The Ministry of Railways, Government of India, through the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), has announced one of the most awaited recruitment drives of the year 2025. The Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) 04/2025 opens up vacancies for the post of Section Controller across various railway zones. With an initial pay of ₹35,400 under Level 6 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), this is an excellent opportunity for young aspirants to join Indian Railways, one of the largest employers in the world.
Railways play a critical role in India’s transportation system, and the post of Section Controller holds great importance in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of trains. Section Controllers are entrusted with monitoring train operations, ensuring punctuality, coordinating with different units, and handling emergency situations. It is a role that demands quick decision-making, presence of mind, and a high level of responsibility.
This recruitment aims to bring in 368 talented individuals to strengthen railway operations. Candidates between 20 to 33 years of age, with the required educational background, can apply through the online mode only.
In this article, we provide a detailed overview of the RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2025 including important dates, vacancies, eligibility criteria, application fees, pay scale, medical standards, Aadhaar verification process, selection procedure, and other key instructions. Candidates are strongly advised to read carefully before filling the online application.
Important Dates
The schedule for the recruitment process has been announced, and candidates should note these dates carefully:
- Opening Date for Online Application: 15th September 2025
- Closing Date for Submission of Online Application: 14th October 2025 (23:59 hrs)
Candidates are advised to complete the application well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical glitches.
Vacancy Details
The Railway Recruitment Boards have announced a total of 368 vacancies for the post of Section Controller. These vacancies are spread across different RRBs in India.
- Name of Post: Section Controller
- Pay Level (as per 7th CPC): Level 6
- Initial Pay: ₹35,400
- Medical Standard: A2
- Age Limit (as on 01.01.2026): 20–33 years
- Tentative Total Vacancies: 368
The number of vacancies is tentative and subject to change based on the requirements of the Railways.
Application Fees
The official detailed notification will specify the exact application fee structure. Generally, for RRB recruitments, the following pattern is expected:
- General / OBC / EWS Candidates: Application fee (usually ₹500)
- SC / ST / PwBD / Female / Ex-Servicemen Candidates: Concessional fee (usually ₹250)
The fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances. Candidates are advised to verify their eligibility before making payment.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility conditions have been outlined clearly to ensure that only qualified candidates apply.
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 33 years (as on 01.01.2026)
Age Relaxation (as per Govt. norms)
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- PwBD: 10–15 years (depending on category)
- Ex-Servicemen: As per rules
- Candidates domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir during 01.01.1980–31.12.1989: 5 years
Educational Qualification
The detailed qualification requirements will be specified in the full official notification. Traditionally, Section Controller posts demand a graduate degree in relevant disciplines, with preference to those having technical or operational knowledge of railways. Candidates must keep ready their 10th, 12th, and graduation certificates for verification.
Salary and Benefits
The post of Section Controller comes under Level 6 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), with an initial basic pay of ₹35,400 per month. Along with basic pay, employees are entitled to:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Night Duty Allowance
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Medical Facilities for employee and dependents
- Retirement Benefits (Pension, Provident Fund, Gratuity)
- Job Security as a central government employee
The total gross salary including allowances will be significantly higher than the basic pay, depending on the city of posting (X, Y, or Z category cities).
Medical Standards
The medical requirement for Section Controller is A2 standard.
This means candidates must:
- Have near vision and distant vision within prescribed limits, with or without glasses.
- Be free from color blindness.
- Possess normal hearing ability.
- Meet physical fitness standards required for operating duties.
Candidates failing to meet the A2 medical standard will be disqualified, regardless of their performance in the written examination.
Aadhaar Verification Requirement
In line with the Digital India initiative and to curb impersonation, Aadhaar verification has been made a mandatory step in the recruitment process.
- Candidates are strongly advised to verify their details with Aadhaar before applying.
- The Name and Date of Birth in Aadhaar must 100% match with the details in the 10th class certificate.
- Aadhaar should be updated with the latest photograph and biometrics (fingerprint & iris) to avoid problems during biometric verification.
- Applications without Aadhaar verification may undergo special detailed scrutiny, leading to delays in recruitment.
Selection Process
The selection process for Section Controller recruitment will consist of the following stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT):
- Objective type exam covering subjects such as General Awareness, General Intelligence, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and domain-specific knowledge.
- Multiple-choice questions with negative marking (usually 1/3rd for wrong answers).
- Medical Examination:
- Candidates qualifying the CBT will be sent for A2 medical fitness tests.
- Document Verification (DV):
- Candidates need to produce original documents such as educational certificates, Aadhaar card, caste certificate (if applicable), and other proofs.
- Final Merit List:
- Prepared based on performance in CBT and successful medical fitness clearance.
Examination Pattern (Expected)
Though the detailed pattern will be released in the full notification, the exam is expected to be on the lines of other RRB recruitments:
- Duration: 90–120 minutes
- Number of Questions: 100–120 MCQs
- Subjects:
- General Awareness
- Mathematics
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Railway/Technical Knowledge (if applicable)
Documents Required
Before applying, candidates should keep the following scanned documents ready:
- Class 10th Certificate (as proof of Date of Birth)
- Mark sheets of all qualifying examinations
- Aadhaar card (updated)
- Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Passport-size photograph and signature
General Instructions
- Mode of Application: Only online applications will be accepted.
- Final Year Students: Not eligible; the qualification must be completed before the closing date.
- Single Application: Candidates must apply through only one RRB. Multiple applications may result in disqualification.
- Original Documents: Must be produced at the time of document verification.
- False Information: If any discrepancy is found, the candidature will be canceled at any stage.
- No Manual Applications: Paper applications will not be accepted.
- Beware of Touts and Brokers: Candidates should not fall prey to touts, agents, or racketeers promising jobs in exchange for money. Recruitment is transparent and merit-based.
Why Choose a Career as Section Controller?
The Section Controller is considered one of the most responsible and prestigious non-gazetted posts in Indian Railways. The role ensures smooth and safe train operations and provides excellent opportunities for growth. Employees enjoy job security, attractive pay, perks, and a chance to serve in the backbone of India’s transport system.
Moreover, working in Indian Railways provides exposure to large-scale operations, technological advancements, and an opportunity to work with one of the largest networks in the world.
