Railway Clerk Exam 2024: Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Salaries, and Preparation Tips

An Indian government organization is called the Railway Recruitment Board. It was established in 1998 at New Delhi's Railway Board, a division of the Ministry of Railways. The Indian Railways is one of the largest and most complex networks in the world, serving as a lifeline for millions of people across the country.
It publishes many requirements notifications for hiring various eligible candidates to work in the railway department and  Central government jobs in 2024. The number of available positions for Railway Clerks in 2024 is 4,940. In this article, we will delve into the Railway Clerk 2024 exam, its eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, etc.

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Understanding the Role of Railway Clerk

The Railway Clerk exam is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) to recruit clerks who play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of the Indian Railways for various departments and handle a wide range of administrative and operational tasks such as:

• Junior Clerk cum Typist: This is the most common type of Railway Clerk position. Junior Clerks are responsible for performing a variety of clerical tasks, such as typing, filing, and maintaining records.
• Accounts Clerk cum Typist: Accounts Clerks are responsible for maintaining the accounts of the Railway department.
• Junior Time Keeper: Junior Time Keepers are responsible for maintaining the time records of railway employees.
• Trains Clerk: Trains Clerks are responsible for handling the paperwork related to trains, such as preparing train schedules and issuing tickets.
• Commercial Apprentice: Commercial Apprentices are trained to become Commercial Clerks.
• Station Master: Station Masters are responsible for the overall administration of a railway station.

Eligibility Criteria for the Railway Clerk Exam 2024

To be eligible for the Railway Clerk exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Age Limit: The minimum age limit is 18 years, and the maximum age limit is 42 years (relaxable by 3 years for OBC candidates and 5 years for SC/ST candidates) as of January 1, 2024.

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Matriculation or equivalent examination from a recognized board with at least 60% marks in aggregate (50% marks in aggregate for OBC candidates and 45% marks in aggregate for SC/ST candidates).
• Nationality: Candidates must be a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, to permanently settle in India or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam to permanently settle in India.
• Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in Hindi and English.

Pattern and Selection Process Recruitment for Railway Clerk Exam 2024

Pattern:

Exam conducted in the three stages 

• Preliminary Examination (PE)
• Main Examination (ME)
• Typing Test (optional)

• The first step is to fill out an online application form, providing accurate and complete personal and educational details.

• The CBT consists of objective-type questions and each section carries a maximum score of 100 marks for covering three sections:
  • General Awareness (50 questions),
  • Arithmetic (100 questions), and
  • Reasoning (100 questions).
• The total duration of the exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• There is a negative marking scheme for incorrect answers in all sections except General Awareness. Candidates are advised to read the instructions carefully before starting the exam.

• Candidates who opt for typing skills as an optional trade are required to take a typing test after clearing the CBT stage. The typing test will be conducted on a computer keyboard or typewriter based on the candidate's preference.
• The speed required for qualifying in this test varies based on the category of post applied for. For example, candidates applying for Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant posts need to type at least 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi with an accuracy of at least 95%.
• Candidates applying for other posts need to type at least 30 words per minute in English or Hindi with an accuracy of at least 90%.

• After clearing both the CBT and Typing Test stages, candidates are called for Document Verification (DV). During this stage, candidates are required to produce original copies of their educational qualifications, age-proof documents, caste certificates (if applicable), and other relevant documents as mentioned in the application form.
• Candidates should carry multiple sets of photocopies of these documents as they may be asked to submit them during DV. Failure to produce original documents may result in disqualification from the selection process.

• Candidates who complete document verification undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the physical fitness standards for the Railway Clerk position.

• Based on the combined performance in CBT, Typing Test (if applicable), and medical examination, a merit list is prepared. The final selection of Railway Clerks is made from this merit list.

• Notification: December 2023
• Application Form: January 2024
• Preliminary Examination (PE): February 2024
• Main Examination (ME): March 2024
• Typing Test: April 2024
• Document Verification: May 2024
• Result: June 2024

• General Awareness:
  • Current affairs, including national and international events
  • Indian polity and constitution
  • Geography of India and the world
  • History of India and the world
  • Indian economy and general science

• Mathematics:
  • Number system
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Mensuration
  • Trigonometry
  • Statistics

• Reasoning:
  • Verbal reasoning
  • Numerical reasoning
  • Analogical reasoning
  • Spatial reasoning
  • Logical reasoning

• English:
  • Reading comprehension
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary
  • Sentence structure
  • Error correction

• Thorough understanding of the syllabus: Start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus and the types of questions asked in each section.
• Time management: Practice time management techniques to effectively utilize the allotted time during the exam.
• Regular practice: Practice regularly by solving previous year's question papers, mock tests, and sample papers.
• Conceptual understanding: Focus on understanding the concepts rather than rote memorization.
• Revision: Regularly revise the concepts and formulas to ensure retention.
• Online resources: Utilize online resources, such as study materials, video tutorials, and practice tests, to supplement your preparation.
• Group discussions: Engage in group discussions with fellow aspirants to exchange ideas and clarify doubts.
• Stay updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs and general knowledge topics.
• Mock tests: Take mock tests to assess your preparation level, identify areas for improvement, and practice exam strategies.
• Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise, and adequate sleep to optimize your performance.

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The Railway Clerk Exam 2024 is a competitive exam, but with dedication and hard work, you can increase your chances of success. By following the preparation strategies mentioned above and utilizing available resources, you can prepare effectively and achieve your goal of becoming a Railway Clerk.