What is the RRB Exam?

The RRB Exam is a set of competitive examinations conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board to recruit staff for Indian Railways. It includes exams for various posts like Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP), Junior Engineer (JE), and Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC).

What is the difference between RRB NTPC and RRB ALP?

RRB ALP is a technical exam for recruiting Train Drivers (Loco Pilots) and Technicians, requiring technical education. RRB NTPC is for non-technical posts like Station Masters and Clerks, focusing on general administration and operations.

Is there negative marking in RRB exams?

Yes, standard RRB exams utilize a negative marking system, typically deducting 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question for every incorrect answer to discourage guessing.

Gateway to the Giant: The RRB (Railway Recruitment Board) Exam System

Unlock a career in the world’s fourth-largest railway network. Master the structure of the RRB Exams, from NTPC to ALP, and understand the rigorous selection process.

January 9, 2026 5:46 pm

The RRB Exam refers to a series of competitive examinations conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board, a government body under the Ministry of Railways (India). These exams function as the primary gateway for recruiting technical and non-technical staff for Indian Railways, which is one of the world’s largest employers. The selection process is renowned for its scale, often assessing millions of candidates for thousands of vacancies.

The Structure of Recruitment

Unlike a single exam, “RRB” is an umbrella term for various specific recruitments based on the job profile. The process relies heavily on technology, utilizing the Computer Based Test (CBT) format to ensure transparency and speed.

1. RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) & Technician

This is the technical exam for candidates aspiring to become train drivers (Loco Pilots) or technicians in workshops. It tests technical knowledge regarding Rolling Stock, electrical systems, and mechanical engineering. Aspiring pilots must also pass a “Computer Based Aptitude Test” (Psycho Test) to measure reaction time and concentration.

2. RRB JE (Junior Engineer)

Targeted at diploma and engineering degree holders. Successful candidates manage the maintenance of infrastructure, including Civil Engineering works (bridges, tracks), Signalling, and electrical overhead equipment.

3. RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories)

This is the most popular category, covering administrative and operational roles such as Station Masters, Goods Guards, and Commercial Apprentices. It focuses on general awareness, mathematics, and reasoning rather than engineering skills.

Comparison: Major RRB Exam Categories

Understanding the distinction between these profiles is crucial for applicants.

Feature	RRB ALP (Loco Pilot)	RRB JE (Engineer)	RRB NTPC (Admin/Ops)
Primary Role	Driving Trains / Repairing Components	Supervising Maintenance & Safety	Station Management, Ticketing, Traffic
Education	ITI / Diploma / B.Tech	Diploma / Engineering Degree	High School (12th) or Graduate
Selection Process	CBT 1 + CBT 2 + Aptitude Test	CBT 1 + CBT 2 (Technical)	CBT 1 + CBT 2 + Typing/Aptitude (role specific)
Medical Standard	A-1 (Strictest visual acuity required)	A-3 to B-1 (Role dependent)	A-2 to C-2 (Varies by post)

The Selection Lifecycle

The standard workflow for an RRB selection involves multiple stages designed to filter candidates:

CBT 1 (Screening): A multiple-choice objective test to filter out the majority of applicants. Marks here usually do not count towards the final merit list.
CBT 2 (Mains): The decisive exam testing in-depth subject knowledge.
Skill/Aptitude Test: Specific to the role (e.g., Typing test for clerks, Psycho test for pilots).
Document Verification & Medical: The final hurdle ensuring the candidate is physically fit for railway service.