The Indian Railways is one of the largest employers in the country, providing job opportunities to lakhs of people every year.
With over 13 lakh employees currently, the railways aim to recruit many more in the coming years.
For students who have completed their 12th in the commerce stream, there are several job profiles to consider in the railways after graduation and training.
By appearing in the exams conducted by RRB, a 12th commerce pass can develop a stable career in the government sector.
Page Contents
- 10 Railway Job Options After 12th for Commerce Students
- Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria for Railway Jobs After 12th Commerce
- Exams Conducted by Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
- How to Apply for Railway Jobs After 12th Commerce
- Tips to Prepare for Railway Exams
- Career Growth and Salary Package in Railway Jobs
- Conclusion
10 Railway Job Options After 12th for Commerce Students
Here are some popular profiles offered by railways for 12th-grade candidates specialising in commerce:
1. Commercial Apprentice
Exam to Qualify: RRB NTPC
Expected Monthly Salary: ₹20,000 – ₹25,000
You will be trained to handle various commercial activities of the railways, including ticket booking, freight movement, billing, parcel handling, etc. This role offers great learning scope.
2. Goods Guard
Exam to Qualify: RRB Goods Guard
Expected Monthly Salary: ₹29,000 – ₹35,000
You will be responsible for the smooth functioning of goods trains and the safety of freight. Key duties involve monitoring the loading and unloading of wagons, record-keeping, and security of goods trains during transit.
3. Ticket Collector
Exam to Qualify: RRB NTPC
Expected Monthly Salary: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000
Your key role will be to issue and verify tickets, check ID cards, manage reservations, and maintain ticket reservation records. You will also assist passengers with finding seats and beds and providing them with travel information.
4. Junior Account Assistant
Exam to Qualify: RRB Clerk Exam
Expected Monthly Salary: ₹20,000 – ₹25,000
You will be responsible for maintaining day-to-day accounts, finances, and audit records of the railways. This clerical role involves accounting, data entry, tallying, and verification of railway accounts.
5. Station Master
Exam to Qualify: RRB NTPC
Expected Monthly Salary: ₹29,000 – ₹35,000
Your core duty will be supervising all operations at the railway station. Your role will involve managing passenger amenities, booking/reservations, goods transportation, and taking decisions during emergencies.
6. Traffic Assistant
Exam to Qualify: RRB NTPC
Expected Monthly Salary: ₹25,000 – ₹30,000
You will be responsible for supervising the movement of passenger and goods traffic, scheduling trains, optimizing routes, and monitoring the punctuality of trains. Strong analytical skills are required.
7. Enquiry-cum-Reservation Clerk
Exam to Qualify: RRB NTPC
Expected Monthly Salary: ₹19,000 – ₹22,000
Your key responsibilities involve handling railway ticket bookings, cancellations, inquiries, and providing reservation assistance to passengers. You will also maintain reservation records.
8. Accounts Clerk
Exam to Qualify: RRB NTPC
Expected Monthly Salary: ₹19,000 – ₹22,000
You will be responsible for tallying, recording, and verifying vouchers, bills, payments, and other railway accounts. Proficiency in accounting principles is required.
9. Commercial-cum-Ticket Clerk
Exam to Qualify: RRB NTPC
Expected Monthly Salary: ₹19,000 – ₹22,000
You will handle ticket bookings, reservations, fare calculations, ticket collections, and maintain associated records. You may also handle typing, documentation, and billing.
10. Senior Clerk and Typist
Exam to Qualify: RRB NTPC
Expected Monthly Salary: ₹22,000 – ₹28,000
Your role will involve correspondence, data entry, documentation, and secretarial responsibilities. You will also be responsible for typing work in English and local languages as required.
Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria for Railway Jobs After 12th Commerce
To be eligible for most of the railway jobs after 12th grade, candidates need to fulfil the following qualifications and criteria:
Educational Qualifications
- Candidates must have passed the 12th or equivalent examination from a recognised board with a commerce stream.
- Based on the job role, graduation in B.Com. or equivalent may be required. Some posts, like ticket collector and clerk, require a 12th grade pass as the minimum education.
Age Limit
- For most RRB exams, the minimum age limit is 18 years, while the maximum age varies as per the post. It is relaxable for reserved category candidates as per norms.
Nationality
- To apply for jobs in Indian Railways, candidates must be citizens of India.
Exams Conducted by Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
RRB conducts the following popular exams annually for recruitment in various profiles:
RRB NTPC Exam
RRB NTPC stands for Non-Technical Popular Categories. For commercial apprentices, clerks, timekeepers, and other posts.
RRB ALP Exam
Assistant Loco Pilot exam for candidates aspiring to become train drivers.
RRB JE Exam
Junior Engineer exam for recruitment to JE civil, electrical, mechanical, signal, and telecommunication posts.
How to Apply for Railway Jobs After 12th Commerce
Online Application
Visit the zone-wise RRB official websites to apply online for railway recruitments after 12th commerce. Provide all details and documents as per the notification.
Application Fee
Pay the fee through net banking, credit or debit card, or post office challan, as applicable. Fee concessions for the reserved category.
Tips to Prepare for Railway Exams
Follow these tips to crack the RRB exams:
Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Thoroughly read the exam pattern, number of sections, topics covered, marking scheme, and duration of the exam.
Solve Previous Years’ Question Papers
Practicing previous-year papers will help you understand the types of questions asked.
Practice Mock Tests
Attempting mock tests regularly before an exam helps improve speed and accuracy.
Work on Time Management
As most exams have negative marking, focus on solving easy questions first with accuracy.
Career Growth and Salary Package in Railway Jobs
Railway jobs provide excellent job security, perks, allowances, and quick promotions over the years.
The starting salary ranges from Rs 20,000 to Rs 35,000 based on the post. With gradual increments and promotions, one can reach managerial positions, leading to a higher pay scale and allowances.
Conclusion
The railways offer a rewarding career option for 12th-grade commerce students who can join at entry-level posts through RRB exams.
With hard work and dedication, there is tremendous growth potential in this government organisation in the long run. Preparing systematically and consistently for the RRB exams can help land a secure railway job.
Read next:
- 10 best career options for Indian commerce students after 12th
- Can a commerce student become a pilot after 12th?
- 10 part-time job options for commerce students
FAQs:
Is there an age limit for railway jobs after 12th grade?
Yes, there is a minimum and maximum age limit for the RRB exam, which varies for different posts. Generally, it is 18 to 33 years.
How can I best prepare for the RRB Commercial Apprentice exam after 12th grade?
Focus on quantitative aptitude, reasoning, general awareness, and English language sections. Solve previous-year papers and appear for mock tests.
Is there any relaxation in the age limit for SC/ST candidates in the RRB exam?
Yes, age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC candidates is provided as per the rules.
What is the selection process after the RRB exam?
Usually there are 2 stages: the CBT exam followed by document verification, and a medical test for final selection.
What is the scope of promotion in railways after joining as a clerk?
Clerks can get promoted to senior clerk, head clerk, assistant station master, and then station master over the years.
