Indian Railways clerk positions are posted under the RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) stream.
Current recruitment cycles for 2025 include notifications and application windows published by Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs).
This guide explains the posts, eligibility, pay, selection stages, key dates, and how to apply, based solely on official notices and widely reported updates.
What “Clerk” Means in RRB NTPC
In NTPC, “clerk” typically refers to one of three posts.
- Junior Clerk-cum-Typist (JCT) – Undergraduate post (12th pass), Pay Level-2. They perform office clerical work, data entry, file movement, cash/ledger assistance (for ACT), and public counters as assigned.
- Accounts Clerk-cum-Typist (ACT) – Undergraduate post (12th pass), Pay Level-2.
- Senior Clerk-cum-Typist (SCT) and Junior Accounts Assistant-cum-Typist (JAA) – Graduate-level posts, Pay Level-5. Manage supervisory clerical functions, accounts, establishment, and correspondence; often with higher responsibilities and internal promotions.
Closely related front-office roles include Commercial-cum-Ticket Clerk (CCT) (12th pass), Pay Level-3, often grouped with clerical/office categories.
Benefits of Indian Railways Clerk Positions
Here are the key benefits you get in Indian Railways clerk (NTPC) posts.
Free/discounted rail travel for you and your family
You receive Privilege Passes (free rail travel) and Privilege Ticket Orders (PTOs) (one-third fare), governed by the Railway Servants (Pass) Rules.
After retirement, Post-Retirement Complimentary Passes are admissible per entitlement rules.
RRB staff advisories and Board circulars periodically clarify validity and categories.
Medical facilities during service and after retirement
Serving employees are covered by the Railway medical system (Railway hospitals/health units) under Railway Board policy.
On retirement, coverage is available via RELHS-97 (Retired Employees Liberalized Health Scheme)
Orders and guidebooks detail admissible treatment, investigations, and reimbursement in government/recognized hospitals.
Housing support
Railways maintain subsidized residential quarters for eligible staff.
Allotment/retention rules are compiled in Master Circular No. 49 and related Board circulars
Separate pools for essential/non-essential staff (standard rent at subsidized rates).
Retirement system (NPS/Pension rules—as applicable)
If you joined on or after 01-01-2004, you’re normally under the National Pension System (NPS).
The Railway Board has issued specific orders for certain coverage under the Railway Services (Pension) Rules in defined cases.
Allowances and periodic revisions
In addition to DA/HRA/TA, Railways notify revised rates for various allowances and specify that some rates increase when DA crosses set thresholds.
This provides predictable, rules-based compensation growth.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility and Age
Minimum education is 12th pass for JCT/ACT/CCT and a Graduate for SCT/JAA, with medical fitness standards by post.
Age limits depend on the category of post and the date specified in the notice.
Summaries widely used by candidates indicate 18–30 (UG posts) and 18–33 (Graduate posts), with relaxations for reserved categories.
Pay and Allowances
Indian Railways follows the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix.
- Level-2 (JCT/ACT, Trains Clerk): Basic pay ₹19,900 per month.
- Level-3 (CCT): Basic pay ₹21,700 per month.
- Level-5 (SCT/JAA and some graduate clerical cadres): Basic pay ₹29,200 per month.
In addition to basic pay, employees receive DA, HRA/Transport Allowance, and other admissible benefits per Railway Board orders.
Selection Stages: What to Expect
The selection pipeline is standardized across RRBs.
- CBT-1 (Screening): Objective test covering general awareness, mathematics, and reasoning.
- CBT-2 (Mains): Deeper coverage for shortlisted candidates; post-category and level-specific.
- Typing Skill Test (TST) / Skill Tests (as applicable): For typist posts (JCT/ACT/SCT/JAA), candidates must qualify a typing test—30 wpm in English or 25 wpm in Hindi on a standard computer; this test is qualifying in nature.
Document Verification & Medical Examination
RRBs reiterate that only official websites should be used for updates (admit cards, answer keys, schedules).
This is a point emphasized in 2025 advisories warning against social-media rumors.
How to Apply for Indian Railways Clerk Positions
Confirm whether you’re applying to CEN 06/2024 (UG) or the latest 2025 NTPC notice for your region (Graduate/UG).
Create/verify your account on rrbapply.gov.in when the application window is open for your CEN.
Select your post preferences (e.g., JCT, ACT, CCT, SCT/JAA), community category, and RRB. Upload photo, signature, and documents per spec.
Pay the fee. Fees and refund rules (partial refund after appearing in CBT-1) are stated in the notification; keep the receipt.
City intimation, admit card, and answer keys are released on RRB sites/portal; ignore third-party claims.
Exam Pattern and Typing Test Essentials
CBT-1 is qualifying for shortlisting to CBT-2; the pattern and normalization rules are explained in the CEN.
For typist posts, the Typing Skill Test is mandatory and qualifying.
You must achieve 30 wpm (English) or 25 wpm (Hindi) within the prescribed time on a designated keyboard/computer.
No exemption except as specified in the notice.
Documents and Reservations
Notices specify documentation for age, education, category (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS), PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen claims.
Formats and cut-off dates are rigid; use the templates and date rules in the CEN.
During Document Verification, produce originals; mismatched or late certificates can lead to cancellation.
Practical Tips Before You Apply
If you’re a 12th pass, focus on JCT/ACT/CCT; graduates can add SCT/JAA to their preferences.
Check the age cut-off date and relaxations in the active CEN; they change by cycle.
Prepare for typing early. Practice to meet 30 wpm (English) / 25 wpm (Hindi)—this is often where otherwise strong candidates fall short.
Monitor only official portals for admit cards, answer keys, and schedules; RRBs have warned against fake updates.
Pros and Cons of Indian Railways Clerk Positions
Pros
- Central pay + allowances (predictable growth).
- Free/discounted rail travel.
- Medical coverage with a post-retirement option.
- Housing support where available.
- Transparent, rule-based service conditions.
- Structured selection; typing test only qualifying.
Cons
- Competitive, multi-stage recruitment.
- Posting/transfer in administrative interest.
- Shifts and frontline duty (role-dependent).
- Medical fitness standards apply.
- The pension framework differs by date of joining.
- Early transfers generally restricted; mobility controlled.
The Bottom Line
Indian Railways is actively hiring for clerical cadres under the RRB NTPC track, with 2025 windows opening and continuing from the 2024 CEN cycle.
If you meet the education and age criteria, start with the official notice for your RRB and set up your application on the unified portal.
Prepare for CBTs and the qualifying typing test if you’re targeting typist posts.
