Occurrence and filling up of vacancies are continuous process on Indian Railways considering its size, spatial distribution and criticality of operation. The vacancies are filled up primarily by placement of indents by Railways with Recruitment agencies as per operational requirements. During the process, vacancies may arise and these are filled subsequently.

Two major examinations involving more than 2.37 crore candidates have been conducted recently for filling up 1.39 lakh vacancies. 1st Stage Computer Based Test for CEN 01/2019 (NTPC) for more than 1.26 crore candidates was conducted in 7 phases from 28.12.2020 to 31.07.2021 in 133 shifts in 68 days across 211 cities and 726 centers in 15 languages. Similarly CBT for CEN RRC 01/2019 (Level 1) was conducted for more than 1.11 crore candidates in 5 phases from 17.08.2022 to 11.10.2022 in 99 shifts in 33 days across 191 cities and 551 centers in 15 languages.

3,02,550 (Provisional) candidates have been empanelled during the last five years (i.e. 2018-2019 to 2022-2023) and current year (i.e. 2023-2024 upto 31.12.2023), against various Group ‘C’ posts (including Level 1 & security related posts).

Manpower planning requires continuous review of sanctioned strength in view of changing workload conditions, introduction of new technologies, working systems, creation of new assets etc. Work studies are regularly conducted in Railways for various activities. This exercise enables Indian Railways to utilize its human resources in most efficient and productive manner.

This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

—-