PwBD: RBE No.79/2025 – Applicability of ‘Best Among the Failed’ Scheme

No.2022-E(SCT)I/133/10, dated 05.08.2025

Sub: Reservation for PwBDs in promotions- clarification regarding applicability of the “Best Among Failed Scheme”-reg.

Ref:  (i) NCR’s letter No.797-E/Confd(Gaz.)/CBT/Gr.B Selection/2025-26/NCR, dated 19.07.2025.

        (ii) SECR’s letter No.HQ/RUL/123/2(E-106917)(ID-105), dated 17.07.2025.

        (iii) SR’s letter No.P(G)CON/CCBT/2025-26, dated 22.07.2025.

        (iv) ER’s letter No.220/1/1/RR/PWDs/Roster Pt.II, dated 22.07.2025.

(v) Board’s letter No.E(GP)2022/2/20, dated 08.02.2024 (RBE No.13/2024).

1. Some of the Zonal Railways viz. NCR, SECR, SR, and ER vide letters under reference has expressed doubt regarding applicability of the “Best Amongst the Failure Scheme” in promotion for PwBD candidates and sought clarification from Board’s office on this issue.

2. The matter has been examined in this office in terms of the guidelines issued from time to time regarding applicability of the policy of promoting SC/ST candidates against quota by applying the ‘Best amongst the Failed scheme’. Attention in this regard is drawn towards Board’s letter No.88-E(SCT)I/23/1, dated 28.06.1995 (RBE No.57/1995) wherein it is laid down as under:

In respect of promotion to and within Group C and from Group D and Group C to B in Non Safety category, if during selection proceedings, the requisite number of SC/ST employees are not available for being placed on the panel inspite of various relaxations and concessions already granted to them, the best among the failed SC/ST employees who secure a minimum 20% marks separately under each heading i.e. in the written test, viva voce, record of service, etc. and also in the aggregate, should be earmarked for being placed on the panel to the extant the vacancies have been reserved in their favour.

3. It is clarified that ‘Best amongst the Failed’ policy is a unique SCHEME designed for promoting the best amongst the SC/ST candidates only, with a view to fill up the reserved vacancy of SCs/STs. It is not a kind of relaxation available to SC/STs. It is a policy exclusively meant for SC/ST candidates and not for any other community candidates. This ‘Scheme’ is existing in Railways only. DOP&T’s guidelines on the relaxation and concessions available for SCs/STs does not mention about this ‘Best amongst the Failed scheme’. As such, the said ‘Best amongst the Failed scheme’ can’t be made applicable to PwBD candidates.

3.1. However, as PwBD candidates may belong to SC/ST category also, the ‘Best amongst the Failed scheme’ as per the extant guidelines, remains applicable to the PwBD candidates belonging to SC/ST category only, promotion by selection within Group-C and from Group-C to Group-B, in non-safety category.

The above may please be brought to the notice of all concerned for information, guidance and necessary action, if any.

Download Railway Board Circular RBE No.79/2025

Forward reference ⇒ Dated 01.10.2025,