In a significant recruitment drive, the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially announced vacancy for graduate and undergraduate in Railway through the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) scheme for the year 2025. A total of 8,875 posts have been approved across India, opening opportunities for both 12th pass (undergraduate) and degree holders (graduate) to join the Indian Railways.
This move brings fresh hope to many aspirants waiting for a stable government job in the railway sector. Below, we break down all the essential details – from eligibility, post types, zone-wise distribution, selection process, pay scales, and what candidates should do next.
Table of Contents
Key Highlights of Vacancy for Graduate and Undergraduate in Railway
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Recruitment | RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 8,875 |
| Graduate Level Vacancies | 5,817 |
| Undergraduate Level Vacancies | 3,058 |
| Salary Range | ₹19,900 to ₹35,400 (depending on post) |
| Selection Stages | CBT-1, CBT-2, Skill / Typing, Document Verification, Medical Exam |
| Eligibility | 10+2 (for undergrad posts) / Graduation (for grad posts) |
| Age Limit | 18–33 years (UG), 18–36 years (Grad), with relaxations |
What Does “Vacancy for Graduate and Undergraduate in Railway” Mean?
When the RRB refers to vacancy for graduate and undergraduate in Railway, it means there are specific posts reserved for candidates based on their educational qualification level:
- Undergraduate level posts: These are roles for candidates who have completed 10+2 (Class 12 or equivalent). No degree is required.
- Graduate level posts: These roles require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
This dual-level recruitment ensures that opportunities are available for a broader range of aspirants – those who have taken the 12th route as well as those who proceeded to complete a degree.
Graduate Level Vacancies (5,817 Posts)
Out of the total 8,875 posts, a substantial portion—5,817—are dedicated to graduate level roles. These positions are for degree holders and include some crucial railway jobs such as:
- Station Master (Traffic / Operating)
- Goods Train Manager (Operating)
- Traffic Assistant (Metro Railway)
- Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor (CCTS)
- Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist (JAA)
- Senior Clerk cum Typist
- … and more
Graduate Posts & Pay Levels
Each post carries a specific pay level under the 7th Central Pay Commission norms. Depending on the post, the pay range generally lies between ₹29,200 and ₹35,400.
For example:
- Station Master (Level-6) may attract up to ₹35,400
- Goods Train Manager / JAA etc. (Level-5) are pegged at ₹29,200 (or nearby)
Zone-Wise Distribution
The graduate category vacancies are also broken down across different railway zones. Some examples:
- Eastern Railway (ER): 1,006
- East Central Railway (ECR): 632
- South East Central Railway (SECR): 841
- West Central Railway (WCR): 449
- Western Railway (WR): 447
- … and so on
This zone-wise breakdown helps candidates know how many positions are available in a region they may prefer or belong to.
Undergraduate Level Vacancies (3,058 Posts)
Alongside graduate posts, 3,058 vacancies are open for candidates with 10+2 (Class 12) qualification. These include roles such as:
- Trains Clerk (Traffic / Operating)
- Commercial cum Ticket Clerk (CCTC)
- Accounts Clerk cum Typist
- Junior Clerk cum Typist
Undergrad Posts & Pay Scale
For undergraduate level roles, the starting pay is typically in Level-2 or Level-3 of the pay matrix. The approximate salary range lies between ₹19,900 and ₹21,700, depending on the role.
For example:
- Junior Clerk / Accounts Clerk / Trains Clerk (Level-2): ₹19,900
- Commercial cum Ticket Clerk (Level-3): ₹21,700
Zone-Wise Distribution
Just like graduate roles, undergrad vacancies are also divided across railway zones. Some zone allocations include:
- North Eastern Railway (NER): 168
- Northern Railway (NR): 405
- Western Railway (WR): 484
- South Central Railway (SCR): 292
- Central Railway, etc.
This spread gives aspiring candidates more clarity about chances in their target zones.
Why the Recruitment is Important
- Opportunity for many educational levels
By opening posts for both graduates and undergraduates, RRB ensures inclusivity of opportunities. Aspirants from various academic backgrounds can try for a railway job. - Job security & benefits
Railway jobs remain in high demand due to job stability, good salary, allowances, and benefits such as pension, health care, etc. - Large scale recruitment
A total of 8,875 vacancies is a substantial count, promising a massive recruitment drive across many railway zones. - Merit & transparent selection
The multi-stage selection process is designed to filter candidates fairly and transparently, based on performance and eligibility.
Comparing 2024 vs 2025 Vacancies
This year’s total (8,875) is lower than in 2024, when RRB had approved 11,558 posts. The breakdown comparison:
| Category | 2024 Vacancies | 2025 Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate | 8,113 | 5,817 |
| Undergraduate | 3,445 | 3,058 |
| Total | 11,558 | 8,875 |
Thus, while the recruitment in 2025 is still significant, the number of opportunities has decreased in comparison to the previous year.
Eligibility Criteria in Detail
To be eligible for the vacancy for graduate and undergraduate in Railway, candidates must meet these criteria:
Nationality
- Candidate should be an Indian citizen, or
- Eligible persons from Nepal / Bhutan or Tibetan refugees (before Jan 1, 1962), or
- Persons of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries, willing to settle permanently in India.
Age Limit
- Undergraduate posts (12th pass level): 18 to 33 years
- Graduate posts (degree level): 18 to 36 years
- Relaxations:
- OBC: +3 years
- SC / ST: +5 years
- PwD (Persons with Disability): +10 to 15 years (depending on category)
- Ex-servicemen, Govt. / Railway employees: as per rules
Educational Qualification
- Undergraduate posts: 10+2 (Class 12) or equivalent from a recognized board
- Graduate posts: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent
Candidates must possess the required qualification by a date specified in the official notification (to be published).
Steps for Aspirants: What to Do Next
- Wait for the official detailed notification (CEN)
The Railway Recruitment Board will publish a Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) soon, which will contain all instructions, application links, dates, eligibility, etc. - Download and read the official PDF carefully
It will include region-wise vacancies, post codes, eligibility criteria, procedure, exam patterns, fees, important dates, and instructions. - Check eligibility thoroughly
Confirm that your age, qualification, nationality, and other criteria match. Don’t skip this, as disqualification at later stages can cost you the opportunity. - Prepare for exams
Start revising General Awareness, Mathematics, Reasoning, and practice mock tests for the CBT stages. For applicable posts, prep for typing or aptitude test as well. - Keep documents ready
Maintain scanned and physical copies of identity proof, educational certificates, photographs, signature, category certificates (if applicable), etc. - Stay updated on zone-wise postings
Once vacancy zone allocations are out, decide which zones you would prefer to apply in and verify the count in that zone.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Just because there is a vacancy for graduate and undergraduate in Railway doesn’t mean all posts are open for everyone; each post has its own educational and age criteria.
- The posts are distributed zone-wise; a candidate must check in which zone the vacancies are available and whether they meet eligibility for that zone.
- In some posts, additional tests like typing or aptitude tests (CBAT) may apply; don’t ignore those.
- Marks in CBT-2 matter for final merit—CBT-1 is often screening in nature.
- Age and qualification must be valid as on specific dates given in the official notification. Delays or late updates in qualification won’t usually be accepted.
- Always trust the official RRB websites for updates, not unofficial sources.
Final Thoughts
The vacancy for graduate and undergraduate in Railway announcement brings new hope for thousands of aspirants. With 8,875 posts on offer, the RRB is ensuring a broad range of opportunities for both 12th pass candidates and degree holders. While the number of vacancies is lower compared to 2024, this recruitment still offers a massive gateway into a stable career with the Indian Railways.
If you are eligible and motivated, start your preparation now. Watch for the official notification, review all instructions carefully, and gear up for the journey ahead. Railway jobs are competitive, but with proper effort, strategy, and consistency, you can aim to succeed.
