RRB Group D 2025: Overview of the Recruitment Drive
The RRB’s 2025 recruitment drive for “Group D / Level-1” posts — under advertisement CEN 08/2024 — has generated massive interest across India. A total of 32,438 vacancies have been notified for various Level-1 posts such as Track Maintainer (Grade-IV), Pointsman, Assistant (various departments: Workshop, S&T, Depot/Stores, Loco Shed, Operations), among others.
As per official records, the application window was open from 23 January 2025 to 22 February 2025. In due process, the online application links have since closed, and the board has moved to the next phases: issuing city slips and hall tickets, conducting the exam, and eventually, selection stages like Physical Efficiency Test (PET), document verification and medical examination.
Candidates — especially those who have opted for SC/ST reservation — are paying close attention, as the number of applicants is reportedly over 1.08 crore (≈ 108 lakh), attesting to intense competition.
Revised Schedule & Key Dates
Originally, the exam was slated for mid-November 2025. However, following a court case, the schedule was revised. The updated official timeline now fixes the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for 27 November 2025 to 16 January 2026.
Important recent events:
- The city-intimation slip (indicating exam city/centre) reportedly went live around 18–19 November 2025 on the regional RRB portals.
- Admit cards (hall tickets / e-call letters) have been released — typically 3 to 4 days before the candidate’s scheduled exam date.
- It is critical for aspirants to download their admit card, check all details (name, date, centre, shift, etc.), print it, and keep a valid photo-ID ready for exam day.
Given the large applicant pool and multiple shifts per day, RRB is using a “normalisation” system to ensure fairness across different days/shifts.
Exam Pattern & Selection Process
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
The first stage for all candidates is a CBT — a multiple-choice, objective-type online test. Key features:
- Duration: 90 minutes for most candidates; 120 minutes for PwBD candidates with scribe, where applicable.
- Total Questions: 100.
- Sections / Subjects:
| Section | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 |
| General Science (up to Class 10 / basic level) | 25 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 |
- Marking Scheme: +1 mark for correct answer; –1/3 mark (0.33) penalty for incorrect attempt.
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: For general & EWS — 40%; for OBC (NCL), SC/ST — 30%.
Post-CBT Stages: PET → Document Verification → Medical Test
Candidates who qualify the CBT — typically up to three times the number of vacancies — will be shortlisted for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) (also referred to as PST/PET depending on role).
Upon clearing PET, shortlisted candidates must undergo document verification (proof of category, education, identity, etc.) and a medical examination as mandated under 7th CPC and RRB medical standards.
Only after these successive stages will final selection & appointment orders be issued.
Eligibility Criteria & Application Details (Reminders)
As per notification CEN 08/2024:
- Minimum Educational Qualification: Class 10 pass (or ITI or equivalent) / NAC (NCVT recognized) depending on post.
- Age: 18 to 36 years as on specified date (with category-wise relaxations as per norms).
- Initial Pay: Basic pay of ₹18,000 per month as per Level-1 of 7th CPC pay matrix.
Besides, candidates had to apply online between 23 January and 22 February 2025 (or as extended in some cases).
Though applications are closed, it remains important that aspirants confirm that their application status shows “accepted,” and then track future updates via the official portal of their respective regional RRB.
Admit Card & City Slip — What Aspirants Must Do
With the city-intimation slip issued in mid-November 2025, and admit cards being released about 3–4 days before exams, candidates must follow these steps carefully:
- Visit official regional RRB website (based on zone applied for) → find “CEN 08/2024 E-Call Letter for CBT (Level-1)” link.
- Login with Registration Number and Date of Birth (or password).
- Download and print the admit card (hall ticket) — hard copy must be carried; no postal copies are sent.
- Check all details thoroughly: name, roll number, exam centre address, exam date/shift/time, photograph, signature, category, etc. Any discrepancy — contact the RRB helpline immediately.
- On exam day — carry admit card + valid photo-ID (e.g., Aadhaar, Voter Card, Driving Licence, etc.) + passport-size photograph (if required).
Failing to carry or mismatch of details may lead to disqualification. Since many centres may not provide storage facilities for personal items, candidates are advised not to carry mobile phones, calculators, smart devices, bags or blacklisted items.
Why This Year’s RRB Group D Exam Is Major — And What It Means For Aspirants
There are several reasons why the 2025 RRB Group D exam is being seen as one of the most significant recruitment drives in recent years:
- Large number of vacancies (32,438) — offering ample opportunity for 10th-pass / ITI-qualified workforce to enter Indian Railways.
- Huge applicant base (~1.08 crore) — highlighting both popularity and fierce competition.
- Multiple stages (CBT → PET → DV → Medical) ensuring that candidates are assessed not only on academics but also on physical fitness and medical standards — particularly for track-maintenance / operational roles.
- Inclusive eligibility — 10th-pass or ITI/NAC, broadening access to many rural and semi-urban aspirants, not just graduates.
For many youth across India — especially from non-urban areas where college education may be limited — these Level-1 posts present a stable government job opportunity, with a secure monthly pay (plus allowances, after allowances/benefits), job stability, opportunities to grow, and benefits associated with railway employment. The scale of recruitment will also help decentralise workforce deployment across zones and open up employment for deserving candidates.
What Candidates Should Do Now — Pre-Exam Action Plan & Tips
Given the tight schedule and large candidate base, here’s a recommended checklist for aspirants who are about to appear for the exam:
- Download and print your admit card / city slip as soon as the link is active. Don’t wait till last minute — servers may get overloaded near deadline.
- Read admit card carefully — check exam date, shift time, centre address, roll number, photograph & signature clarity. If any discrepancy: contact RRB immediately.
- Plan your travel and stay early, especially if exam city is far — many candidates come from remote areas; ensure you reach centre on time (with some buffer for biometric verification / frisking).
- Leave behind prohibited items — mobile phones, electronic gadgets, bags, wallet, etc. Centres may not allow entry or provide locker facilities.
- Carry valid photo-ID + coloured printout of admit card + at least one passport-size photograph (if required) + any other permit (like caste certificate / travel pass for SC/ST if applicable).
- Revise exam syllabus thoroughly — focus on all four sections: Maths, Reasoning, General Science (Class 10 level), General Awareness & Current Affairs. Given negative marking, attempt questions carefully and avoid random guesswork.
- Take mock tests / previous papers to practise speed and accuracy — 90 minutes for 100 questions demands time management.
- Stay updated via official RRB portals — for post-CBT rounds, PET dates, document verification & medical exam schedule.
What Happens After CBT — Shortlisting, PET & Final Selection
Once the CBT phase concludes (between Nov 27, 2025 and Jan 16, 2026), results will be published on RRB’s official websites. Based on merit (after normalisation) and category-wise vacancies, candidates up to three times the number of posts may be shortlisted for the PET (Physical Efficiency Test).
PET is mandatory for certain posts like Track Maintainer, Pointsman, Loco Shed Assistant, and other posts involving physical labour or responsibility. Candidates qualifying PET will be called for document verification — identity, category, educational qualification, caste certificate (if applicable), and other supporting documents. Those who pass DV will undergo a medical examination to verify fitness for the role under Indian Railways’ medical standards.
After clearing all stages, final shortlists will be published and candidates will receive appointment orders. Given the large recruitment drive, many aspirants stand a good chance, provided they meet eligibility and perform consistently.
Key Reminders & Advisory for Aspirants
- Since RRB is conducting recruitment across multiple zones and cities, double-check the exam city and centre address to avoid last-minute confusion.
- Given negative marking, avoid wild guessing. Attempt only questions you are reasonably confident about.
- For SC/ST candidates who opted for free travel passes (railway pass) — carry original caste certificate and download/print the pass along with e-call letter. Misuse or missing documents may lead to cancellation of candidature.
- Maintain discipline during entry — biometric verification, security check & frisking will be done strictly. Arrive early to avoid rush.
- After CBT results, keep ready all original documents (class 10 certificate, caste certificate, identity proof, domicile certificate if required, etc.) for DV & medical.
Conclusion
The 2025 edition of RRB Group D Exam represents one of the largest recruitment exercises by Indian Railways in recent times — with over 32,438 Level-1 vacancies and an enormous applicant base. For many aspirants — especially 10th-pass/ITI-qualified youth — this offers a golden opportunity to secure stable government employment.
Given the revised schedule (starting 27 November 2025) and strict exam-day protocols, it is crucial for candidates to stay updated with official notifications, download admit cards promptly, follow the exam guidelines meticulously, and prepare diligently.
If you are appearing for the exam, treat the coming days as crucial — keep track of your admit card, practice under timed mock tests, and plan logistics carefully. With the right preparation and discipline, this RRB Group D 2025 drive could change many lives.
