The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Group D exam in India is a competitive examination conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board, which are government organisation responsible for the recruitment of personnel into the Indian Railways. The Group D category includes various posts such as Track Maintainer, Helper, Assistant Pointsman, and others.
Important Updates and Events
The official notification for the Railway Group D Recruitment 2023 has been unveiled. The Indian Railway Board has announced vacancies for RRB Group D positions, with approval granted for the recruitment of 170,530 individuals to these posts.
| Events | Dates |
| RRB Group D Part Panel Level 1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix | Mar 12, 2023 |
| RRB Group D Phase 1 Exam Date | Aug 2023 |
| RRB Group D Admit Card Release Date | Aug 2023 |
| RRB Group D Phase 3 Answer Key | Sep 2023 |
| City Intimation for RRB Group D Phase 5 | Sep 2023 |
| RRB Group D 2023 Result Date | Dec 2023 |
| RRB Group D Scorecard Release Date | Dec 2023 |
What is the RRB Group D exam?
The Railway Recruitment Board is a government organisation in India that appoints new employees to work in Indian Railways. The Railway Recruitment Board has been established based on evolving policies over time.
The objectives of the RRB are to rationalise the workload, expedite the selection process, conduct national-level recruitment, and bring the recruitment board closer to the candidates. It is responsible for conducting the Group D exam.
The Railway Recruitment Board will conduct the RRB Group D examination for the year 2023 on behalf of the Railway Recruitment Cell. The exam is conducted nationally for various posts such as Helper/Assistant, Track Maintainer Grade-IV, and Pointsman in various departments of the Indian Government.
RRB Group D exam is likely to be held as per the notifications from the Ministry of Railways. The entire exam comprises two computer-based tests and a physical efficiency test. The admit card release of the RRB Group D 2023 exam will be released a while before the scheduled exam dates. All the final dates and shifts for the examination will be updated in the RRB Group D exam dates section after the official announcement.
There are a total of 21 Railway Recruitment Boards set up in various cities in India. The RRB objectives include monitoring all the activities of RRBs, which includes expenditures incurred for recruitment.
The highlights for the RRB Group D exam are given in the table below.
| Exam Name | RRB Group D |
| Full Form | Railway Recruitment Board Group D |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Total Vacancies | 1,03,769 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-based test (Online) |
| Selection Stages | Computer-Based Test; Physical Efficiency Test (PET); Document Verification and Medical Examination |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | www.rrbcdg.gov.in |
Why Should One Choose RRB Group D as a Career?
Choosing a career with the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Group D can be a good option for several reasons:
- Stable Job: RRB Group D positions are government jobs, which are known for their job security and stability.
- Attractive Salary: The in-hand salary for RRB Group D posts ranges from INR 22,000 to INR 25,000 per month, with basic pay of INR 18,000 as per the 7th pay commission1.
- Perks and Allowances: Employees receive various perks and allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and more.
- Career Growth: There are opportunities for promotion and career advancement within the railway department.
- Social Impact: Working for the railways can provide a sense of contributing to the nation’s infrastructure and serving the public.
- Diverse Work Environment: The Indian Railways is one of the world’s largest employers, offering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
These factors make RRB Group D a desirable career choice for many individuals looking for a secure and rewarding job.
RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria 2023
Nationality
All interested candidates should be
- an Indian citizen, or
- a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- a Tibetan refugee (who came to India before January 01, 1962, to settle in India permanently).
Educational Qualification
- The candidate should have passed Class X, or ITI from any institution recognized by NCVT/ SCVT/ or Equivalent, or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
- If the candidate has completed a Diploma/ Engineering, the application will not be accepted.
- Candidates who are awaiting their final examination results cannot apply for RRB Group D 2023.
Age Limit
The age of the candidate must be between 18 to 33 years, to be eligible for the exam. RRB Group D age relaxations given to several reserved categories are given below.
| Categories | Age Relaxation |
| General | No Relaxation |
| Other Backward Castes (OBC) | 3 years |
| Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) | 5 years |
| Person with Disability(PwD) | 10 years |
| Person with Disability (OBC) | 13 years |
| Person with Disability (SC/ST) | 15 years |
Steps to Apply for the RRB Group D Exam
The form for RRB Group D 2023 was available online only. Given below is a walkthrough for candidates on how to register themselves for this exam successfully. The steps to apply for the exam are as follows.
- Step 1: Visit the official website of RRB of the respective RRB region.
- Step 2: Search for the link RRB Group D Recruitment Notification.
- Step 3: Click on the Apply Online button
- Step 4: Select New Registration, if the candidates are applying for the first time and have not registered before.
- Step 5: Fill up all the details like personal, contact and academic details.
- Step 6: Upload a scanned copy of the photograph and signature.
- Step 7: Proceed with the fee payment process
- Step 8: Preview the application form and submit it.
- Step 9: Take a printout of the application form for future use.
RRB Group D Exam Pattern
The RRB Group D Exam is a CBT exam i.e. a computer-based test exam. It is conducted in multiple shifts. For these multisession papers, the percentile score-based normalisation method will be used. Though railway administration reserves the right to modify the formula/adopt different formulas based on technical considerations.
RRB Group D 2023 comprises three stages which include:
- CBT (Computer-Based Test)
- PET (Physical Efficiency Test)
- DV (Document Verification)
Here is the detailed pattern for each stage of the RRB Grade D exam.
Computer-Based Test 1
| Specifications | Details |
| Exam Name | RRB Group D Computer-Based Test 1 |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes |
| Number of Sections | 4 sections: General Awareness/Current Affairs, Mathematics, General Science, General Intelligence & Reasoning |
| Total number of questions | 100 |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 of the marks will be deducted for every incorrect response. |
| Number of questions per section | General Awareness/Current Affairs- 20Mathematics- 25General Science- 25General Intelligence & Reasoning- 30 |
| Qualifying Marks | UR- 40%EWS- 40%SC- 30%ST- 30 % |
Physical Efficiency Test
The candidates who qualify for Computer-Based Test 2 will be summoned for the Physical Efficiency Test. The candidates must qualify for the PET exam, however, the marks obtained will not be counted for the final selection.
RRB Group D 2023 Syllabus
The syllabus of RRB Group D exam 2023 follows the 10th-grade level syllabus for both CBT 1 and CBT 2:
- Mathematics
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- General Science
- General Awareness and Current Affairs.
Mathematics Syllabus
| BODMAS | Ratio & Proportion | Square Root |
| Decimals | Time & Distance | Calendar & Clock |
| LCM & HCF | Profit & Loss | Age Calculations |
| Fractions | Time & Work | Pipes & Cistern |
| Percentage | Simple & Compound Interest | Mensuration |
| Algebra | Geometry & Trigonometry | Elementary Statistics |
General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus
| Coding & Decoding | Data Interpretation & Sufficiency |
| Analogies | Conclusions & Decision making |
| Jumbling | Analytical Reasoning |
| Directions | Classification |
| Venn Diagram | Statement Arguments & Assumptions |
| Syllogism | Alphabetical & Number Series |
| Relations | Similarities & Differences |
General Science Syllabus
| Physics | Chemistry | Mathematics |
Note: The questions asked in the General Science paper would be of the grade level 10.
General Awareness Syllabus
| Indian Railways | Sports | Indian History |
| Indian Constitution | Culture | Indian Geography |
| Books & Authors | Politics | Countries & Capital |
| Indian Economy | Personalities | Countries & Currencies |
| Awards & Recognition | Union Budget | Science & Technology |
Examination Cutoff & Results
RRB Group D Cut Off 2023 shall be published on the official website of RRB, along with the results. To check the results and cutoff visit here.
The list of RRBs available are:
- Ahmedabad
- Ajmer
- Allahabad
- Bangalore
- Bhopal
- Bhubaneshwar
- Bilaspur
- Chandigarh
- Chennai
- Gorakhpur
- Guwahati
- Jammu
- Kolkata
- Malda
- Mumbai
- Muzaffarpur
- Patna
- Ranchi
- Secunderabad
- Siliguri
- Trivandrum
RRB Group D Vacancies 2023
The total number of vacancies reserved for the PWBD category is 4,326, while for the backward PWBD is 112, and for the ExSM/CCAA is 20,734 (expected).
The total number of vacancies available is listed below:
| RRB City | Zone | General | OBC | SC | ST | Total Vacancies |
| Ahmedabad | WE | 3056 | 1653 | 901 | 477 | 6087 |
| Ajmer | NWR | 2493 | 1198 | 704 | 360 | 4755 |
| Allahabad | NCR | 2533 | 1141 | 736 | 352 | 4762 |
| Bangalore | SWR | 1184 | 596 | 346 | 167 | 2293 |
| Bhubaneshwar | ECOR | 783 | 346 | 245 | 158 | 1532 |
| Bilaspur | SECR | 587 | 317 | 168 | 87 | 1159 |
| Chandigarh | NR | 3955 | 2113 | 1174 | 590 | 7832 |
| Chennai | SR | 1550 | 666 | 431 | 332 | 2979 |
| Gorakhpur | NER | 1686 | 926 | 500 | 276 | 3388 |
| Guwahati | NFR | 1304 | 696 | 284 | 193 | 2577 |
| Kolkata | ER | 1155 | 654 | 355 | 203 | 2367 |
| Mumbai | CR | 2321 | 1236 | 675 | 393 | 4625 |
| Patna | ECR | 3016 | 1614 | 899 | 450 | 5981 |
| Ranchi | SER | 1240 | 662 | 426 | 197 | 2525 |
| Secunderabad | SCR | 3254 | 1723 | 1016 | 530 | – |
RRB Group D Salary & Job Profile
Salary
The RRB Group D posts offer an in-hand salary of Rs. 22,000-25,000/- per month with basic pay of Rs. 18,000/- as per the 7th pay commission.
The salary range for the positions is INR 18,000–INR 56,900 per month.
The employees are also awarded attractive perks and allowances. In addition to the basic salary, candidates are entitled to the following allowances and benefits:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Daily Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Allowance for Night Duty
- Medical Facilities
- Overtime Allowance
- Conveyance Allowance to Doctors
- Special Compensatory Allowances for candidates from (Tribal/Scheduled Area)
- Special Allowance to Railway School Teachers
The salary structure following the 7th Pay Commission varies based on the pay band and entry-level group pay. Here’s a breakdown of the post-wise pay scale for the positions:
| Pay Band | Pay Scale | Entry Level RRB Group D Group Pay |
| PB-1 (Rs. 15,600-60,600) | Rs. 5,400 | Rs. 21,000 |
| PB-1 (Rs. 15,600-60,600) | Rs. 5,700 | Rs. 23,190 |
| PB-1 (Rs. 15,600-60,600) | Rs. 6,000 | Rs. 25,380 |
| PB-1 (Rs. 15,600-60,600) | Rs. 7,200 | Rs. 29,730 |
| PB-1 (Rs. 15,600-60,600) | Rs. 8,400 | Rs. 34,080 |
| PB-2 (Rs. 29,900-1,04,400) | Rs. 12,600 | Rs. 40,500 |
| PB-2 (Rs. 29,900-1,04,400) | Rs. 13,800 | Rs. 51,420 |
| PB-3 (Rs. 29,900-1,04,400) | Rs. 14,400 | Rs. 54,450 |
| PB-3 (Rs. 29,900-1,04,400) | Rs. 16,200 | Rs. 63,000 |
| PB-4 (Rs. 46,800-1,17,300) | Rs. 19,800 | Rs. 76,590 |
| PB-4 (Rs. 46,800-1,17,300) | Rs. 22,800 | Rs. 88,500 |
| PB-5 (Rs. 1,12,200-2,01,000) | Rs. 26,100 | Rs. 1,38,300 |
| PB-5 (Rs. 1,12,200-2,01,000) | Rs. 26,700 | Rs. 1,47,300 |
| PB-5 (Rs. 1,12,200-2,01,000) | Rs. 30,000 | Rs. 1,59,000 |
Job Profile
RRB Group D comprises several departments, including Mechanical, Electrical, Engineering, Signal & Telecommunication, Stores, Medical, and Traffic. Here’s a brief overview of the job roles:
- Assistant Workshop (Mechanical): Responsible for coach and wagon maintenance.
- Assistant (Carriage & Wagon) Mechanical: Deals with maintenance tasks like trip schedule, brake power certificate, etc.
- Assistant Bridge (Engineering): Assists in bridge construction, material procurement, and design.
- Assistant Loco Shed/ Diesel (Mechanical): Manages diesel locomotive overhauls.
- Assistant Depot (Stores): Procures and supplies components for maintenance.
- Assistant Loco Shed (Electrical): Handles electrical maintenance of locomotives.
- Assistant Pointsman (Traffic): Operates switches and directs trains.
- Assistant Operations (Electrical): Ensures electrical supply and maintenance.
- Assistant S&T (Signal & Telecom): Provides signals, and works with the interlocking system.
- Assistant TL & AC (Electrical): Manages train lighting and AC systems.
- Assistant Track Machine (Engineering): Repairs machines and maintains tools.
- Assistant TL & AC/ Workshop (Electrical): Ensures tools and electrical appliances function correctly.
- Assistant Works (Engineering): Involved in manufacturing rail assets and design improvements.
- Assistant Traction Distribution (Electrical): Maintains electrical assets and power supply installations.
- Assistant Works/ Workshop (Engineering): Assists in manufacturing and welding work.
- Track Maintainer Group-IV (Mechanical): Maintains and repairs tracks.
- Hospital Assistant (Medical): Provides medical care to passengers and maintains medical equipment.
FAQs
Ques. What is the salary of Group D in railway during the training period?
Ans: Candidates recruited to every post are entitled to a basic salary amounting to Rs. 18,000 and Rs. 22,500-Rs. 25,380 as gross salary. In case, you’re not satisfied with this salary, look out for other exams like SBI PO, UPSC IES, UGC NET, XAT, CAT, UPSC CSE, CDS, etc.
Ques. How many stages are there in the RRB Group D exam?
Ans: There are 4 stages in RRB Group D namely Computer Based Test (CBT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification DV, and Medical Fitness Test.
Ques. Are there any qualifying marks in the RRB Group D exam?
Ans: Yes, candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks to pass the RRB Group D exam. The qualifying marks for UR/ EWS/ OBC/ SC/ ST category candidates are 40/ 40/ 30/ 30/ 30 respectively. There is a 2% relaxation for PWD candidates.
Ques: What are the eligibility criteria for the RRB Group D 2023 Exam?
Ans. Eligibility criteria include being an Indian citizen or meeting certain conditions for nationality, an age range of 18 to 33 years, with age relaxations for specific categories, and educational qualifications of Class 10 pass with a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) or ITI.
Ques. How to crack the RRB Group D exam?
Ans: Candidates must create a preparation strategy and follow it to cover all the topics. Following are some tips for candidates to ace their preparation:
- Aspirants should make a list of important topics by analysing the weightage of each topic in previous years’ question papers.
- The concepts should be cleared first for each topic and then keep the scope for 2-3 times revisions in regular intervals.
- Memorise the important formulas, tricks, and definitions.
- Read newspapers regularly and keep track of important events.
- Solve puzzles regularly to improve logical skills.
