RRB JE eligibility rests on three tests: an age of 18 to 33 on the notice's reference date (reserved categories get extra years), a three year engineering diploma or a BE or BTech in a branch that suits the post, and fitness to the medical standard of that post. Nationality and document rules complete the list.
The details below follow the latest Centralised Employment Notice for Junior Engineer, Depot Material Superintendent and Chemical and Metallurgical Assistant posts. Rules can change between cycles, so read your own notice before you apply.
Exam at a glance
Age limit
18 to 33 years for UR and EWSAge counted on
The date fixed in the notice, recently 1 January after the notice yearQualification
3 year engineering diploma or BE/BTech in the relevant branchFinal year students
Not eligible; the result must be out by the closing dateMedical
A3, B1, B2 or C1, depending on the postNationality
Indian citizen, or subject of Nepal or Bhutan, and some other listed groups
RRB JE eligibility criteria at a glance
| Rule | What the notice asks |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 to 33 years (general), with category relaxation |
| JE posts | 3 year diploma or BE/BTech in the matching branch or its sub stream |
| DMS | 3 year diploma or BE/BTech in any branch of engineering |
| CMA | BSc with Physics and Chemistry, with a minimum percentage set in the notice |
| Result status | Final result must be out by the last date to apply |
| Medical | Standard listed against each post in the notice |
How old you can be, category by category
Unreserved and EWS applicants must fall within 18 to 33. The upper limit rises for reserved groups as below.
| Category | Relaxation | Upper age |
|---|---|---|
| UR and EWS | None | 33 |
| OBC (non creamy layer) | 3 years | 36 |
| SC and ST | 5 years | 38 |
| PwBD (UR, EWS) | 10 years | 43 |
| PwBD (OBC NCL) | 13 years | 46 |
| PwBD (SC, ST) | 15 years | 48 |
| Ex servicemen | Service period deducted, then 3 years for UR/EWS, 6 for OBC, 8 for SC/ST | Varies |
| Serving railway staff (3 years service) | Up to a fixed ceiling | 40 (UR, EWS), 43 (OBC), 45 (SC, ST) |
A few other groups may get extra years under the notice's own rules, so read the full relaxation table there before ruling yourself out.
RRB JE qualification eligibility by post
- JE Civil (works, bridge, track, design and drawing): diploma or degree in Civil Engineering or a sub stream such as construction technology.
- JE Electrical (general services, traction, workshop, design): diploma or degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering, or a related sub stream.
- JE Mechanical (carriage and wagon, diesel, workshop): diploma or degree in Mechanical, Production, Automobile, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering.
- JE Signal and Telecom: diploma or degree in Electronics, Communication, Electrical or IT related branches, as listed for the post.
- DMS (stores): diploma or degree in any engineering branch.
- CMA: BSc with Physics and Chemistry.
The notice has a long annexure of accepted sub streams for every post. If your branch has an unusual name, look for it in that list first; a mismatch only surfaces at document verification, after months of effort.
RRB JE IT eligibility and the eligibility percentage question
The JE (IT) post has appeared in some cycles. Where it is offered, accepted qualifications have included a 3 year diploma in Computer Science or IT, BCA, BSc in Computer Science, BE or BTech in Computer Science or IT, and the DOEACC B level course. The latest notice listed JE posts in civil, electrical, mechanical and electronics groups along with DMS and CMA, so check whether IT posts are on offer in your cycle.
On percentage: for JE and DMS posts, the notice asks for the diploma or degree itself and does not set a minimum score. The CMA post is different and carries a minimum percentage in the BSc, which you should read in the notice. Minimum marks in the CBTs (40, 30 and 25 percent depending on category) are a separate rule about the exam, not about your degree.
Final year students, attempts and nationality
Students in the final year or semester, and anyone awaiting results, cannot apply. Your final result has to be in hand by the last date to apply.
RRB notices do not set a limit on attempts. As long as you are within the age limit and meet the other rules, you can apply in every cycle.
On nationality, Indian citizens qualify, and so do Nepali and Bhutanese subjects, Tibetan refugees who settled here before 1 January 1962, and people of Indian origin who moved back from a set list of countries. Anyone in these groups who is not an Indian citizen has to produce a certificate of eligibility issued by the central government.
Medical standards for JE posts
| Standard | Distance vision | Near vision | Other tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| A3 | 6/9 in each eye, glasses up to 2D allowed | Sn 0.6 | Colour, binocular and night vision |
| B1 | 6/9 and 6/12, glasses up to 4D | Sn 0.6 | Colour and night vision |
| B2 | 6/9 and 6/12, glasses up to 4D | Sn 0.6 | Binocular vision |
| C1 | 6/12 and 6/18, with or without glasses | Sn 0.6 | General fitness |
Posts that need the A3 standard do not accept candidates who have had LASIK or similar eye surgery. The medical standard is printed next to each post in the vacancy table, so choose posts you can pass.
Papers you will be asked for
- Matriculation (class 10) certificate, which proves your birth date
- Diploma or degree certificate and marksheets
- Caste certificate in the central government format (SC, ST, OBC non creamy layer)
- EWS certificate for the relevant year
- PwBD certificate, ex servicemen discharge papers or service certificate, as applicable
- Photo ID, recent photographs and signature matching the application
Once you are sure of eligibility, move on to the RRB JE CBT 1 and CBT 2 syllabus, look at the past CBT 1 cut off tables, and try our eligibility checker to see other exams that fit your age and qualification. For a central government route, the SSC JE eligibility rules are similar.
Frequently asked questions
How old can I be to apply for RRB JE?
The general limit is 18 to 33 years. OBC non creamy layer candidates get 3 more years, SC and ST get 5, and PwBD candidates get 10 to 15 depending on category.
Can BTech graduates apply for RRB JE?
Yes. A BE or BTech in the relevant branch is accepted along with a 3 year diploma. Both write the same CBT papers.
Is there a minimum percentage for RRB JE eligibility?
For JE and DMS posts, no minimum percentage in the diploma or degree is required. The CMA post sets a minimum percentage in the BSc with Physics and Chemistry, so check the figure in the notice.
I am in my final semester. Can I fill the form?
No. You must have your final diploma or degree result on or before the closing date of the application.
Can I apply to more than one RRB?
No. You apply to one RRB only, and within it you choose your posts in order of preference. Applying to more than one board can lead to rejection.
Does the RRB JE exam eligibility depend on my branch for DMS?
No. The Depot Material Superintendent post accepts a diploma or degree in any engineering branch, which makes it a useful option if your branch has few JE posts.