RRB Assistant Pointsman
The RRB (Railway Recruitment Board) Track Maintainer Grade IV is a technical job position in the Indian Railways responsible for the maintenance and repair of railway tracks. This role involves ensuring that the tracks are in good condition, conducting regular inspections, fixing any faults, and preventing accidents due to track issues. Track Maintainers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of trains by maintaining the track’s safety and stability. The job requires physical labor, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of railway track operations.
Role and Responsibilities
The RRB Track Maintainer Grade IV is a crucial post in the Indian Railways, ensuring the safety and proper maintenance of railway tracks. Here are their key roles and responsibilities:
Roles:
Maintenance of Tracks
- Inspect and maintain railway tracks, including track alignment, leveling, and the condition of rails, sleepers, and fasteners.
Safety Inspections
- Check for any wear and tear, fractures, or damages in the tracks to ensure the safe movement of trains.
Repair Work
- Perform minor repair works like tightening bolts, replacing damaged components, and rectifying track defects.
Assisting in Emergency Situations
- Respond to emergencies like derailments or track damages due to natural calamities.
Loading and Unloading Work
- Assist in handling railway materials like rails, sleepers, and track-related equipment.
Responsibilities:
Daily Track Patrol
- Patrol specific sections of the track daily to identify and report issues.
Team Collaboration
- Work in coordination with a team to execute track-related projects and maintenance tasks.
Signal and Equipment Maintenance
- Help in maintaining signals and other track-side equipment if required.
Compliance with Safety Norms
- Follow all safety protocols and report any potential hazards to higher authorities.
Periodic Inspections
- Ensure tracks are free from obstructions, cracks, or faults that might disrupt train operations.
Career Path of RRB Assistant Pointsman
Starting Position: Assistant Pointsman
Role:
- Operating railway points to ensure the correct track alignment for trains.
- Assisting in signaling and ensuring smooth train movements at junctions or stations.
- Communicating with station masters and other staff.
Skills Gained:
- Knowledge of signaling systems and train operations.
- Team coordination and adherence to safety protocols.
Promotions in Career Path
Promotion 1: Senior Pointsman
- After gaining experience, the Assistant Pointsman may be promoted to Senior Pointsman.
- Responsibilities increase, with a focus on overseeing points operations and mentoring junior staff.
Promotion 2: Switchman
- Handles advanced signaling and track-switching operations.
- Collaborates with station masters to ensure timely train routing.
Promotion 3: Station Master
- Eligible after departmental exams and experience.
- Manages overall station operations, train schedules, and passenger safety.
Opportunities for Further Growth
Other Promotions:
- With departmental exams, an Assistant Pointsman can transition to administrative or supervisory roles within the Operating Department.
Lateral Career Growth:
- Can apply for other railway posts like Traffic Apprentice, Commercial Apprentice, or other technical/non-technical roles via departmental exams.
Qualifications for Growth
- Seniority-Based Promotions: Based on years of service and work performance.
- Departmental Exams: Clearing internal exams allows quicker promotions and eligibility for higher posts.
Selection Process
1. Online Application
- Candidates need to apply online through the official RRB website for the Assistant Pointsman post.
- Ensure eligibility criteria such as educational qualification (10th pass or equivalent) and age limit (18–33 years, with relaxations for reserved categories).
2. Computer-Based Test (CBT)
This is the primary screening stage.
Exam Pattern:
- Type: Objective (Multiple-Choice Questions).
- Subjects Covered:
- Mathematics (Basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry).
- General Intelligence & Reasoning (Puzzles, series, coding-decoding).
- General Awareness (Indian Railways, current affairs, and general knowledge).
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology at a basic level).
Key Details:
- Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates).
- Total Marks: 100.
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
3. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates shortlisted based on the CBT are called for PET to test their physical fitness.
Criteria for PET:
- Male Candidates:
- Should be able to run 1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds in a single attempt.
- Female Candidates:
- Should be able to run 1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds in a single attempt.
4. Document Verification (DV)
Candidates qualifying for the PET are called for document verification to ensure eligibility.
Documents Required:
- 10th class certificate (proof of education).
- Birth certificate or age proof.
- Caste certificate (if applicable).
- PwBD certificate (if applicable).
- Medical fitness certificate.
5. Medical Examination
A mandatory medical fitness test is conducted to ensure candidates meet the physical and medical standards for the role.
- Category: A-3 (Vision without glasses should meet the required standards).
6. Final Merit List
The final selection is based on the marks obtained in the CBT, and performance in the PET and document verification. A merit list is prepared, and selected candidates are appointed.
Training:
After selection, candidates undergo training to learn the technical aspects of the job, including signaling and track management.
Syllabus
| Subject | Topics Covered |
| Mathematics | – Number System |
| – Decimals and Fractions | |
| – LCM and HCF | |
| – Ratio and Proportion | |
| – Percentage | |
| – Profit and Loss | |
| – Simple and Compound Interest | |
| – Time and Work | |
| – Time, Distance, and Speed | |
| – Mensuration (Area and Perimeter) | |
| – Algebra and Geometry | |
| – Trigonometry (Basic concepts) | |
| – Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode) | |
| – Data Interpretation | |
| – Age Calculations | |
| – Calendar and Clock Problems | |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | – Analogies |
| – Coding and Decoding | |
| – Number Series | |
| – Syllogism | |
| – Puzzle Solving | |
| – Blood Relations | |
| – Directions and Distances | |
| – Order and Ranking | |
| – Data Sufficiency | |
| – Statement and Assumptions | |
| – Venn Diagrams | |
| – Logical Reasoning | |
| – Non-Verbal Reasoning (Mirror Images, Patterns) | |
| General Awareness | – Indian Railways and its History |
| – Indian Economy | |
| – Indian Polity and Constitution | |
| – Current Affairs (National and International Events) | |
| – Indian Geography | |
| – Awards and Honors | |
| – Science and Technology | |
| – Sports and Personalities | |
| – Environmental Issues | |
| – History of India | |
| General Science | – Physics (Motion, Force, Energy, Heat, Electricity, etc.) |
| – Chemistry (Periodic Table, Acids and Bases, Metals, Non-Metals, etc.) | |
| – Biology (Human Body, Diseases, Ecosystem, Plants and Animals, etc.) |
Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 | |
| General Awareness | 15 | 15 | |
| General Science | 30 | 30 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 90 Minutes |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
You should have passed the 10th standard or have an ITI certificate or an equivalent qualification, like the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
Age Limit:
You need to be between 18 and 36 years old as of July 1, 2025. There are age relaxations for certain categories:
- OBC: up to 39 years
- SC/ST: up to 41 years
Medical Standards:
The Assistant Pointsman role requires an A2 medical standard. This means you should be physically fit in all respects, with:
- Distance Vision: 6/6, 6/6 without glasses
- Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 without glasses
- Must pass tests for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, Night Vision, Mesopic Vision, etc.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET):
You’ll need to pass a physical test:
- Male Candidates: Lift and carry 35 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes without putting it down, and run 1000 meters in 4 minutes and 15 seconds in one chance.
- Female Candidates: Lift and carry 20 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes without putting it down, and run 1000 meters in 5 minutes and 40 seconds in one chance.
Application Dates:
You can apply online from January 23, 2025, to February 22, 2025.
Application Fee:
- General and OBC candidates: ₹500 (₹400 will be refunded if you appear for the CBT)
- SC, ST, EBC, Women, and Transgender candidates: ₹250 (fully refunded if you appear for the CBT)
Selection Process:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT): Includes sections on General Science, Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): As mentioned above.
- Document Verification: Checking your documents.
- Medical Examination: Ensuring you meet the medical standards.
Pay Scale
| Category | Pay Details |
| Pay Level | Level 1 (as per 7th CPC) |
| Basic Pay | ₹18,000 per month |
| Grade Pay | ₹ 1,800 |
| Allowances | Included as per rules |
| Gross Salary (Approx.) | ₹22,000 – ₹25,000 per month (including allowances such as DA, HRA, etc.) |
| Deductions | Provident Fund, Income Tax, etc. |
| In-hand Salary (Approx.) | ₹20,000 – ₹22,000 per month (after deductions) |
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