Indian Railways is not just a transport system; it’s a massive employment hub offering lakhs of jobs to people across India. Among the many important positions, Railway Counter Clerk, also known as Commercial Clerk or Booking Clerk, plays a vital role in ensuring smooth ticketing and customer service at railway stations.
If you’re looking for a stable government job with growth opportunities and manageable responsibilities, a Railway Counter Clerk job could be the right fit for you. This article covers everything you need to know – from salary and job duties to eligibility and the application process.
Who Is a Counter Clerk in Indian Railways?
A Counter Clerk works at the ticket booking counter in a railway station. This is a non-technical, customer-facing role under the Non-Technical Popular Category (NTPC) conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB).
They are responsible for issuing tickets, handling reservations, solving passenger queries, and managing ticket data using railway software. It’s an ideal job for 12th pass or graduate candidates who prefer indoor, office-based work with public interaction.
Key Responsibilities of a Railway Counter Clerk
Here are the core duties of a Railway Counter Clerk:
- Issuing Tickets: Sell and print passenger tickets, general and reserved, for various destinations.
- Handling Enquiries: Guide passengers about train timings, seat availability, fare structure, and bookings.
- Using Software Systems: Operate the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS).
- Managing Refunds: Process refunds and cancellations as per railway rules.
- Maintaining Records: Ensure accurate documentation of daily ticket sales, earnings, and reports.
- Customer Service: Ensure polite and helpful interaction with passengers, especially during peak hours or emergencies.
It’s a front-desk role that demands attention to detail, patience, and the ability to work under pressure during rush hours.
Eligibility Criteria (As of 2025)
To apply for the Counter Clerk position, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
1. Educational Qualification:
- Must have passed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board.
- Some RRBs may allow graduates to apply as well.
2. Age Limit:
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
- Age Relaxation:
- OBC – 3 years
- SC/ST – 5 years
- PwD – 10 years
3. Nationality:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
Salary of a Railway Counter Clerk
The salary is structured under the 7th Pay Commission. Here’s what you can expect:
- Basic Pay: ₹21,700 per month (Level 3)
- Gross Salary (including allowances): ₹28,000–₹32,000/month
- Allowances:
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- Night Duty Allowance (if applicable)
The job also includes pension benefits, railway pass facilities, job security, and medical benefits for the employee and dependents.
Career Growth & Promotion
Railway Counter Clerks enjoy a decent career path. Promotions are based on departmental exams and seniority.
Promotion hierarchy:
- Counter Clerk
- Senior Commercial Clerk
- Chief Booking Supervisor
- Station Master (after departmental promotion exams)
With experience and internal exams, you can grow into higher administrative roles within the railway department.
Selection Process for Counter Clerk Jobs (2025)
The selection is done through RRB NTPC recruitment, which includes the following stages:
1. CBT 1 (Prelims)
- 100 questions in 90 minutes
- Sections:
- General Awareness – 40 questions
- Mathematics – 30 questions
- General Intelligence and Reasoning – 30 questions
- Negative marking: 1/3rd per wrong answer
2. CBT 2 (Main Exam)
- 120 questions in 90 minutes
- More in-depth and slightly tougher than CBT 1
- Shortlisted candidates from CBT 1 can appear
3. Document Verification & Medical Test
Candidates who clear both CBT exams will be called for document verification and a medical fitness test.
How to Apply for Railway Counter Clerk Job in 2025
Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Visit the official Railway Recruitment Board website: www.rrb.gov.in
Step 2: Select your regional RRB (like RRB Mumbai, RRB Patna, etc.)
Step 3: Check the latest NTPC recruitment notification and click on Apply Online
Step 4: Fill in your details – name, age, education, etc.
Step 5: Upload your documents – photo, signature, ID proof
Step 6: Pay the application fee
- General/OBC: ₹500
- SC/ST/PwD/Female: ₹250
Step 7: Submit and save a copy of the confirmation page
Tips to Crack the Exam
- Practice mock tests regularly
- Revise current affairs, especially railway-related news
- Focus on accuracy to avoid negative marking
- Use apps and books like Lucent GK, R.S. Aggarwal for Reasoning, and NCERT for basics
- Prepare consistently, as the exam is highly competitive
Conclusion
Railway Counter Clerk jobs are excellent for candidates seeking stability, government perks, and customer-facing work. In 2025, as Indian Railways continues to expand its services and digital infrastructure, the demand for well-trained clerks is bound to increase.
If you’re 12th pass and dream of a government job with steady income and long-term benefits, this is your chance. Start preparing today and secure your future with Indian Railway