Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has announced a recruitment drive for the Cultural Quota Posts for the year 2026. This comprehensive job opportunity invites eligible candidates to apply online through the official ICF website. The recruitment aims to fill 2 vacancies in specific cultural disciplines, offering a platform for talented performers to join the Indian Railways’ esteemed organization. This detailed job description provides all necessary information regarding eligibility criteria, application procedures, salary structure, selection process, important dates, and other essential instructions to help candidates navigate the application process successfully.
ICF Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026: Complete Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Integral Coach Factory (ICF) |
| Post Name | Cultural Quota |
| No of Posts | 02 |
| Advertisement Number | PB/RR/39/Cultural/03/2025-26 |
| Salary | Pay Level-2 of 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) |
| Educational Qualification | 12th (+2 stage) or equivalent with at least 50% marks; or pass in Matriculation with ITI/Act Apprenticeship |
| Age Limit | 18 to 30 years (as on 01/07/2026) |
| Application Start Date | 29/01/2026 from 09:00 hrs |
| Application Last Date | 28/02/2026 till 23:59 hrs |
| Official Website | https://pb.icf.gov.in |
| Selection Process | Written Test and Practical Demonstration |
| Application Fee | Rs. 500 for general candidates; Rs. 250 for reserved categories and other eligible groups |
Vacancy Details and Eligibility Criteria
Vacancy Breakdown
| Discipline | No of Posts |
|---|---|
| Classical Dancer (Kathak – Female) | 1 |
| Instrumental (Flute) | 1 |
Educational and Cultural Qualifications
The candidates must possess specific cultural qualifications aligned with the discipline they seek to apply for:
For Classical Dancer (Kathak):
- Degree / Diploma / Certificate in Kathak from a Govt. recognized institute.
- Essential: Proven performance skills in Kathak.
For Instrumental (Flute):
- Degree / Diploma / Certificate in Flute from a Govt. recognized institute.
- Essential: Proficiency in playing the flute at a performance level.
Minimum Educational Qualifications
- 12th (+2 stage) or equivalent with at least 50% marks in aggregate.|
- In the case of SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen candidates, the 50% marks criterion is relaxed.
- Alternatively, pass in Matriculation or equivalent with relevant ITI/Act Apprenticeship in the relevant trade.
Desirable Experience and Achievements
- Performance experience on AIR / Doordarshan or other national platforms.
- Prizes secured at national-level competitions.
Age Limits and Relaxations
Standard Age Limit
The age of applicants must be between 18 and 30 years as of 01/07/2026.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Maximum Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Service period + 3 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | Upto 10 years (13 for OBC, 15 for SC/ST) |
| Widows, Divorced Women, Separated Women | UR: 35 years; OBC: 38 years; SC/ST: 40 years |
| Railway Staff / Casual Labour / Substitutes | Up to 40 (UR), 43 (OBC), 45 (SC/ST) provided minimum 3 years of service |
| Quasi-Administrative Office Staff | Service length up to a maximum of 5 years |
Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee (Rs.) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| General / All Candidates except reserved groups | 500 | Payable online via internet banking, debit/credit card |
| SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD/Women/Minorities/Economically Backward Classes | 250 | Fee refundable after the examination, deducting bank charges |
Important Dates and Events
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 29/01/2026 |
| Start of Online Application Submission | 29/01/2026 from 09:00 hrs |
| Closing Date of Application | 28/02/2026 till 23:59 hrs |
| Written Test and Practical Demonstration | March 2026 (Exact date to be announced) |
Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
The selection process involves multiple stages designed to assess the candidates’ skills and talent in their respective disciplines:
Stages of Selection
- Application Screening: Eligibility verification based on submitted documents and qualifications.
- Written Test: An objective-type test carrying 50 marks, assessing general awareness, cultural knowledge, and aptitude.
- Practical Demonstration and Talent Assessment: 50 marks, divided into:
- Practical Demonstration in the relevant art form (35 marks).
- Evaluation of testimonials, prizes, and performance records (15 marks).
- Merit List Preparation: Based on total marks obtained out of 100.
- Medical Examination: Candidates must pass a medical fitness test as per railway standards.
Additional Notes
Candidates securing the qualifying marks in the written exam will be called for the talent assessment. The final merit list will be prepared based on combined scores, and selection is subject to medical fitness.
General Instructions and Important Guidelines
- The posts are open to all candidates possessing the requisite educational and cultural qualifications, with relaxations applicable to reserved categories as per government norms.
- The railway administration reserves the right to allocate selected candidates to any cadre or post based on organizational needs.
- Candidates should ensure the genuineness and correctness of their submitted documents and details; submission of false information will lead to disqualification and legal action.
- Certificates from unrecognized boards or institutions (e.g., COBSE schools, Jharkhand State Open School) are not accepted.
- Eligible candidates will be listed on the official website, and their further selection steps will be communicated accordingly.
- All candidates must regularly check the official portal for updates and instructions.
- Candidates are advised not to approach agents or coaching centers claiming affiliation with ICF for recruitment; the process is merit-based and transparent.
- Physical and digital documents related to education, cultural skills, community, and service record should be uploaded clearly in specified formats (JPG, 200 KB max).
- Application forms without requisite fee or incomplete data will be rejected.
- Applicants should retain a printable copy of their application and admit cards for the test day.
- Fee concessions are granted only to eligible categories, and proof documents must be uploaded accordingly.
- Changes to mobile number or email ID during the process are not recommended, as all communications will be sent via SMS and email from the official portal.
How to Apply for ICF Cultural Quota Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official ICF recruitment portal: https://pb.icf.gov.in
- Read the detailed notification PDF available here: Official Notification PDF
- Click on the “Apply Online” link to begin the registration process.
- Fill in all required personal, educational, and cultural qualification details carefully and accurately.
- Upload scanned copies of necessary certificates, photograph, signature, and other documents as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee online via secure payment options provided.
- Review all entered data before final submission. Once submitted, no changes are permitted.
- Print the confirmation page or application form for future reference and present it at the time of document verification/test.
Additional Resources and Support
- Official Notification PDF: Download here
- Official Website:
- Online Application Portal: Apply here
- Helpdesk & Query Support: Support Link
This detailed guide aims to equip candidates with all necessary information to successfully apply for the ICF Cultural Quota 2026 posts. Candidates are encouraged to thoroughly read the official notification and adhere to the instructions to ensure a smooth application process. Best of luck in your candidature!