The Indian Railways is embarking on one of its most ambitious recruitment campaigns in recent history, with over 1,20,000 vacancies slated for filling across 2024 and 2025.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed this mammoth hiring spree during the Winter session of Parliament, underscoring a sustained effort to modernize and expand the rail workforce amid evolving operational demands.

The recruitment drive covers a staggering array of roles—from Assistant Loco Pilots and Junior Engineers to RPF Sub-Inspectors and paramedical staff—reflecting the railways’ critical need to staff a sprawling network that demands cutting-edge skills, safety expertise, and technological adaptability.

Key highlights of the recruitment push:

·        More than 92,000 posts were notified in 2024 alone through ten Centralised Employment Notifications (CENs), spanning technical, non-technical, safety, and frontline roles.

·        Major examination phases, including computer-based tests and aptitude evaluations, have been successfully completed, with robust participation from candidates across India.

·        Physical Efficiency Tests for over 4,000 RPF constable vacancies and recruitment for Level-1 posts covering 32,000+ roles commenced in November 2025 across 140 cities.

·        Over 23,000 candidates have been finalized for crucial safety and operational positions, reinforcing the railways’ commitment to secure and efficient functioning.

·        For 2025, seven new notifications have already announced 28,463 vacancies, continuing the momentum across diverse categories.

Vaishnaw emphasized that this hiring surge marks a historic scale-up compared to the previous decade, with 5.08 lakh jobs created since 2014—a sharp rise from 4.11 lakh in the decade prior. To improve transparency and candidate experience, the railways introduced an annual recruitment calendar starting in 2024, offering clear timelines and multiple opportunities for aspirants nationwide.

In a notable achievement, the ministry confirmed that the recruitment process has so far remained free from any reported leaks or malpractice, reflecting stringent adherence to examination protocols.

While the railways continue to meet urgent operational needs with contractual hires, these remain temporary measures, with no claims to long-term employment or regularization.

This massive recruitment drive not only aims to fill critical vacancies but signals a transformative shift toward a more skilled, efficient, and safety-conscious railway workforce — a cornerstone for India’s broader infrastructure ambitions.