Indian Railways provides significant financial and career benefits to female candidates in NTPC recruitment. Women receive 50% application fee discount and complete refund after appearing in CBT-1, making the exam more accessible.
These provisions eliminate financial barriers while ensuring equal opportunity across all railway posts. Female candidates can apply for Station Master, Goods Guard, or any advertised position without gender-based restrictions.
What This Guide Covers
This guide covers every special provision—from application fee concessions to workplace safety measures. You'll understand exactly which benefits apply to you and how to claim them during the recruitment process.
Quick Answer (30-Second Read)
Application Fee
₹250 (50% off from ₹500) with full refund after CBT-1
Post Eligibility
All NTPC posts open to women—no gender restrictions
Age Limit
Same as general candidates (18-33 for UG, 18-36 for Graduate) plus category relaxations
After Selection Benefits
180 days maternity leave, childcare benefits, flexible work hours
Source: RRB NTPC Official Notifications CEN 06/2026 and CEN 07/2026
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Start PreparingApplication Fee Concession
Female candidates pay only ₹250 application fee, which is 50% of the standard ₹500 charged to General/OBC/EWS male candidates. This concession applies regardless of your caste category.
Fee Structure Comparison
For Female Candidates (All Categories)
- Application Fee: ₹250
- Full Refund: ₹250 (after appearing in CBT-1)
- Net Cost: ₹0 if you appear for exam
For General/OBC/EWS Male Candidates
- Application Fee: ₹500
- Partial Refund: ₹400 (after appearing in CBT-1)
- Net Cost: ₹100
How the Fee Refund Works
The refund is processed automatically within 60-90 days after CBT-1 exam. You must provide correct bank account details (Account Number, IFSC Code, Account Holder Name) during application registration.
Important: The refund is processed only if you appear for CBT-1. Missing the exam forfeits your entire fee.
Real Example: Priya from Nagpur applied for Junior Clerk position in October 2024. She paid ₹250 and appeared for CBT-1 in December. Her complete ₹250 was refunded to her bank account by February 2026.
Equal Eligibility Across All Posts
Female candidates can apply for every post advertised in RRB NTPC—both Graduate and Undergraduate levels. There are no gender restrictions or "suitable for women only" classifications.
Graduate Level Posts
- Station Master (₹35,400 Level-6)
- Goods Train Manager (₹29,200 Level-5)
- Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor (₹35,400 Level-6)
- Senior Clerk cum Typist (₹29,200 Level-5)
- Junior Account Assistant cum Typist (₹29,200 Level-5)
Undergraduate Level Posts
- Junior Clerk cum Typist (₹19,900 Level-2)
- Accounts Clerk cum Typist (₹21,700 Level-3)
- Trains Clerk (₹19,900 Level-2)
- Commercial cum Ticket Clerk (₹21,700 Level-3)
- Traffic Assistant (₹25,500 Level-4)
All posts require meeting standard educational qualifications and medical fitness standards—same for male and female candidates.
Comparison Table: Female vs Male Candidates
| Provision | Female Candidates | Male Candidates (Gen/OBC/EWS) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₹250 (50% discount) | ₹500 (full amount) |
| Fee Refund | ₹250 (100% refund) | ₹400 (80% refund) |
| Net Application Cost | ₹0 (if appear in CBT-1) | ₹100 (if appear in CBT-1) |
| Post Restrictions | None - all posts available | None - all posts available |
| Age Relaxation (Gender) | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Category Age Relaxation | Same as male (SC/ST/OBC/PWD) | Same as female (SC/ST/OBC/PWD) |
| Medical Standards | Gender-neutral standards | Gender-neutral standards |
| Exam Pattern | Identical | Identical |
| Selection Process | Same merit-based | Same merit-based |
Source: RRB NTPC Official Notification 2026
Post-Selection Benefits for Women Employees
Once selected, female railway employees receive comprehensive workplace benefits ensuring career growth and work-life balance.
Maternity and Childcare Benefits
Maternity Leave
180 days (6 months) with full pay for first two children
Child Adoption Leave
180 days for adopted children under 1 year
Childcare Leave
Up to 2 years for children under 18 years
Miscarriage/Abortion Leave
45 days in entire career
These benefits apply to permanent railway employees, including those selected through RRB NTPC.
Workplace Safety Measures
Women-Only Managed Stations
All-women managed railway stations (Matunga Mumbai, Gandhinagar Jaipur)
Women RPF Officers
Women RPF officers for safety and security
CCTV Surveillance
CCTV surveillance at stations and in ladies coaches
"Meri Saheli" Program
Dedicated women RPF teams assisting female staff and passengers
Student Success: Meghna from Bangalore qualified for Station Master post in 2023. She's currently posted at Bangalore Cantonment station, manages a team of 45 staff members, and receives all standard benefits including flexible scheduling for family responsibilities.
What Female Candidates Should Know
Before Applying
Fee Payment
Pay only ₹250—never pay ₹500 during registration
Category Selection
Choose your actual category (General/SC/ST/OBC)—fee remains ₹250 for women across all categories
Which Posts Work Best for Women?
While all posts are open to women, consider these factors when choosing:
Choose Office-Based Roles If:
Junior/Senior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk
- You prefer regular 9-6 working hours
- Family responsibilities require fixed schedules
- You want desk-based work environment
Choose Operational Roles If:
Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Traffic Assistant
- You're comfortable with shift work and night duties
- Higher initial pay scale motivates you (Level-5/6 vs Level-2/3)
- You enjoy field work and diverse responsibilities
Neither choice limits career growth. Women are succeeding in all railway positions, from clerical roles to senior management.
People also search for
Is there a minimum percentage of vacancies reserved for women in RRB NTPC?
No. RRB NTPC does not have gender-based horizontal reservation like the 4% PWD quota. Women compete in the same merit pool as men across all categories (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS). Selection is purely merit-based, though Railways encourages female applications through fee concessions.
Will I get additional age relaxation as a female candidate if I'm also from OBC category?
No additional age relaxation for gender. You receive only the OBC category relaxation (3 years), making your maximum age 36 for Undergraduate posts and 39 for Graduate posts. Gender and category relaxations are not cumulative.
Can female candidates opt out of night shift duties in operational posts like Station Master?
No. Once selected for operational posts, shift duties including night shifts are mandatory. Railway operations run 24/7, and all employees must work assigned shifts. If night shifts are a concern, prefer office-based posts like Clerk or Accounts positions.
I'm pregnant. Can I still apply for RRB NTPC? Will I get special accommodation during exam?
Yes, you can apply. Pregnancy is not a disqualification. During CBT exam, inform RPF personnel if you need assistance or seating arrangements. However, medical examination for final appointment must be cleared before joining. Maternity leave applies only after joining service.
Do female candidates get preference in document verification or medical examination?
No preferential treatment in verification or medical stages. The process follows merit order strictly. However, Indian Railways ensures comfortable facilities—separate examination rooms for females, female medical officers where possible, and dignified treatment throughout the process.
Conclusion: Your Next Step
RRB NTPC offers genuine opportunities for female candidates without discrimination. The 50% fee discount and complete refund make financial access equal, while merit-based selection ensures fair competition.
Focus on strong exam preparation rather than seeking additional advantages. Your performance in CBT-1, CBT-2, and Typing Test determines selection—gender plays no role in merit calculation.
Ready to start your RRB NTPC preparation? Explore PrepGrind's Women-Friendly Railway Exam Course with flexible timings, expert mentors, and proven strategies used by successful female candidates like you.
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