Kamal Ghorui
RRB Group D Results: The Telangana High Court has granted an interim stay on the announcement of results for Computer-Based Tests for RRB Group D recruitment for CEN 08/2024, which is for the 2026 cycle. The order was passed in Writ Petition No. 789/2026, with the Directorate General of Training and Ministry of Railways as respondents.As per the proceedings held on the 26th of March, 2026, the Court has stayed the release of the results until the next hearing on the 15th of April, 2026. This has created a sense of uncertainty for the candidates awaiting the results for the exams conducted between November 2025 and February 2026.Recruitment drive details and the current statusThe RRB Group D recruitment drive has been one of the biggest recruitment drives in the Indian Railways, with 32,438 vacancies for the Level-1 posts consisting of Track Maintainer, Helper, and Assistant Pointsman. The computer-based tests were conducted between the 27th of November, 2025, and the 10th of February, 2026. The answer keys were released on the 17th of February, 2026.The results were to be declared in April 2026 in PDF format, and the scorecards would be accessible via the candidate’s login. However, the PET process would not commence until the stay is lifted.Reason behind the court interventionThe stay has been issued in the wake of objections raised by the Apprentice (CCA) candidates against the new rules introduced by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in a 2022 order. Earlier, the CCA candidates were exempted from the PET exam, and the marks obtained in the theory and practical exams were taken together.However, the new rules have put more weight on the practical marks, and the NCVT/ITI holders are exempted from the apprenticeship exams. The petitioners claim a lack of transparency in the practical exams and seek the implementation of the earlier policy framework.The Court has also sought clarification on the role played by the Directorate General of Training in framing the policies relating to recruitment, which has become a contentious issue.Link to apprentice marking and earlier disputesThe selection process involves a merit formula based on results from CBT and performance in apprentices, with a 2:1 ratio. Apprentices are also eligible for a 20 per cent horizontal reservation. The petition, however, questions if DGT has any authority over such matters.This is linked to an earlier delay in the 10th/ITI qualification dispute, which has caused a postponement of the selection process by nearly one year.Expected timeline and candidate advisoryIf the court proceedings conclude on April 15, results can be declared between April 20 and 25. However, if there is any delay in the court proceedings, results can be declared in May.Candidates are advised to prepare for PET, including running and weight-lifting, and look for updates on RRB websites.
