Introduction to Southern Railway

Southern Railway, one of the 18 zones of Indian Railways, is a vital part of the nation’s transportation backbone. Headquartered in Chennai, it operates across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, connecting major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trivandrum, and Bengaluru.

The Multi-Disciplinary Zonal Training Institute (MDZTI) in Tiruchirappalli, under Southern Railway, plays a crucial role in training commercial staff, including Traveling Ticket Examiners (TTEs), to ensure efficient railway operations. The institute focuses on imparting knowledge about ticketing rules, passenger services, and railway regulations.

In 2026, Southern Railway has announced a recruitment drive for the post of Traveling Ticket Examiner (TTE) and other commercial staff positions. This presents a golden opportunity for candidates seeking a stable and rewarding career in the Indian Railways.

Vacancy Details

Southern Railway is inviting applications for the following positions. The details are as follows:

Note: The exact number of vacancies will be updated once the official notification is released. Candidates are advised to check the official Southern Railway website for updates.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

Candidates applying for the post of Traveling Ticket Examiner (TTE) and other commercial staff positions must meet the following educational criteria:

• TTE: Candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or institute. Proficiency in local language and basic computer skills are desirable.
• Commercial Clerk: A 12th Pass (+2) or equivalent qualification from a recognized board. Typing proficiency in English/Hindi is an added advantage.
• Station Master: A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university. Candidates with a diploma in Rail Transport and Management will be preferred.

Age Limit

The age limit for the posts is as follows:

• Minimum Age: 18 years
• Maximum Age: 30 years (for TTE and Commercial Clerk), 32 years (for Station Master)

Age relaxation is applicable for candidates belonging to SC/ST, OBC, PwBD, and other reserved categories as per government norms.

Physical and Medical Standards

Candidates must meet the following physical and medical standards:

• Distant Vision: 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (no color blindness).
• Near Vision: Sn 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses.
• Must be physically fit and free from any medical conditions that may interfere with duties.

Application Process

Application Fee

The application fee for different categories is as follows:

• General/OBC/EWS: Rs. 500/-
• SC/ST/PwBD/Women/Minorities/Economically Backward: Rs. 250/-

The fee can be paid online through Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI.

Steps to Apply

Candidates can apply online through the official Southern Railway website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Registration: Visit the official website and register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
2. Fill Application Form: Log in with the credentials and fill in the application form with personal, educational, and professional details.
3. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and required certificates (educational, caste, PwBD, etc.).
4. Pay Application Fee: Pay the application fee through the available online payment modes.
5. Submit Application: Review the application form and submit it. Take a printout of the submitted form for future reference.

Important Dates

The tentative schedule for the Southern Railway Recruitment 2026 is as follows:

Note: The exact dates will be announced in the official notification. Candidates are advised to regularly check the Southern Railway website for updates.

Selection Process

The selection process for Southern Railway Recruitment 2026 will consist of the following stages:

1. Computer-Based Test (CBT): The first stage is a written examination covering topics such as General Awareness, Arithmetic, General Intelligence, and Reasoning. The test will be conducted online.
2. Document Verification: Candidates who qualify in the CBT will be called for document verification. Original certificates and documents will be checked for authenticity.
3. Medical Examination: Short