The term Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) is mandated with the responsibility of recruiting personnel for various technical and non-technical posts in Indian Railway. The term RRB came into existence in 1985 when Railway Service Commissions were renamed as Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB). All the RRB’s were brought under the control of Railway Recruitment Control Board (RRCB), in the year 1998. Railway Recruitment Control Board (RRCB) is a government organization functioning under the Ministry of Railways. At present, there are 21 Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB’s) located in different parts of India. Prepare for RRB entrance exams through Eduthrill. Experience the thrill of challenging people around the world on RRB Exam Questions!
Objectives of Railway Recruitment Control Board (RRCB)
Development and formulation of policy with respect to the recruitment procedures.
To organize and supervise a management and information system for monitoring the work done by the RRB’s.
To judge and evaluate the performance of RRB’s and therefore, advise them on the priorities to be focused on, as required.
To monitor the activities of all the existing Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB’s), including activities such as expenditure incurred for recruitment.
Objectives of Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB’s)
To oversee and expedite the selection process
To make the recruitment agencies more accessible to the candidates in the far-flung areas and towards the interior sides.
To conduct recruitment for the railways on an all India basis through RRB exams.
To rationalize the work load on the existing RRB’s, which leads to more proficiency
Posts
Most of times RRB’s recruit personnel to meet regional requirement, and each RRB is free to recruit personnel as per requirement of its location. Sometimes, some or all RRB’s come together to carry out centralized recruitment. The posts for which RRB’s make recruitment fall under two categories – Technical and Non-technical.
The posts that come under technical categories are Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) and Technician posts. The posts that come under non-technical popular categories (NTPC) are Commercial apprentice, Goods guard, Traffic Apprentice, Traffic Assistant, Assistant Station Master etc.
Level 02 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix with initial pay of Rs.19900/- plus other allowances as admissible.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Age limit (As on 01-07-2018): Minimum is 18 years, Maximum is as follows:
Category
Age Limit
UR
30
OBC
33
SC
35
Persons with disabilities (PWD) UR
40
PWD OBC Non-creamy layer
43
PWD SC/ST
45
2. Essential Academic qualifications: 10th pass plus NAC granted by NCVT or 10th pass plus ITI from institutions recognized by NCVT/SCVT
Application fee
For all candidates except the fee concession categories mentioned below
500/-
For Candidates belonging to SC/ST/Ex-Serviceman/PWDs/Female/ Transgender/Minorities/ Economically backward class.
*This fee of Rs. 250 shall be refunded after duly deducting bank charges as applicable, on appearing in First Stage CBT.
250/-
Selection process
1. First Stage: CBT (Computer Based Test)
S. No.
Area
Total number of questions
Duration (in min)
1
Mathematics
75
60 min
2
General Intelligence and Reasoning
3
General Science
4
General Awareness on Current Affairs
Minimum percentage of marks for eligibility in various categories is as follows:
Category:
UR
OBC
SC
ST
Minimum Percentage:
40%
30%
30%
25%
The above percentage of marks for eligibility may be relaxed by 2% for PWD candidates in case of shortage of PWD candidates against vacancies reserved for them.
The First Stage CBT is of screening nature. The standard of questions for the CBT will be generally in conformity with the educational standards and/or minimum technical qualifications prescribed for the posts. The score of first stage exam shall be considered only for short listing of candidates for second stage exam as per their merit. Candidates who are shortlisted for the Second Stage CBT availing the reservation benefits of a community shall continue to be considered only against that community for all subsequent stages of recruitment process.
Questions will be of objective type with multiple choices and are likely to include questions pertaining to:
I. Mathematics
Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work; Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern etc.
II. General Intelligence and Reasoning
Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement – Arguments and Assumptions etc.
III. General Science
The syllabus under this shall cover Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences of 10th standard level.
IV. General awareness on current affairs
General awareness on current affairs in Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics and other subjects of importance.
2. Second Stage: CBT (Computer Based Test)
Part
Areas
Number of Questions
Duration (in min)
Part A
Mathematics
100
90 Min
General Intelligence and Reasoning
Basic Science and Engineering
General Awareness of Current Affairs
Part B
Professional Knowledge
75
60 Min
Part A:
Minimum percentage of marks for eligibility in various categories is as follows:
Category:
UR
OBC
SC
ST
Minimum Percentage:
40%
30%
30%
25%
The above percentage of marks for eligibility may be relaxed by 2% for PWD candidates in case of shortage of PWD candidates against vacancies reserved for them.
The marks scored in Part A alone shall be used for short listing of candidates for further stages of recruitment process subject to the condition that the candidate secures qualifying mark in Part B.
Questions will be of objective type with multiple choices and are likely to include questions pertaining to:
I. Mathematics
Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work; Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern etc.
II. General Intelligence and Reasoning
Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement – Arguments and Assumptions etc.
III. General Science
The broad topics that are covered under this shall be Engineering Drawing (Projections, Views, Drawing Instruments, Lines, Geometric figures, Symbolic Representation), Units, Measurements, Mass Weight and Density, Work Power and Energy, Speed and Velocity, Heat and Temperature, Basic Electricity, Levers and Simple Machines, Occupational Safety and Health, Environment Education, IT Literacy etc.
IV. General awareness on current affairs
General awareness on current affairs in Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics and other subjects of importance.
Part B:
Qualifying Marks: 35 % and this is applicable to all candidates and no relaxation is permissible.
This part is qualifying in nature. It will have questions from the trade syllabus prescribed by Director General of Employment & Training (DGET). Candidates with ITI/Trade Apprenticeship qualification will be required to appear in the section having questions from the relevant trade. Candidates holding Degree, Diploma, and HSC (10+2) having eligibility for the posts of ALP have to select a relevant trade from the list of trades listed against their engineering discipline/HSC (10+2). The trade syllabus can be accessed through the DGET website. The relevant trades for various engineering discipline/HSC (10+2) for appearing in the qualifying test is as follows:
S. No
Engineering Discipline(Diploma/Degree)
Relevant trade for PART B Qualifying Test to be selected from
1
Electrical Engineering and combination of various streams of Electrical Engineering
Electrician/Instrument Mechanic/Wiremen/Winder(Armature)/ Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
2
Electronics Engineering and combination of various streams of Electronics Engineering
Electronics Mechanic / Mechanic Radio & TV
3
Mechanical Engineering and combination of various streams of Mechanical Engineering
Fitter/ Mechanic Motor Vehicle/Tractor Mechanic /Mechanic Diesel/Turner/Machinist/ Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic/ Heat Engine / Millwright Maintenance Mechanic
4
Automobile Engineering and combination of various streams of Automobile Engineering
Mechanic Motor Vehicle/Tractor Mechanic/ Mechanic Diesel / Heat Engine / Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
5
HSC (10+2) with Physics and Math
Electrician / Electronics Mechanic / Wireman
3. Computer Based Aptitude Test (Only for candidates who have opted for ALP)
Qualifying marks: The candidate needs to score a minimum of 42 marks in each of the test batteries to qualify. This is applicable to all candidates without any relaxation.
The ALP merit list will be drawn only from amongst the candidates qualifying in the Aptitude Test, with 70% weightage for the marks obtained in the Part A of Second Stage CBT and 30% weightage for the marks obtained in Computer Based AT.
Negative Marking: There is provision of negative marking for incorrect answers in First and Second Stage CBT. 1/3rd of the marks allotted for each question shall be deducted for each wrong answer. There shall be no negative marking for Computer Based Aptitude Test.
4. Document Verification and Empaneling of Candidates
On the basis of performance of candidates in Part A of the Second Stage CBT subject to their qualifying the Part B of Second Stage CBT (For Technician posts) and the performance of candidates in both Part A of the Second Stage CBT and Computer Based AT subject to their qualifying the Part B of Second Stage CBT (For ALP), candidates equal to the number of vacancies will be called for Document Verification. Additionally, candidates equal to 50% (may increase or decrease at the discretion of Railways) of the number of vacancy for various posts will also be called for DV. These additional candidates will, however, be considered for empanelment only if there is a shortfall in empanelment from the merit list or/and as replacement against the shortfall on account of non-joining of recommended candidates in the working post or/and any other special requirements.
In a situation where two or more candidates securing same marks, their merit position shall be determined by age criteria i.e., older person shall be given higher rank. Appointment of selected candidates is subject to their passing requisite Medical Fitness Test to be conducted by the Railway Administration, final verification of educational and community certificates and verification of antecedents/character of the candidates. It can be noted that RRBs only recommend names of the empaneled candidates and appointment is offered only by the respective Railway Administrations.
For various posts in Level-1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix
Applications process
Registration is to be done ONLINE through RRB websites listed earlier, depending on the RRB location for which the applicant wants to be considered.
Level 02 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix with initial pay of Rs. 18000/- plus other allowances as admissible.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Age limit (As on 01-07-2018): Minimum is 18 years, Maximum is as follows:
Category
Age Limit
UR
33
OBC
36
SC
38
Persons with disabilities (PWD) UR
42
PWD OBC Non-creamy layer
45
PWD SC/ST
47
2. Essential Academic qualifications: Candidates must hold the degree of 10th pass or ITI from institutions recognized by NCVT/SCVT or equivalent OR National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT for the post of Helper/Medical, Hospital Attendant, Assistant Pointsman, Gateman, Porter/ Hamal/ Sweeper cum porter.
Application fee
For all candidates except the fee concession categories mentioned below
500/-
For Candidates belonging to SC/ST/Ex-Serviceman/PWDs/Female/ Transgender/Minorities/ Economically backward class.
*This fee of Rs. 250 shall be refunded after duly deducting bank charges as applicable, on appearing in First Stage CBT.
250/-
Selection process
1. Computer Based Test
S. No.
Area
Total number of questions
Duration (in min)
1
Mathematics
100
90 min
2
General Intelligence and Reasoning
3
General Science
4
General Awareness
Minimum percentage of marks for eligibility in various categories is as follows:
Category:
UR
OBC
SC
ST
Minimum Percentage:
40%
30%
30%
25%
The above percentage of marks for eligibility may be relaxed by 2% for PWD candidates in case of shortage of PWD candidates against vacancies reserved for them.
Questions will be of objective type with multiple choices and are likely to include questions pertaining to:
I. Mathematics
Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work; Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern etc.
II. General Intelligence and Reasoning
Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement – Arguments and Assumptions etc.
III. General Science
The syllabus under this shall cover Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences of 10th standard level.
IV. General awareness on current affairs
General awareness on current affairs in Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics and other subjects of importance.
Negative Marking: There will be negative marking for every wrong answer in the CBT. The penalty of 1/3rd of the marks is allotted for each wrong answer given by the candidate.
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates who will qualify CBT will be called for PET. The merit list will be two times the community wise total vacancy of the posts released in RRBs. It is mandatory to pass PET as it is a qualifying test for the posts advertised by RRBs.
The eligibility criterion for PET is given below:
S. No.
Male Candidates
Female Candidates
1
Should be able to lift and carry 35 kg of weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down.
Should be able to lift and carry 20 kg of weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down.
2
Should be able to run for a distance of 1000 meters in 4 minutes and 15 seconds in one chance.
Should be able to run for a distance of 1000 meters in 5 minutes and 40 seconds in one chance.
Candidates with disabilities are not to appear in PET, and such candidates need to pass medical examination according to the disabilities criteria.
3. Document Verification and Empaneling of selected Candidates
The candidates who qualify CBT and PET will be called for Document verification and empanel for the posts notified.
Medical Standard for the Post
Candidates called for DV need to pass necessary medical fitness test conducted by the Railway Administration to make sure that the candidates are medically fit to carry out the responsibilities associated with the posts chosen by them. Visual Acuity Standard is one of the significant criteria of medical fitness for railway staff.
Ans: Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB's) is mandated with the responsibility of recruiting personnel for various technical and non-technical posts in Indian Railway. At present, there are 21 Railway Recruitment Boards located in different parts of India. Each RRB is free to recruit personnel as per requirement of its location. Sometimes, some or all RRB's come together to carry out centralized recruitment. The posts for which RRB's make recruitment fall under two categories – Technical and Non-technical. The posts that come under technical categories are Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) and Technician posts. The posts that come under non-technical popular categories (NTPC) are Commercial apprentice, Goods guard, Traffic Apprentice, Traffic Assistant, Assistant Station Master etc.
Q2. Why RRB?
Ans: Since the eligibility criteria for recruitments carried out by RRB ranges from 10th passed to graduation degree, employment opportunities are varied and for job aspirants from lower as well as higher academic qualifications. Some of other prominent factors that makes jobs through RRB:
1. Number of jobs offered through this exam: Since a huge number of vacancies, ranging from 1.5 lakhs to 2 lakhs, at central level are to be filled by RRB's in 2018, this offers a great opportunity for the candidate to secure a job.
2. Financial stability and job security: Having a government job ensures reasonably very high financial security and stability as government hardly fires its employees and pays salary on time. Apart from cash component, government jobs offer medical benefits, HRA and other perks.
3. Salary increments: Apart from annual hike and dearness allowance, pay of central government employees are periodically revised based on the recommendation of the Pay commission. Salaries of central government employees goes up significantly in the event of implementation of the recommendations of the Pay commission. The recommendations of the last couple pay commission have been employee-friendly, and thus making the Central Government jobs even more remunerative and attractive.
4. Work-Life balance: Getting a job through RRB's ensures that one would land in a working environment that offers a good work-life balance, which is significantly better than what one can expect in the private sector.
Q3. Who is eligible to appear for RRB jobs?
Ans: Since RRB makes recruitment for an array of posts, the basic eligibility criteria vary from a post to post or a group of posts. The age criteria also very from post to post. The basic academic qualification ranges from 10th passed to holding graduation degree.
Q4. How long does the entire recruitment process take?
Ans: The entire recruitment process, starting form release of notification to joining, takes usually a year or so.
Q5. The areas from which questions are asked in entrance exams conducted by RRB?
Ans: As RRB conducts recruitments for a variety of posts, questions asked in entrance exams include aptitude questions as well as technical ones. In the first stage or the first two stages depending on the exam, aptitude questions, having four options, are asked from the areas: General Awareness on Current Affairs, General Science, Quantitative Aptitude i.e. elementary Math up to 10th level and General Intelligence and Reasoning. The technical questions are asked based on the kind of profile for which the recruitment is carried out.
