RRB Exam Center Allocation 2025: Are Distant Exam Centers Fair?

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) released the city intimation slip for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) CBT 2 exam on March 11, 2025. Instead of clear information, candidates faced confusion. Many were shocked to find their exam centers located hundreds of kilometers away. For example, some candidates from Bihar were assigned to Dehradun. This unexpected distance has sparked anger among applicants. Let’s break down the situation, understand why this happened, and what it means for candidates.

Why Are RRB Exam Centers So Far Away?

The RRB exam center allocation for 2025 has surprised many candidates. The city slip, issued on March 11, 2025, shows the exam centers for CBT 2, scheduled for March 19-20, 2025. Most candidates expected centers to be closer to their home regions, but this was not the case.

One applicant from Bihar who applied through RRB Bilaspur was shocked to be assigned a center in Dehradun, nearly 1,200 kilometers away. Many candidates shared their frustration on social media with posts like: “Applied in Bilaspur, exam in Dehradun. Why?”

According to the RRB, exam center allocation depends on candidate preferences and availability. However, since only 15 times the number of vacancies (18,799) were shortlisted for CBT 2, assigning such distant centers seems unusual. Some believe limited exam centers or booking issues might be the cause. Unfortunately, RRB has not given clear answers, leaving candidates worried and stressed.

Key Dates and Details for RRB ALP CBT 2

How Far Must Candidates Travel?

The biggest concern in the RRB exam center allocation 2025 is the travel distance. For instance, the journey from Patna, Bihar, to Dehradun takes 24-30 hours by train. Flights cost between ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 for a round trip. For an ALP job that pays ₹19,900 per month, this travel cost is significant.

One user on social media commented: “Travel costs more than my study materials.” While SC/ST candidates get free train passes, booking train tickets at the last minute can be difficult. Additionally, candidates must manage lodging and food expenses, further adding to their costs. The exam is just days away, leaving limited time for travel planning, which also eats into valuable study time. Candidates are asking: “Why didn’t RRB assign closer centers?”

Regional Exam Center Examples

While some distances are manageable, others—like Bihar to Dehradun—are extremely inconvenient.

What’s the Impact on Candidates?

The RRB exam center allocation 2025 isn’t just about travel costs. It’s also affecting candidates emotionally and mentally. Many are feeling stressed, as long journeys are cutting into their study time. Missing the exam isn’t an option after months or years of preparation.

One candidate expressed frustration, saying: “I’m broke and tired before the exam even begins.” Traveling such long distances may leave candidates feeling exhausted, impacting their performance during the 90-minute test. For rural candidates, the financial burden is even heavier.

With RRB remaining silent, candidates are left confused and worried. They don’t want excuses—they want fair solutions.