Introduction
Indian Railways has announced a major reform in its departmental promotion examination process. To prevent discrepancies and ensure transparency, all departmental promotions for Group C employees will now be conducted through centralized Computer-Based Tests (CBT). The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) will oversee the process, replacing the previous decentralized system managed by individual railway zones. This move comes in response to recent irregularities, including a paper leak scandal that led to multiple arrests.
Why the Change?
Paper Leak Scam & Irregularities
On March 4, 2025, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) uncovered a paper leak related to departmental exams for promotions to Chief Loco Inspectors in the East Central Railway (ECR), Mughal Sarai, Uttar Pradesh. The operation led to the arrest of 26 railway officials, including 17 candidates who were found with leaked question papers. The seized cash worth ₹1.17 crore indicated the scale of malpractice.
Railway Board’s Official Response
Following this incident, the Railway Board issued a circular to all General Managers, announcing that:
✔ All pending departmental selections for Group C posts that had not been finalized by March 4, 2025, were canceled.
✔ No new selection processes will start until fresh guidelines are issued.
✔ The entire examination process will be centralized under the RRB, ensuring greater security and uniformity.
New Policy Implementation
Centralized Computer-Based Test (CBT)
✔ The Railway Board has mandated that all departmental promotion exams will now be conducted via CBT to eliminate human intervention and minimize corruption risks.
✔ Zonal railways are required to prepare an examination calendar to streamline the process.
✔ The RRB will have full authority over conducting these exams, ensuring uniformity, transparency, and security across all railway zones.
Enhanced Security Measures
✔ Encrypted question papers will be used to prevent leaks.
✔ Real-time decryption of question papers at examination centers will ensure security.
✔ Strict monitoring and surveillance mechanisms will be implemented.
Effect of This Decision
🔹 For Employees – Genuine and hardworking employees will benefit, as promotions will now be solely based on merit.
🔹 For Railways – Strengthened credibility and efficiency, ensuring only deserving candidates get promoted.
🔹 For Future Examinations – A more structured and tamper-proof examination system, reducing malpractice risks.
Conclusion
The decision to switch to centralized CBT for departmental promotions marks a significant policy reform in Indian Railways. By enhancing transparency, eliminating paper leaks, and introducing strict security protocols, the Railway Ministry is reinforcing its commitment to a fair and merit-based promotion system. With RRB now at the helm of departmental exams, this change is expected to restore trust, enhance efficiency, and create a corruption-free selection process for railway employees.
