If you are one of the 1 crore plus aspirants hoping for a secure job in Indian Railways, there is finally some clear news. The Railway Recruitment Board has given a strong update on the 2025 Group D exam schedule for 32,438 Level-1 posts.
The endless wait and rumors can stop now. The exam is expected to begin in mid-November. But what is the full update and what does this mean for your preparation? Let’s go step by step.
RRB Group D Official Notice: Dates Confirmed
On September 8, 2025, RRB released a notice on its regional websites. It confirmed that the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for Group D will start on November 17, 2025, and continue till the end of December.
This is a massive recruitment drive with 1.08 crore applicants for posts like Track Maintainer, Helper/Assistant, and Pointsman. The late-year slot is due to a case related to ITI eligibility, which is listed for hearing on October 30, 2025. Unless anything changes after the hearing, this is the schedule to follow.
Key Timeline: What To Expect Next
The detailed schedule will come soon, most likely as a PDF on official RRB sites like rrbcdg.gov.in. Till then, here’s the expected timeline you need to keep in mind:
| Event | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Status Check | September-October 2025 |
| Exam City Intimation Slip | 10 days before your exam date |
| Admit Card Release | 4 days before your exam date |
| CBT Exam | November 17 to end of December 2025 |
| Physical Efficiency Test (PET) | After CBT results (qualifying stage) |
| Document Verification & Medical | Post-PET shortlisting |
The city slip will show your exam city, while the admit card will have exact center, shift, and instructions. You can download them with your registration number and date of birth. Keep a print copy with a valid photo ID like Aadhaar.
Exam Shifts and Pattern
With such a large number of candidates, RRB will hold three shifts daily. Morning shift will start at 9 AM (report by 7:30 AM). Afternoon shift at 12:45 PM (report by 11:15 AM). Evening shift at 5 PM (report by 3:30 PM). Do not be late, as gates will close early.
The CBT will run for 90 minutes with 100 questions. Subject-wise breakup is:
- Mathematics – 25 questions
- Reasoning – 30 questions
- General Science – 25 questions
- General Awareness – 20 questions
There is negative marking, so every wrong answer will cut 1/3 mark. After CBT, shortlisted candidates will appear for PET. For men, it includes running 35 km in 2.5 hours or lifting 35 kg. For women, it is 20 km in 2 hours 15 minutes or lifting 20 kg. PET is only qualifying. Scores do not count. Then comes document check and medical.
How To Prepare With This Timeline
You now have around two months to sharpen your prep. With more than 32,000 jobs but over 1 crore applicants, competition will be tough. Focus on basics, as the syllabus is 10th level. General awareness and current affairs will also play a big role.
Here are some useful tips:
- Take regular 90-minute mock tests to build speed and avoid mistakes.
- Strengthen science and math topics like percentages, ratios, physics, and chemistry.
- Work on fitness from now itself, as PET is qualifying but strict.
- Follow official RRB sites only. Do not trust WhatsApp forwards or fake PDFs.
Eligibility is 10th pass, age limit 18–36 years (with relaxations). Starting salary is around ₹18,000 with perks like free travel.
Why Group D Matters
Railways is not just a workplace, it keeps the country running. Filling these posts will improve track work, signals, and operations. Past delays made aspirants restless, but now with confirmed dates, it is time to focus. On X, reactions are mixed between relief and strategy sharing.
If the court case brings a change, RRB will announce it. For now, the best plan is to study hard, stay fit, and keep track of updates. Your chance at a railway career is closer than ever.
