The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Technician Exam is one of the most sought-after exams for candidates aspiring to join Indian Railways in various technical trades. This exam selects candidates for posts such as Technician, Junior Engineer (JE), Fitter, Electrician, Turner, Mechanic, Electronics, and other ITI/Diploma trades.
The RRB Technician Exam tests a combination of technical knowledge, reasoning skills, general mathematics, and awareness of current affairs, making it essential for aspirants to follow a strategic preparation plan. This guide provides a complete, in-depth syllabus, solved examples, study plan, preparation tips, and recommended books, helping candidates aim for success.
📌 Exam Overview
Parameter | Details |
---|---|
Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
Exam Name | RRB Technician CBT |
Posts | Technician, Junior Engineer, Workshop Technician |
Eligibility | ITI/Diploma in relevant trade |
Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) + Document Verification + Medical |
Stages | CBT → DV → Medical |
Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in |
RRB Technician is a highly competitive exam; understanding the syllabus thoroughly and practicing regularly are crucial for selection.
📝 RRB Technician Exam Pattern
The exam is structured to assess technical skills, reasoning, mathematics, and general awareness.
Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Technical Knowledge | 60–70 | 60–70 | 90 minutes |
General Intelligence & Reasoning | 10 | 10 | 90 minutes |
Mathematics | 10 | 10 | 90 minutes |
General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | 90 minutes |
Total | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
⚠️ Negative Marking: –1/3 for each wrong answer
Technical knowledge questions are trade-specific and vary based on Electrician, Fitter, Turner, Electronics, Mechanic, Civil, and other ITI trades.
🛠️ Technical Knowledge Syllabus
This section forms the bulk of the exam (60–70%). The syllabus is trade-specific but includes basic technical principles applicable across trades.
1️⃣ Electrical / Electronics Technician
Topics Covered:
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Basic Electronics: Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors
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Circuit Laws: Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws, Series & Parallel Circuits
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Electrical Machines: Transformers, DC & AC Motors, Generators
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Measurements: Ammeter, Voltmeter, Multimeter, Ohmmeter
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Digital Electronics: Logic Gates, Flip-Flops, IC Basics
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Power Systems: Generation, Transmission, Distribution
Example Questions:
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Ohm’s Law Formula: V = I × R ✅
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What is the function of a transformer?
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Changes voltage levels in AC circuits ✅
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Preparation Tips:
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Focus on fundamental electrical and electronic concepts.
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Solve numerical problems on Ohm’s Law, power, energy.
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Practice circuit diagrams and troubleshooting exercises.
2️⃣ Mechanical / Fitter / Turner Technician
Topics Covered:
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Workshop Tools: Lathe, Milling, Drilling Machines
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Fitting & Assembly: Welding, Soldering, Drilling, Filing
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Material Science: Metals, Alloys, Hardness, Tensile Strength
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Engineering Drawing & Measurement: Reading blueprints, dimensions
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Strength of Materials: Lever, Pulley, Gear systems
Example Question:
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Q: What is the unit of stress?
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A: Pascal (Pa) ✅
Preparation Tips:
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Practice workshop measurement exercises.
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Revise fitting operations and mechanical properties of materials.
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Solve numerical problems on pulleys, gears, levers.
3️⃣ Civil / Draftsman Technician
Topics Covered:
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Surveying: Levelling, Theodolite, Compass
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Construction Materials: Cement, Sand, Bricks, Concrete
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Civil Drawing & Blueprint Reading
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Measurement of Areas & Volumes
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Road & Building Construction Techniques
Example Question:
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Q: Area of a rectangular plot 10m × 20m?
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A: 200 m² ✅
Preparation Tips:
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Practice blueprint drawing and reading.
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Solve surveying problems and material calculations.
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Revise construction safety measures and equipment.
4️⃣ ITI / Other Trades
Topics Covered:
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Basic Electrical, Mechanical, or Electronics concepts as per trade
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Workshop safety rules and first aid
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Tools & Instruments relevant to trade
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Trade-specific practical applications
Example Question:
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Q: What is the main function of a multimeter?
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A: Measures voltage, current, and resistance ✅
Preparation Tips:
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Focus on trade-specific manuals and textbooks.
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Solve practical numerical problems and diagrams.
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Regularly revise safety procedures in workshops.
🧠 General Intelligence & Reasoning (10 Marks)
This section tests logical reasoning, analytical skills, and problem-solving ability.
Topics Covered:
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Analogy & Classification
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Series (Numbers, Alphabets)
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Coding-Decoding
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Blood Relations
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Direction Sense Test
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Syllogism & Venn Diagrams
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Puzzles & Seating Arrangements
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Non-Verbal Reasoning: Mirror Images, Figure Formation, Paper Folding
Example Questions:
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CAT : KITTEN :: DOG : ? → PUPPY ✅
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Odd-One-Out: Mango, Banana, Apple, Potato → Potato ✅
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Blood Relation: A is B’s mother, C is B’s son → A is C’s grandmother ✅
Preparation Tips:
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Solve 5–10 reasoning puzzles daily.
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Use shortcuts for coding-decoding and series.
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Practice previous year reasoning papers for RRB.
➕ Mathematics (10 Marks)
The Mathematics section is mostly Class 10-level, testing calculation speed and accuracy.
Topics Covered:
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Number System: LCM, HCF, Divisibility, Prime Numbers
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Simplification (BODMAS)
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Ratio, Proportion, Percentage
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Average, Profit & Loss, Discount
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Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work
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Simple & Compound Interest
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Geometry & Mensuration: Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Volumes
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Algebra: Linear Equations, Simplification
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Trigonometry: Heights & Distances, Ratios
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Statistics & Probability: Mean, Median, Mode
Example Problems:
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A train travels 120 km in 2 hours → Speed = 60 km/h ✅
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CP = ₹500, SP = ₹600 → Profit % = 20% ✅
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A = 10 days, B = 15 days → Together = 6 days ✅
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Area of a circle, r = 7 → 153.86 m² ✅
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CI: P = 1000, R = 5%, T = 2 → CI = 102.50 ✅
Preparation Tips:
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Maintain formula notebook.
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Solve daily 10–15 maths questions.
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Use shortcuts for time & work, ratio, percentage.
🌍 General Awareness & Current Affairs (10 Marks)
This section covers Indian & World knowledge and recent events.
Topics Covered:
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History: Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Freedom Movement
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Geography: Rivers, Mountains, States, Capitals, Climate
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Polity: Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Parliament
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Economy: GDP, Budget, Inflation, Schemes
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Current Affairs: Awards, Sports, Appointments, Summits
Quick GK Notes Table:
Category | Example |
---|---|
First President of India | Dr. Rajendra Prasad |
Longest River | Ganga |
National Animal | Tiger 🐅 |
Article for Fundamental Duties | 51A |
Currency of Japan | Yen |
Preparation Tips:
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Read Lucent GK & NCERT notes.
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Revise current affairs monthly.
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Solve mock GK quizzes regularly.
💪 PET & Physical Efficiency
Male Candidates:
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Run 1000m in 4 min 15 sec
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Lift 35 kg weight and carry 100m in 2 min
Female Candidates:
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Run 1000m in 5 min 40 sec
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Lift 20 kg weight and carry 100m in 2 min
Preparation Tips:
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Start with short runs, gradually increase distance & speed
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Strength training: Push-ups, squats, weight lifting
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Diet: Protein-rich, hydration, avoid junk food
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Rest: 7–8 hours sleep daily
📅 6-Month Study Plan
Month | Focus |
---|---|
1 | Trade theory basics + Mathematics |
2 | Practical concepts + Reasoning |
3 | Current Affairs + GK |
4 | Mock tests + Weak areas revision |
5 | Trade-specific problem solving |
6 | Final revision + Previous year papers |
Daily Routine Example:
Time | Activity |
---|---|
6–7 AM | Current Affairs / GK |
7–8 AM | Technical theory study |
9–10 AM | Practical problem solving / Numericals |
4–5 PM | Mock test / Reasoning |
6–7 PM | Revision & Notes |
📚 Recommended Books
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Technical Knowledge: ITI/Diploma textbooks, Trade manuals
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Mathematics: R.S. Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude
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Reasoning: R.S. Aggarwal – Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
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GK: Lucent GK, Monthly current affairs PDFs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the RRB Technician Exam?
The RRB Technician Exam is a recruitment test conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) to hire candidates for technical posts such as Technician, Fitter, Electrician, Turner, Mechanic, Electronics, Civil, and other ITI/Diploma trades. The exam evaluates technical knowledge, reasoning, mathematics, and general awareness.
2. Who is eligible for RRB Technician posts?
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Candidates must have ITI or Diploma in the relevant trade.
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Age limit varies by post, generally 18–33 years.
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Nationality: Indian citizen.
3. What is the exam pattern of RRB Technician 2025?
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CBT: Computer Based Test with 100 questions.
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Subjects: Technical Knowledge (60–70), Reasoning (10), Mathematics (10), General Awareness (10).
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Duration: 90 minutes.
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Negative Marking: –1/3 per wrong answer.
4. Is RRB Technician a difficult exam?
The exam is moderately difficult. It depends on technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and speed. With proper preparation and practice, it can be cleared.
5. How many questions are in the RRB Technician CBT?
There are 100 questions in total:
-
Technical Knowledge: 60–70
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General Intelligence & Reasoning: 10
-
Mathematics: 10
-
General Awareness & Current Affairs: 10
6. What is the syllabus for RRB Technician?
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Technical Knowledge: Trade-specific topics (Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, ITI trades)
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Mathematics: Number system, Percentage, Time & Work, Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry
-
Reasoning: Analogy, Series, Coding, Blood Relations, Puzzles, Syllogism
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General Awareness: History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Current Affairs
7. Is there negative marking in RRB Technician exam?
Yes, 1/3 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
8. How to prepare for technical questions?
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Study ITI/Diploma textbooks and trade manuals.
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Solve previous year questions and numerical problems.
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Revise diagrams, circuits, and practical applications regularly.
9. Can a candidate without ITI apply?
No, for most Technician posts, an ITI/Diploma in relevant trade is mandatory. Some posts may have exceptions; check the official notification.
10. How to prepare for Reasoning and Mathematics?
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Solve daily 5–10 reasoning puzzles.
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Maintain a formula notebook for maths.
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Practice shortcuts for Time & Work, Ratio, Percentage.
11. How important is General Awareness?
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GK and Current Affairs carry 10 marks, which can be a deciding factor.
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Focus on Indian History, Polity, Geography, Economy, and last 12 months current affairs.
12. Are previous year papers useful?
- Yes, solving RRB previous year papers helps understand question patterns, difficulty level, and frequently asked topics.
13. What is the duration of the exam?
- The CBT exam duration is 90 minutes.
14. Is physical fitness required for RRB Technician?
- Yes, candidates must qualify PET (if applicable) which includes running and lifting weight for certain posts.
15. What books are recommended for preparation?
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Technical: ITI/Diploma textbooks and trade manuals
-
Mathematics: R.S. Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude
-
Reasoning: R.S. Aggarwal – Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
-
GK & Current Affairs: Lucent GK, Monthly current affairs PDFs
16. Can RRB Technician exam be cleared in 6 months?
- Yes, with a strategic study plan, daily practice, and mock tests, candidates can clear the exam within 6 months.
17. How to improve speed and accuracy in CBT?
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Practice mock tests regularly.
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Revise formulas, shortcuts, and concepts.
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Focus on time management during exams.
18. Is coaching necessary for RRB Technician?
- Coaching is optional. Self-study with reference books, previous papers, and online resources is sufficient if you follow a structured study plan.
19. Are there negative marks for unanswered questions?
- No, unanswered questions are not penalized. Negative marks only apply to wrong answers.
20. How to prepare for PET (Physical Efficiency Test)?
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Follow a structured fitness routine: running, weight lifting, push-ups, squats
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Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein
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Get adequate rest and practice stamina-building exercises
21. How to manage last-minute revision?
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Revise formulas, important trade diagrams, and key GK facts.
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Solve mock tests to check speed and accuracy.
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Focus on weak areas identified during preparation.
22. Where to find official notifications?
- Check the official RRB website: indianrailways.gov.in for official updates, eligibility, and recruitment notifications.
The RRB Technician Syllabus is vast but manageable with strategic planning, consistent practice, and concept clarity. Focus on technical knowledge, while simultaneously preparing for Mathematics, Reasoning, GK, and Current Affairs.
Regularly solve mock papers, maintain notes, revise formulas, and practice numericals. Physical fitness is crucial for PET. With discipline, dedication, and smart strategies, you can achieve your dream of joining Indian Railways as a technician 🔧