In a major boost to public sector employment, Indian Railways has already recruited 9,000 candidates in the first quarter of FY 2025-26. That’s just the beginning. Over 50,000 fresh appointments are planned for this year alone.
This development comes as part of a massive recruitment drive initiated in November 2024, aimed at filling over one lakh vacancies through transparent and tech-enabled examinations.
Massive Numbers: Over 1.86 Crore Candidates Tested
Since late 2024, the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have conducted Computer Based Tests (CBTs) for more than 1.86 crore applicants across India.
These exams covered seven different recruitment notifications, totaling 55,197 vacancies.
The exams were managed on a huge scale, requiring strong coordination and planning across thousands of exam centers. The result: more than 9,000 candidates have already received their appointment letters in just three months.
50,000 More Appointments by March 2026
The Railways isn’t stopping there. Based on the momentum, more than 50,000 additional appointments will be completed during the remaining part of the financial year.
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), this aligns with the annual calendar released by the RRBs, which outlines 108,324 total vacancies since 2024.
Upcoming Year: Another 50,000 Jobs in FY 2026-27
Looking ahead, the RRBs plan to offer another 50,000 government jobs in FY 2026-27. With this, Indian Railways reaffirms its position as one of the largest job providers in India.
These positions span various categories including technical, non-technical, paramedical, and safety-related roles.
Fair Exams: Aadhaar-Based Authentication & 100% Jammers
To ensure absolute transparency, Indian Railways introduced a pioneering initiative—e-KYC based Aadhaar authentication.
For the first time in large-scale government exams, Aadhaar was used to verify candidate identity, achieving over 95% success in preventing impersonation and fraud.
Additionally, jammers were deployed 100% across all examination centers to block any use of electronic devices during tests. This step ensures a fair environment for all aspirants.
More Exam Centers, Special Focus on Women & PwBD
RRBs have also made location access easier for candidates. Exam centers are now being allotted closer to their home locations.
Special preference is being given to women and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). This move is aimed at making the process more inclusive and accessible to all deserving candidates.
Enlisting more centers also means employing more human resources, which further generates temporary employment and local economic activity.
Why This Matters: Hope for Millions
For India’s youth, government jobs remain a secure and respected career option. Indian Railways’ transparent and inclusive hiring is restoring faith in the recruitment process.
These efforts are particularly impactful at a time when the private sector is showing signs of slowdown and layoffs in some industries. Public sector hiring not only stabilizes the job market but also improves household income and regional development.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- 9,000 jobs issued in Q1 of FY 2025-26
- 50,000+ appointments expected this year
- 108,324 total vacancies announced since 2024
- 1.86 crore candidates appeared in CBTs
- 95% Aadhaar e-KYC success in verifying candidates
- 100% jammer deployment across exam centers
Conclusion: Railways Set an Example in Transparent Hiring
Indian Railways is leading by example. Through digital verification, inclusive policies, and large-scale planning, it’s setting a gold standard in government recruitment.
The focus is not only on numbers but also on fairness, speed, and access. With over 50,000 jobs coming up this year and another batch next year, lakhs of Indian families are looking at a brighter future.
This is more than just a hiring spree. It’s a story of hope, growth, and trust in public institutions.
