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New Guidelines for SC/ST Employee Promotions in Indian Railways

The Railway Board has introduced new guidelines aimed at facilitating promotions for SC and ST employees in non-safety roles. These guidelines include a 10% relaxation in eligibility marks and the implementation of the Best Among the Failed scheme to ensure reserved positions are filled. Employees must achieve a minimum of 20% marks across various assessments to qualify for these promotions. The process will initially be on an ad-hoc basis, with performance reviews scheduled after six months. This initiative is expected to clarify the promotion process and enhance opportunities for SC and ST employees within the railway sector.
By Ambika Singh Sep 6, 2026, 12:07 IST

Promotional Relief for SC/ST Employees


New Delhi: Employees from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) awaiting promotions in the railway sector have received encouraging news. The Railway Board has issued new guidelines regarding promotions for non-safety category positions, which include relaxation in eligibility marks for SC and ST employees, along with the implementation of the Best Among the Failed scheme. This initiative aims to prevent reserved positions from remaining unfilled and to clarify the promotion process.


Guidelines for Implementation

The Railway Board has instructed all zonal railways, production units, RDSO, and relevant offices to adhere to these guidelines. According to the board, while instructions regarding rules have been issued periodically, there has been a lack of clarity regarding their provisions at various levels. Therefore, the existing rules have been reiterated, and the process has been clarified.


Percentage of Relaxation

What Percentage of Relaxation Will Be Provided?


In promotions based on seniority, SC and ST employees will receive a 10% relaxation in the eligibility marks set for the general category. This relaxation will apply to both professional qualifications and total marks. If there are not enough SC and ST employees available in the panel according to the reserved vacancies, the Best Among the Failed scheme may be considered for those who do not meet the general eligibility criteria.


Minimum Marks Required

What Are the Required Marks?


To benefit from this scheme, employees must secure at least 20% marks in written exams, oral tests, service records, and other relevant categories. Overall, a minimum of 20% marks must be achieved. Employees will be included in the panel based on the number of reserved vacancies available.


Promotion Process

What Is the Process?


Promotions under the Best Among the Failed scheme will initially be on an ad-hoc basis. After six months, the employee's performance will be reviewed. If the performance is deemed satisfactory, the promotion can be regularized with the approval of the competent panel authority.


The Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) will continue to provide relaxation in eligibility criteria for SC and ST employees. For the written exam, the qualifying marks for SC and ST candidates will be three-fifths of the marks set for the general category. Combining the oral exam and service records, SC and ST candidates must achieve at least 18 marks, while the threshold for the general category is set at 30 marks. A minimum of 15 marks in service records will be mandatory.


The Railway Board has clarified that the panel for the LDCE is prepared based on merit, and thus the Best Among the Failed scheme will not apply in this process. The new guidelines are expected to assist in filling reserved positions and clarifying the promotion process for SC and ST employees.


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