Indian Railways Announces Historic Recruitment Drive for Over 120,000 Positions

The Indian Railways has launched an unprecedented recruitment drive for over 120,000 positions for 2024 and 2025, marking a significant opportunity for job seekers across the nation. This initiative, announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, aims to fill various roles, including technical and non-technical positions. With a commitment to transparency and efficiency, the Railways has also introduced a recruitment calendar to assist candidates in their preparation. This article explores the details of the recruitment process, the types of positions available, and the historical context of employment trends within the Railways.

By Ambika Singh Dec 6, 2025, 13:39 IST

Major Recruitment Announcement by Indian Railways

The Indian Railways has unveiled plans to recruit more than 100,000 individuals for the years 2024 and 2025. This unprecedented recruitment initiative was highlighted by the Railway Minister, who emphasized that such a large-scale hiring effort has never been seen before.

This recruitment drive presents a significant opportunity for the youth of India. For countless candidates eagerly awaiting railway job openings, this announcement marks a pivotal moment. The Railways has initiated the hiring process for a total of 120,579 positions for the upcoming years, as declared by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav during the winter session of Parliament.

The Railways have consistently been a focal point for young job seekers, and this extensive release of vacancies has heightened expectations among applicants. The Minister confirmed that the recruitment process for both years is being accelerated, with notifications already distributed.

As per the Railway Ministry, ten major notifications have been issued for 2024, targeting 91,116 positions, while seven notifications for 2025 encompass 38,463 roles. This combined effort results in over 120,000 job opportunities currently available.

Current Recruitment Opportunities

Let's delve into the specific roles being recruited for this year. The Railways has openings across various sectors, including Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs), Technicians, Sub-Inspectors, Constables in the RPF, Junior Engineers, Depot Material Superintendents, Chemical and Metallurgical Assistants, Paramedical Staff, and various NTPC categories, along with Ministerial and Isolated Categories, and Level-1 roles such as Track Maintainers and Assistants.

These positions encompass both technical and non-technical fields, representing a golden opportunity for millions of applicants. Notably, the Railways has also introduced a recruitment calendar this year to enhance transparency and timeliness in the hiring process, aiding candidates in their preparation.

Recruitment Trends from 2004 to 2014

The Railway Minister also shared significant statistics in Parliament, noting that from 2004 to 2014, approximately 400,000 individuals were employed by the Railways. In contrast, from 2014 to 2025, this figure rose to 508,000, indicating that the Railways has hired more personnel in the last decade than ever before. The Minister reiterated the government's commitment to swiftly filling all vacant positions to ensure efficient operations and provide employment opportunities for the youth.