The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), operating under the Ministry of Railways, have launched one of the biggest hiring drives of the year, opening over 50,000 vacancies across technical and non-technical positions in 2025.
The recruitment covers posts like Technician, Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP), Junior Engineer (JE), Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC), and Apprentices, making it a golden chance for candidates seeking a secure central government career.
With the Indian Railways expanding rapidly — from electrification and signaling upgrades to increased rolling stock production — these jobs will play a vital role in enhancing the operational strength of the network.
Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Authority | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
| Vacancies | 50,000+ across multiple categories |
| Key Positions | Technician, ALP, NTPC, JE, Apprentice |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Selection Process | CBT, Document Verification, Medical |
| Official Websites | rrbcdg.gov.in and regional RRB portals |
Purpose of the Recruitment Drive
The 2025 RRB recruitment campaign is designed to meet two primary goals:
- Strengthen core operations by hiring skilled manpower for technical and administrative posts.
- Support national employment initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Skill India by providing training and career opportunities to qualified individuals.
By hiring on such a large scale, Indian Railways aims to modernize its workforce, improve service delivery, and ensure smooth implementation of infrastructure upgrades.
Post-Wise Vacancy Snapshot
| Post Category | Approx. Vacancies | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Technician Grade 1 & 3 | 6,180 | 10th + ITI in relevant trade |
| Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) | 18,799 | 10+2 (PCM) or Diploma in Engineering |
| Junior Engineer (JE) | ~5,000 (expected) | Diploma/Degree in Engineering |
| NTPC (Graduate & UG) | ~10,000 (expected) | 12th Pass or Graduation (role-specific) |
| Apprentice (ICF, RRC, etc.) | 5,000+ | 10th + ITI / 12th / Graduate (varies) |
Figures are approximate as per July 2025 updates and may change depending on regional notifications.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Technician / ALP: Matriculation + ITI or 10+2 in Science (PCM) or Diploma in Engineering
- JE: Diploma or Degree in relevant Engineering disciplines
- NTPC (Graduate): Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- NTPC (Undergraduate): 12th Pass
- Apprentice: 10th + ITI or 12th, depending on the trade
Age Limit (as of notification date)
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 28–33 years (varies by post)
- Relaxations: OBC – 3 years, SC/ST – 5 years, PwBD – up to 10 years, plus applicable concessions for Ex-Servicemen and others.
Pay Scale – 7th CPC Levels
| Post | Pay Level | Starting Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Technician | Level 2 | ₹19,900 |
| ALP | Level 2 | ₹19,900 + allowances |
| Junior Engineer | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| NTPC UG | Level 2–3 | ₹19,900 – ₹21,700 |
| NTPC Graduate | Level 5–6 | ₹29,200 – ₹35,400 |
All positions include benefits such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), night duty pay, and eligibility for the National Pension Scheme (NPS).
Selection Process
Most categories follow a multi-stage selection process:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) – Stage 1
- CBT – Stage 2 (for ALP, JE, and NTPC Graduate-level posts)
- CBAT / Skill Test / Aptitude Test (if applicable)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination
For Apprentice posts, selection is merit-based, relying on academic scores rather than entrance exams.
Expected Application Timeline for 2025
| Notification | Release Date | Last Date | Stage 1 CBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| RRB Technician (CEN 02/2025) | June 2025 | July 2025 | Aug–Sept 2025 |
| ALP (CEN 01/2025) | Jan 2025 | Closed | CBT-2 rescheduled |
| NTPC & JE (Upcoming) | Aug–Sept 2025 | To be announced | To be announced |
Applicants must regularly check their regional RRB websites for updated schedules.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step
- Visit the official RRB website for your region (e.g., rrbcdg.gov.in).
- Open the relevant recruitment link (e.g., CEN 02/2025).
- Register using your email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in personal, educational, and post preference details.
- Upload scanned copies of:
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Category/academic certificates
- Pay the application fee:
- UR/OBC: ₹500
- SC/ST/PwBD/Female/Ex-SM: ₹250 (refundable after CBT)
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
Why RRB Jobs Are a Top Career Choice
- Permanent central government service with job security
- Attractive salary packages and allowances under the 7th CPC
- Nationwide posting opportunities across various railway zones
- Career growth prospects via departmental exams
- Pension and retirement benefits through NPS
Key Application Guidelines
- Submit only one application per post category; multiple entries may result in disqualification.
- Meet medical fitness standards set by Indian Railways.
- Avoid third-party agents — applications are accepted only through official portals.
- Keep required documents ready to avoid delays before the deadline.
Quick FAQs
Q1: Can I apply for more than one RRB post?
A: Yes, but only one application per notification is allowed.
Q2: Is there a single exam for all categories?
A: No, each post (ALP, Technician, NTPC, etc.) has its own exam cycle.
Q3: When will the NTPC/JE exams be held?
A: Expected between August and October 2025, depending on notification release.
Final Takeaway
The RRB Recruitment 2025 represents a rare opportunity for over 50,000 aspirants to join one of the largest employers in the country. With posts spanning from technical roles like ALP and JE to administrative NTPC positions, candidates from diverse educational backgrounds can find a suitable role.
Since the selection process is transparent and clearly structured, applicants should focus on early preparation for CBTs, ensure they meet eligibility requirements, and apply before the deadlines.
For accurate updates, keep visiting the official RRB portals. This could be the track to a secure, respected, and rewarding career in the Indian Railways.