The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the RRB Group D exam schedule 2025 Level 1 notification under CEN 08/2024, opening 32,438 vacancies across various departments of the Indian Railways. This recruitment drive is among the most extensive in recent years, offering significant opportunities for 10th-pass and ITI-qualified candidates seeking stable government jobs.
The scale of interest is remarkable, with 10,822,423 candidates submitting applications for this year’s examination. Such massive participation demonstrates the level of competition and the growing demand for government sector opportunities, especially within India’s railway network.
This comprehensive guide covers everything: eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, PET requirements, salary structure, important dates, preparation strategy and official resource links.
Complete RRB Group D Exam Dates 2025: Confirmed Schedule
RRB has released the complete schedule for the recruitment process. Each stage—from notification to CBT—follows a strict timeline.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | January 22, 2025 |
| Online Applications | January 23 to March 1, 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | March 4 to March 13, 2025 |
| Exam City Intimation Slip | November 18 or 19, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | November 23, 2025 |
| CBT Examination | November 27, 2025 to January 16, 2026 |
Candidates should download the City Intimation Slip to know their exam city, while the exact venue will only be revealed on the admit card.
Vacancy Distribution: 32,438 Level 1 Posts
Under Level 1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, the Indian Railways has announced thousands of vacancies. The distribution is as follows:
| Post | Vacancies | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Track Maintainer Grade IV | 13,187 | Engineering |
| Pointsman-B | 5,058 | Traffic |
| Assistant (C&W) | 2,587 | Mechanical |
| Assistant (S&T) | 2,012 | S&T |
| Assistant TRD | 1,381 | Electrical |
Northern Railway leads with 4,785 vacancies, followed by Western Railway with 4,672 vacancies.
Eligibility Criteria for RRB Group D 2025
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have:
- Passed Class 10, or
- Completed ITI (NCVT/SCVT), or
- Obtained a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC), or
- Completed Apprenticeship under CCAA
Age Limit
- Minimum: 18 years
- Maximum: 36 years (as of 1 January 2025)
Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories.
Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of India, Nepal, Bhutan, or fall within the other eligible nationality categories mentioned in the notification.
Application Fee and Refund Policy
| Category | Fee | Refund After CBT |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | Rs. 500 | Rs. 400 |
| SC/ST/EBC/Female/ Transgender | Rs. 250 | Rs. 250 |
Refunds will be credited once the candidate appears for the CBT.
Selection Process: Step-by-Step
The RRB Group D selection process consists of four essential stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Only candidates clearing each stage will be considered for appointment.
CBT Exam Pattern (100 Marks)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Duration: 90 minutes
- PwBD candidates (with scribe): 120 minutes
- Negative marking: 1/3rd
The paper will be available in English, Hindi and 13 regional languages.
Syllabus Overview
Mathematics
Basic arithmetic, percentages, time & work, profit & loss, mensuration, geometry, algebra and data interpretation.
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Analogies, syllogisms, Venn diagrams, coding-decoding, classification, relationships and logical reasoning.
General Science
Class 10-level Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
General Awareness
National and international events, government schemes, sports, science and technology, Indian polity and economy.
Physical Efficiency Test Requirements
For Male Candidates
- Carry 35 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes
- Run 1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds
For Female Candidates
- Carry 20 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes
- Run 1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds
Only one attempt is allowed.
Salary Structure
- Basic Pay: Rs. 18,000 per month
- In-hand After Allowances: Rs. 22,500 to Rs. 25,380
Includes DA, HRA, TA, medical and pension benefits.
Preparation Strategy
A structured revision plan, frequent mock tests and consistent physical training are key to clearing Group D. Candidates must strengthen conceptual clarity, focus on NCERT science topics and stay updated with current affairs.
The keyword rrb group d exam schedule 2025 is especially important for aspirants tracking exam dates and updates. Understanding the rrb group d exam schedule 2025 helps in creating a realistic preparation timeline. With the rrb group d exam schedule 2025 extending across nearly two months, candidates can plan revisions efficiently. The officially published rrb group d exam schedule 2025 enables aspirants to stay aligned with the recruitment process from start to finish.
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Additional Detailed Insights for Aspirants
To help candidates understand the recruitment more thoroughly, the following additional details explain job responsibilities, required documents and language availability.
Job Responsibilities
Track Maintainer
Ensures proper track alignment, repairs cracks, maintains railway safety and works in outdoor conditions.
Pointsman
Controls railway points, manages track changes and assists with train operations at yards and stations.
Assistant (Mechanical/S&T)
Maintains locomotives, signalling equipment, electrical systems and communication tools.
Documents Required for DV
Candidates must carry:
- 10th marksheet and certificate
- ITI/NAC certificate
- Aadhaar or valid government ID
- Category certificate
- EWS certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photos
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
Medical Standards
Candidates must meet:
- Visual acuity requirements
- Hearing standards
- Fitness for outdoor duty
- Blood pressure and cardiovascular health norms
- Ability to handle physical workload
Language Options in CBT
The exam will be available in English, Hindi and the following regional languages:
Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.
Official Links: Notification PDF, Apply Link and Website
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Admit Card | Link will be active soon |
| Exam date notice | Click to View |
| Indian Railways Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are announced this year?
A total of 32,438 vacancies are available across different Level 1 posts.
2. What is the minimum qualification?
Candidates must have passed Class 10 or possess ITI/NAC certification.
3. Is negative marking applicable?
Yes. One-third of the marks will be deducted for incorrect answers.
4. What is the salary for Group D posts?
The in-hand salary ranges between Rs. 22,500 and Rs. 25,380.
5. Is PET compulsory?
Yes, PET is mandatory for all except eligible PwBD candidates.
6. What is the age limit?
Candidates must be between 18 and 36 years as of January 1, 2025.
7. What happens after CBT?
Candidates appear for PET, then Document Verification, followed by Medical Examination.
8. When will the admit card be available?
Four days prior to the exam date, tentatively November 23, 2025.
9. Is the application fee refundable?
Yes, refunds are issued after appearing for the CBT.
