The document discusses plans to introduce computer-based examinations for 70% selections and 30% LDCEs for Group B promotions on Indian Railways starting January 2021. It proposes holding a single, computer-based exam for each vacancy cycle testing professional knowledge, rules, and general awareness. CCAs must prepare question banks with at least 5000 questions each for the 70% and 30% exams by November-December 2020. Exams will be held on a single day across zones to improve transparency and reduce complaints and litigation regarding the selection process.

1. Computer based examination for 70% Selections and
30% LDCEs for promotion to Group ‘B’ posts

2.  Introduction of Reforms in the Selection process for
promotion to Group ‘B’ posts on the Railways.
 Vide letter no. E(GP)2018/2/31 dated19/03/2019,
100% Objective type Multiple Choice Questions
were introduced in the written examinations held
as part of Selections and pre-qualifying
examination for LDCE.
 Now, moving a step further, it is proposed to hold
a Computer based Objective type examination for
both 70% Selections and 30% LDCE, in all the 8
Departments w.e.f. vacancy cycle commencing
from 1/1/2021.

3.  Transparency
 Reduced complaints
 Reduced litigations
 Uniform standards
 Expeditious holding of exams
 Saving on man hours
 Group A induction- seniority list

4.  Since syllabus for 70% is prepared by the
Zones itself, a common syllabus needs to be
prepared and notified by the CCA concerned
by October end.
 Syllabus for 30% is already notified by Board,
if any changes are needed may be done.
 Syllabus may be distributed chapter wise to
the Zones so that all chapters get covered.
 Relative weightage amongst the chapters may
be decided and questions sought accordingly.

5.  An objective type Question Bank along with
answer-key is required to be prepared for
both 70% and 30% exams.
 Questions in 70% will be based more on
practical knowledge.
 30% LDCE exam which is also one paper now,
objective questions may be analytical in
nature based on case study, applicability of
rules, interpretation of rules, solving
problems etc.

6.  It is proposed that the CCAs will get the Question Bank
prepared by deputing the PHODs/HODs of all the
Railways/PUs.
 Each unit should contribute at least 200 Objective type
questions each for 70% and 30% along with answer key.
 Question bank will be minimum of 5000 questions each for
both 70% and 30% exam.
 Question bank of 1000 questions on G.K.( excluding current
affairs) may also be contributed by each CCA for the 30%
exam. These questions will be objective type along with
answer key.
 Target for submission of question bank is November end for
70% and December end for 30% exam.

7.  The Question bank will also have to be
updated from time to time.
 Final question paper will be set by randomly
picking up questions from the question
bank under a transparent process by use of
computers.
 Questions should be prepared both in
English and Hindi.

8.  For this purpose, retired
PHODs/HODs/Professors of Universities may
also be hired on an honorarium basis for
preparing the Question Bank. (Through CTIs)
 Rajbhasha questions will be sought centrally
from Rajbhasha Department in Railway Board.
 PCPOs and PFAs will be nominated by CCAs
concerned for preparing 500 questions each
on Establishment and Financial rules in
addition to questions for APO and AFA.

9.  Duration of the paper- It is proposed to have
both the papers of 100 questions each with
time duration of 120 minutes each.
 Honorarium – It is proposed to give a suitable
honorarium approximately Rs 100 per
question both for 70% and 30% exam.
 CTIs may be co-opted by the CCAs for
preparation of online modules for training.

10.  70% Selection
 Professional subject - 70 marks
 Estt and Financial rules- 30 marks
 Rajbhasha (optional)- 10 marks
 30% LDCE
 Professional subject - 70 marks
 Estt and Financial rules- 20 marks
 General Knowledge - 10 marks (excluding current
affairs)
 Rajbhasha (optional) - 10 marks

11.  Therefore question paper have 110 questions out
of which 100 questions can be attempted.
 Rajbhasha questions will form part of the
Establishment and Financial rules segment.
 Allotment of marks – 01 mark will be allotted for
every correct answer and 1/3 mark will be
deducted for every wrong answer.
 Passing marks will be 60% in both. Relaxed
standard rules for reserved category candidates
will be applied as per extant instructions

12.  70% exam for all the Eight Departments will be held on
a single day across Indian Railways. Centers will be both
in the Divisions and HQs. There will be a supplementary
exam after a gap of 15 days for absentees.
 30% LDCE will be held on a single day only as per the
existing practice. Centers will be in Divisions as well as
HQs.
 On the same day of LDCE, the exam for the post of APO
will be held in the second shift, so that candidates who
have appeared in AMM/ AOM/ACM in the first shift and
also want to appear for APO can do so in the second
shift.

13.  Result of written examination prepared by the
Agencies will be furnished to the respective Zonal
Railways/PUs. Individual score will also be
reflected on the screen to the candidates on
completion of the exam.
 Viva-voce and medical of successful candidates
will be conducted by the respective Zones.
 Final panel will be prepared by them according to
the vacancies, on the basis of seniority in case of
70% selection and on the basis of merit in case of
30% LDCE

14.  Syllabus for 70% selection needs to be prepared and notified by the
CCA concerned. Target is October.
 CCAs are required to get the Question Bank prepared of minimum
3000 questions each for 70% and 30% along with answer key by
nominating PHODs/HODs/Retired officers/ Professors. Questions on
G.K. may also be collected.
 Target is November for 70% and December for 30%.
 CTIs may be co-opted by the CCAs for preparation of online
modules for training.
 Similar action is required for Estt, Finance and Rajbhasha questions.