Being one of the world’s largest employers, the Indian Railways conducts recruitment drives for various levels regularly. The career possibilities aren’t just limited to Pilots and Ticket Checkers; there’s a vast pool of roles from clerks to doctors and engineers.

Ever dreamed of a secure and rewarding Indian Railway Jobs? The good news is that there’s a good chance for you, despite your educational background. The main key here is to know which CEN (Centralized Employment Notice) and which Recruitment Board (like RRB or RRC) is relevant to your qualification.

We’re going to dive a little deeper into the main recruitment avenues and the specific eligibility conditions for new applicants. So, get ready!

The Educational Spectrum: Who Fits Where?

Indian Railway Jobs are basically split into Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) and Level 1 Group D, and also specific engineering and technical roles. Your academic achievements will decide your entry point.

1. For the 10th Pass (Matriculation)

The most accessible entry point is via the RRB/RRC Group D (now Level 1) test. For the maintenance and operation of the railway system, these roles act as essential components.

Key Posts:

• Assistant Pointsman: Responsible for switches of the track.
• Track Maintainer Grade IV: Maintains track safety.
• Helper/Assistant: Roles in units like Mechanical, Electrical, and S&T.
• Primary Exam: RRB/RRC Group D (Level 1 Posts).
• Eligibility: Usually, a 10th Pass OR National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) awarded by NCVT OR an ITI certificate is needed in a corresponding field. The minimum age should be 18 years, and the upper age limit is normally 33 years plus.
• Selection Focus: Computer-Based Test and then a compulsory Physical Efficiency Test (PET).

2. For the 12th Pass (Intermediate/Undergraduate Level)

Individuals holding a 12th pass certificate are suitable for fresh clerical and executive roles which fall under the NTPC category.

Key Posts:

• Accounts Clerk Cum Typist (ACCT): Analyze and maintain accounting & financial data sets.
• Junior Clerk Cum Typist (JCTT): Takes care of typing and managerial tasks.
• Trains Clerk (TC): Focuses on data corresponding to train movement.
• Commercial Cum Ticket Clerk (CCTC): Booking tickets and providing customer service.
• Primary Exam: RRB NTPC (Undergraduate Level).
• Eligibility: 12th Pass or equivalent with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (relaxed for reserved categories). Age limits usually range between 18 and 33 years.
• Selection Focus: Two-level CBT (CBT-1 & CBT-2) and then a Typing Skill Test to check clerical proficiency for specific positions.

3. For ITI/Diploma Holders & Technical 12th Pass

This is where the technical core of the recruitment drive is, which demands specialized training.

RRB Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) & Technician:

• ALP (Loco Pilot): The person at this post handles train operations. For this highly responsible jobs role, the candidate needs to possess a 10th + ITI pass certificate (in fields like Electrician, Fitter, Instrument Mechanic, etc). OR Diploma/Degree in Engineering.
• Technician: Responsible for technical and maintenance tasks. Demands 10th Pass + ITI OR 12th Pass (with Physics and Maths) for some postings.
• Selection Process: There’s a two-stage CBT + Aptitude Test for ALP posts. The hiring body is very strict about the medical standards here (especially vision).

RRB Junior Engineer (JE):

• Posts: Junior Engineer (JE) in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and S&T departments.
• Eligibility: Diploma in Engineering (3 years) or a B.E./B.Tech degree in a relevant engineering discipline.

4. For Graduates (Any Stream)

A basic university degree is all it takes to unlock opportunities for high-ranking supervisory posts. Also, here as well, the selection primarily depends on the NTPC exam.

Key Posts:

• Station Master (SM): Oversees station operations, safety, and staff.
• Goods Guard (GG): Manages freight trains and ensures safe goods transportation.
• Senior Commercial Cum Ticket Clerk (SCCTC): Supervisory clerical role.
• Traffic Assistant (TA): Operational support and traffic flow management.
• Primary Exam: RRB NTPC (Graduate Level).
• Eligibility: A University Degree in any discipline. Age limits tend to be a little higher than for UG vacancies, normally in the range from 18 to 36 years.
• Selection Focus: For the Station Master and Traffic Assistant roles, a Two-stage CBT, followed by the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), is conducted.

The Security and Protection Sector

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) provide security throughout the railway system.

• Constable: Demands a 10th Pass.
• Sub-Inspector (SI): Requires a Graduation Degree offered by a government-approved university.
• Primary Exam: RPF/RPSF Recruitment (Constable & Sub-Inspector).
• Selection Focus: CBT, followed by a tough Physical Measurement Test (PMT) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET).

Things You Must Remember

• Age Relaxation : Candidates from reserved groups (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD) are entitled to age concessions as per the norms. Always go through the official notice for your category.
• Medical Fitness : The Railways follow very strict Medical Standards (categorized A-1, B-1, C-1, etc.). Roles like ALP and Station Master need the highest standards (A-1, A-2), particularly for vision. Score poorly in the medical test, and it costs the job, regardless of your written exam performance.
• Typing/Aptitude Tests : There are several operational and clerical positions that require a further Typing Test (usually Hindi/English proficiency) or a CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test).