The Indian Railways is one of the largest employers in the world, and its recruitment exams are among the most competitive. There are a variety of different railway exams held throughout the year, each for a different position. Some of the most common railway exams include:
Overview

The railway exams are typically divided into two stages: a written exam and a physical test. The written exam consists of a variety of questions on topics such as general knowledge, mathematics, and reasoning. The physical test consists of a variety of physical fitness tests, such as running, jumping, and weightlifting.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for railway exams vary depending on the specific exam and position. However, there are some general eligibility criteria that apply to most railway exams. These include:
- Age limit: The minimum age limit for most railway exams is 18 years. The maximum age limit varies depending on the position.
- Educational qualification: The educational qualification required for railway exams also varies depending on the position. However, most railway exams require at least a high school diploma.
- Nationality: Indian citizens are eligible to apply for railway exams.
- Physical fitness: Candidates must be physically fit and meet the medical standards prescribed for the position.
In addition to the general eligibility criteria, there may be specific eligibility criteria for certain railway exams. For example, candidates applying for the RRB ALP exam must have a valid driving license. Candidates applying for the RRB JE exam must have an engineering degree.
Exam Pattern
Railway Exam | Exam Pattern |
---|---|
RRB NTPC | Stage 1: CBT 1 (100 marks, 90 mins) |
Stage 2: CBT 2 (120 marks, 120 mins) | |
RRB ALP | Stage 1: CBT 1 (75 marks, 60 mins) |
Stage 2: CBT 2 (150 marks, 120 mins) | |
RRB JE | Stage 1: CBT 1 (100 marks, 90 mins) |
Stage 2: CBT 2 (120 marks, 120 mins) | |
RRB Group D | Stage 1: CBT (100 marks, 90 mins) |
Stage 2: PET (Physical Efficiency Test) |
Application Process
The application process for railway exams is typically as follows:
- Visit the official website of the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) for which you are applying.
- Click on the “Apply Online” link.
- Create an account or log in to your existing account.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Upload any required documents.
- Submit the application form.
Once you have submitted your application form, you will receive a confirmation email or SMS. You will also be able to track the status of your application online.
Syllabus
The syllabus for the railway exams varies depending on the position for which you are applying. However, there are some common topics that are covered on all railway exams. These topics include:
- General Knowledge: This section covers a wide range of topics, such as Indian history, geography, culture, and current affairs.
- Mathematics: This section covers a variety of mathematical topics, such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Reasoning: This section covers a variety of reasoning questions, such as analogies, series, coding-decoding, and puzzles.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the syllabus for some of the most common railway exams:
RRB NTPC Syllabus
- General Knowledge: Indian history, geography, culture, current affairs, science and technology, sports, etc.
- Mathematics: Number system, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, speed and distance, geometry, algebra, and trigonometry.
- Reasoning: Analogy, series, coding-decoding, puzzles, etc.
RRB ALP Syllabus
- General Knowledge: Indian history, geography, culture, current affairs, science and technology, sports, etc.
- Mathematics: Number system, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, speed and distance, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and railway engineering.
- Reasoning: Analogy, series, coding-decoding, puzzles, etc.
RRB JE Syllabus
- General Knowledge: Indian history, geography, culture, current affairs, science and technology, sports, etc.
- Mathematics: Number system, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, speed and distance, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and engineering mathematics.
- Reasoning: Analogy, series, coding-decoding, puzzles, etc.
RRB Group D Syllabus
- General Knowledge: Indian history, geography, culture, current affairs, science and technology, sports, etc.
- Mathematics: Number system, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, speed and distance, and geometry.
- Reasoning: Analogy, series, coding-decoding, puzzles, etc.
Important Dates
Exam | Notification Release Date | Application Start Date | Application End Date | Written Exam Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
RRB NTPC | October 15, 2023 | October 20, 2023 | November 19, 2023 | December 10-31, 2023 |
RRB ALP | November 1, 2023 | November 5, 2023 | December 4, 2023 | December 20-30, 2023 |
RRB JE | November 15, 2023 | November 20, 2023 | December 19, 2023 | January 10-31, 2024 |
RRB Group D | December 1, 2023 | December 5, 2023 | January 4, 2024 | January 20-30, 2024 |
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus. The first step to preparing for any exam is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus. This will help you to focus your studies on the right areas.
- Create a study plan. Once you understand the exam pattern and syllabus, you should create a study plan. This will help you to stay on track and to cover all of the material. Make sure to include time for revision in your study plan.
- Use good quality study materials. There are a number of different study materials available for the railway exams. Make sure to use good quality study materials that are relevant to the latest exam pattern and syllabus.
- Take practice tests. Practice tests are a great way to assess your understanding of the material and to identify any areas where you need to improve. There are a number of different practice tests available online and in bookstores.
- Stay calm and positive. It is important to stay calm and positive on the day of the exam. Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed.
FEES
Category | Exam Fee (INR) |
---|---|
General, OBC | 500 |
PwBD, Female, Transgender, Ex-Servicemen, SC, ST, Minority Communities, Economically Backward Class | 250 |
FAQ?
The eligibility criteria for railway exams varies depending on the position you are applying for. However, there are some general eligibility criteria that apply to all railway exams, such as:
- You must be a citizen of India.
- You must be of the minimum age required for the position you are applying for.
- You must have the minimum educational qualification required for the position you are applying for.
You can apply for the railway exams online through the official website of the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB). To apply, you will need to create an account and then fill out an application form. You will also need to upload scanned copies of your required documents.
- The exam pattern for the railway exams varies depending on the position you are applying for. However, most railway exams consist of a written exam and a physical test.
- The written exam typically consists of a variety of questions on topics such as general knowledge, mathematics, and reasoning. The physical test typically consists of a variety of physical fitness tests, such as running, jumping, and weightlifting.