Well, the wait is finally over! For the millions of candidates who have been anxiously tracking updates for the RRB Group D Exam 2025, there's finally some concrete news. After a period of uncertainty filled with delays and legal battles, the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has announced a revised schedule. It's been a real rollercoaster, but we now have firm dates and a clear path forward for one of India's largest recruitment drives.
Key Highlights
- ✓New exam dates are officially set for November 27, 2025, to January 16, 2026.
- ✓Over 1.08 crore candidates have applied for 32,438 vacancies under notification CEN 08/2024.
- ✓City intimation slips will be released on November 19, 2025.
- ✓A major legal hurdle was cleared on November 12, when the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) dismissed a petition, allowing the exam to proceed.
- ✓Admit cards (e-call letters) will be available for download four days before each candidate's specific exam date.
The Long Road to the New Exam Dates
Let's be honest, it's been a nail-biting few months. If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that the journey to these new exam dates has been anything but smooth. The application process itself, back in January and February 2025, went off without a hitch. By August, things were looking promising when the RRBs released a tentative schedule for the computer-based test (CBT), slating it to run from November 17 to the end of December 2025.
But then, everything came to a sudden halt. A legal challenge regarding the eligibility criteria for Level-1 posts threw a massive wrench in the works. The case first landed in the Delhi High Court, which issued a stay order, effectively pausing all exam-related activities. This legal limbo continued for months as the case was transferred to the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).
The big breakthrough finally came on November 12, 2025. On that day, the CAT dismissed the petition, delivering a clear verdict: both Class 10th-pass and ITI-qualified candidates are eligible. This ruling was the green light everyone was waiting for, lifting all legal barriers. However, the months lost to litigation meant the original November-December schedule was no longer feasible, leading to the postponement and the new dates we have today.
Your New Exam Timeline: What to Expect
So, let’s get down to the details you really need. The RRB has officially announced that the computer-based test (CBT) will now be conducted from November 27, 2025, to January 16, 2026. Mark those calendars! This multi-phase exam will span several weeks to accommodate the massive number of applicants.
The next crucial date is November 19, 2025. This is when the link to view your exam city and date will be activated. The city intimation slip isn't your admit card, but it's just as important. It tells you which city you'll be taking the test in and on what date, giving you plenty of time to make travel arrangements if needed. For SC/ST candidates, this is also when you can download your travel authority.
Diving into the Exam Pattern
With the dates sorted, it's a great time for a refresher on the exam itself. The Group D CBT is designed to be a comprehensive test of your skills and knowledge. You'll have exactly 90 minutes to tackle 100 questions, so time management is absolutely key. It’s a race against the clock, and every second counts.
The marking scheme is straightforward but unforgiving. You get one full mark for every correct answer, which is great. However, for every incorrect answer, one-third of a mark will be deducted. This negative marking means that guessing blindly can hurt your score, so it's better to be sure of your answers. The test covers four main subjects to assess your overall suitability for roles like Track Maintainer Grade-IV and Assistant Pointsman.
The Subjects You Need to Master
Here’s a quick breakdown of the areas you’ll be tested on:
- ✓Mathematics: Expect questions that test your numerical ability and problem-solving skills.
- ✓General Intelligence & Reasoning: This section focuses on your logical and analytical thinking.
- ✓General Science: Your knowledge of basic physics, chemistry, and life sciences will be assessed here.
- ✓General Awareness & Current Affairs: Stay updated on current events and general knowledge to ace this section.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading the Goods
Alright, let's talk about the practical stuff. How do you get your hands on the city intimation slip and, eventually, your all-important admit card? The RRB has made the process pretty simple, but it's crucial to follow the steps carefully and only use official channels. Don't fall for fake websites or unauthorized sources!
First things first, you'll need to head over to the official RRB application website, which is www.rrbapply.gov.in. Once you're on the homepage, look for a link related to the "CEN 08/2024" notification, likely under a "Candidate Corner" section. Clicking this will take you to the login page.
Here, you'll need your login credentials: your registration number and your date of birth or password. Enter these details carefully and submit them. Once logged in, you should see the option to view your city intimation slip. Remember, your actual e-call letter (the admit card) will only be available for download four days before your specific exam date. The RRBs are also sending SMS and email alerts, so keep an eye on your registered mobile number and email ID.
If you run into any issues or have questions, there's a dedicated helpdesk you can call at +91 9513631887. They're available Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. It's also a good idea to download and save a copy of your city slip for your records. And a final word of caution: recruitment is strictly merit-based. Be wary of anyone promising a job or appointment; these are fraudulent attempts that should be reported.
Conclusion
So there you have it—the complete picture of the RRB Group D Exam 2025. It's been a long and winding road filled with anticipation and legal hurdles, but a clear schedule is finally in place. The key takeaway is that the exams are officially happening from November 27, 2025, to January 16, 2026. Make sure to check for your city intimation slip on November 19 and prepare to download your admit card four days before your test.
With over a crore applicants, the competition is immense, but the path is now clear. All that's left is to focus on your preparation, stay updated through official RRB channels, and get ready for exam day. The finish line is in sight!
