The Ministry of Railways, through its Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), has released the Detailed Centralized Employment Notification (CEN) No. 06/2025, inviting applications for various Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) at the graduate level. This notification, dated October 4, 2025, presents a significant opportunity for ex-servicemen looking to transition into stable civilian careers within one of India’s largest employers. With a total of 5,810 vacancies across six key posts, approximately 10%—or 580 posts—are reserved horizontally for ex-servicemen, reflecting the government’s commitment to rehabilitating those who have served the nation in the armed forces.
This recruitment drive is particularly tailored for graduates, offering roles that leverage administrative, operational, and managerial skills honed during military service. Ex-servicemen, often possessing discipline, leadership, and quick decision-making abilities, are well-suited for these positions. The horizontal reservation ensures that ex-servicemen can compete within their respective categories (UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS) while benefiting from dedicated quotas. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the specifics of the notification, focusing on aspects relevant to ex-servicemen, including eligibility, reservations, application procedures, and selection processes.
Vacancy Breakdown and Reservation for Ex-Servicemen
The vacancies are distributed across 21 RRBs, covering various zonal railways and production units. The posts are classified under different pay levels in the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), with attractive salaries and allowances. Here’s a summary of the posts and overall vacancies
| Cat. No. | Post Name | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Total Vacancies | Approximate Ex-SM Reservation (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Commercial Cum Ticket Supervisor | 6 | 161 | 16 |
| 2 | Station Master | 6 | 615 | 62 |
| 3 | Goods Train Manager | 5 | 3,416 | 342 |
| 4 | Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist | 5 | 921 | 92 |
| 5 | Senior Clerk Cum Typist | 5 | 638 | 64 |
| 6 | Traffic Assistant | 4 | 59 | 6 |
| Grand Total | 5,810 | 580 |
These figures are aggregated from RRB-wise distributions (detailed in Annexure B of the notification). For instance, RRB Mumbai offers the highest total vacancies at 596, with 61 reserved for ex-servicemen, while smaller boards like RRB Jammu-Srinagar have 32 total posts, including 3 for ex-servicemen. The reservation is horizontal, meaning ex-servicemen vacancies are carved out from the general quotas without affecting vertical reservations for SC/ST/OBC/EWS. This ensures fair representation while prioritizing veterans.
Ex-servicemen should note that posts like Station Master and Traffic Assistant fall under medical standard A2, requiring higher fitness levels, while others like Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist are C2, which may be more accommodating for those with service-related disabilities (provided they meet PwBD criteria if applicable). The distribution emphasizes operational roles like Goods Train Manager, which constitute over 58% of the total vacancies, offering ex-servicemen a chance to apply their logistical expertise from military backgrounds.
Who Qualifies as an Ex-Serviceman?
A key aspect of this notification is the clear definition of “ex-serviceman,” ensuring only eligible veterans apply. As per the CEN, an ex-serviceman is defined as a person who has served in any rank (combatant or non-combatant) in the regular Army, Navy, or Air Force of the Indian Union. This excludes service in the Defence Security Corps, General Reserve Engineering Force, Lok Sahayak Sena, or Para Military Forces.
Eligibility extends to those who:
- Have retired, been relieved, or discharged after earning a pension.
- Were relieved on medical grounds attributable to military service or circumstances beyond their control, with an awarded medical or disability pension.
- Were released due to reduction in establishment.
- Served in the Territorial Army as pension holders for continuous embodied service or broken spells of qualifying service.
- Were part of the Army Postal Service and retired without reversion to parent service with pension, or released on medical grounds with pension (including those on deputation for more than six months prior to April 14, 1987).
- Are Gallantry award winners from the Armed Forces or Territorial Army.
- Are ex-recruits boarded out or relieved on medical grounds with a granted medical disability pension (effective from February 1, 2006).
Personnel serving in the Armed Forces who are set to retire within one year from the application closing date (November 20, 2025) can apply, provided they meet educational qualifications. Such candidates must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer during document verification. This provision allows seamless transition from military to railway service, a boon for veterans nearing retirement.
Importantly, ex-servicemen must submit a self-declaration and an Employment Certificate (as per Annexure VI) during document verification to claim benefits. Failure to produce valid documents, such as the Discharge Book or Pension Payment Order, may lead to cancellation of candidature.
Age Limit and Relaxation Benefits
The base age limit for all posts is 18-33 years as of January 1, 2026 (born between January 2, 1993, and January 1, 2008, for UR candidates). However, ex-servicemen receive substantial relaxation to account for their years of service.
The relaxation is calculated as follows:
- Deduct the length of military service from the candidate’s actual age.
- Apply additional relaxation: 3 years for UR/EWS, 6 years for OBC-NCL, and 8 years for SC/ST.
This effectively means an ex-serviceman’s upper age limit can extend significantly. For example, a UR ex-serviceman with 10 years of service could apply up to age 33 + 10 + 3 = 46 years. This policy recognizes the delayed entry into civilian jobs due to military commitments and is a critical advantage for veterans.
Date of birth must match records in SSC/Matriculation/10th class certificates or equivalent. Any discrepancy could result in rejection.
Educational Qualifications and Medical Standards
All candidates, including ex-servicemen, must hold a university degree or equivalent from a recognized institution as of November 20, 2025. Provisional certificates are acceptable if the final results are declared before this date. This graduate-level requirement aligns with the administrative nature of the posts, where ex-servicemen’s educational backgrounds—often supplemented by military training—can shine.
Medical fitness is paramount, with standards varying by post:
- A2 for Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Traffic Assistant (high visual acuity, no color blindness).
- B2 for Chief Commercial Cum Ticket Supervisor.
- C2 for Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist and Senior Clerk Cum Typist.
Ex-servicemen with service-related disabilities may qualify under PwBD if their condition fits the defined benchmarks (e.g., low vision, locomotor disability). However, they must meet the post-specific standards during medical examination. The Indian Railway Medical Manual outlines these, accessible on indianrailways.gov.in.
Application Process and Fee Structure
Applications are accepted exclusively online via RRB websites (e.g., rrbahmedabad.gov.in, rrbmumbai.gov.in) from October 21, 2025, to November 20, 2025 (23:59 hours). Ex-servicemen should:
- Register on the portal with valid email and mobile number.
- Choose one RRB (non-modifiable) and preferred posts/zones.
- Upload scanned documents: Photo, signature, ex-serviceman certificate, educational proofs.
- Pay the fee and submit.
The examination fee is Rs. 250 for ex-servicemen, fully refundable upon appearing for the 1st Stage CBT (deducted as bank charges otherwise). This concessional rate eases financial burden for veterans.
Modifications are allowed from November 23 to December 2, 2025, with a Rs. 250 fee per correction (except for RRB/post changes). Scribe assistance for eligible PwBD ex-servicemen must be requested during application.
Selection Process: A Multi-Stage Evaluation
The recruitment is merit-based, with no interview, making it objective and fair for ex-servicemen accustomed to structured assessments.
- 1st Stage CBT (Common for All Posts): 90 minutes, 100 questions (40 General Awareness, 30 Mathematics, 30 General Intelligence & Reasoning). Negative marking (1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer). Qualifying marks: 40% for UR/EWS, 30% for OBC/SC/ST (relaxed for PwBD).
- 2nd Stage CBT: 90 minutes, 120 questions (50 General Awareness, 35 Mathematics, 35 General Intelligence & Reasoning). Similar marking scheme. Shortlisting based on 8 times the vacancies.
- Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): For Station Master and Traffic Assistant. No negative marking; qualifying score 42 marks per battery.
- Typing Skill Test (TST): For Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist and Senior Clerk Cum Typist. 30 WPM in English/25 WPM in Hindi (exemptions for PwBD).
- Document Verification (DV) & Medical Examination: Final stage, where ex-servicemen submit original certificates, including discharge book and pension orders.
Normalization of marks ensures fairness across shifts. Ex-servicemen benefit from community-specific cut-offs in vertical categories.
Important Dates and Tips for Ex-Servicemen
Key timelines:
- Online Registration Opens: October 21, 2025
- Closes: November 20, 2025 (23:59 hours)
- Fee Payment Deadline: November 22, 2025
- Modification Window: November 23 to December 2, 2025
- Scribe Details Submission: December 3 to 7, 2025
Ex-servicemen are advised to apply early, verify documents, and prepare for CBTs using past papers. Mock tests are available on RRB sites. In case of issues, contact RRB helplines.
Why This is a Golden Opportunity for Ex-Servicemen
Railway jobs offer job security, pensions, and allowances comparable to military service, aiding smooth reintegration into civilian life. With 580 reserved spots, this CEN underscores the value placed on veterans’ contributions. As India modernizes its railways, ex-servicemen can play a pivotal role in operations and management.
