The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) are the official agencies that conduct recruitment exams for various posts in the Indian Railways. The RRBs are responsible for selecting and appointing staff for Group C and Group D categories, as well as some isolated and ministerial posts. The RRBs operate under the Ministry of Railways and have 21 regional boards across the country.
The RRBs conduct various exams throughout the year to fill the vacancies in the Indian Railways. Some of the most popular exams are RRB NTPC, RRB JE, RRB ALP, and RRB Group D. However, these exams are not without challenges and difficulties for the candidates
Here, we will look at some of the common complaints or issues faced by the candidates in the RRB exams in the last five years and how the RRBs have addressed them.
Technical Glitches
One of the most common issues faced by the candidates in the RRB exams is the technical glitches or errors in the online application process, admit card download, online exam, or result declaration. Some of the technical glitches include server issues, payment failure, incorrect details, login problems, etc.
For instance, in 2021, many candidates who appeared for the RRB NTPC CBT-1 exam faced problems in downloading their admit cards, logging into the exam portal, or submitting their responses. Some candidates also reported that their exam was cancelled or rescheduled without prior notice. Similarly, in 2022, many candidates who applied for the RRB Group D exam faced issues in uploading their documents, paying the application fee, or receiving the confirmation email.
However, in some cases, the RRBs have tried to resolve these technical glitches by extending the deadlines, issuing new admit cards, providing helpline numbers, or conducting re-exams for the affected candidates.
Exam Center Issues
Another common issue faced by the candidates in the RRB exams is the exam center allocation, distance, facilities, or infrastructure. Some of these issues include far away locations, lack of transport, poor hygiene, inadequate seating, etc.
In 2021, many candidates who appeared for the RRB NTPC CBT-1 exam complained that their centers were located in remote areas, far from their hometowns, or in different states. Some candidates also faced difficulties in reaching the locations due to poor road conditions, traffic jams, or unavailability of public transport. Moreover, some candidates reported that their exam centers lacked basic amenities such as drinking water, toilets, fans, or power backup.
In many cases, the RRBs have tried to address these exam center issues by providing free travel passes for SC/ST candidates or arranging alternative exam centers in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Question Paper Issues
Another common issue faced by the candidates in the RRB exams is the question paper, answer key, or marking scheme of the RRB exams. Some of the question paper issues include wrong questions, incorrect answers, out-of-syllabus questions, ambiguous questions, etc.
Candidates who appeared for the RRB NTPC CBT-1 exam in 2021 raised objections or doubts about the question paper, answer key, or marking scheme of the exam. Some candidates claimed that there were errors or discrepancies in the question paper, answer key, or marking scheme of the exam. Some candidates also alleged that there were questions that were out of the prescribed syllabus, repeated from previous exams, or copied from other sources.
For this, the RRBs had appointed expert panels to review and verify the objections or queries raised by the candidates and make necessary corrections or modifications in the question paper, answer key, or marking scheme of the exam.
Selection Process Issues
Another common issue faced by the candidates in the RRB exams is the selection process, merit list, cut-off marks, or reservation policy of the RRB exams. Some of the selection process issues include unfair criteria, discrepancies in marks, violation of rules, etc.
In 2022, many candidates who applied for the RRB Group D exam questioned or challenged the selection process, merit list, cut-off marks, or reservation policy of the exam. Some candidates protested against the introduction of a second-stage CBT in the RRB Group D exam, which was not mentioned in the original notification of the exam. Some candidates also complained about the discrepancy in the marks or normalization of the marks of the RRB NTPC CBT-1 exam. Some candidates also accused the RRBs of violating the reservation rules or favouring certain categories of candidates in the RRB exams.
The RRB exams are one of the most sought-after and competitive exams in the country, as they offer a lucrative and secure career in the Indian Railways. However, the RRB exams are also prone to some issues or difficulties for the candidates, as they are conducted on a large scale and involve millions of candidates across the country.
Candidates who are interested and eligible for the RRB exams can apply online through the official websites of the respective RRBs and prepare well for the exams. The candidates can also file their complaints or suggestions to the RRBs or the Ministry of Railways through CPGRAMS, or send an email or post to the Railway Recruitment Boards.
