candidates.
• Level-1 Posts (Group D): Includes Track Maintainers, Assistants in various departments, and Pointsmen. This is the largest entry gateway for 10th-pass and ITI candidates.

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

Salaries in ECoR are governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). Entry-level staff in Level-1 start with a basic pay of ₹18,000, while Junior Engineers start at Level-6 with ₹35,400.

Standard Perks & Allowances:

• Dearness Allowance (DA): Periodically revised based on inflation.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided as per the city classification (X, Y, or Z).
• Transport Allowance (TA): To cover commuting costs.
• Night Duty & Overtime Allowance: Specific to operational staff like ALPs and Guards.
• Medical Facilities: Comprehensive coverage for self and family at Railway Hospitals.
• Pension: Benefits under the National Pension System (NPS).
• Railway Passes: Privilege passes for free or subsidized travel across India.

🎯 Selection Process

The ECoR recruitment process is highly transparent and competitive, usually following a standardized multi-stage format:

1. Computer-Based Test (CBT) - Stage 1: A screening exam covering Mathematics, Reasoning, and General Awareness.
2. Computer-Based Test (CBT) - Stage 2: A more detailed technical or role-specific examination.
3. Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Mandatory for Level-1 (Group D) posts, involving running and weight-carrying tasks.
4. Aptitude/Skill Test: Required for specific roles like ALP (Psychometric test) or Typist (Typing test).
5. Document Verification (DV) & Medical Examination: Final check of eligibility and physical fitness as per Railway Medical Standards (A-1, B-1, etc.).

💡 Expert Tips: How to Crack ECoR Exams

• Master the RRB Syllabus: Focus heavily on General Science and Arithmetic. For JE roles, your core engineering subject carries the most weight in the second stage.
• Previous Year Analysis: ECoR and other RRB exams tend to repeat question patterns. Solving the last 5 years of RRB NTPC or Group D papers is non-negotiable for success.
• Speed & Accuracy: Since these exams are online (CBT) and involve negative marking, practice with timed mock tests to improve your "strike rate" without losing marks to guesses.