The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has received a crucial clearance from the courts for its Group D recruitment process for 2025 (CEN 08/2024). The legal roadblock that delayed the exam has now been lifted, and the Board is expected to release new exam dates shortly for filling Level‑1 posts totalling 32,438 vacancies across the country. The final decision was taken when the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) disposed of the case concerning eligibility criteria — specifically whether candidates with only the 10th standard qualification or those with ITI should be eligible. With that dispute resolved, the RRB can now proceed to schedule city‑intimation slips, admit cards, and the main Computer‑Based Test (CBT).
Why the Delay Happened?
The delay stemmed from a petition arguing that only ITI‑qualified candidates should be eligible for Group D posts. The controversy forced the recruitment process to be halted until the court processed the matter. On November twelve, the tribunal ruled in favour of the Railways, stating that both 10th‑pass and ITI candidates remain eligible. With the eligibility issue resolved, RRB now needs to finalise dates and logistical arrangements for what is one of the largest recruitment drives of the year.
What Comes Next for Candidates?
A short intro before steps for next phase.
Upcoming Events & Timeline
- The exam city‑intimation slip is expected to be released first, giving candidates their allotted exam city.
- The admit card will follow, typically a few days ahead of the exam date.
- The new CBT date will be declared by RRB very soon, after which candidates must plan accordingly.
RRB has advised registered candidates to keep their login credentials ready and to regularly check the portal for updates. Preparing in the interim remains critical as the recruitment cycle now moves from standby to active phase.
Exam Pattern, Vacancies & Selection Process
A short intro about key details for aspirants.
- Recruitment for 32,438 Level‑1 posts such as Track‑Maintainer, Helper, Assistant across Indian Railways.
- The CBT will consist of 100 questions over 90 minutes (120 mins for PwBD candidates) covering General Intelligence, Reasoning, Mathematics, General Science, and Awareness.
- Negative marking: One‑third mark deduction for each incorrect answer.
- Following CBT, candidates must clear Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification (DV), and Medical Examination.
Candidates should note that the new schedule will apply to both 10th‑pass and ITI‑qualified applicants now that the court matter has been settled.
