The Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest employers, has officially begun its massive 2025 recruitment drive, announcing over 1 lakh vacancies across various categories and zones. This hiring spree aims to fill critical roles in technical, non-technical, and apprentice departments under various Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) and Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs).
The recruitment spans across all 21 RRB zones and includes posts for Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP), Technicians, Group D, NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories), and Act Apprentices under the Apprentices Act
Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiter | Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
| Conducting Bodies | RRBs, RRCs, Zonal Headquarters |
| Year of Recruitment | 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 1,00,000+ (Tentative across zones & categories) |
| Key Posts | Group D, ALP, Technicians, NTPC, Apprentices |
| Qualification Required | 10th, 12th, ITI, Diploma, Graduation |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.indianrailways.gov.in |
Key Goals of the Recruitment Drive
- Fill long-pending vacancies across zones
- Boost railway operations and infrastructure expansion
- Provide large-scale employment opportunities across India
- Strengthen workforce in safety, engineering, operations & customer service roles
Breakdown of Vacancies (Tentative)
| Category | Estimated Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Group D (Trackman, Helper, etc.) | 45,000+ |
| NTPC (Clerks, Typists, Guards) | 30,000+ |
| ALP & Technicians | 15,000+ |
| Trade Apprentices | 10,000+ |
| JE, SSE, & Engineering Posts | 5,000+ |
| Total | 1,05,000+ |
Note: Final vacancy count may vary across different notifications and zones.
Eligibility Criteria
| Post Category | Qualification Required | Age Limit (as on 01.01.2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Group D | 10th Pass / ITI | 18–33 years |
| NTPC | 12th Pass / Graduate | 18–33 years |
| ALP/Technicians | 10th + ITI / Diploma | 18–30 years |
| Junior Engineer (JE) | Diploma in Engineering | 18–33 years |
| Apprentice | 10th + ITI in relevant trade | 15–24 years |
Relaxation in age limit is applicable for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD as per Government norms.
Selection Process
The selection process varies depending on the post category:
Group D / NTPC
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Physical Efficiency Test (for Group D)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
ALP & Technician
- CBT-1 and CBT-2
- Aptitude Test (for ALP)
- Document Verification
Apprentice
- Merit List based on 10th + ITI marks
- Document Verification
Zonal Coverage
Recruitment will be conducted by RRBs in major zones including:
- RRB Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Allahabad, Bangalore
- Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Bilaspur, Chandigarh
- Chennai, Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Jammu, Kolkata
- Malda, Mumbai, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Ranchi
- Secunderabad, Siliguri, Thiruvananthapuram
How to Apply
- Visit the official RRB zone website or www.rrbcdg.gov.in
- Select the post you want to apply for (e.g. Group D, NTPC, ALP).
- Register using your email and mobile number.
- Fill in the online application form with accurate personal and academic details.
- Upload required documents (photo, signature, certificates).
- Pay the application fee online:
- ₹500 for General/OBC
- ₹250 for SC/ST/Women/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen
- Submit and save the application confirmation for future reference.
Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | August–September 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | Within 1 week of notice |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 days from start date |
| CBT-1 Exam (for applicable) | November–December 2025 |
| Result Declaration | Jan–Feb 2026 |
Salary & Perks
| Post | Initial Monthly Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Group D | ₹18,000 – ₹22,000 |
| NTPC (Clerk, Typist) | ₹19,900 – ₹25,000 |
| Assistant Loco Pilot | ₹19,900 + allowances |
| Technician | ₹19,900 – ₹29,000 |
| Junior Engineer | ₹35,400 + perks |
Additional Benefits:
- Free/discounted travel for self and family
- Railway quarters/housing allowance
- Pension benefits under NPS
- Medical benefits and job security
Preparation Tips
- Follow the RRB official syllabus and use updated mock tests.
- Focus on General Awareness, Mathematics, Reasoning, and Current Affairs.
- Join online or local coaching if needed.
- Practice CBT-style mock exams and review previous year cutoffs.
Conclusion
With over 1 lakh posts open across India, the Indian Railways Recruitment 2025 is a golden opportunity for job seekers from all educational backgrounds. Whether you’re a 10th pass or a graduate, there’s a role for you in the world’s fourth-largest railway network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the age limit for Railway Jobs in 2025?
Age limit is generally 18–33 years, with relaxations for reserved categories.
Q2. Do I need to write an exam for Apprentice posts?
No written test. Selection is based on ITI/10th marks.
Q3. Can final year students apply?
Only if they can produce the final certificate before the date of document verification.
Q4. Is there any fee refund?
Yes. ₹400 is refunded after appearing in CBT for General/OBC.
Q5. Where can I find official updates?
Visit your RRB zone website or www.indianrailways.gov.in for authenticated updates.