First Time Giving a Railway Exam? Here's What You Need to Know!

First Time Giving a Railway Exam? Here's What You Need to Know: Railway exams are the exams conducted for securing a job in the Indian Railways, one of the largest employers in the country. Preparing for and appearing in these exams for the first time can be difficult. This article provides you with essential information, tips, and insights to help you clear the exam easily.

RRB NTPC focuses on non-technical roles, while RRB JE and ALP target technical and engineering positions. The RRB NTPC 2025 Graduate application form is accessible from October 21 to November 20, 2025. A total of 8875 vacancies for the RRB NTPC exam 2025 have been announced by the RRBs. The application form for undergraduate positions must be completed by November 27, 2025. 

The Group D 2025 exam's RRB exam date has been announced. The start date of the RRB Group D exam is November 17, 2025. To fill 9970 positions, the Railway RRB ALP exam dates for 2025 will be revealed soon. Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern. Understanding these requirements will help you tailor your preparation accordingly.

Railway Exams Overview

Indian Railways conducts various exams through its recruitment boards, mainly the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) and Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC). These exams cater to different educational qualifications and job profiles, ranging from technical to non-technical positions. Here is are Railway Exams Overview given below:

Types of Railway Exams 

RRB NTPC 2025 (Non-Technical Popular Categories)

• Eligibility : 12th pass or graduate
• Posts : Clerk, Typist, Assistant, Traffic Apprentice, Goods Guard, etc.
• Exam Pattern (2025):

Stage 1: CBT 1 – 100 questions, 100 marks, 90 minutes. Subjects: General Awareness (40), Mathematics (30), General Intelligence & Reasoning (30). Negative marking: 1/3 for each wrong answer. 

Stage 2: CBT 2 – 120 questions, 120 marks, 90 minutes. Subjects: General Awareness (50), Mathematics (35), General Intelligence & Reasoning (35). Negative marking: 1/3 for wrong answers. 

Further stages: Typing Skill Test / Computer Based Aptitude Test (for specific posts, e.g., Station Master) → Document Verification → Medical Examination. 

RRB Group D 2025

• Eligibility : 10th pass or ITI from institutions recognized by NCVT/SCVT or equivalent
• Posts : Track Maintainer, Helper/Assistant in various technical departments (Electrical, Mechanical, S&T), etc.
• Exam Pattern : Computer-Based Test (CBT) → Physical Efficiency Test (PET) → Document Verification → Medical. (Though the specific latest pattern may vary by notification.)

RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) and Technician 2025

• Eligibility : 10th pass with ITI/Trade Certificate or Diploma/Degree in Engineering
• Posts : Assistant Loco Pilot, Technician in various trades
• Exam Pattern : CBT 1 → CBT 2 → For ALP there’s a CBAT → Document Verification → Medical. (As per recent notifications.

Railway Exam Preparation Tips 2025

Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

• Syllabus : Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus of the specific railway exam you are appearing for. Each exam has different subjects and topics.
• Exam Pattern : Know the number of questions, type of questions, marking scheme, and time duration for each stage of the exam. This helps in effective time management during preparation and the actual exam.

Create a Study Plan

• Timetable : Make a realistic and structured timetable that covers all subjects and topics. Allocate more time to challenging subjects.
• Consistency : Stick to your study plan diligently. Consistent study and revision are key to retaining information.

Practice Regularly

• Mock Tests : Take mock tests to get idea about the exam environment. This helps in time management, identifying weak areas, and building confidence.
• Previous Year Papers : Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and types of questions asked.

Focus on Key Subjects

• Mathematics : Practice arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. Speed and accuracy are crucial in solving mathematical problems.
• General Intelligence and Reasoning : Enhance logical reasoning & analytical skills. Practice puzzles, coding-decoding, series, and syllogisms.
• General Awareness : Stay updated with current affairs, especially related to railways, sports, awards, and politics. Read newspapers, magazines, and online articles regularly.
• Technical Subjects : If you are appearing for technical posts, focus on your core subjects. Revise key concepts and practical applications.

Improve Speed and Accuracy

• Time Management : Practice question solving in a time frame. Use timers during practice sessions to enhance your speed.
• Accuracy : Avoid guesswork, especially in exams with negative marking.

Railway Exams, Exam Day Tips

Be Well-Prepared:

• Admit Card : Download & print admit card in advance. Check the exam center, reporting time, and other instructions mentioned on it.
• Documents : Carry all required documents, such as identity proof, photographs, and any other specific documents mentioned in the admit card.

Arrive Early:

• Reporting Time : Reach the exam center at least an hour before the reporting time to avoid last-minute rush and stress.
• Location : Familiarize yourself with the location of the exam center a day before the exam to avoid any confusion.

Stay Calm and Focused:

• Relax : Stay calm and composed. Avoid last-minute cramming as it can increase anxiety.
• Focus : Read the instructions carefully before starting the exam. Focus on one question at a time and manage your time effectively.

What to do after the Exam 2025?

Check Answer Key: Once the exam is over, check the official answer key released by RRB/RRC. It helps in estimating your score and identifying any discrepancies.

Prepare for Next Stage: If you qualify for the next stage, start preparing immediately. Each stage of the railway exam has different requirements and levels of difficulty.

Stay Updated:

• Results : Keep an eye on official notifications for result announcements and further instructions.
• Documentation : Ensure all your documents are ready and verified for the document verification stage.