In a major reform, the Ministry of Railways has announced that 60% of vacancies in the control department—responsible for managing train operations—will now be filled through direct recruitment conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB). This move marks the revival of graduate-level hiring into the department, which had been discontinued since 2017. Prior to that, train controllers were recruited through the Railway Traffic Apprentice Exams, but following its scrapping, all posts were filled via promotions from feeder cadres like guards, station masters, and train clerks.
Railways Revamps Controller Recruitment to Attract Talent and Boost Efficiency
Officials stated that the lack of direct recruitment and low monetary benefits discouraged meritorious employees from opting for the control department. As a result, it became a “dumping ground” for medically de-categorised staff. The new reform aims to reverse this trend by introducing capable graduates into what is considered the nerve center of the Indian Railways, thereby improving operational efficiency. Details regarding the name and structure of the new recruitment exam are still being finalized.
As per the ministry’s circular, the remaining 40% of vacancies will be filled through Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCE) and the merit-based promotional quota. Candidates from Grade Pay Level 2 to Level 5—such as track maintainers—are now eligible to apply for the post of train controller, which begins at Grade Pay Level 6.
Promotion Pathways and Testing Revamp for Senior Train Controller Posts
For higher-level vacancies, a mix of promotion and departmental selection will apply. At Grade Pay Level 7, 50% will be filled by promotion from Level 6 based on seniority-cum-suitability, while the other 50% will be filled through LDCE from among eligible station masters, section controllers, and train managers. Grade Pay Level 8 vacancies will be filled entirely by promotion from Level 7. All recruitment and promotions will include aptitude and psychometric tests as per RDSO norms, followed by one year of training in traffic control skills.
Summary:
The Railway Ministry will fill 60% of train controller posts through direct RRB recruitment, reviving graduate-level hiring after a 2017 halt. The remaining 40% will come via promotions and departmental exams. New rules aim to boost efficiency, include psychometric testing, and offer clear promotion pathways up to Grade Pay Level 8.
