Indian Railways publishes openings for Station Master posts through the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) graduate stream.
The process is centralized, competitive, and conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs).
This guide explains the role, eligibility, selection steps, pay, and the exact actions you should take to prepare.
Station Master Job in Plain Terms
A Station Master position implies managing day-to-day station operations and train movements.
You coordinate with the control office, dispatch and receive trains, and ensure safety protocols on platforms and in yard limits.
You make public announcements, handle passenger information, and record operational data.
You also respond to disruptions, implement priority orders from controllers, and keep incident logs accurate and timely.
Salary
Pay and responsibilities scale with seniority and posting category; allowances vary by city class and how Station Masters work.
The Level-6 entry pay in openings for Station Master posts is ₹35,400; allowances add to the in-hand figure.
Where Openings for Station Master Posts are Published
Recruitment notices appear on official RRB websites for each region.
You will also find brief notices in government employment publications and select national dailies.
The detailed notification (called “CEN” for centralized employment notice) lists posts, eligibility, reservation, syllabus, schedule, and instructions.
Always rely on the official RRB notice and the online application portal; avoid third-party forms or unofficial “shortcuts.”
Eligibility at a Glance
You need a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university for the Station Master post under the graduate category.
Your age must fall within the range stated in the current notification, with relaxations as per the Government of India rules for reserved categories.
You must meet the prescribed medical standards, including vision requirements, as assessed by authorized Railway medical officers.
Citizenship, character, and document norms follow central government recruitment rules and are verified during document checks.
The Selection Stages You Will Face
The Station Master pathway typically includes CBT-1, CBT-2, the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), Document Verification, and a Medical Examination.
CBT-1 screens applicant numbers with a pattern across zones. CBT-2 evaluates you more deeply on the same broad domains, which are more difficult.
CBAT is mandatory for train Station Masters and focuses on job-related psychometric abilities rather than general knowledge.
You proceed to Document Verification and medicals only if you qualify and rank high enough in merit.
Exam Pattern and What to Study
CBTs assess General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning.
The question counts and time limits are defined in each notification, and negative marking commonly applies.
You should cover Indian and world current affairs, economy, polity, basic science, railways awareness, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and more.
The best strategy is to practice consistently with timed mock tests, review errors carefully, and revise topics using the syllabus headings from the official notice.
Strategy for each subject area
Treat General Awareness as a daily habit rather than a cramming task.
For Mathematics, maintain a formula sheet and practice mixed sets that force quick topic switches.
In Reasoning, start with accuracy at a comfortable pace and then compress time windows gradually.
Understanding CBAT for Station Master
CBAT evaluates attention, information processing, and decision consistency under time pressure.
There is no substitute for hands-on practice with aptitude batteries that mirror timing, interface, and instruction styles.
Read all on-screen directions carefully because test modules can vary across sessions.
Aim for steady accuracy rather than reckless speed, and use quick elimination to avoid revisiting the same item too often.
Step-by-step Application Workflow
Submit only after previewing the complete form, then save the final PDF for admit cards, future communications, and Document Verification.
- First, read the entire centralized employment notice for the current NTPC graduate cycle.
- Register on the official application portal with accurate personal details and a working email and phone number for OTPs and alerts.
- Fill the form, select Station Master in your preference order, choose your RRB, and specify the language options available for the CBTs.
- Upload your photograph and signature exactly as per the size, background, and resolution rules.
- Attach category, disability, and service certificates, if applicable, in the required formats and templates.
- Pay the fee as stated for your category and keep the e-receipt.
Keep a valid photo ID, proof of date of birth, degree certificate or provisional certificate, and mark sheets.
Prepare community, EWS, PwBD, or Ex-Servicemen certificates in the exact formats mentioned in the notice.
Carry originals and self-attested photocopies to Document Verification, and keep digital scans ready for re-uploads if asked.
How to Plan Your Preparation Timeline
Block 10–12 weeks for a full cycle of study, practice, and revision.
In weeks 1–4, complete a first pass through the syllabus while logging weak areas.
In weeks 5–8, shift to daily timed practice and topic-wise tests, tracking accuracy and speed on a simple spreadsheet.
In weeks 9–12, focus on high-yield current affairs, formula flashcards, cumulative mocks, and CBAT drills designed for attention and response consistency.
What Happens After the Tests
Results are released online, followed by instructions for Document Verification and medicals.
You may see score normalization across shifts, which adjusts scores for difficulty variations.
Final panels are prepared based on merit, qualification in CBAT, reservation rules, and successful verification.
After selection, you receive posting and training schedules from the concerned Railway zone.
Practical Tips That Save Time
Bookmark your regional RRB homepage and the central application portal and check them on fixed days each week.
Use a single email and phone number from registration to appointment to avoid missed alerts.
Keep scanned PDFs under the size caps noted in the notice, with file names that clearly identify the document type.
Back up your admit cards, fee receipts, and final application PDFs to cloud storage.
Ethical Exam Conduct
Follow all proctoring rules in CBTs and CBAT.
Do not carry restricted items into the test hall, and read the bar-code, seating, and rough-sheet instructions carefully.
Report any technical issue to invigilators immediately; seek a written incident note when relevant.
Keep your communication with officials factual and polite.
Conclusion
Openings for Station Master posts offer stable pay, structured growth, and a frontline role in safe train operations.
Success comes from disciplined preparation, clean documentation, and strict adherence to instructions.
Build a realistic study plan, submit error-free forms, and stay updated through official RRB notices only.
