Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 26: The Ministry of Railways has announced that Indian Railways will recruit more than 5,000 ex-servicemen as Pointsmen on a contractual basis to address vacancies and support retired defence personnel, including Agniveers.

The decision follows the launch of a new ‘Framework of Cooperation’ between Indian Railways and the Indian Army, aimed at expanding post-retirement employment avenues for soldiers transitioning to civilian life. The initiative seeks to ensure a smoother shift from military service while creating structured support mechanisms for veterans.

Under this arrangement, ex-servicemen will be appointed to Level-1 posts across various railway zones until regular recruitment processes are completed. More than 5,000 such vacancies are currently being processed at the zonal and divisional levels. Nine Railway Divisions have already signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Army authorities to streamline recruitment, and Army units have been directed to coordinate closely with Railway officials to fast-track placements.

The ministry emphasised that welfare and resettlement of retired armed forces personnel remain a priority in Railway policy. Currently, ex-servicemen are provided 10 per cent horizontal reservation in Level-2 and higher posts and 20 per cent in Level-1 posts. Additionally, ex-Agniveers are eligible for 5 per cent reservation in Level-2 and above posts and 10 per cent in Level-1 posts.

In 2024 and 2025, a total of 14,788 Railway posts were earmarked for ex-servicemen, including 6,485 in Level-1 and 8,303 in Level-2 and higher categories.

Recruitment for Level-1 posts, formerly known as Group D, is conducted through Railway Recruitment Centres, while Level-2 and above positions are filled through competitive examinations organised by Railway Recruitment Boards.