How Many Attempts Are Permitted in Railway Exams

Railway exams in India are among the most sought-after government exams, and many individuals have the aspiration to secure a job with Indian Railways, one of the most sought-after organisations to work for. If you’re one of those aspiring candidates, you may be interested in knowing how many attempts you can make for these exams. It is a relevant question, especially for those who are dedicated and want to do their best in every attempt. 

Let us explore the railway exams, the eligibility criteria, and the attempts allowed for various exams under the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB).

What is a Railway Exam?

A railway exam is a competitive exam held by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) for the recruitment of candidates against different posts in the Indian Railways. The exams are held for the recruitment of appropriate candidates against technical and non-technical vacancies for different departments in the railway system.

Eligibility Criteria:

You must first satisfy the eligibility criteria before sitting for a railway exam. The below-mentioned is a summary of general eligibility for different posts:

Age Limit: Age limit is different from post to post. Generally, the candidate must be at least 18 years old, and the maximum age limit is generally around 33 years for most of the posts, with some relaxation for reserved candidates.

Educational Qualifications: Educational qualifications also differ according to the post. For instance:

• Group D Posts: The minimum qualification is generally 10th standard or ITI.
• Group C Posts: A graduate diploma or degree in the concerned field is usually necessary.
• Technical Posts: A diploma or degree in engineering is needed for technical vacancies like JE (Junior Engineer). 
• Nationality: The candidate should be an Indian national. There may be other nationality requirements for some posts.

Posts Allocated by Indian Railways:

• Group D: Comprises posts such as Track Maintainer, Helper, Assistant Pointsman, etc.
• Group C: Comprises Junior Engineer (JE), Commercial Apprentice (CA), Traffic Assistant, etc.
• Group B: Comprises higher posts such as Station Master, Assistant Loco Pilot, and Train Clerk.
• Specialised Posts: For specialised posts such as Railway Protection Force (RPF), Technicians, Accountants, etc.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed in Railway Exams?

The number of attempts for railway exams is different based on the exam you are appearing for and your category (General, OBC, SC/ST, etc.). Here’s how it goes:

1. For General Category Candidates:

• RRB Group D Test: No specific number of attempts. You can attempt the RRB Group D test any number of times you want, as long as you are eligible based on the age limit and educational requirements.
• RRB Group C (Technical and Non-Technical): For tests such as RRB JE and RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories), there is no attempt limit as long as you are eligible. The upper age limit for attempting the test, however, has to be adhered to, i.e., you can attempt the test until you attain the upper age limit for the post for which you are applying.

2. For OBC Category Candidates:

OBC candidates are provided with the same amenities as the general category with a 3-year age relaxation. They can sit for the exams several times until they go over the age limit.

3. For SC/ST Category Candidates:

SC/ST candidates are given an age concession of 5 years and can appear for the exams for a longer period compared to the general and OBC categories. Similar to other categories, there is no attempt limit they can make for the railway exams.

4. For PwD (Persons with Disabilities) Candidates:

PwD candidates are also allowed to appear for the exams more than once, unless specifically stated otherwise, and they also have a relaxation of 10 years of age.

So overall, you don’t have any restriction on attempts for most railway exams, provided you are found fit age-wise and don’t lose educational eligibility. But you must prepare well and try your best every time so that there are better chances of success.

Mistakes to be Avoided While Appearing for Railway Exams

While preparing for railway exams, candidates tend to commit some common mistakes. Avoiding these can greatly improve your chances of success:

1. Ignoring the Syllabus:

Most candidates begin their preparation without thoroughly understanding the syllabus. A lack of knowledge about what to study can result in wasted time and skipped topics. Always refer to the official syllabus and focus your preparation on it.

2. Poor Time Management:

Time management is required, as railway exams have a very lengthy syllabus. Don’t leave all of it for the last moment. Prepare and plan studies well in advance and provide equal importance to all the subjects.

3. Skipping Mock Tests:

Mock tests are a must during exam preparation. They familiarise you with the exam pattern, help enhance your time management, and apprise you of where you are weak. Never skip writing mock exams.

4. Overlooking General Knowledge (GK) and Current Affairs:

Many candidates focus too much on technical subjects and neglect general knowledge and current affairs, which are important sections in exams like RRB NTPC and RRB Group D. Make sure to regularly update yourself on current events and practise general awareness questions.

5. Not Revising:

Don’t read once and forget. You have to revise. Otherwise, you’ll never remember anything in the future. It’s time for constant revision classes.

Why Take a Railway Exam Prep Course?

Enrolling in a thoughtfully crafted railway exam prep course can become the game-changer for your success. Here are the reasons you should attend one:

• Structured Approach: The course has a structured schedule for completing the entire syllabus. It does not let you skip any pertinent section and keeps you on track.
• Expert Guidance: Trained instructors are aware of the best method to crack the railway exams. They offer tips and guidance that you might not get in normal study material.
• Mock Tests and Previous Year Question Papers: A good course provides access to mock tests and previous year question papers, which are important to learn about the exam pattern and practice under time limits.
• Personal Coaching: In certain courses, you receive personal coaching to work on your weak points. This can assist you in concentrating on the development of your skills where necessary.

How to Choose an Institute for Railway Exam Preparation?

If it is important to you that you pass the railway exams, enrolling in a special railway exam coaching programme is important. Choose a railway coaching centre where you will be able to access:

• Comprehensive Study Material: You will receive access to study material which will be revised based on current-day examination standards to tackle each section of the examination.
• Mock Tests and Practice: Regular mock tests and practising papers will help you get accustomed to the examination environment.
• Flexible Learning: The flexible courses must be tailored to your schedule so that you can handle preparation along with other activities.

Conclusion

Ready to start your railway exam journey? Join George School of Competitive Exams (GSCE) today and be prepared for success!