Common Questions Answered for Railway Exam Aspires: Find the Solutions to Frequently Asked Questions About Railway Examinations
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts centralised examinations for various posts such as Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP), Technicians, Junior Engineers (JE), Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC), Group D, and many more. Here is a comprehensive guide to the RRB recruitment process.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must check their eligibility based on age limit and educational qualifications. For Group D posts, the typical age limit is 18-33 years with at least a 10th pass or equivalent qualification. For NTPC posts, the age limit is 18-33 years with a minimum qualification of 12th pass or graduate depending on the post. For Paramedical posts, candidates must possess relevant medical/professional qualifications and usually age limits around 18-44 years, depending on the post category. Age relaxations are provided to reserved categories as per government norms. Specific educational requirements vary depending on the post applied for.
Application Process
To apply, candidates must visit the official RRB website or the respective RRB zone website to apply online. They are required to register with a valid email ID and mobile phone number. After registration, they should fill in personal, educational, and category-related details, upload scanned documents (including photograph, signature, and required certificates), pay the application fee online, and download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Examination and Selection Process
The selection process varies based on the post but commonly includes a Computer-Based Test (CBT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for Group D posts, Skill or Aptitude Tests for technical posts, Document Verification (DV), and a Medical Examination.
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
The initial screening test covers subjects such as General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and post-specific topics. For Group D posts, the test consists of 100 questions in 90 minutes, while for NTPC posts, there are two stages: CBT 1 and CBT 2 with increasing difficulty levels.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
For Group D posts, a physical test involving activities like running and lifting is conducted to assess physical fitness. The test is qualifying in nature, with different criteria for males and females.
Skill or Aptitude Test
For technical/clerical posts, tests specific to the job are conducted. These tests assess candidates' skills and are qualifying in nature.
Document Verification (DV)
Shortlisted candidates must present all original documents along with self-attested copies for verification of eligibility, identity, caste, educational qualifications, and other relevant certificates. This stage is conducted after all exams and physical tests.
Medical Examination
The final step before appointment, the medical fitness test ensures candidates meet the health standards set by Indian Railways.
Important Exam Details
- Negative Marking: Usually one-third of the mark is deducted for each wrong answer in CBTs.
- Languages: Exams are generally bilingual (Hindi and English), with some regional languages available for choice.
- Duration and Structure: Typically 90 minutes for CBT, 100 questions, divided among various relevant topics.
Important Dates and Details
- The RRB exam dates are announced on the RRB websites and Employment News. Admit cards (e-call letters) are released around 10 days before the exam.
- Candidates can log in to the RRB's website and use the "Application Status" link to verify whether their form has been accepted or rejected.
- If a candidate does not receive their admit card, they can check the "Download E-Call Letter" link on the RRB website. If still unavailable, they should visit the inquiry counter at the RRB office before the exam date.
- RRB results are published on official RRB websites, and selected candidates' roll numbers are listed in a PDF merit list.
- Candidates can pay the RRB application fees online (UPI, Net Banking, Cards) or offline (SBI Bank Challan).
- If a candidate misses RRB document verification, their candidature is usually cancelled, and they may lose their chance for selection.
- The qualifying marks for RRB exams vary based on category: UR (General) - 40%, OBC/SC - 30%, ST - 25%. Candidates must first qualify the CBT for posts requiring skill tests.
- Each CEN contains post-wise details such as qualifications, age limits, salary, and selection stages.
- The minimum qualifications needed for RRB jobs are as follows: Group D - 10th pass/ITI, NTPC (Clerical & Accounts) - 12th pass, NTPC (Graduate level) - Degree from a recognised university, ALP & Technician - ITI/Diploma, JE & SSE - Diploma or B.Tech.
- The application fee for RRB exams for UR/OBC is ₹500 (₹400 refunded after appearing in CBT), and for SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PWD/Women/EWS it is ₹250 (refunded after CBT).
- The age limit required for RRB recruitment is as follows: Group D - 18-33 years, NTPC - 18-30 years, ALP/Technicians - 18-28 years. Reserved category candidates get age relaxations as per government rules.
- During the RRB Document Verification (DV) stage, candidates must present original documents along with self-attested copies to confirm eligibility and finalize appointments.
- RRB allows one-time modification with a nominal fee, but candidates cannot change their RRB zone after submission.
- Question papers in RRB exams are available in English, Hindi, and regional languages depending on the RRB zone.
- 1/3rd marks are deducted for every wrong answer in CBT stages in RRB exams.
Candidates seeking education and self-development opportunities may find the RRB online education platform beneficial for preparing for various centralized examinations such as Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP), Technicians, Junior Engineers (JE), Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC), Group D, and more. To successfully apply and advance through the RRB recruitment process, one must prioritize learning the necessary skills by utilizing resources available on the official RRB website and participating in online educational events hosted by RRB.
Furthermore, candidates wishing to excel in the RRB exam can focus on topics likely to be included in the Computer-Based Test (CBT), such as General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and post-specific subjects. To help increase the chances of success, it is essential to practice learning strategies, brainstorm examination techniques, and comprehend the structure and duration of the CBT tests offered by RRB.
