Get a Great Railway Job Without a Computer Degree! Your Easy Guide

Introduction: Railway Job Without a Computer Degree 

Do you dream of working for the Indian Railways? It's a big organization with many different kinds of jobs. Good news! You don't need to be a computer expert or have a special computer science degree for lots of these jobs. Many people who have passed their 10th or 12th class, or have a simple diploma, can get a good job in the railways.

Working in the railways is a stable and respected career. It offers good benefits and a chance to serve the country. This guide will tell you everything you need to know in easy words. We will talk about:

• Who can apply for these jobs?
• What kinds of jobs are there?
• How to fill the application form?
• How to prepare for the railway exams?
• What papers (documents) you will need?
• Where to find the job advertisements?

Let’s start this journey together and find out how you can join the Indian Railways!

Also Read: Rajasthan Group D Recruitment 2025

Who Can Apply? Checking If You Are Ready (Eligibility Criteria)

Before you apply for any job, you need to check if you are allowed to apply. This is called "eligibility criteria." For many railway jobs without a computer science degree, the rules are simple.

1. Your School Education:

   • 10th Pass Jobs: For many jobs, especially in what is called "Group D" (like helpers, track maintainers, pointsman), you just need to have passed your Class 10 exams from a recognized board. These 10th pass railway jobs are a great starting point.
   • 12th Pass Jobs: For other jobs like Junior Clerk, Accounts Clerk, Junior Time Keeper, or Ticket Collector (TC), you usually need to have passed your Class 12 (Intermediate) exams. These 12th pass railway jobs often have office work or dealing with passengers.
   • Diploma Holders: Sometimes, if you have done a diploma course (like Polytechnic) after Class 10, you might be eligible for certain technical or assistant roles, even if it's not a full engineering degree. Always check the specific job notice.
   • Graduates (Any Subject): Some non-technical jobs like Station Master or Goods Guard might require a graduation degree, but it doesn't have to be in computer science. It can be in Arts, Commerce, or Science.

2. Your Age:

   • There is usually an age limit for applying. For most non-technical jobs, the age is often between 18 years and 30 or 33 years.
   • There are relaxations for certain groups. This means people from SC (Scheduled Castes), ST (Scheduled Tribes), OBC (Other Backward Classes), ex-servicemen, or persons with disabilities might get extra years added to the upper age limit.
   • Important: Always check the exact age limit mentioned in the official job notification (the advertisement) because it can change for different jobs and recruitment drives.

3. Being an Indian Citizen:

   You must be a citizen of India to apply for these central government jobs.

4. Being Fit:

   For some jobs, especially those involving safety like Railway Protection Force (RPF) Constable or Assistant Loco Pilot (even though ALP often needs specific technical qualifications), you need to be physically fit. There might be running tests, height/chest measurements, and a medical examination. For clerical jobs, the medical standards are usually less strict.

So, even if you studied Arts, Commerce, or just finished your 10th or 12th, there are many non-technical railway jobs you can aim for!

Also Read: Indian Post GDS Recruitment 2025

What Kind of Jobs Can You Get? (Types of Railway Jobs Without Technical Degrees)

The Indian Railways is huge! It needs people for all sorts of work, not just driving trains or fixing computers. Here are some popular non-technical railway jobs you can apply for without a computer science degree:

1. Group D Posts:

   • Examples: Track Maintainer Grade IV, Helper/Assistant in various departments (electrical, mechanical, signal & telecom), Assistant Pointsman.
   • What they do: These are often field jobs. Track maintainers look after the railway tracks, helpers assist technicians, and pointsmen help manage the train signals and track switching.
   • Education needed: Usually 10th Pass or ITI (Industrial Training Institute certificate in some cases).

2. Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) - 12th Level:

   • Examples: Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Time Keeper, Trains Clerk, Ticket Collector (TC).
   • What they do: Clerks handle office paperwork, accounts clerks deal with money matters, timekeepers manage train schedules, and TCs check tickets on trains or platforms.
   • Education needed: Usually 12th Pass. Some roles might require basic typing skills.

3. Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) - Graduate Level:

   • Examples: Goods Guard, Station Master, Traffic Assistant, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Commercial Apprentice.
   • What they do: Goods Guards manage freight trains, Station Masters are in charge of railway stations, Traffic Assistants help control train movement, Senior Clerks handle more complex office work.
   • Education needed: A graduation degree in any subject (Arts, Science, Commerce, etc.). No computer science needed.

4. Railway Protection Force (RPF):

   • Examples: Constable, Sub-Inspector (SI).
   • What they do: RPF personnel protect railway property and passengers. It's like the railway's own police force.
   • Education needed: For Constable, usually 10th Pass. For SI, usually a Graduation degree. You also need to be physically very fit.

5. Apprentice Roles:

   • What they are: These are training positions. The railway hires apprentices under the Apprentices Act. You learn a skill (like fitter, electrician, welder) while working, and you get paid a small amount (stipend). It's not a permanent job initially, but it gives you valuable experience and sometimes preference in future railway recruitments.
   • Education needed: Often 10th Pass with ITI in a relevant trade, or sometimes just 10th/12th pass depending on the trade.

These are just some examples. The railways announce vacancies (open positions) for these roles from time to time through the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) or Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs).

How to Apply? Your Step-by-Step Guide (Application Process)

Applying for railway jobs is mostly done online now. It might seem confusing at first, but if you follow these steps, it's quite easy.

Step 1: Find the Job Notification

The first step is to know when the jobs are announced. Keep an eye on the official websites of the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs). There are different RRBs for different regions (like RRB Mumbai, RRB Chennai, RRB Allahabad, etc.). Find the RRB website for your region or check the main Indian Railways portal (Link to Indian Railways Official Website).

Also, check the "Employment News" (Rozgar Samachar) newspaper, which lists government jobs.

Many government job portals online also list RRB recruitment news. But always trust the official RRB website the most.

Step 2: Read the Notification Carefully

Once you find a notification for a job you like (e.g., "RRB NTPC Recruitment" or "RRC Group D Recruitment"), download the PDF file.

Read it VERY carefully. It contains all the important information:

• What jobs are available?
• How many vacancies (open spots) are there?
• What is the required education (10th pass, 12th pass, etc.)?
• What is the age limit?
• What is the last date to apply?
• What is the application fee?
• What is the exam pattern and syllabus (what subjects will be asked)?
• What medical standards are needed?

Make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria before you apply.

Step 3: Get Your Documents Ready (Scanned Copies)

You will need to upload scanned copies (digital pictures) of certain documents. It's good to prepare these beforehand:

• Your recent passport-size photograph (often with a white background).
• Your signature (sign on white paper and scan it).
• Your 10th class certificate (for proof of age).
• Your 12th class marksheet/certificate (if applying for 12th level jobs).
• Your graduation degree (if applying for graduate-level jobs).
• Caste certificate (if you belong to SC/ST/OBC and want relaxation).
• Left Thumb Impression (sometimes required).

Check the notification for the exact size and format (like JPG or PDF) needed for these scanned copies.

Step 4: Fill the Online Application Form

Go to the official RRB website mentioned in the notification. Find the link that says "Apply Online" or "New Registration."

• Registration: You will first need to register by providing basic details like your name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number. You will get a Registration ID and Password. Keep these safe!
• Fill Details: Log in using your ID and password. Fill in the application form carefully. You will need to enter your personal details, educational qualifications, address, etc. Double-check everything for spelling mistakes. Your name and father's name should match exactly with your 10th certificate.
• Upload Documents: Upload the scanned copies of your photo, signature, and other required documents in the correct size and format.
• Choose Exam Centre: You might be asked to choose your preferred cities for the exam centre.
• Preview: Before submitting, you will usually get a chance to preview your application. Check all details one last time. Make sure everything is correct.
• Pay the Fee: You will need to pay the application fee online using net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. Sometimes there is an option for offline payment through challan at a bank, but online is usually easier. (Note: Fees are often waived or reduced for female candidates, SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, Minorities, Economically Backward Classes, and Transgender candidates. Check the notification).
• Final Submission: After successful payment, submit your application form.

Step 5: Print Your Application

After final submission, download and print a copy of your filled application form and the fee payment receipt. Keep these safe for future reference. You might need them later during the selection process.

Getting Ready for the Test: Easy Preparation Tips (Preparation Tips for Exams)

Most railway recruitments involve a written exam (often a Computer Based Test or CBT). Preparing well is key to getting selected. You don't need high-level knowledge, just a good understanding of basics.

1. Know the Syllabus:

   The job notification will clearly mention the subjects and topics for the exam. For most non-technical railway jobs, the common subjects are:

   • General Awareness / General Knowledge (GK): This includes current events (what's happening in India and the world), basic history, geography, science (everyday science), polity (how the government works), economics, and basics about Indian Railways. Reading newspapers and GK books helps.
   • Mathematics (Arithmetic Ability): Focus on basic maths topics you learned in school up to Class 10. This includes Number Systems, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Ratio & Proportion, Mensuration (area, volume), Basic Algebra, Geometry.
   • General Intelligence and Reasoning: This tests your thinking ability. Topics include Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Number Series, Alphabet Series, Relationships (Blood Relations), Syllogism, Puzzles, Direction Sense, Data Interpretation (reading charts and graphs).

   For some jobs like RPF, there might be specific questions related to the role.

2. Make a Study Plan:

   Don't try to study everything at the last minute. Make a simple timetable. Give time to each subject every day or week.

   Start with the topics you find difficult.

3. Use Good Study Material:

   Get basic books for Maths, Reasoning, and GK that cover the syllabus. NCERT school books (especially for Science and Social Studies up to Class 10) are very helpful for GK basics.

   You can find many resources online too, but stick to reliable ones.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice!

   • Solve Previous Year Question Papers: This is very important! It helps you understand the exam pattern, the types of questions asked, and the difficulty level. Try to solve them like a real exam, timing yourself.
   • Take Mock Tests: Many websites and coaching centres offer online mock tests for railway exams. Taking these tests helps you manage your time during the actual exam and shows you which areas you need to improve.

5. Stay Updated:

   For the General Awareness section, keep reading newspapers or watching news channels to know about current events.

6. Stay Healthy:

   Eat well, sleep properly, and do some light exercise. A healthy body helps keep your mind sharp. Don't stress too much!

Remember, consistent effort is more important than studying for long hours just before the exam.

What Papers Do You Need? (Documents Required)

When you fill the form online, you need scanned copies. Later, if you pass the exam and are called for Document Verification (DV), you will need to show the original documents and also submit photocopies. Keep these ready:

• Proof of Identity (ID Proof): Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License (any one or two as specified).
• Proof of Date of Birth: Your 10th Class Certificate or Marksheet usually works as proof of age.
• Educational Qualification Certificates:
  • 10th Pass Certificate and Marksheet.
  • 12th Pass Certificate and Marksheet (if applicable).
  • Diploma Certificate (if applicable).
  • Graduation Degree and Marksheets (if applicable).
• Caste Certificate: If you applied under SC, ST, or OBC category to get age relaxation or reservation benefits. Make sure it is in the format prescribed by the Central Government.
• Income Certificate: If you applied under Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category or for fee concession based on low income.
• Disability Certificate: If you applied under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category.
• Passport Size Photographs: Keep several recent copies (usually the same photo you uploaded in the form).
• Printout of the Application Form: The one you printed after submitting online.
• Call Letter/Admit Card: The letter you receive for the exam or Document Verification.
• Domicile Certificate (sometimes needed): Proof that you live in a particular state.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): If you are already working in a government job, you might need an NOC from your current employer.

Important: Always check the official notification for the exact list of documents required and their formats. Make sure all your documents are original and valid.

Where to Find Job Notifications? (Stay Updated!)

Knowing where to look for job news is crucial. Don't miss out on opportunities! Here are the best places:

1. Official RRB Websites: This is the MOST reliable source. Find the RRB website for your region (e.g., www.rrbchennai.gov.in, www.rrbmumbai.gov.in, etc.). Bookmark them and check regularly. There is also a main portal that sometimes links to all RRBs. (Link to Official RRB Portal/List of RRBs).
2. Official Indian Railways Website: The main website (Link to Indian Railways Official Website) often has a "Recruitment" or "Career" section.
3. Employment News (Rozgar Samachar): This is a weekly newspaper published by the Government of India that lists government job vacancies, including railway jobs. You can buy it from newspaper stands or check its online version.
4. Press Information Bureau (PIB): Sometimes, major recruitment announcements are made through PIB.
5. Reputable Government Job Portals: Many websites collect information about government jobs. Use them for alerts, but always verify the details on the official RRB website before applying.

Avoid unofficial sources or social media rumours about recruitments. Always trust the official announcements.

Conclusion: Your Railway Dream is Possible!

Getting a job in the Indian Railways is a fantastic goal, and the best part is that you don't always need a high-level technical degree like computer science. If you have passed your 10th or 12th class, or have a basic degree or diploma, many doors are open for you in non-technical railway jobs.

The key is to:

• Know the eligibility rules.
• Find the right job notification on official RRB websites.
• Apply carefully online before the last date.
• Prepare well for the exams by focusing on basic Maths, Reasoning, and General Knowledge.
• Keep all your documents ready.

The RRB recruitment process is fair and gives everyone a chance. With hard work and the right information (which you now have!), you can definitely work towards securing a respected job in the Indian Railways. Stay positive, prepare well, and go for it! Good luck!