Railway TC: The Railway Ticket Collector (TC) post is one of the most important positions in the Indian Railways. Known for its job stability, respectable work environment, and government perks, it attracts thousands of aspirants during every recruitment cycle. This post involves interacting with passengers, ensuring ticket compliance, and maintaining order on trains and at railway stations.
In this detailed overview, we’ll cover every aspect of the Railway TC post, including the roles, responsibilities, eligibility criteria, salary, and how to prepare for the recruitment process.
Railway TC Full Form in Railway
The full form of TC in the Railway is Ticket Collector. The official name of the post in Indian Railways is Commercial-cum-Ticket Clerk (CC/TC). A Railway TC is responsible for checking tickets, collecting fines, and helping passengers during train and platform operations.
Railway TC Overview
Prospective applicants can refer to the essential features of the Railway TC post in the following table:
| Railway TC Overview |
| Particulars |
Details |
| Post Name |
Ticket Collector or Commercial cum Ticket Clerk |
| Conducting Body |
Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Exam Level |
National |
| Exam Frequency |
Requirement based |
| Selection Process |
Stage 1: Computer-based test 1 Stage 2: Computer-based test 2 Stage 3: Medical Test & DV |
| Mode of Examination |
Online |
| Purpose of the exam |
For recruitment of candidates as ticket collectors ( TC)/ Commercial cum Ticket Clerk in Indian Railways |
| Official Website |
https://indianrailways.gov.in/ |
Railway TC Selection Process
Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) conduct the
Railway TC Selection Process. The stages include:
- Computer-Based Test 1
- Computer-Based Test 2
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination
Railway TC Eligibility Criteria
Candidates will not be given consideration for participation in the Railway TC exam if they do not match the relevant
Railway TC Eligibility Criteria. Candidates can refer to the eligibility criteria provided below.
Railway TC Age Limit
The age limit generally ranges from
18 to 33 years , with age relaxations provided for reserved categories as per government norms:
- SC/ST: 5 years relaxation
- OBC: 3 years relaxation
- PwD: 10 years relaxation
Railway TC Educational Qualification
Candidates must have completed at least
Class 12th (10+2) from a recognized board. Higher qualifications, such as a graduate degree, are also accepted.
Railway TC Nationality
Applicants for the Railway TC position must be Indian citizens, as it is an all-India role.
Railway TC Salary
The
Railway TC Salary in the Indian Railways is considered satisfactory, as it includes various additional allowances that significantly increase their monthly earnings. The basic pay for a Ticket Collector is
₹21,700 per month , as per the 7th Pay Commission. Aside from their base income, Railway TCs are entitled to several allowances, including Dearness Allowance (D.A.), House Rent Allowance (H.R.A.), Transportation Allowances, Medical Facilities, and other applicable benefits. These additional allowances contribute to enhancing the overall salary of Railway TCs within the Indian Railways.
| Component |
Amount |
| Basic Pay |
₹21,700 |
| DA |
Included |
| HRA |
Based on city class |
| Travel Allowance |
Yes |
| Night Duty Allowance |
Yes |
| In-Hand Salary |
₹35,000 – ₹40,000/month (approx.) |
Railway TC Allowances
In addition to the basic salary, TCs are entitled to various allowances, including:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Adjusted to inflation
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Based on the city of posting (X, Y, or Z category)
- Transport Allowance: For daily commuting
- Night Duty Allowance: For working during night shifts
Railway TC Job Profile
The primary responsibility of a Ticket Collector is to ensure that passengers traveling on trains possess valid tickets. Below are the detailed duties:
- Ticket Verification: Checking passengers’ tickets to ensure they are traveling with valid ones.
- Penalty Collection: Issuing fines to passengers found without a ticket or carrying invalid tickets.
- Passenger Assistance: Guiding passengers with seat allocations, train timings, and platform information.
- Coordination: Communicating with other railway staff, including train conductors and station managers, for smooth operations.
- Reporting Issues: Reporting any incidents, such as overloading or passenger misconduct, to the concerned authorities.
- Platform Duties: Monitoring ticket entries and exits at railway platforms.
Railway TC Work Environment
The work environment for a TC is moderate. TCs often work on trains and at railway stations, interacting with various passengers. Shifts may vary, and night duties are common. However, the job provides immense satisfaction, as it involves serving the public and maintaining the smooth operation of the railways.
How to Prepare for the Railway TC Exam?
1. Understand the Railway TC Syllabus: Focus on topics covered in the CBT as:
- Mathematics: Arithmetic, percentages, time and work, profit and loss.
- Reasoning: Puzzles, syllogisms, coding-decoding.
- General Awareness: Current affairs, Indian railways, geography.
2. Practice Regularly: Solve previous year question papers and take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
3. Stay Updated: Keep track of RRB notifications and railway-related current affairs.
4. Physical Fitness: Maintain good health to meet the physical standards during the medical test.
5. Time Management: Allocate dedicated hours daily for preparation, ensuring a balance between different subjects.
Railway TC vs RRB NTPC vs Group D — Which Is Better?
Check here which railway is better and suitable Railway TC vs RRB NTPC vs Group D:
| Post |
Qualification |
Salary |
Growth |
Competition |
| Railway TC |
12th Pass |
₹35k–₹40k |
High |
High |
| RRB NTPC Clerk |
Graduate |
₹30k–₹38k |
Medium |
High |
| Group D |
10th Pass |
₹22k–₹28k |
Low |
Very High |