Are you looking for a stable and secure government job with a 10th-pass qualification? The RRB Group D exam is the single largest recruitment drive in India, offering a golden opportunity to join the prestigious Indian Railways and build a respectable career.
But what exactly is RRB Group D? What kind of jobs are offered? What are the physical requirements, salary, and the step-by-step process to get selected?
Welcome to the ultimate master guide by Rojgar Point. This article will provide a complete, A-to-Z understanding of the RRB Group D (Level 1) examination. This is your definitive roadmap to securing a permanent government job and a stable future. Let’s get on track! 🛤️
What is RRB Group D?
First, let’s understand the term. RRB Group D refers to the recruitment for Level 1 posts conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs).
- RRB (Railway Recruitment Board): The official government agencies responsible for hiring staff for the Indian Railways.
- Group D (now officially called Level 1): This refers to entry-level, operational posts that form the backbone of the vast railway network. These are Group ‘C’ posts as per the 7th Pay Commission.
In simple terms, RRB Group D is a national-level exam to recruit candidates for various essential posts in the operational and maintenance departments of the Indian Railways. It is famous for its massive number of vacancies, often running into more than one lakh.
RRB Group D Posts List and Job Profile
The Group D exam recruits for a variety of roles that are crucial for the safe and efficient running of trains. Here’s a look at some of the key posts and what they involve:
| Department | Post Name | Job Profile & Responsibilities |
| Engineering | Track Maintainer Grade IV | – The most common post. – Responsible for maintaining the railway tracks. – Involves physically demanding work like checking rails, fittings, and ensuring track safety. |
| Traffic | Assistant Pointsman / Gateman | – Manages the track switching system (points) to guide trains to the correct platform or track. – Operates railway crossing gates. – A highly responsible job related to train safety. |
| Mechanical | Assistant (Workshop / C&W / Loco Shed) | – Works in workshops or sheds. Assists in the maintenance and repair of train coaches (C&W – Carriage & Wagon) and engines (Loco). |
| Signal & Telecom | Assistant S&T | – Assists in the maintenance of the railway’s signaling and telecommunication systems. – Works with technicians to ensure signals are functioning correctly. |
| Electrical | Assistant (TRD / TRS) | – Assists in the maintenance of overhead electrical lines (TRD – Traction Distribution) and electric engines (TRS – Traction Rolling Stock). |
RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria (Updated 2025)
The eligibility for RRB Group D is simple and makes it accessible to a vast number of candidates.
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Nationality | Must be a citizen of India. |
| Educational Qualification | 10th Pass (Matriculation) OR ITI from an institution recognized by NCVT/SCVT. |
| Age Limit | 18 to 33 years. (The exact cut-off dates are mentioned in the official notification). |
Age Relaxation
The upper age limit is relaxed for candidates from various categories as per government rules.
| Category | Age Relaxation Permissible |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD (Unreserved) | 10 years |
RRB Group D Selection Process & Exam Pattern
The selection process is straightforward and is designed to test both mental aptitude and physical fitness.
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Document Verification and Medical Examination
Computer Based Test (CBT)
This is the first and most important stage. Your selection for the next stage depends entirely on your score here.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Duration: 90 Minutes
- Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect answer.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates who clear the CBT are called for the PET. This test is mandatory and qualifying in nature. You must pass it to be considered for the final selection.
| Task | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
| Weight Carrying | Lift and carry a 35 Kg weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes (in one chance). | Lift and carry a 20 Kg weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes (in one chance). |
| Running | Run for a distance of 1000 meters (1 Km) in 4 minutes and 15 seconds (in one chance). | Run for a distance of 1000 meters (1 Km) in 5 minutes and 40 seconds (in one chance). |
RRB Group D Syllabus: What to Study for the CBT
The syllabus is based on the 10th standard level, making it easy to cover with the right strategy.
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences of the 10th standard level (CBSE).
- 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.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation, and Sufficiency.
- General Awareness & Current Affairs: Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics, and other subjects of importance. Focus on current events of the last 12 months.
RRB Group D Salary Structure (In-Hand)
An RRB Group D employee is placed in Level 1 of the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix. The basic pay is ₹18,000. However, the in-hand salary is much higher after including all the allowances.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the approximate monthly in-hand salary.
| Salary Component | City X (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai) | City Y (e.g., Lucknow, Pune) | City Z (e.g., Smaller Towns) |
| Basic Pay | ₹18,000 | ₹18,000 | ₹18,000 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~ ₹9,000 (50% of Basic) | ~ ₹9,000 | ~ ₹9,000 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹5,400 (30% of Basic) | ₹3,600 (20% of Basic) | ₹1,800 (10% of Basic) |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | ₹1,800 + DA on TA | ₹900 + DA on TA | ₹900 + DA on TA |
| Gross Salary (Approx.) | ~ ₹35,000 | ~ ₹32,000 | ~ ₹30,000 |
| Deductions (NPS, etc.) | ~ ₹2,700 | ~ ₹2,700 | ~ ₹2,700 |
| In-Hand Salary (Approx.) | ~ ₹32,300 per month | ~ ₹29,300 per month | ~ ₹27,300 per month |
Note: Allowances like Night Duty Allowance and Overtime can further increase the salary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the RRB Group D exam very difficult?
Ans: The exam syllabus is based on the 10th standard. While the questions are not very difficult, the competition is extremely high due to the large number of applicants. Speed and accuracy are key to success.
Q2: Can a 12th pass or graduate apply for RRB Group D?
Ans: Yes, anyone who meets the age criteria and has at least a 10th pass or ITI qualification can apply.
Q3: What is the career growth of a Group D employee?
Ans: RRB Group D is an entry-level post, but it offers excellent career growth. Through departmental exams, a Group D employee can get promoted to Group C posts like Junior Clerk, Ticket Collector, and even Technician, and can rise to senior positions over their career.
Q4: Is the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) very hard?
Ans: The PET is designed to be achievable with regular practice. It is important to start preparing for the physical tests alongside the written exam, especially for the running and weight-carrying events.
We hope this master guide from Rojgar Point has given you complete clarity on the RRB Group D exam. It is a life-changing opportunity for many to secure a permanent, well-paying government job with a minimal qualification. Start your preparation with full dedication and take the first step towards a bright future in the Indian Railways!
