RRB JE Recruitment The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, have announced one of the most awaited notifications of the year RRB CEN 05/2025. This recruitment drive aims to fill vacancies for Junior Engineer (JE), Depot Material Superintendent (DMS), and Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant (CMA) across various RRBs in India. With a total of 2570 vacancies, this recruitment offers a golden opportunity for engineering graduates and diploma holders who are seeking a stable and prestigious government job in the railway sector. Selected candidates will be appointed under Pay Level-6 of the 7th CPC, with an attractive starting salary of ₹35,400/- per month along with other allowances and benefits.
RRB JE Recruitment Vacancy Details:
- Junior Engineer (JE) – Multiple vacancies across all RRBs.
- Depot Material Superintendent (DMS) – Vacancies under Level–6 Pay Matrix.
- Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant (CMA) – Technical posts in railways.
Total Vacancies – 2570 (tentative, across all participating RRBs).
Age Limit for RRB JE:
Minimum Age Requirement: For all candidates applying under the RRB CEN 05/2025 notification, the minimum age limit is 18 years. This ensures that only individuals who have reached adulthood and are capable of handling the responsibilities of railway jobs are eligible. Candidates below 18 years will not be permitted to apply under any circumstances. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Maximum Age for General Candidates: The maximum age limit for General or Unreserved category candidates is 33 years as on 1st January 2026. This means applicants must have been born not earlier than 02-01-1993 and not later than 01-01-2008. Beyond this age, candidates are not eligible to apply unless they fall under a reserved category. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Age Relaxation for OBC Candidates: Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC Non-Creamy Layer) are entitled to a relaxation of 3 years in the upper age limit. Therefore, OBC applicants can apply up to 36 years of age. This relaxation has been provided by the government to ensure fair representation of backward communities. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Age Relaxation for SC/ST Candidates: The Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates receive a relaxation of 5 years in the maximum age limit. Hence, SC/ST candidates can apply until the age of 38 years. This extended age limit provides more opportunities for candidates belonging to socially disadvantaged communities. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Relaxation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Candidates who fall under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category are granted additional age relaxations. The relaxation is 10 years for General candidates, 13 years for OBC, and 15 years for SC/ST candidates. This ensures inclusivity and equal employment opportunities for differently-abled candidates. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Age Relaxation for Ex-Servicemen: Ex-Servicemen who have served in the armed forces are given special consideration in age criteria. They are allowed age relaxation up to the extent of service rendered in defence plus 3 years, subject to a maximum age of 40 years. This helps retired defence personnel secure stable government jobs post-service. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Relaxation for Railway Staff Candidates: Candidates who are already working in Indian Railways in Group “C” and Group “D” posts, including casual labour and substitutes, and have put in at least 3 years of service, are eligible for age relaxation up to 40 years (UR), 43 years (OBC), and 45 years (SC/ST). This rule supports career progression for existing employees. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Relaxation for Candidates Domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir: Applicants who have been domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir between 1st January 1980 and 31st December 1989 are eligible for an upper age relaxation of 5 years. This relaxation is provided to support candidates from the conflict-affected region and improve their chances of employment in government jobs. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Relaxation for Widows, Divorced Women, and Women Judicially Separated: Special relaxation is provided for women candidates who are widows, divorced, or judicially separated and not remarried. They are allowed to apply up to the age of 35 years for UR, 38 years for OBC, and 40 years for SC/ST. This provision has been introduced to empower women and provide them with better job opportunities.
Important Notes on Age Calculation: The crucial date for age calculation is 01-01-2026. Candidates must ensure their date of birth falls within the prescribed limits after considering relaxations. Age relaxation benefits are applicable only upon submission of valid supporting documents. Without proper certificates, claims for relaxation will not be accepted by RRBs. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Educational Qualification Details for RRB JE:
Basic Eligibility for All Posts: Candidates applying under RRB CEN 05/2025 must have completed Diploma or Degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institute. Only candidates with the prescribed technical qualifications will be considered eligible to apply for Junior Engineer, DMS, and CMA posts.
Qualification for Junior Engineer (JE): For the post of Junior Engineer (JE), applicants should have a 3-year Diploma in Engineering or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology in the relevant discipline. The qualification should be obtained from a recognized university, and candidates with higher qualifications are also accepted. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Branches Accepted for JE Recruitment: Different engineering branches such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Information Technology, Computer Science, and allied streams are accepted for JE recruitment. Candidates should carefully check the detailed notification to verify if their engineering branch is eligible under the specific post. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Qualification for Depot Material Superintendent (DMS): For the post of Depot Material Superintendent (DMS), the essential qualification is a Diploma in Engineering from any discipline. This post does not restrict applicants to a specific branch of engineering, which means candidates from all engineering streams can apply. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Qualification for Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant (CMA): Candidates applying for the post of Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant (CMA) must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Science with Physics and Chemistry as core subjects. This qualification ensures that only candidates with strong scientific knowledge are recruited for CMA roles. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Recognition of Institutions and Universities: All educational qualifications must be obtained from AICTE/UGC-recognized universities or institutions. Degrees and diplomas from unrecognized or unauthorized institutes will not be considered valid. Candidates are required to produce original certificates during document verification. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Final Year Candidates’ Eligibility: Final year students who are awaiting their results are not eligible to apply for RRB CEN 05/2025. Only candidates who have successfully completed their diploma or degree and can produce proof of qualification by the closing date of application will be allowed to appear for the examination. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Equivalent Qualifications Considered: The RRB also accepts certain equivalent qualifications approved by the government. However, candidates must produce equivalence certificates issued by competent authorities. Without proper equivalence proof, their application will be rejected at the document verification stage.
Technical Skills and Computer Knowledge: Since these are technical posts, candidates must have sound knowledge of engineering principles, problem-solving, and computer applications. Basic knowledge of working with computers, drafting software, and handling technical data will be an added advantage during recruitment and service. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Important Notes on Qualification Criteria: Candidates should carefully go through the post-wise qualification table given in the detailed notification. In case of discrepancies, the decision of the Railway Recruitment Board will be final. Submitting false information or invalid certificates regarding educational qualification will lead to immediate disqualification.
Application Fee Details for RRB JE:
Application Fee for General Category: Candidates belonging to the General (UR) category are required to pay an application fee of ₹500/- while submitting the online form. This amount is non-refundable except for the partial refund after CBT participation. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Fee for OBC Category Candidates: Applicants who fall under the Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non Creamy Layer) category also need to pay ₹500/- as their application fee. Just like UR candidates, they too are eligible for partial refund once they appear for the examination.
Fee for SC/ST Candidates: For candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories, the application fee is reduced to ₹250/- only. This concession is provided to encourage participation from economically and socially weaker sections. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Fee for PwBD Candidates: Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are also eligible for a reduced fee structure. They need to pay only ₹250/-, making it easier for differently-abled candidates to apply for RRB technical posts. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Fee for Women Candidates: All categories of women candidates, including widows, divorced women, and judicially separated women not remarried, have to pay just ₹250/- as the application fee. This relaxation aims to promote equal opportunities for women in railway jobs.
Refund of Examination Fee: Candidates who attend the First Stage CBT (Computer Based Test) are eligible for a refund. UR/OBC candidates will get ₹400 refunded out of ₹500, while SC/ST/PwBD/Women/Minority/Economically Backward candidates will get the full ₹250 refunded. Refunds will be processed online to the bank accounts used during registration.
Mode of Payment: The examination fee can be paid through multiple channels such as Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Candidates may also choose offline payment through SBI Challan or Post Office Challan, depending on availability. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Non-Refundable Conditions: The fee once paid cannot be fully refunded if the candidate fails to appear for CBT. Also, if the application is rejected due to incorrect details, invalid documents, or eligibility issues, the fee will not be refunded under any circumstances. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Fee for Minority and Economically Backward Class Candidates: Candidates belonging to Minority communities and Economically Backward Classes (EBC) are required to pay only ₹250/- as their examination fee. This facility ensures fair opportunities for all sections of society to participate in RRB recruitments.
Important Notes Regarding Fee Payment: It is crucial that the application fee is paid before the last date of online registration. Incomplete or unpaid applications will not be accepted. Candidates should keep a digital receipt or challan copy as proof of payment, which may be required during the verification process.
Important Dates for RRB JE:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of Official Notification | October 2025 |
| Opening of Online Application | 31st October 2025 |
| Closing of Online Application | 30th November 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment (Online) | To be notified soon |
| Last Date for Fee Payment (Offline Challan) | To be notified soon |
| Correction Window for Application Form | To be announced |
| Release of Admit Card for CBT Stage 1 | Expected in December 2025 |
| CBT Stage 1 Examination Date | January – February 2026 (Tentative) |
| Result of CBT Stage 1 | To be notified |
| CBT Stage 2 Examination Date | To be announced |
| Document Verification & Medical Test | After CBT 2 Results |
Exam Details and Syllabus for RRB JE:
Overview of the Examination: The RRB JE, DMS & CMA recruitment will be conducted through Computer-Based Tests (CBTs) followed by document verification and medical tests. The exam will be objective type with multiple-choice questions. Candidates must qualify at every stage to proceed to the next.
Exam Pattern Structure: The recruitment consists of two stages of CBT. The first stage CBT is a screening test with basic questions, while the second stage CBT is more detailed and subject-specific. Both exams will be conducted online, and negative marking will apply for wrong answers.
First Stage CBT – Subjects Covered: The first stage CBT will test candidates on Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and General Science. It is designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude, reasoning skills, and basic scientific knowledge. (RRB JE Recruitment)
First Stage CBT – Marks and Duration: The first stage CBT will have around 100 questions for 100 marks, with a time duration of 90 minutes. Each question carries one mark, and 0.33 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer. This stage is only qualifying in nature. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Second Stage CBT – Subjects Covered: The second stage CBT will focus on General Awareness, Physics & Chemistry, Basics of Computers and Applications, Basics of Environment & Pollution Control, and Technical Subjects. This stage will test both general knowledge and in-depth technical expertise.
Second Stage CBT – Marks and Duration: The second stage CBT will consist of 150 questions for 150 marks, with a time duration of 120 minutes. Out of these, 100 questions will be from technical subjects, while the remaining 50 questions will cover general topics like awareness and science.
Syllabus for Mathematics: The Mathematics section will cover topics such as Number System, Algebra, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Distance, Profit & Loss, Percentage, Simple & Compound Interest, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Statistics. This section checks numerical ability and accuracy.
Syllabus for General Intelligence & Reasoning: This section will include Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Puzzles, Blood Relations, Syllogism, Data Interpretation, Venn Diagrams, Statement-Conclusion, and Decision Making. It evaluates logical thinking and analytical skills of candidates. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Syllabus for General Awareness and Science: General Awareness will focus on Current Affairs, Indian Constitution, History, Geography, Economy, and Railway-related knowledge. General Science will cover Physics, Chemistry, and Life Science (up to 10th standard level). This ensures candidates have strong fundamentals. (RRB JE Recruitment)
Syllabus for Technical Subjects: The technical subjects will vary based on the discipline of candidates. For JE, subjects include Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Science Engineering concepts. For CMA, Physics & Chemistry at graduation level will be asked. For DMS, questions will be from general engineering topics.
Selection Process:
Overview of the RRB JE, DMS & CMA Selection Process: The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has a well-organized selection process for recruiting Junior Engineer (JE), Depot Material Superintendent (DMS), and Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant (CMA). The process is conducted in multiple stages to evaluate candidates’ aptitude, technical skills, and suitability for railway services. It involves two computer-based tests (CBT-I and CBT-II), followed by document verification and a medical fitness test. Only those who qualify at each stage progress further.
Computer-Based Test (CBT-I) – Preliminary Screening: The first step in the recruitment process is the Computer-Based Test (CBT-I). This stage primarily serves as a screening exam to shortlist candidates for the next phase. It consists of objective-type questions from Mathematics, General Intelligence, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Science. The test is conducted online at different exam centers across the country. Candidates need to score above the cut-off marks to qualify.
Syllabus & Subjects Covered in CBT-I: The CBT-I exam is moderate in difficulty and focuses on basic problem-solving, reasoning, and general knowledge. Mathematics questions cover topics such as number systems, percentages, algebra, and geometry. Reasoning evaluates logical thinking and decision-making abilities. General Awareness includes current affairs, history, geography, polity, and railway-related knowledge. Science questions are mostly from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology fundamentals studied at the school level.
Computer-Based Test (CBT-II) – Technical Examination: Candidates who clear CBT-I are eligible for CBT-II, which is more detailed and technical. This stage directly tests the candidate’s subject knowledge in engineering and related fields. The paper includes sections on General Awareness, Physics & Chemistry, Basics of Computer Applications, Environmental Studies, and core technical subjects. The exam is more challenging than CBT-I, and its marks play a vital role in final selection.
Technical Subjects Weightage in CBT-II: The technical section of CBT-II carries maximum marks and is the most important part of the exam. Questions are based on candidates’ chosen engineering discipline such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics. For CMA posts, the paper emphasizes Chemistry and Metallurgy. This stage ensures only technically proficient candidates move forward in the recruitment cycle. Strong subject knowledge is key to success here.
Document Verification (DV) Stage: After qualifying CBT-II, candidates are called for Document Verification (DV). At this stage, applicants must produce original certificates for educational qualifications, identity proof, caste or category (if applicable), and other eligibility documents. The authorities thoroughly cross-check details provided during the application process. Any mismatch or false information can result in disqualification. Hence, accuracy and authenticity of records are very important.
Medical Fitness Test and Standards: Alongside document verification, candidates undergo a medical fitness test as per railway standards. This step ensures candidates are physically and medically fit to perform duties. Medical requirements differ for each post, covering aspects like vision, hearing, and overall health. The standards are strict since railway jobs demand alertness and safety. Only those declared medically fit are considered for the final merit list.
Merit List and Final Selection Process: The final merit list is prepared based on marks obtained in CBT-II, combined with results of medical fitness. CBT-I is qualifying in nature, while CBT-II marks determine the ranking. RRB ensures transparency by publishing results online. Selection is made strictly on merit, reservation rules, and availability of vacancies. Once finalized, candidates are allotted posts and zones according to their preference and performance.
Normalization of Marks in Multi-Shift Exams: Since exams are held in multiple shifts, RRB applies a normalization process to ensure fairness. This system adjusts scores based on the relative difficulty of different exam sessions. It prevents any candidate from gaining undue advantage due to easier papers in certain shifts. Normalization is a widely used and transparent method in large-scale competitive exams, including railway recruitment.
Final Summary of the RRB Selection Stages: To sum up, the RRB recruitment process for JE, DMS, and CMA posts consists of four main stages: CBT-I, CBT-II, Document Verification, and Medical Examination. Each step filters candidates on the basis of knowledge, skills, and fitness. The process is rigorous yet fair, aiming to recruit the most suitable candidates. Aspirants must prepare systematically and focus equally on technical subjects and general aptitude to secure a position in Indian Railways.
Important Documents Required:
- Matriculation / 10th Class Certificate (for proof of date of birth and name).
- Higher Secondary / 12th Marksheet (if applicable).
- Educational Qualification Certificates (Diploma/Degree in Engineering, Science, or relevant field).
- Provisional/Final Degree Certificate issued by a recognized university/institution.
- Mark sheets of all semesters/years of the prescribed qualification.
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if claiming reservation benefits – must be in prescribed RRB format.
- Disability Certificate (for PwBD candidates) issued by a competent medical authority.
- Ex-Servicemen Certificate (if applicable) for those claiming age/fee relaxation.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) for candidates already employed in Government/PSUs.
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for identity verification).
- Caste/Community Certificate (for candidates under reserved categories).
- Domicile/Residential Certificate (if required by specific RRB).
- Minority Community Declaration on non-judicial stamp paper (if applicable).
- Medical Fitness Certificate (as per RRB guidelines, after the exam stage).
- Two recent passport-size photographs (same as uploaded in the online application).
