The Railway Recruitment Boards’ (RRB) Group D (Level-1) recruitment under CEN 08/2024 is one of India’s largest ongoing government hiring drives. The recruitment aims to fill 32,438 Level-1 posts across Indian Railways and has entered the examination stage, with city-intimation slips and admit-card timelines released by RRBs in mid-November. This article explains the process, important dates, eligibility, pay and duties, and why the drive matters for candidates and the rail network. (Sources: RRB CEN document; RRB regional portals; national press.)
Key facts at a glance
- Notification / CEN: CEN-08/2024 (Level-1 / Group D).
- Total vacancies: 32,438 posts across multiple Level-1 designations.
- CBT exam window (revised): 27 November 2025 – 16 January 2026 (multiple phases/shifts); city-intimation slips were released in mid-November and e-call letters (admit cards) are being issued a few days before each candidate’s exam. Candidates must check their regional RRB portal for exact city/admit-card links.
- Selection stages: Computer-Based Test (CBT) → Physical Efficiency Test (PT) / Physical Standards Test (PST) → Document Verification & Medical Examination.
- Minimum qualification: Matriculation (10th pass) or ITI/NAC where specified; age and other criteria are in the official CEN
What the Level-1 / Group D jobs involve
Level-1 posts include a range of operational and maintenance roles such as Track Maintainer, Helper, Assistant in Loco Shed, Pointsman, and various other support roles. These are frontline jobs that keep India’s rail network running — from track upkeep and shunting to station and workshop assistance. Appointees are usually posted across railway zones and must meet physical and medical standards applicable to the post.
Exam pattern & syllabus — what candidates should prepare for
- CBT format: 100 objective-type questions, 90 minutes; standard sections are Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness (incl. Current Affairs). Negative marking (⅓ mark) applies for wrong answers.
- Cut-offs & normalisation: RRBs use normalization across shifts to ensure fairness; region-wise cut-offs will be published after results. Historical cut-offs vary widely by region and category. hest) depend on the post and the candidate’s category; consult the CEN for exact requirements.
Pay, allowances and career prospects
- Basic pay: Level-1 posts follow the 7th Pay Commission entry pay (basic pay commonly indicated around ₹18,000), plus Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), transport allowance and other statutory benefits. In-hand pay varies by station category and allowances but is broadly consistent with previous Group-D pay bands. Exact pay details are listed in the CEN and RRB notifications.
- Job security & progression: Railway jobs offer long-term employment, social security benefits (pension/CPF where applicable), and opportunities for departmental promotion subject to rules and experience.
Important dates & how to check your hall ticket
- City intimation slip: Released mid-November 2025; check your regional RRB portal (RRB Kolkata, RRB Secunderabad, RRB Chandigarh, etc.) for the PDF lin
- Admit cards / e-call letters: Issued approximately 4 days before the candidate’s allotted CBT date — download from your regional RRB website. RRBs have cautioned candidates to rely only on official websites for authentic admit-card links.
Steps to download:
- Visit your regional RRB website (links available on rrb.gov.in).
- Click the CEN-08/2024 / Level-1 (Group-D) notice or ‘City-Intimation / e-Call Letter’ link.
- Enter registration/roll no. and date of birth to download the admit card.
Why this recruitment matters — significance & impact
- Mass employment for youth: Filling 32,438 posts provides large-scale job opportunities for 10th-pass/ITI youth across states — a major boost to livelihoods, especially in smaller towns and rural areas where rail postings are common.
- Operational readiness of Indian Railways: Group-1/Level-1 staff form the backbone of on-ground operations; recruiting at scale helps address attrition and maintenance backlogs that affect safety and punctuality.
- Regional economic effects: Railway jobs often spur local economies (housing, transport, services) and improve employability in the long term.
- Transparent, merit-based process: The multi-stage selection (CBT → PET → DV → Medical) plus online applications aim to reduce malpractices and improve fairness — though candidates should remain vigilant about frauds and only use official portal
Common candidate queries — answered
- What if my city slip shows a different city than I applied for? RRBs allocate centres based on availability; city changes are normal. Travel/relocation plans should be made only after checking admit card details
- Will there be multiple shifts? Yes — CBTs run in multiple shifts; normalization ensures fairness across shifts.
- How and when are PET dates notified? PET/PST and document-verification schedules are announced on regional RRC/RRB websites after CBT results. Candidates must keep their contact details active.
Practical tips for candidates
- Download and print the admit card and carry the required ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport) as specified.
- Revise the entire Group-D syllabus, practise full-length mock CBTs under timed conditions, and review pas cut-offs regionally to set realistic score targets.
- Keep original documents ready for DV (10th mark sheet, identity, domicile, category certificate if applicable).
Where to verify official updates
Always rely on the official RRB regional websites and the central portals linked from rrb.gov.in for:
- city-intimation slips, admit cards (e-call letters), updates to exam schedule;
- official CEN PDF and instructions to candidates;
- result notifications and cut-offs.
The RRB Group D (CEN-08/2024) recruitment is a landmark intake with significant implications for employment and rail operations. With the CBT phase scheduled from 27 November 2025, aspirants must keep a close eye on their regional RRB portals for admit-card downloads and exact exam timings, prepare to meet PET/PST requirements if shortlisted, and follow official guidance to avoid scams. For millions who see railway service as a gateway to stable employment and social mobility, this drive is a critical opportunity — and also a reminder to prepare methodically and rely only on official information channels.
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Last Updated on: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 3:01 pm by Sakethyadav | Published by: Sakethyadav on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 3:01 pm | News Categories: News
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