The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially extended the last date to apply for the RRB Technician Recruitment 2025. Candidates now have time until August 7, 2025, to submit their online applications through the official website www.rrbapply.gov.in. This move comes as a relief to thousands of aspirants who were yet to complete the registration process. Initially, the deadline was July 28.

RRB Technician Vacancies 2025: An Overview

This recruitment drive aims to fill 6238 technician positions across various RRB zones in India. These include 183 posts for Technician Grade-I Signal and 6055 posts for Technician Grade-III. The Grade-I position falls under Pay Level 5, while Grade-III comes under Pay Level 2 as per the 7th CPC pay matrix.

Technician Grade-I (Signal): Qualifications Required

Applicants interested in the Grade-I Technician Signal post must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electronics, Computer Science, IT, or Instrumentation. Alternatively, candidates with a BE, BTech, or a three-year diploma in Engineering are also eligible to apply. This technical requirement ensures only well-qualified candidates are considered for these roles, which are crucial in railway signaling operations.

Technician Grade-III: Eligibility Criteria

For Technician Grade-III, candidates must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) and should possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade. Certain posts under the S&T category also require candidates to have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics, alongside ITI.

Age Limit for Applicants

The age criteria vary for the two grades. For Technician Grade-I, candidates should be between 18 and 33 years. For Technician Grade-III, the age limit is 18 to 30 years. Age relaxation of five years is granted to SC/ST candidates, and three years for OBC category aspirants as per government rules.

CBT Exam Pattern for Technician Grade-I

The Computer-Based Test (CBT) for Technician Grade-I will be of 90 minutes duration. The question paper will have 100 questions carrying one mark each. General category candidates must score at least 40% to qualify, while OBC and SC candidates need 30%. ST candidates must obtain a minimum of 25%. The subject-wise distribution is as follows: General Awareness (10), General Intelligence and Reasoning (15), Basics of Computers (20), Mathematics (20), and Basic Science & Engineering (35).

CBT Exam Pattern for Technician Grade-III

For Technician Grade-III, the CBT will also last 90 minutes with 100 questions. The minimum qualifying marks remain the same across categories. The exam will include General Awareness (10 questions), Reasoning and Intelligence (25), Mathematics (25), and General Science (40). The structured format ensures assessment of a broad range of cognitive and technical abilities.

Single Stage CBT: A Welcome Change

Unlike the previous recruitment held in 2018, this year’s RRB Technician exam will comprise only a single stage CBT. Earlier, candidates had to undergo a two-stage CBT for technician posts. This decision comes as a relief and will reduce stress for aspirants while simplifying the recruitment process.

Application Rules for Pay Levels

Candidates must note that they can apply for only one RRB zone under a specific pay level. Submitting applications for multiple RRBs under the same pay level will result in the rejection of all submitted forms. Hence, applicants must be cautious and strategic in selecting the RRB zone of their preference.

Selection Procedure

The selection process will be conducted in three stages: a written Computer-Based Test (CBT), a medical examination to assess physical fitness, and final document verification. This ensures a transparent and merit-based recruitment system.

Negative Marking in CBT

The CBT exam will include negative marking. For each wrong answer, one-third of a mark will be deducted. Candidates must attempt the paper cautiously and avoid guesswork to maintain a high score.

Application Fee Details

For candidates belonging to General, OBC, and EWS categories, the application fee is Rs 500. Out of this, Rs 400 will be refunded if the candidate appears in the CBT. For SC, ST, women, EBC, and persons with disabilities, the application fee is Rs 250. The entire amount will be refunded upon appearing in the exam. This refund policy encourages genuine participation and discourages non-serious applicants.

Importance of the Recruitment Drive

With Indian Railways being the lifeline of the country, recruiting skilled technicians is vital for maintaining and upgrading infrastructure. This recruitment will not only boost employment but also improve service efficiency. The roles of Technician Grade-I and III are integral in operations, safety, and communication systems across the vast railway network.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates should visit www.rrbapply.gov.in to complete the online application process. The portal provides complete details including zone-wise vacancies, category-wise distribution, eligibility, and instructions for document upload. Applicants are advised to keep scanned copies of their educational certificates, photograph, and signature ready for a smooth application process.

Final Tips for Candidates

Candidates must read the official notification carefully before filling out the form. It is important to select the trade and RRB zone wisely, keeping in mind the competition and availability of posts. Preparing systematically for the CBT using the official syllabus is crucial to qualify and secure a position in the Indian Railways.

The extension of the application deadline to August 7, 2025, provides a golden opportunity for aspirants who missed the earlier cut-off. With a simplified selection process, clear eligibility criteria, and wide vacancy spread, the RRB Technician Recruitment 2025 is a significant opportunity for those aiming to work in Indian Railways. Candidates should not delay their application and begin exam preparation without further ado.