PET 2026: NCR Announces Special Trains for Candidates
North Central Railway announces special unreserved trains for PET 2026 exam candidates traveling to Prayagraj, Kanpur, and Jhansi.
The Prayagraj Division of the North Central Railway has unveiled a comprehensive operational plan to assist candidates appearing for the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2026. With the examination scheduled for October 25, October 30, and November 1, 2026, the railway is taking proactive steps to manage the expected surge in passenger traffic during the two daily shifts.
Special Unreserved Trains Schedule
To ensure smooth travel for students and candidates, several special unreserved trains have been introduced to connect key examination hubs. The following services will be operational:
- Train 01821: Departing Prayagraj Junction at 7:45 PM for Veerangana Lakshmibai Jhansi, arriving at 5:15 AM the following day. This service will operate on October 24, 29, and 31, 2026.
- Train 01823: Running from Kanpur Central to Mathura Junction, departing at 8:00 PM and arriving at 3:10 AM. Additional services are scheduled for October 24, 29, and 31.
- Train 05153: Departing Ballia at 7:30 PM, passing through Prayagraj Rambagh and Prayagraj Junction, and reaching Kanpur Central at 6:00 AM via Sirathu.
- Train 05154: The return service departing Kanpur Central at 12:55 PM, reaching Sirathu at 3:40 PM and Prayagraj Junction at 6:10 PM.
Route Extensions and Schedule Adjustments
The railway is coordinating efforts across the Prayagraj, Jhansi, and Agra divisions to facilitate travel to major destinations including Varanasi, Lucknow, Mathura, and Veerangana Lakshmibai Jhansi. To further bolster capacity, the following measures have been taken:
- Nine regular trains have been extended to accommodate the increased passenger load.
- Schedules for three specific routes have been adjusted: Kanpur Central-Lucknow, Kanpur Central-Raebareli, and Kanpur Central-Khajuraho.
Amit Kumar Singh, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Prayagraj Division, stated that these arrangements are being implemented based on passenger volume to ensure smooth travel without disrupting regular operations.
About PET 2026 and Physical Standards
The PET is a mandatory qualifying stage managed by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) and the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC). Beyond the written exam, candidates must meet specific physical standards: male candidates are required to complete a 1,000-meter run in 4 minutes and 15 seconds, while female candidates must complete the same distance in 5 minutes and 40 seconds. Failure to meet these standards will result in disqualification from further recruitment processes.