Panelists from 70% selection quota shall rank senior to 30% LDCE quota candidates regardless of joining date.

The applicants were declared successful in the Computer Based Test (CBT) under the 70% quota selection for promotion to Assistant Commercial Manager/Assistant Operating Manager (ACM/AOM) for the 2025–2026 vacancy cycle.

The results were challenged by third parties in the Patna High Court (CWJC No. 12949/2025), which issued a stay order, preventing the final declaration of results.

During this stay, the respondents notified a CBT for the 30% Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) quota scheduled for May 24, 2026.

The applicants filed representations on February 16, 2026, and April 20, 2026, fearing that if the 30% quota results were published while the 70% quota was stayed, they would lose inter-se seniority to the 30% quota candidates.

1. Whether the applicants are entitled to a time-bound disposal of their pending representations regarding the protection of their seniority vis-à-vis candidates of the 30% LDCE quota.

2. Whether the Railway Board’s notification dated 03.07.2023 provides sufficient protection for the seniority of 70% quota candidates over 30% LDCE quota candidates regardless of joining dates.

Ministry of Railway (Railway Board) Letter No. E(GP)2021/2/2/EP dated 03.07.2023, which stipulates that candidates empanelled through the 70% selection quota shall rank senior to those selected through the 30% LDCE quota.

Rule 4(5)(a) of the CAT (Procedure) Rules, 1987, regarding the liberty to pursue a joint application.

The Tribunal noted the applicants' apprehension that the delay in the 70% quota finalization (due to judicial stay) combined with the progression of the 30% LDCE quota could result in a Loss of seniority.

The respondents clarified that under existing Railway Board notifications, candidates in the "Extended Panel" of the 70% selection are placed above 30% LDCE candidates irrespective of their actual date of joining the Group ‘B’ post.

The Tribunal found that since the applicants’ representations were still pending before the competent authority, it was appropriate to direct the respondents to consider these grievances in light of the specific Railway Board guidelines from 2023.

The Tribunal refrained from adjudicating on the merits of the seniority dispute, as the administrative remedy was not yet exhausted.

This order must be made strictly in accordance with the law and Railway Board Letter No. E(GP)2021/2/2/EP dated 03.07.2023 within 30 days of receipt of the certified copy of the order. MA No. 270/2026 was also disposed of, granting liberty to the applicants to pursue the matter jointly.