Railway Group D Salary, Posts and RRB Group D Exam

Railway group D salary starts at ₹18,000 basic pay per month at Level 1 of the 7th CPC pay matrix, with DA, HRA and transport allowance added on top. The posts are filled through the RRB Group D exam (officially called the Level 1 recruitment) by the Railway Recruitment Boards. It is open to students who have passed class 10 or ITI, which is why lakhs of young people from villages and small towns apply every cycle. In this guide I explain the posts, the pay, who can apply, the exam pattern, the physical test and how to prepare.

What is the railway recruitment board exam RRB Group D

The railway recruitment board exam RRB Group D fills Level 1 posts across all zones of Indian Railways. These are field and support jobs in departments such as Engineering (track), Traffic (operations), Mechanical, Electrical and Signal and Telecom. The notice is published together by all RRBs, and you choose one RRB at the time of applying. You will then be posted in a zone covered by that RRB.

Is a railway job group D worth it? For most students, yes. It is a permanent central government post with pension cover, railway passes and medical facility. The work is physical and often outdoors, but it is a secure start, and many staff move up later through departmental exams.

Railway group D salary and post name list

All Group D posts are at Level 1, so every post starts at the same basic pay. Here is the post name list from recent notices:

The latest notice has about ten posts like these. The exact list changes a little between notices, so read the post table in the one you apply for.

Pointsman and track maintainer salary

Railway pointsman salary and track maintainer salary both start at ₹18,000 basic. A pointsman works at stations: changing points, showing hand signals, coupling and uncoupling coaches and helping the station master. A track maintainer walks and repairs a section of track, checks fittings and keeps the line safe. Track work is hard and outdoors in all weather, so expect a physically demanding job in the early years.

RRB group D salary per month: in-hand pay explained

Students often ask me "group D ki salary kitni hai". The basic is ₹18,000, but the money you actually get each month depends on where you are posted and the current DA rate. The calculated box at the top of this page shows a current estimate. Here is what makes up the pay:

• Basic pay: ₹18,000 on joining, rising about 3% every year.
• Dearness allowance: a share of basic, revised by the government twice a year.
• HRA: based on the class of the town where you work (X, Y or Z). If you live in railway quarters, this is not paid.
• Transport allowance: a set amount each month by level and city type.
• Other allowances: night duty allowance and risk or hardship allowances for some posts and areas, as per railway rules.
• What is cut: the NPS pension share from basic and DA, group insurance and, rarely at this level, income tax.

RRB group D salary after 5 years and after 10 years

If you are not promoted in 10 years, the MACP scheme moves you to the next pay level as a financial upgrade, and again after 20 and 30 years. Most active staff get promoted earlier by clearing departmental tests for Level 2 and higher posts like Technician, Senior Pointsman or Clerk.

Eligibility and age limit

Some posts have higher vision standards, so choose your post preferences only after reading the medical table. Use this tool to check your age on the cut-off date with relaxation:

For other options at the same level, see government jobs after 10th and ITI jobs.

RRB group D exam pattern

The RRB group D exam has one computer based test (CBT). There is no second CBT. The group D exam pattern is:

As per the latest notice, each question carries one mark and one third of a mark is deducted for a wrong answer. The railway group D exam is held in many shifts, so marks are normalised. To be shortlisted you need minimum marks: 40% for UR and EWS, 30% for OBC, SC and ST. Candidates who use a scribe get 120 minutes.

General Science is at class 10 level: physics, chemistry and life science. Maths covers number system, BODMAS, percentage, ratio, time and work, interest, mensuration, algebra, geometry and basic statistics.

Selection process and physical test

1. CBT: the written test above.
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET): qualifying only.
3. Document verification and medical examination.

You get one chance at each event, and the weight carry comes first: if you fail it, you are out. PwBD and ex-servicemen candidates are exempt from the PET. Train for the PET while you study; do not leave it until after the result.

RRB group D exam preparation tips

• Most students need 4 to 8 months of steady study. Start with class 9 and 10 science books, because General Science has 25 questions.
• Reasoning has the most questions. Practise series, coding, analogies, puzzles and directions daily.
• Read short daily current affairs and revise basic general knowledge.
• Write full mock tests in 90 minutes and learn to skip questions you are unsure of. Negative marking hurts.
• Run and do weight carry practice three or four times a week.

Many Group D aspirants also try SSC MTS and SSC GD constable, as the level of the written exam is similar.

Group D ka exam kab hoga and the official website

The RRBs announce the exam schedule, city slips and admit cards on their official websites. Every RRB shows the same notice. Never pay anyone who promises a railway job; selection is only through the exam. Compare other posts in our railway jobs guide, and see RRB NTPC and loco pilot if you have 12th or ITI.