Indian Railways relaxes eligibility criteria for level-1 posts

Aimed at widening employment opportunities, Indian Railways has eased the eligibility criteria for Level-1 posts. As per the new guidelines, candidates who have passed Class 10, hold an ITI diploma, or possess a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) can now apply for these posts. This revision, effective January 2, 2025, is expected to significantly benefit aspirants, particularly those from economically weaker sections and rural areas, where access to higher technical qualifications may be limited.

The eligibility criteria for Level-1 posts have been simplified to include the following:

• Class 10 Pass: Candidates must have completed secondary education from a recognized board.
• ITI Diploma: A technical diploma from an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) is acceptable.
• National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC): Certification provided by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT).

These changes are expected to streamline the application process, enabling a larger and more diverse pool of candidates to apply for government jobs in Indian Railways.

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has announced a large-scale recruitment drive to fill approximately 32,000 Level-1 posts. According to the official notification, the application process will commence on January 23, 2025, and the last date to apply online is February 22, 2025.

This initiative aligns with the government’s focus on addressing unemployment and providing equitable job opportunities across the country. The relaxation of eligibility requirements is expected to empower candidates from diverse educational and socio-economic backgrounds. For many, it represents a gateway to stable employment in one of the largest public sector organizations in India.

The revised criteria particularly stand to benefit candidates from rural areas and economically weaker sections (EWS), where financial and educational barriers often limit access to higher qualifications. As the recruitment process gears up, interested candidates are encouraged to prepare for this opportunity and keep track of further updates on the Railway Recruitment Board’s official website.