Those who aspire for a government job, railway jobs are one of the best career options. Indian railway holds the pride of being the largest railway network all over the world. The Railway recruiting board (RRB) recruits a number of candidates every year for various posts like junior engineer, senior section engineer, assistant loco pilot etc. Along with a fixed salary and a pension after retirement, there are many more attractions for a railway employee which may include free train passes for themselves and their families, accommodation at very minimal prices at railway guesthouses throughout the country, educational and healthcare facilities etc. Here in this article we are discussing two of the major railway job categories; RRB Group D vs RRB NTPC.
RRB Group D vs RRB NTPC
RRB group D jobs are the lowest level of jobs or entry level jobs in Indian railway while RRB NTPC comes under the category of group C jobs which are the next level to group D posts.
Now let’s have a look at the different posts under these two job categories.
RRB Group D Jobs
• Key man
• Fitter
• Switchman
• Trackman
• Helper II (S&T)
• Welder
• Lever man
• Gang man
• Porter
• Helper II (electrical)
• Helper II (mechanical)
RRB NTPC jobs
• Loco pilots
• Assistant loco pilots
• Guards, Booking clerks
• Train ticket examiners
• Assistant station master
• Senior section engineers
• Junior engineers
• Technicians of engineering
Educational qualification
For RRB Group D posts, the educational qualification required is 10th or ITI. On the other hand, when it comes to NTPC, for some posts higher secondary education is enough while for some other posts like stationmaster; you are supposed to have a graduation.
Syllabus and exam pattern
RRB Group D
The RRB Group D recruitment process comprises 3 stages.
1. Computer based test (CBT)
2. Physical efficiency test
3. Document verification
Computer based test (CBT)
The first stage is an objective type CBT with 100 questions. The subjects for the CBT are
• Mathematics
• General intelligence and reasoning
• General science
• General awareness and current affairs
1/3rd of the marks allotted for each question shall be deducted for wrong answers.
Physical efficiency test (PET)
For the physical efficiency test, all the male candidates should be able to carry 35 kg of weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes. They should also run a distance of 1000 meters or 1 km in 4 mints and 15 seconds. A second chance will not be provided for both the tasks.
Female candidates are supposed to carry a weight of 20 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes and run a distance of 1 km in 5 minutes and 40 seconds. No second chance will be allowed.
For differently able candidates there will not be a physical efficiency test. They will only have to clear a medical examination.
Document verification
Candidates who qualify the first two stages will be called for a document verification session where they are supposed to produce all the required certificates and documents.
RRB NTPC
RRB NTPC is non technical posts in the Indian railway. The allotment of the candidates to the various departments is based on their performance in the exam. An initial orientation-cum-training will be provided to the qualified candidates.
There will be two stages for RRB NTPC Exam.
1. Prelims
2. Mains
Both are computer based tests (CBT). Though the syllabus for both the stages is almost same, the exam pattern differs.
RRB NTPC CBT 1 Details
| Sections | No of questions | Total marks |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General intelligence and reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam details
| Sections | No of questions | Total marks |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General intelligence and reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| General awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Salary Structure and Allowances
The basic salary of RRB Group D jobs is Rs.18000. When it comes to RRB NTPC the salary range is between 25000 and 35000. In addition, there are many perks and benefits for both the jobs which may include; House rent allowance, Transport allowance etc.
The high quality job profile, security, perks offered to the employees etc makes the railway jobs one of the best career options.
Hope the article helped every candidate who aspires to become a part of Indian railway. Wishing you all the success!
