Introduction to the Railway Exams :
Preparing for railway exams? You’re not alone.
Every year, thousands of students dream of landing a secure job in Indian Railways – and the competition is only getting tougher. That’s why having the right coaching matters. If you’re looking for Coaching for Railway Exams in Guwahati, SmartPreps is here to guide you every step of the way.
What is the Railway Exam?
Railway exams are conducted by RRB and RRC to hire candidates for various technical and non-technical roles in Indian Railways. These exams cover different levels like Group C (technical and non-technical) and Group D posts, including popular ones like RRB NTPC, Group D, JE, and ALP.
Why are Railway Jobs Popular?
- Offers lifetime employment and stability
- Employees are provided with housing allowances
- Free perks like travel and healthcare
- There are numerous opportunities for career advancement and promotions.
Who Can Apply for Railway Exams ?
1. Education Qualification:
- Group D Post- Minimum 10th pass.
- NTPC (Non-Technical)- 12th pass or Graduation depending on the post
- Technical Posts- ITI/ Diploma or relevant technical qualification
2. Age Requirement:
- Minimum Age- 18 years.
- Maximum Age- 30-33 years (varies by post and exam)
- Relaxation-
- SC/ ST: +5 years
- OBC: +3 years
- PwD: +10 years (additional)
3. Nationality: Must be a citizen of India
4. Medical Fitness:
- Candidates must meet the required medical standards for their applied post.
- May include vision tests, general physical Fitness, etc.
5. Others Conditions:
- Valid documents supporting age, education, and reserved (if applicable)
- Candidates must pass each stage of the selection process (CTB, physical/ skill tests, etc)
Railway Exam Pattern:
CBT Stage 1 (Common for most RRB exams like NTPC, Group D)
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 | |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Negative Marking- ⅓ mark deducted for each wrong
- Type- Objective Multiple Choice Questions(MCQs)
- Mode- Computer Based Test (CBT)
CBT Stage 2 ( For posts like NTPC, ALP )
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 | |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Common Mistakes to avoid while Preparing
- Ignoring the Syllabus- Studying randomly without checking the latest railway exam syllabus leads to wasted effort.
- Focusing only on strong subjects- Don’t ignore your weak areas, they can drag your overall score down.
- Poor time management- Cramming everything the night before? That rarely ends well. Instead plan ahead with a schedule you can actually follow.
- Neglecting current affairs– Don’t skip the news! Stay updated with daily happenings and basic GK can give you easy marks in the exam.
- Not analyzing mistakes- Taking tests isn’t enough, review your errors and fix them.
- Burnout from over-studying- Prepare smart, not just hard. Breaks are just as important for a fresh mind.
Avoid these common traps and your railway exam preparation will be much more effective and stress-free.
Conclusion
Finding the best Railway Exam Coaching is the first step toward your government job dream. At SmartPreps, we offer expert guidance, updated study materials, and flexible learning to help you crack the railway exam with confidence.
FAQ
1. How to Apply for Railway Recruitment?
Apply online via the official RRB website.
2. How many stages are there?
Usually CBT 1, CBT 2, skill test (if needed) and document check.
3. Are Railway jobs permanent ?
Yes, with job security and benefits.
4. When does the Railway Exam happen?
RRB notifications usually come out once a year.
5. Is there an interview for the Railway exams?
Mostly no, but some posts may include a skill test.
6. Can I prepare for the railway exam while working or studying?
Absolutely. With the right strategy and time management, you can balance both.
