Railways — RRB and RRC

This confuses a large number of candidates, and applying to the wrong body wastes an entire cycle.

• Railway Recruitment Boards handle technical and non-technical popular categories — Assistant Loco Pilot, Technician, Junior Engineer, and the NTPC posts such as Station Master, Goods Train Manager and Clerk.
• Railway Recruitment Cells handle Level 1 posts, commonly known as Group D, and apprentice recruitment, zone by zone.
• There are multiple RRBs and RRCs across the country, each with its own website. You normally apply to one, for the zone you prefer.
• The central RRB portal and the Indian Railways website link to all of them. Start there rather than searching, since railway recruitment attracts a great many imitation websites.

1. First stage computer-based test, used to shortlist. Usually not counted towards final merit.
2. Second stage computer-based test, which does count and is often post-specific.
3. A computer-based aptitude test for certain posts, particularly Assistant Loco Pilot.
4. A typing skill test for posts that require it.
5. Physical Efficiency Test for Level 1 posts, with separate standards by gender and category.
6. Document verification and a medical examination. Railway medical standards are specific to the post and are strictly applied.

Railway posts carry defined medical classifications, and vision standards in particular are strict for safety categories such as Assistant Loco Pilot and Station Master. A candidate who clears every examination can still be found medically unfit.

The medical standard for each post is stated in the notification. If you have a known vision or hearing limitation, check the standard for the post before investing years in preparing for it.