Railway PGT (General) Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026

Educational qualification is a primary benchmark for the Railway PGT 2025 recruitment. Given the academic nature of the roles, the board requires candidates to demonstrate both theoretical proficiency and professional teaching readiness.

Mandatory Educational Requirements:

• Post-Graduation Degree: Candidates must possess a Master's degree (Post-Graduation) in the relevant subject they are applying for. A minimum score of 50% marks in the qualifying degree is generally required.
• Professional Training (B.Ed.): A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree or its equivalent is mandatory for teaching positions to ensure candidates are trained in pedagogical methodologies.
• Computer Proficiency: In the current digital learning landscape, candidates must demonstrate basic knowledge of computer applications. This is essential for managing digital classrooms and using educational software effectively.
• Language Teaching Skills: For teaching roles, proficiency in the English language is a critical requirement. Candidates are expected to be capable of conducting instruction and communication in English efficiently.

Candidates must ensure that their degrees are obtained from recognized universities or institutions. During the documentation verification stage, all certificates—including marks cards, degree certificates, and B.Ed. credentials—will be cross-checked. Failure to provide valid proof of these qualifications will result in immediate disqualification, regardless of the candidate's performance in the written examination.

The eligibility criteria for the Railway PGT 2025 recruitment include a specific age range intended to attract both experienced professionals and young aspirants. The age limit for applicants is set between 18 and 48 years. This range is established to balance the need for subject matter expertise, often acquired through years of advanced study and experience, with the long-term career potential of the candidates.

The age of the candidate is calculated as on the reference date specified in the official notification. Candidates must ensure that their date of birth, as reflected in their matriculation or secondary school leaving certificate, falls within this required range. It is important to note that age calculation is a strict parameter in the selection process, and any deviation or misrepresentation can lead to disqualification during the document verification stage. For those seeking age relaxation, the board provides specific provisions for reserved categories as outlined in the detailed notification documents. These relaxations are applied according to standard government regulations, which must be cross-verified by candidates when applying.

The selection process for the Railway PGT 2025 is designed to be rigorous, multi-staged, and transparent, aimed at selecting the most capable educators. The process involves several distinct phases, each assessing different facets of a candidate's suitability for a teaching role.

• Computer-Based Test (CBT): This is the initial and most significant stage. It is an online, multiple-choice examination that screens candidates based on their subject knowledge, aptitude, and general awareness. Only those who meet the qualifying merit score in the CBT proceed to the next stages.
• Interview Phase: Shortlisted candidates from the CBT will be invited for an interview. This phase is conducted by either the Central Selection Board (CSB) or a Local Selection Board (LSB), depending on the specific post, to assess personality, teaching aptitude, and subject mastery.
• Skill Test: Depending on the specific requirements of the post (e.g., lab assistant or music teacher), candidates may be required to clear a practical skill test. This evaluates their hands-on capability in their respective fields.
• Language Evaluation: For those applying as language teachers, a mandatory 30-mark written examination is conducted to verify their specific linguistic proficiency.
• Document Verification: This is the final and crucial stage. Candidates who have successfully cleared the previous rounds must present their original educational and personal documents for verification. The board confirms the candidate's eligibility against the original records.

By integrating these various stages, the board ensures that all selected individuals possess both the academic depth and the practical expertise required to serve in railway schools effectively.

The Railway Recruitment Board provides age relaxation for various reserved categories in compliance with government policies. This ensures equitable opportunity for all candidates seeking employment as teachers within the railway sector.

• Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST): Relaxation is granted as per the current government guidelines applicable to these categories.
• Other Backward Classes (OBC): Candidates from the non-creamy layer are entitled to age relaxation as per the existing notification rules.
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Candidates falling under this category receive special relaxation in the upper age limit to encourage inclusion.
• Ex-Servicemen: Former army personnel are eligible for age relaxation based on their length of service and current government directives.
• General Guidelines: All candidates claiming age relaxation must possess valid documentation (caste certificates, disability certificates, etc.) issued by the competent authorities. These documents must be produced during the document verification phase.

The specific years of relaxation for each category are clearly detailed in the full version of the official Railway PGT 2025 notification. Candidates are strictly advised to review these provisions before submitting their applications, as the eligibility criteria are rigid and subject to compliance with the documented rules.