Overview
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the zone-wise Physical Efficiency Test (PET) schedule for the RRB Group D recruitment (CEN 08/2024). This notification provides the tentative PET dates for 2026 across all RRB zones for candidates who cleared the Computer Based Test (CBT). The recruitment drive aims to fill 32,438 vacancies for various Group D posts including Track Maintainer Grade IV, Assistant Pointsman, and Helper, among others across Indian Railways. Candidates are advised to check the official RRB website for their zone-wise schedule and download their PET admit cards when released.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Post Name | Group D (Track Maintainer Grade-IV, Assistant Pointsman, Helper, etc.) |
| Total Vacancies | 32,438 |
| Application Mode | Online (via official RRB regional websites) |
| Official Website | www.rrbcdg.gov.in (or respective zonal RRB sites) |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | 23 January 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 22 February 2025 (extended to 1 March 2025 for fee payment) |
| CBT Exam Date | September–October 2025 (tentative) |
| PET/Physical Test Date | February–March 2026 (zone-wise, as per the released schedule) |
| Result/Final Merit List | To be announced (TBA) |
Note: PET dates may vary by RRB zone; candidates must check their respective zonal RRB website.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- 10th Pass or its equivalent from a recognized board (as per the official CEN 08/2024 notification).
- Candidates with a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT are also eligible.
Age Limit
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: 36 years (as of 1 January 2025)
- Age relaxation applicable as per government rules:
- OBC-NCL: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- PwBD: 10 years (additional relaxation for PwBD + OBC/SC/ST categories)
Fees
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹500 (refundable ₹400 after appearing in CBT)
- SC/ST/PwBD/Women/Transgender: ₹250 (fully refundable after appearing in CBT)
- Payment modes: Online via UPI, Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or offline via challan at any branch of Indian Bank/PNB.
Selection Process
The selection process for RRB Group D CEN 08/2024 consists of the following stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT) — A 100-mark objective exam covering Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and Current Affairs. The CBT was conducted in 2025 and candidates who cleared this stage are now eligible for the next phase.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) — A qualifying test that includes a female candidate carrying a 25 kg sandbag and walking 200 metres in 4 minutes, and male candidates running a distance of 1000 metres in 4 minutes and 15 seconds. PET is purely qualifying in nature; no marks are awarded based on physical performance.
- Document Verification — Candidates who qualify in PET will be called for document verification, during which all original certificates (educational, age proof, caste, and medical) will be scrutinized.
- Medical Examination — A final medical fitness test is conducted in accordance with Indian Railways medical standards.
How to Apply
Since the application window for CEN 08/2024 has closed, the current step is to prepare for the PET stage. If you are a new candidate looking for future RRB Group D recruitments, follow these steps when the next notification releases:
- Visit the official RRB zonal website — Navigate to the specific RRB website (e.g., RRB Chennai at www.rrbchennai.gov.in) and click on the "CEN 08/2024 Group D" link.
- Register online — Provide your basic details (name, father's name, mobile number, email ID) to generate a registration ID and password.
- Fill the application form — Enter your personal, educational, and category details accurately. Upload scanned copies of your photo (max 100 KB) and signature (max 30 KB) in JPG format.
- Pay the application fee — Choose your category and pay the applicable fee online (or via challan). Ensure you use a valid payment method and save the transaction receipt.
- Submit and print — Review all entered details, submit the form, and print a copy of the application confirmation page for future reference. Also, note your registration number for tracking updates.
Important Links
Candidates should regularly check the official RRB websites for updates on PET admit cards and zone-wise schedules.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difficulty level of the PET for RRB Group D?
The PET is qualifying in nature, not a competitive stage. Male candidates must run 1000 metres in 4 minutes 15 seconds, while female candidates must walk 200 metres carrying a 25 kg sandbag within 4 minutes. Failing the PET disqualified a candidate, but no additional marks are awarded for extra performance.
Q2: Will the PET be conducted on the same date for all RRB zones?
No, PET dates are zone-wise and may differ across RRBs. Candidates must check the schedule released by their respective zonal RRB website (e.g., RRB Ahmedabad, RRB Mumbai, etc.) for the exact date, time, and reporting instructions.
Q3: Is there any relaxation in the PET standards for female or PwBD candidates?
Yes, female candidates have a lower load (25 kg sandbag) and a different task (walking instead of running). PwBD candidates may also be exempted from the PET subject to the nature of disability and medical board recommendations, as per railway norms.
