Master Circular - 69 Consolidated instructions in respect of GDCE examination

Master Circular - 69 Consolidated instructions in respect of GDCE examination

Master Circular No. 69/2024

भारत सरकार/GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

रेल मंत्रालय/MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(रेलवे बोर्ड/RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(NG)I/2023/PM1/19

New Delhi, dated 07.10.2024

The General Manager (P),

All Zonal Railways, Production Units & others

(as per standard mailing list)

Sub: Master Circular- Consolidated instructions in respect of GDCE examination

A number of Orders/Circulars on the above subject have been issued by the board from time to time which are scattered in a number of circulars/orders. It has been decided to consolidate all such instructions issued till date for the information and guidance of all concerned. While referring to this Circular, the original letter referred to therein should be read for proper appreciation and in case of doubt, the original letter should be relied upon as authority.

2. Since only the important instructions on the subject have been included in this Master Circular, some instructions might not have found place herein. Instruction contained in circulars not included in the Master Circular, should not be deemed to have been superseded simply because of their non-inclusion.

3. The number and date of the relevant Letter has been mentioned under each instruction, which can be accessed from this Ministry's website https://indianrailways.gov.in

4. Hindi version will follow.

Sanjay

(Sanjay Kumar) 

Deputy Director Estt. (N)

Railway Board.

Original PDF - Click Here

 

Promotions to Group ‘B’ posts on Indian Railways through Centralized Computer Based Objective Type Examination — 30% LDCE for the vacancy cycle 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2026.

Promotions to Group ‘B’ posts on Indian Railways through Centralized Computer Based Objective Type Examination — 30% LDCE for the vacancy cycle 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2026.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(GP)2024/2/37 (3477173)

New Delhi, dated 02.04.2026

The General Managers,

All Indian Railways & Production Units.

[Kind Attn.: PCPOs/PFAs/Dy.CPO(G)s/Dy.CAQ(G)s]

Sub.: Promotions to Group ‘B’ posts on Indian Railways through Centralized Computer Based Objective Type Examination — 30% LDCE for the vacancy cycle 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2026.

Ref.: Board’s letters of even number dated 18.02.2026, 19.02.2026 and 26.02.2026.

The Centralized Computer Based Test (CBT) for 30% LDCE for promotion to Group ‘‘B’ posts in departments having Organized Services for the vacancy cycle 01.01.2025 to 31.12.2026 shall be conducted on 24.05.2026 and 31.05.2026, with 50% of the candidates from each Department appearing on each date. As already advised, it may be ensured that the bifurcation of candidates to appear in the Examination on the said two dates is intimated to RRB/Ajmer well in time. In view of the necessity that has arisen due to operational requirements to conduct the exam on two dates, it has been decided to follow normalization process to ensure parity between both sets of candidates. This may be duly indicated while notifying the fresh exam dates.

Group ‘B’ 30% LDCE Centralized CBT scheduled on 12.04.2026 and 19.04.2026

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(GP)2024/2/37 (3477173)

New Delhi, dated 26.02.2026

The General Managers,

All Indian Railways & Production Units.

[Kind attn.: PCPOs/PFAs/Dy. CPO(G)s/ Dy. CAO(G)s]

Sub.: Group ‘B’ 30% LDCE Centralized CBT scheduled on 12.04.2026 and 19.04.2026.

Ref.: Board’s letters of even number dated 18.02.2026 & 19.02.2026.

Considering the requests from various Zonal Railways for postponement of the cited examination on account of Financial Year closing and operation of Holi Special trains, it has been decided with the approval of the Competent Authority, to extend the time period for completion of Pre-Selection Training and consequently, re-schedule the 30% LDCE Centralized CBT to a suitable date beyond April, 2026.

RBE NO.12/2026 General Departmental Competitive Examination (GDCE) for filling up of 25% net direct recruitment quota vacancies in Group ‘C: categories- Extension of currency upto 31.03.2028.

 RBE NO.12/2026

भारत सरकार/GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
रेल मंत्रालय/MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(रेलवे बोर्ड/RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(NG)I/2020/PM1/9

New Delhi, dated 10.02.2026

The General Manager (P), The Chairman:
All Zonal Railways & PUs (a) Railway Recruitment Boards
(As per standard List) (b) Railway Recruitment Cell

Sub: General Departmental Competitive Examination (GDCE) for filling up of 25% net direct recruitment quota vacancies in Group ‘C: categories- Extension of currency upto 31.03.2028.

Since the introduction of the scheme of General Departmental Competitive Examination (GDCE) vide Board’s letter No. E(NG)I/92/PM2/16 dated 20.08.1993 for a period of one year, the currency of the same, is being extended from time to time, and the same was last extended upto 31.03.2026 vide this Ministry’s letter No. E(NG)I-2020/PM1/9 dated 04.03.2024.

Regarding - Railway Board Guidelines for 30% LDCE (CBT) for Promotion to Group ‘B’ Posts – Vacancy Cycle 2025-2026

 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(GP)2024/2/37 (3477173)

New Delhi, dated 19.02.2026

The General Managers, All Indian Railways & Production Units.

(Kind Attn.: PCPOs/PFAs/Dy. CPO(G)/ Dy. CAO(G))

Sub.: Promotions to Group ‘B’ posts on Indian Railways through Centralized Computer Based Objective Type examination (CBT) – Conduct of 30% LDCE for the vacancy cycle 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2026 (including anticipated vacancies upto 30.06.2027).

Ref.: Board’s letter of even no. dated 18.02.2026.

In continuation to Board’s above mentioned letter, it is further advised that the 30% LDCE CBT shall be conducted on 12.04.2026 and 19.04.2026, with 50% of the candidates from each Department appearing on each date. Therefore, all zones/PUs are advised to bifurcate the candidates to appear in the Examination on the said two dates and intimate their details to RRB/Ajmer within 15 days of the issue of this letter so that centers/logistics can be arranged accordingly.

RBE No. 122 - 2025 Selections for promotion to Group 'B' post of Senior Public Prosecutor Authorities for setting up of Question Papers and evaluation of Answer Sheets.

RBE No. 122/2025

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(GP)2001/2/32

New Delhi, dated 05.12.2025

The General Managers,

All Indian Railways & Production Units.

[Kind Attn.: PCPOs/Dy. CPO(G)s

Sub: Selections for promotion to Group 'B' post of Senior Public Prosecutor Authorities for setting up of Question Papers and evaluation of Answer Sheets.

Ref: Board's letters no. E(GP)2018/2/31 dated 19.03.2019, 20.07.2020 and 13.12.2021 and Board's letter of even number dated 12.04.2024.

Please refer to the instructions contained in Board's above-mentioned letters regarding authorities for setting up the question papers and evaluation of answer sheets for Written Examinations held as part of Selections/LDCEs for promotion to Group 'B' posts. It has now been decided by the Board that for holding Selections for promotion to Group 'B' post of Senior Public Prosecutor, an HAG/SAG officer of any department with law background on the Railway/PU or any other Railway/PU, if considered desirable by the General Manager in consultation with the General Manager of the concerned Railway/PU, may be nominated for setting up the question paper as well as for carrying out the evaluation work.

RBE No. 128 - 2025 General Department Competitive Examination (GDCE) for filling up 25% of the Direct Recruitment Quota Vacancies- reg.

RBE No. 128/2025

भारत सरकार GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

रेल मंत्रालय MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(रेलवे बोर्ड RAILWAY BOARD)

No.E(NG)I/2025/PM1/3

New Delhi, dated 23.12.2025

The General Manager (P), All Zonal Railways only.

Sub: General Department Competitive Examination (GDCE) for filling up 25% of the Direct Recruitment Quota Vacancies- reg.

Attention is invited to Board's letter no. E(NG)1/2023/PM1/19 dated 08.10.2024 (Master Circular No. 69/2024) on GDCE, wherein consolidated instructions on the subject of conduct of GDCE are issued for ease of understanding and clarity. Attention is also drawn to Railway Board's instructions issued by the letter of even number dated: 26/05/2025 (RBE 47/2025 as amended from time to time) wherein, it was advised to hold examinations in CBT/TBT mode for departmental selections. In this regard, it has been informed to Board that some more clarity is required in the field units regarding holding of GDCE examinations on CBT mode.

RBA 28-2025 Holding of departmental examination in Computer Based Test (CBT) Mode- Accounts Deptt. Reg

2025/ACII/20/12

1/3137827/2025

भारत सरकार Government of India

रेल मंत्रालय Ministry of Railways

रेलवे बोर्ड (Railway Board)

RBA 28/2025

No. 2025/ACII/20/12/e-3493745

Dated: 29.09.2025

Principal Financial Advisors, All Zonal Railways/PUs.

Sub: Holding of departmental examination in Computer Based Test (CBT) Mode- Accounts Deptt. Reg 

Ref: Rly. Bd's letter No. 2025/ACII20/12/e-3493745 dt. 17.06.2025 (RBA No. 19/2025).

Review of Induction Programe Syllabus for Group ‘B’ officers of Mechanical, Electrical and Stores Department.

भारत सरकार / GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

रेल मंत्रालय / MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS 

(रेलवे बोर्ड / RAILWAY BOARD)

Cooperatives Build a Better World

No. 2025/E(Trg)/44/1

New Delhi, dt: 22.08.2025

The Director General,

IRIMEE/Jamalpur.

IRIEEN/Nasik.

Sub: Review of Induction Programme Syllabus for Group 'B' officers of Mechanical, Electrical and Stores Department.

Keeping in view of rapid stride in technological upgradation and evolving technologies and to equip newly promoted Group 'B' officers with necessary knowledge, skill and orientation required to handle multi-disciplinary responsibilities, revised 6 weeks syllabus/modules for Mechanical, Electrical and Stores departments have been developed with the approval of the Board (M/TRS & DG/HR).

RBE No.59/2025 Type Test for Ministerial cadre - Regarding

RBE No.59/2025

भारत सरकार/GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

रेल मंत्रालय/MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(रेलवे बोर्ड/RAILWAY BOARD)

No.E(NG)I-2022/PM 4/5

New Delhi, dated 27.06.2025

The General Manager (P),

All Zonal Railways and PUs etc.,

(As per standard list).

Sub: Type Test for Ministerial cadre.

Ref.: 1. DOPT's OM No.14020/2/91-Estt. (D) dated 29.09.1992

2. DOPT's OM No.14020/1/2014-Estt. (D) dated 22.04.2015

3. Board's letter No. E(NG)I-2015/CFP/7 dated 16.01.2017 (RBE No. 02/2017)

4. Board's letter No. E(NG)I-2022/CFP/13 dated 11.01.2023 (RBE No. 09/2023)

During discussions on PNM/AIRF Item No.09/2022, the Staff Side raised concerns regarding some employees who, after being promoted from Level-1 to the clerical cadre, had availed three chances to qualify the typewriting test but were unable to do so due to the difficulties faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, they are now required to wait for fulfilment of the exemption criteria for increments, etc.

2. As per para 2(2)(c) of DoPT OM No. 14020/2/91-Estt.(D) dated 29.09.1992 (reiterated vide OM dated 22.04.2015) and adopted by the Board vide RBE No. 02/2017 dated 16.01.2017, it was advised vide RBE No. 09/2023 that two genuine attempts may be allowed in the normal course, and further attempts may be permitted for valid reasons with the personal approval of the General Manager.

3. The instructions issued vide RBE No. 09/2023 are hereby reiterated for strict compliance. It is clarified that provisions already exist for granting additional chances for the speed test, and Railways may make use of this provision accordingly.

The Hindi version will follow.

Please acknowledge receipt.

Encl: Nil.

27.6.25

(प्रकाश चंद बैरवा/Prakash Chand Bairwa)

उप निदेशक-II स्था. (अराज.) I/Deputy Director-II Estt.(NG)I

रेलवे बोर्ड/Railway Board

टेली./ Tele No. 23303658

पाँचवां तल, कमरा नं. 536E (1), रेल भवन, नई दिल्ली-110001, ई-मेल pc.bairwa@gov.in 5th Floor, Room No. 536E(1), Rail Bhawan, New Delhi-110001, E-mail pc.bairwa@gov.in

Railway Board's Strict Instruction List of Items Restricted for Entry into the Examination Centers

भारत सरकार/GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

रेल मंत्रालय/MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

 रेलवे बोर्ड/RAILWAY BOARD

No. 2025/E(RRB)/25/08

New Delhi, dated: 28.04.2025

The Chairpersons,

All Railway Recruitment Boards

Sub.: List of items restricted for entry into the examination centres.

Examinations conducted by RRBs have certain stipulations that lead to restrictions imposed on certain items being carried into the examination centres. However, in order not to hurt any religious sentiments, the competent authority has hereby decided to modify the para 7 of instructions contained in the call letter. The para 7 of instructions to candidates may be replaced as:-

Regarding CBT Examinations Letter dated 3.04.2024

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(GP)2024/2/37 (Ε.Νο.3477173)

New Delhi, dated: 03.04.2025

The Director General,

National Academy of Indian Railways (NAIR), Lalbaug,

Vadodara-390004.

[Kind attn.: Sh. Rakesh Rajpurohit, Dy.DG/NAIR]

Sub.: Promotions to Group 'B' posts on Indian Railways - Centralized Computer Based Test (CBT) in all departments having Organized Services for the assessment period from 01.01.2025 to 30.06.2027.

Promotions to Group 'B' posts on Indian Railways through 70% Selection -Centralized Computer Based Test (CBT) in all departments having Organized Services for the vacancy cycle 01.01.2025 to 31.12.2026 (including anticipated vacancies upto 30.06.2027).

 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS 

(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(GP)2024/2/37 (Ε.Νο. 3473167)

New Delhi, dated 12.02.2025

The General Managers,

All Indian Railways & Production Units.

[Kind attn.: PCPOS/PFAS/Dy. CPO(G)s/Dy. CAO(G)s]

Sub.: Promotions to Group 'B' posts on Indian Railways through 70% Selection -Centralized Computer Based Test (CBT) in all departments having Organized Services for the vacancy cycle 01.01.2025 to 31.12.2026 (including anticipated vacancies upto 30.06.2027).

Promotions to Group 'B' posts on Indian Railways-Centralized Computer Based Test (CBT) in all departments having Organized Services for the vacancy cycle 01.01.2025 to 31.12.2026

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(GP)2024/2/37 (Ε.Νο.3473167)

New Delhi, dated: 15.01.2025

The General Managers,

All Indian Railways & Production Units.

[Kind attn: PCPOS/PFAS/Dy. CPO(G)s/Dy. CAO(G)s]

Sub: Promotions to Group 'B' posts on Indian Railways-Centralized Computer Based Test (CBT) in all departments having Organized Services for the vacancy cycle 01.01.2025 to 31.12.2026 (including anticipated vacancies upto 30.06.2027).

Regarding Promotions to Group 'B' posts on Indian Railways - Centralized Computer Based Test (CBT) in all departments having Organized Services for the vacancy cycle beginning 01.01.2025

 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

 (RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(GP)2024/2/37 (Ε.Νο. 3477173)

New Delhi, dated 08.01.2025

The General Managers,

All Indian Railways & Production Units.

[Kind attn.: PCPOS/PFAS/Dy. CPO(G)s/Dy. CAO(G)s]

Sub: Promotions to Group 'B' posts on Indian Railways - Centralized Computer Based Test (CBT) in all departments having Organized Services for the vacancy cycle beginning 01.01.2025

Regarding Providing training facilities for persons with disabilities-guidelines

भारत सरकार GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

रेल मंत्रालय MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(रेलवे बोर्ड) (RAILWAY BOARD(

No. 2024/E(Trg)/41/19

New Delhi, dt:01.01.2025.

The General Managers, 

All Indian Railways.

Sub: Providing training facilities for persons with disabilities-guidelines reg

Ref: Railway Board's letter No. E(MPP)2015/3/13 dtd. 14.05.2015.

Persons with disabilities, who are employed in Government need to be provided with certain additional facilities/amenities for efficient performance, while discharging their duties. Instructions were issued vide Board's letter dtd 14.05.2015 under reference for providing facilities in the area of post recruitment & pre-promotion training as follows:

RBE No. 01/2025 - Minimum Educational Qualification for recruitment from open Market in Level-1 of the pay matrix of 7th CPC.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA)

(RAILWAY BOARD)

RBE No. 01/2025

No. E(NG)II/2024/RR-1/41

New Delhi, dated 02.01.2025

The General Manager (P

All Zonal Railways/Production Units

Sub: Minimum Educational Qualification for recruitment from open Market in Level-1 of the pay matrix of 7th CPC.

General Department Competitive Examination for filling up of 25% to 50% of Direct Recruitment Quota Vacancies in Group 'C' Categories.

 RBE No. 72/2024

भारत सरकार GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

 रेल मंत्रालय MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS 

(रेलवे बोर्ड RAILWAY BOARD)

No. E(NG)1/2023/PM1/15

New Delhi, dated 02.08.2024

The General Manager (P), 

All Zonal Railways & PUs.

Sub: General Department Competitive Examination for filling up of 25% to 50% of Direct Recruitment Quota Vacancies in Group 'C' Categories.

One of the Railway Recruitment Cell has sought clarification on whether provision regarding minimum service period may be implemented for the upcoming recruitment of GDCE Examination.

RBE No. 75/2023 Disclosure of marks secured by candidates in the written test held for selection/LDCEs for promotion in erstwhile Group 'D' to Group 'C' and within Group 'C' posts.

RBE No. 75/2023

भारत सरकार GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

 रेल मंत्रालय MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS 

(रेलवे बोर्ड RAILWAY BOARD)

New Delhi, dated 06.06.2023

No. E(NG)I-2023/PM1/9

The General Manager All Zonal Railways/PUs (As per standard mailing list)

Sub: Disclosure of marks secured by candidates in the written test held for selection/LDCEs for promotion in erstwhile Group 'D' to Group 'C' and within Group 'C' posts.

RBE No.47/2024 - Regarding Upper Age limit for selection to the post of J.E./P. Way against 20% LDCE Quota

 RBE No.47/2024

भारत सरकार/GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 

रेल मंत्रालय/MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS 

(रेलवे बोर्ड /RAILWAY BOARD)

No.E(NG)I/2023/PM5/3(E-3434435)

New Delhi, dated 17.05.2024

The General Manager (P), 

ALL Indian Railways 

(As per Standard List)

Sub: Upper Age limit for selection to the post of J.E./P. Way against 20% LDCE Quota under Civil Engineering Department