In this guide
When a train needs to move from one track to another, the rails must be set to guide it. The movable rails that do this are called points. The Pointsman (the post is listed as Pointsman-B in recent notices, and was earlier called Assistant Pointsman) helps make sure the right route is set and the train moves safely.
It is one of the few Group D jobs where you work right at the centre of train movement. That brings responsibility, night shifts and the strictest eyesight rule in the notice.
How points work, in simple terms
A set of points has two tapering rails, called tongue rails, that can slide sideways. When they are pushed one way, a train's wheels are guided onto the straight track. Pushed the other way, the train turns onto the other track.
At big modern stations, points are moved by motors controlled from the station's panel, and interlocking makes sure the signal cannot show "proceed" unless the points are correctly set. At smaller stations and in yards, some points are still worked or checked by hand. Either way, the Pointsman's job is to make sure what the panel shows is what is on the ground.
What a Pointsman does
- Setting and checking points at stations and yards, as directed by the Station Master.
- Shunting: helping move coaches and wagons within a yard.
- Coupling and uncoupling wagons and coaches.
- Hand signals: showing flags by day and lamps by night when needed.
- Assisting the Station Master with train movements, messages and station work.
- Watching passing trains for anything unusual, such as sparks, smoke or a hanging part.
- Checking the last vehicle. Every train carries a mark on its last vehicle (a board by day, a flashing tail lamp by night). Seeing it confirms the whole train has passed and no coach has been left behind.
Hand signals: the basics
| Signal | Usual meaning |
|---|---|
| Red flag (day) or red lamp (night) | Stop |
| Green flag or green lamp | Proceed |
| No red flag or lamp at hand: any object waved violently | Danger: stop |
These are the general meanings. The exact rules, including how flags are held and moved for shunting, are taught in training from the railway's rule book. The point to take now: this job depends on seeing colours correctly, every time, day and night.
Working conditions
- Shifts, including nights, Sundays and holidays, because trains run all the time.
- Much of the work is outdoors, in yards and on platforms, in every season.
- It is safety work: one wrong movement can cause an accident, so rules are followed exactly.
- Postings are often at small stations where there may be only a few staff on duty.
Medical standard: check this first
The Pointsman-B post has been placed in medical category A-2 in recent notices. As reported, A-2 needs distance vision of 6/9 in each eye without glasses, plus normal colour vision and tests of night and binocular vision.
| If you… | What it means for this post |
|---|---|
| Have normal vision without glasses | You can list it, subject to the medical exam |
| Wear glasses for distance | A-2 does not allow glasses, so this post is very likely closed to you |
| Have any colour-vision doubt | Get tested before listing it |
Compare the categories of all posts in our guide to RRB Group D posts.
Training
New Pointsmen are trained in the rules for train working, points and signals, shunting, hand signals and safety, followed by practical training at a station under experienced staff.
Career growth
Experience on the operating side opens paths to higher operating posts through promotion and departmental selection. Staff who learn station working thoroughly can later compete for posts such as those in station management through internal exams, as the rules of the time allow. Staff who stay alert and keep a clean safety record move ahead.
Who suits this job?
| Suits you if you… | May be hard if you… |
|---|---|
| Stay alert through long shifts | Need regular day-time hours |
| Follow instructions exactly | Have colour-vision problems or wear glasses |
| Like working at stations and yards | Prefer indoor work |
| Can work calmly under pressure | Get anxious around heavy moving machinery |
A worked example: should this candidate list Pointsman?
Suppose a candidate has 6/6 vision without glasses, normal colour vision, and wants to work on the operating side. But they have a family business to help with in the day.
- Medical: clears A-2 on paper. Pointsman is possible.
- Shifts: the job includes rotating night shifts. Day-time commitments will clash some weeks.
- Decision: list it only if they can accept shift work for years. If not, a workshop post with more regular hours may suit better.
The point is not that one answer is right. It is that the decision is made before the form, not after allotment.
Check your understanding
- What are the movable rails in a set of points called? Tongue rails.
- What does interlocking prevent? A signal showing "proceed" when the points are not correctly set.
- How does a Pointsman know the whole train has passed? By seeing the last-vehicle mark: a board by day, a flashing tail lamp by night.
- Which medical category is Pointsman-B in, as reported? A-2.
Before you choose
- My eyesight meets A-2 without glasses, and my colour vision is normal.
- I can handle night shifts for years.
- I have talked to a serving Pointsman or station staff member if possible.
- I have read our CBT strategy guide, because the post only matters once I clear the test.
A note on dates and numbers. Exam patterns, vacancies and schedules change from year to year. Always confirm the current details in the latest notification on the Railway Recruitment Boards website .
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