The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) of the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, have released the Centralized Employment Notice (CEN) No. 04/2025 for the recruitment of Section Controller posts. This is a significant opportunity for graduates aiming for a Level 6 position within the prestigious Indian Railways. The post involves crucial operational duties, specifically controlling and monitoring train movements on a given section, making it a high-responsibility, high-impact role in the Indian railway system .
A total of 368 vacancies are available across various Zonal Railways and RRBs. The entire application process, including account creation and fee payment, must be completed online. Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, including the strict Medical Standard A-2, before the closing date.
Organization Overview
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) function under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, and are responsible for recruiting personnel for various Group 'C' posts in the Zonal Railways and Production Units. This specific recruitment, CEN 04/2025, is for the graduate-level post of Section Controller. This role is pivotal for railway operations, ensuring the safety and timely movement of trains.
Vacancy Details
The recruitment drive covers 368 total vacancies for the Section Controller post across all participating RRBs. This is a Group 'C' post in Level 6 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
| Sl. No. | Name of the Post | Level in 7th CPC | Initial Pay (Rs.) | Total Vacancies (All RRBs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Section Controller | 6 | 35,400 | 368 |
The vacancies are provisionally distributed across all RRBs, with horizontal reservation available for Ex-Servicemen (ExSM) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). For example, the distribution of the 368 seats includes 174 seats for UR, 56 for SC, 34 for ST, 80 for OBC, and 24 for EWS.
Eligibility Criteria
The crucial date for reckoning age and educational qualification is specified by the RRB.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit (as on 01.01.2026) |
The prescribed age is 20 to 33 years.
|
| Educational Qualification | A Graduate Degree from a recognized University or its equivalent. [cite_start]Candidates must possess the final result of the prescribed qualification as on the closing date of application, 14.10.2025. |
| Medical Standard | A-2. This is a strict medical requirement:
Note: Candidates who have undergone Lasik surgery or any other procedure to correct refractory error are NOT eligible for posts having Medical Standard A-2. |
Application Process
The application submission is entirely ONLINE and candidates must apply to only one RRB.
- Step 1: Create an Account: Candidates must first create an account on the RRB portal using a valid mobile number and email ID. Details filled in the 'Create an Account' form (including mobile number and Email ID) cannot be modified later. Candidates are strongly advised to authenticate their identity using Digi Locker or Aadhaar during this step for smoother verification.
- Step 2: Fill Application Form and Choose RRB: Log in with the created account credentials, fill in the detailed online application, and select only one RRB.
- Step 3: Capture Live Photo and Upload Documents: The application requires capturing a live photograph of the candidate; pre-existing photographs are not allowed. Candidates must also upload a scanned Signature (in running handwriting, NOT capital letters) and the SC/ST Certificate if opting for the free train travel pass.
- Step 4: Pay Examination Fee: Pay the applicable examination fee online.
- Step 5: Final Submission and Printout: Final acceptance happens only after successful fee payment. [cite_start]Candidates should take a system-generated print-out of the application.
Candidates can avail assistance for the online application and fee payment through Common Service Centres (CSC).
Selection Process
The recruitment process involves three main stages, with the final merit based on a weighted score:
- Single Stage Computer Based Test (CBT): The test screens candidates and carries 70% weightage in the final meritIt consists of 100 questions over 120 minutes, with a negative marking of $1/3^{rd}$ mark for each wrong answer.
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Candidates equal to 8 times the vacancies will be shortlisted for CBAT based on their CBT merit. Candidates must secure a minimum T-Score of 42 in each test battery to qualify, with no relaxation for any community. CBAT scores carry 30% weightage in the final merit.
- Document Verification (DV) & Medical Examination (ME): Candidates equal to the number of vacancies (1:1) will be called for DV based on the combined merit of CBT (70%) and CBAT (30%). Appointment is subject to passing the requisite Medical Standard A-2.
Syllabus for CBT
The CBT questions are objective type with multiple choices. The paper is generally in conformity with the prescribed educational standards for the post. The exam structure is as follows:
| Exam Duration | Analytical and Mathematical Capability | Mental Reasoning & Logical Capability | Total Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 Minutes | 60 Questions | 40 Questions (20+20) | 100 Questions |
Questions cover Mathematics (Number System, Algebra, Geometry, etc.), Data Analysis & Interpretation, Logical Reasoning (Syllogism, Puzzles), and Reading Comprehension.
Examination Fee & Refund
| Candidate Categories | Fee (Rs.) | Refund (on attending 1st Stage CBT) |
|---|---|---|
| All candidates (UR/OBC/EWS Male) | 500 | Rs. 400/- (after deducting bank charges) |
| SC/ST/Minority/EBC/PwBD/Female/Transgender | 250 | Rs. 250/- (after deducting bank charges) |
Minorities include Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians (Parsis). Economically Backward Class (EBC) candidates are those whose annual family income is less than Rs. 50,000/-. Applications without the prescribed fee will be summarily rejected.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Publication on RRB websites | 14.09.2025 |
| Opening of Online Submission of Applications | 15.09.2025 |
| Closing of Online Submission of Applications | 14.10.2025 (23:59 hrs) |
| Last Date for Fees Payment | 16.10.2025 (23:59 hrs) |
| Modification Window for Corrections | 17.10.2025 to 26.10.2025 |
| Scribe Details Submission Window | 27.10.2025 to 31.10.2025 |
| Crucial Date for Eligibility (Age/Qualification) | 01.01.2026 (Age) & 14.10.2025 (Qualification) |
Preparation Tips
- Medical Standard First: Due to the strict Medical Standard A-2 and the non-eligibility of Lasik candidates, prioritize obtaining the required eye specialist certificate (Annexure VI) to confirm eligibility before applying.
- CBAT Practice: The Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) is qualifying in nature, and there is no relaxation on the minimum T-Score of 42. Practice material for CBAT is available on the RDSO website.
- CBT Focus: Given the 70% weightage in final merit, focus on the syllabus, especially Analytical and Mathematical Capability (60 questions), as this section carries the highest weight.
- Avoid Last-Minute Rush: Submit the application well in advance of the October 14, 2025, deadline, as heavy website traffic can cause technical difficulties.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1: What is the last date to apply for the Section Controller post?
Ans: The closing date for online submission of applications is October 14, 2025 (23:59 hrs). - Q2: Is the Lasik surgery allowed for this post?
Ans: No. [cite_start]Candidates who have undergone Lasik surgery or any other corrective eye surgery are not eligible for the post with Medical Standard A-2. - Q3: What is the weightage of the CBT and CBAT in the final merit?
Ans: The final merit is calculated with 70% weightage for the CBT score and 30% weightage for the CBAT score. - Q4: What is the minimum educational qualification required?
Ans: A Graduate Degree from a recognized University or its equivalent is the minimum qualification. - Q5: Is there a refund of the application fee?
Ans: Yes. Candidates who appear in the 1st Stage CBT will be refunded Rs. 400 (for UR/OBC) or Rs. 250 (for concession categories) after deducting bank charges. - Q6: Can I apply to multiple RRBs?
Ans: No. Application to more than one RRB will lead to the rejection of all applications and debarment from future exams.