Introduction
Are you one of the thousands of aspirants gearing up for the Railway Group D Exam? If yes, you’re in the right place.
This Govt job exam opens a door to secure and respected employment opportunities in one of the largest and most important organisations in India – the Indian Railways through the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Level-1 posts.
But with so many candidates, high competition and evolving patterns, preparing for the Railway Group D Exam can feel overwhelming.
Here’s the problem: many aspirants don’t know how to prioritise topics, understand the pattern and strategise their time. They often get lost in books, mock tests and confusion around eligibility and cut-offs.
Here Kolee promise you that this blog post will serve as your complete guide to the Railway Group D Exam — from eligibility and pattern to preparation strategy, syllabus, cut-offs, FAQs and insider tips. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to confidently approach the exam and maximise your chances of success.
Detailed Explanation
In this section, Kolee will cover everything you need: eligibility, notification & vacancies, exam pattern, syllabus topic-by-topic, preparation strategy, mock test analysis, cut-offs, selection process, and recommended books & tips.
What is the Railway Group D Exam?
The Railway Group D Exam is conducted by various Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) for Level-1 posts in Indian Railways.
These posts typically include:
Track Maintainer Grade-IV
Assistant Pointsman
Assistant (Loco Shed)
Assistant (Operations)
Assistant TL & AC (Electrical)
And other technical & maintenance roles
The process usually involves a Computer Based Test (CBT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
Railway Group D Exam 2025 Notification & Vacancies
Notification Highlights
For 2025, the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) released a notification (CEN-08/2024) for approximately 32,438 vacancies for Level-1 posts.
More than 1 crore candidates are expected to appear for the examination.
Important Dates (Tentative)
Notification release & application start: 23 January 2025
Last date for applications: 1 March 2025
CBT Exam (tentative): 17 November 2025 – 31 December 2025
City Intimation Slip: 10 days before the exam (Will be updated soon..)
Admit Card: 4 days before the exam (Will be updated soon..)
(Dates are tentative and may change depending on official schedule or administrative updates.)
Vacancy Breakdown (Approximation)
Track Maintainer Grade-IV: 13,000 + posts
Assistant (C&W): 2,500 + posts
Assistant (Loco Shed – Electrical): 950 + posts
Other posts distributed zone-wise across RRBs
Eligibility Criteria for Railway Group D Exam
To apply for the Railway Group D Exam, candidates must satisfy the following conditions:
Educational Qualification:
Minimum qualification is 10th Pass (Matriculation) or ITI from a recognised institution/NCVT.Age Limit:
General category: 18 to 33 years (as of 1 January 2025)
Age relaxation applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.Physical Standards / PET:
Some posts require candidates to qualify in a Physical Efficiency Test (running, lifting weights, etc.).Medical Fitness:
Candidates must meet prescribed medical standards for their post category.Nationality:
Must be an Indian citizen or as specified in the official notification.
Exam Pattern of Railway Group D
Understanding the Railway Group D Exam pattern is crucial to plan your preparation effectively.
Computer Based Test (CBT)
Total Questions: 100
Duration: 90 minutes
Sections:
General Science – 25 questions
Mathematics – 25 questions
General Intelligence & Reasoning – 30 questions
General Awareness & Current Affairs – 20 questions
Marking Scheme:
+1 for correct answer; –1/3 for wrong answer (negative marking)
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Qualifying in nature. Required only for specific posts.
Final Selection
Based on performance in CBT + qualifying PET + Document Verification + Medical Fitness.
Syllabus for Railway Group D Exam
Here’s a full subject-wise syllabus so you can prioritise your preparation efficiently.
Mathematics (10th-Level)
Number System
HCF & LCM
Percentage, Ratio & Proportion
Simple & Compound Interest
Time, Speed & Distance
Average, Profit & Loss
Mensuration (Area & Volume)
Algebra (Basics)
Time & Work
Data Interpretation
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Analogies & Series
Coding-Decoding
Syllogism
Direction & Distance
Blood Relations
Mirror & Water Images
Venn Diagrams
Odd One Out
Mathematical Operations
Logical Reasoning
General Science
Physics: Motion, Work, Energy, Light, Sound, Electricity
Chemistry: Elements, Compounds, Acids, Bases, Everyday chemistry
Biology: Human body, Ecosystem, Plants & Animals basics
Science & Tech: Recent developments, space missions, AI, environmental science
General Awareness & Current Affairs
Indian History & Freedom Movement
Indian Geography & Economy
Indian Polity & Constitution
Current Affairs (Last 12 months)
Sports, Awards, Books & Authors, Important Days
Developments in Science & Technology
Indian Railway updates & national schemes
Preparation Strategy: How to Crack the Railway Group D Exam
Follow this structured roadmap to ensure comprehensive preparation.
Step 1: Understand the Pattern & Syllabus
Get clarity on subjects, question weightage, and timing before you start.
Step 2: Make a Realistic Study Plan
For 4–6 months of prep, divide subjects weekly.
Study 2–4 hours daily, increasing gradually.
Keep final 6 weeks only for revision and full-length mock tests.
Step 3: Strengthen Basics
Brush up Class 10 Maths and Reasoning fundamentals.
Focus on conceptual understanding rather than shortcuts early on.
Step 4: Practice Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests
Solve past papers to learn recurring topics.
Take online mock tests under real-exam timing.
Analyse mistakes, identify weak topics, and revise accordingly.
Step 5: Choose the Right Study Materials
Use reliable books for each subject (avoid collecting too many).
Combine book study with online practice sets and PDFs.
Maintain handwritten notes for last-minute revision.
Step 6: Improve Speed & Accuracy
Practise mental calculations and reasoning puzzles daily.
Attempt easy questions first during mock tests.
Focus on reducing negative marking.
Step 7: Smart Revision Strategy
Revise formulas, facts, and GK notes regularly.
Create flashcards for quick recap.
Revise every topic at least twice before the exam.
Step 8: Exam Day Plan
Sleep 7–8 hours before exam day.
Carry admit card, ID, and essentials.
Attempt the easiest section first.
Keep 5–10 minutes at the end to review marked answers.
Section-wise Preparation Tips
Mathematics
Focus on high-scoring topics like Percentages, Ratio, and Time & Work.
Practise daily for speed.
Revise short tricks for simplification, squares, cubes, etc.
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Attempt reasoning puzzles daily to develop logical speed.
Practice visual reasoning (Mirror, Water Images).
Identify patterns in series and coding-decoding.
General Science
Revise NCERT Class 8–10 concepts.
Prepare notes on formulas, definitions, and everyday science.
Stay updated on current scientific developments.
General Awareness & Current Affairs
Follow monthly current affairs capsules.
Revise Indian Constitution & Polity fundamentals.
Memorise national & international events from the past year.
Cut-Off Trends for Railway Group D Exam
Cut-offs vary zone-wise and category-wise. Here’s an approximate benchmark based on past trends:
| Category | Target Score (Out of 100) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 70 + |
| OBC/EWS | 60–70 |
| SC/ST | 50–60 |
Always aim 10 marks above the previous year’s cut-off to stay safe.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Post-CBT Stages
Candidates clearing CBT will undergo PET (if applicable) and then Document Verification & Medical.
PET Requirements:
Running, lifting, or physical tasks (qualifying only).
Fitness and stamina training recommended.
Document Verification:
Carry originals & photocopies of academic, age, and caste certificates.Medical Test:
Conducted as per post-wise vision and health standards.
Railway Group D Salary & Job Profile
The starting salary for Level-1 posts under the 7th CPC is ₹18,000 per month, plus allowances (HRA, DA, TA, Night Duty Allowance, etc.).
Popular Posts & Roles
Track Maintainer: Maintaining rail tracks & safety.
Assistant Pointsman: Operating switches & signals.
Assistant (Electrical/Mechanical): Support in maintenance & operations.
These roles offer job security, pension benefits, and promotion opportunities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring current affairs or general science.
Over-reliance on YouTube shortcuts without proper practice.
Lack of mock test analysis.
Not following a revision plan.
Neglecting physical fitness for PET.
Avoiding these pitfalls ensures consistent progress.
People-Also-Ask Style FAQs
Q1. When will the Railway Group D Exam 2025 be held?
Tentatively from 17 November 2025 to 31 December 2025.
Q2. How many vacancies are there in Railway Group D 2025?
There are around 32,438 vacancies announced under RRB CEN-08/2024.
Q3. Who can apply for the Railway Group D Exam?
Anyone who has passed 10th Class or holds an ITI/NCVT certificate within the age limit (18–33 years).
Q4. What is the exam pattern?
A single-stage CBT with 100 questions (1 mark each) followed by PET and DV / Medical Exam.
Q5. Is there negative marking?
Yes, 1/3 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
Q6. What books are best for Railway Group D preparation?
Use comprehensive guides for Maths, Reasoning, Science, and GK; practice with previous year papers and mock tests.
Q7. What is the salary of a Railway Group D employee?
Starting basic pay is ₹18,000 plus allowances as per 7th CPC.
Q8. What is the selection process?
CBT → PET → Document Verification → Medical Test.
Q9. Can a 10th pass candidate without ITI apply?
Yes, both 10th pass and ITI holders are eligible.
Q10. How should I prepare for General Awareness?
Read newspapers, monthly magazines, and GK capsules; revise important events from the past year.
Summary & Conclusion
Preparing for the Railway Group D Exam 2025 is fully achievable with discipline, strategy, and the right study plan.
In this comprehensive guide, we discussed:
Complete exam overview & vacancies
Eligibility criteria and age limits
Exam pattern and syllabus details
Smart preparation plan & section-wise tips
Cut-off trends and selection process
Job profile and salary details
Common mistakes to avoid and FAQs
Now it’s your turn to take action. Start with understanding the syllabus, make a plan, and practise consistently. Stay updated on official announcements and maintain confidence throughout your journey.
Bookmark or Visit Kolee.in for Daily Updates — including free mock tests, study plans, and the latest recruitment news from Indian Railways.
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