Indian Railways Plans to Hire Over 5,000 Ex-Servicemen as Pointsmen
Synopsis
In a significant move, Indian Railways is set to recruit over 5,000 ex-servicemen as Pointsmen, enhancing job opportunities for veterans and Agniveers. This initiative aims to streamline the transition from military to civilian life, ensuring dedicated support for retiring personnel.
Key Takeaways
Indian Railways plans to hire over 5,000 ex-servicemen as Pointsmen.
The initiative is part of a Framework of Cooperation with the Indian Army.
10% reservation in Level-2 and above posts for ex-servicemen.
Recruitment processes aim to enhance job opportunities for veterans.
14,788 posts are reserved for ex-servicemen over the next two years.
New Delhi, Feb 26 (NationPress) - Indian Railways is set to hire over 5,000 ex-servicemen as Pointsmen on a contractual basis to swiftly address staffing shortages. This initiative is part of a newly established Framework of Cooperation with the Indian Army, aimed at assisting retired military personnel and Agniveers, as announced by the Ministry of Railways on Thursday.
This initiative falls under a newly established framework designed to enhance job prospects for Agniveers and active Army members transitioning to civilian roles. The goal is to facilitate a smoother transition from military to civilian employment while providing dedicated support for retiring personnel.
According to the plan, the Ministry of Railways will recruit ex-servicemen as Pointsmen across various railway zones on a temporary basis until the regular hiring processes are finalized.
Currently, over 5,000 Level-1 positions are being processed at both Zonal and Divisional levels. To date, nine Railway Divisions have executed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with relevant Army organizations to streamline the hiring process.
Army recruitment units have also been encouraged to work closely with Railway Divisions to expedite the appointment process.
This broader initiative underscores a mutual commitment to providing substantial second-career opportunities for veterans while supporting national development objectives.
The welfare and reintegration of retired armed forces personnel is already a significant aspect of Railway policy, as stated by the ministry.
To bolster this effort, Indian Railways has allocated 10 percent horizontal reservation in Level-2 and above positions and 20 percent in Level-1 posts specifically for ex-servicemen.
Furthermore, a 5 percent reservation in Level-2 and above roles and a 10 percent reservation in Level-1 roles have been designated for ex-Agniveers.
In 2024 and 2025, a total of 14,788 positions were set aside for ex-servicemen in Railway job notifications, which included 6,485 positions in Level-1 and 8,303 positions in Level-2 and above categories, according to the ministry's report.
Recruitment for Level-1 positions, previously referred to as Group D, is managed through Railway Recruitment Centres, while Level-2 and higher posts are filled via competitive examinations conducted by Railway Recruitment Boards.
Point of View
This initiative by Indian Railways reflects a commendable effort to support veterans and Agniveers in their transition to civilian life. It highlights the government's commitment to enhancing employment opportunities for retired armed forces personnel while addressing critical staffing needs within the railway system.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What positions are being offered to ex-servicemen?
Indian Railways is offering over 5,000 contract positions as Pointsmen to ex-servicemen.
How will this recruitment process be conducted?
The recruitment will be conducted on a contract basis until regular hiring processes are finalized, with support from Army recruiting units.
What is the purpose of the Framework of Cooperation?
The Framework of Cooperation aims to provide job opportunities for retired soldiers and Agniveers transitioning to civilian life.
What reservations are available for ex-servicemen?
There is a 10% horizontal reservation in Level-2 and above posts and 20% in Level-1 posts for ex-servicemen.
When will these recruitment notifications be issued?
Recruitment notifications for these positions are expected for the years 2024 and 2025.
