Indian Railways Announces Recruitment for Over 120,000 Positions in 2024-2025

The Indian Railways is set to recruit over 120,000 individuals in 2024 and 2025, as announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav. This recruitment drive marks a significant increase in job opportunities compared to previous years. The Minister highlighted that the Railways has employed over 500,000 people since 2014, showcasing a commitment to transparency and efficiency in the hiring process. With various positions available, including Assistant Loco Pilots and Technicians, this initiative aims to meet the operational demands of the extensive railway network. Read on to learn more about the recruitment details and the reasons behind the high number of vacancies.

By Ambika Singh Dec 5, 2025, 12:18 IST

Exciting Opportunities in Indian Railways

Young individuals aspiring for a government position in the Indian Railways have reason to celebrate, as recent updates reveal significant recruitment plans. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav outlined the government's strategy for railway hiring and shared insights into employment trends over the past years. In a formal statement to Parliament, he disclosed that the Indian Railways is set to fill 120,579 vacancies during the 2024 and 2025 calendar years.

Job Creation Over the Past 11 Years

Minister Vaishnav presented statistics indicating a surge in recruitment within the Railways under the current administration. From 2014-15 to 2024-25, the Railways has onboarded 508,000 employees, contrasting with the 411,000 jobs created during the UPA government's tenure from 2004-05 to 2013-14. This comparison highlights the increased job opportunities available in the Railways during the present government's time in office.

Recruitment Plans for 2024-25

The Minister elaborated that recruitment is an ongoing process influenced by operational and technical needs. For the years 2024 and 2025, notifications have been released for 92,116 positions, including roles such as Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs), Technicians, Sub-Inspectors, and Constables in the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Junior Engineers (JEs), Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC – Graduates and Undergraduates), Paramedical Staff, and Level-1 positions (Track Maintainers, Pointsmen, etc.). Additionally, seven notifications for 28,463 positions are either issued or forthcoming for 2025.

Commitment to Transparency

The Railway Minister reassured Parliament regarding the integrity of the recruitment process, stating that Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) examinations are intricate and resource-intensive. Despite these complexities, the Railways has successfully conducted the recruitment process transparently, adhering to all established protocols, with no reports of paper leaks or irregularities.

Reasons Behind High Vacancy Rates

The Minister explained that the extensive network of Indian Railways necessitates continuous recruitment due to regular operations, the adoption of new technologies, mechanization, and employee retirements.