The effectiveness of a boiler is not merely about its heating capacity, but also its ability to efficiently deliver and utilize that heat.
Under the Boiler Operation Engineer’s Rule 2011, the person in charge of a Boiler or a battery of Boilers, having more than 1000 sq. meter heating surface area must possess a Certificate of Proficiency as a Boiler Operation Engineer. This is a mandatory requirement for all boiler owners.
This certificate is issued by the Steam Boiler Department of a state or Union Territory (Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Haryana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Assam, Punjab, Telangana, Rajasthan, Tamilnadu, UP and MP) or Central Boiler Board (exam conducted by NPC) after you pass the Examination conducted by them.
The BOE examination comprises of two or three papers of 100 marks each on Boiler Theory, Numerical calculations and Engineering Drawing. Once you qualify the written papers, you have to appear in a viva test.
In state board Exams: Degree or Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical/Power Plant.
In NPC exam: Must be a graduate in Mechanical (or) Production (or) Power Plant (or) Metallurgical Engineering from a recognized institution.
Certain age and experience condition may apply.
Eligibility may vary from state to state.
Paper – I (3 hours, 150 marks)
Open book, Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) & descriptive examination on “Boilers Act,1923 and Indian Boiler Regulations,1950 and their compliance & Boiler Design Engineering”
Paper - II: (3 hours, 150 marks)
Open book, Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) & descriptive examination on “Boiler Design, Manufacturing, Materials, Erection, Commissioning, Operation & Maintenance, Inspection & Certification during manufacture or operations and High-Pressure Welding Inspection”. [3 hours duration]
Viva-Voce: 130 marks.
Qualifying criteria: The candidate shall secure at least 45% marks in individual written examination papers and at least 60% marks in aggregate to qualify for viva- voce.
Candidate shall secure at least 60 % marks in aggregate (written exam with 70% weightage and viva-voce with 30% weightage) in order to pass the examination.
The Central Boilers Board shall issue a passing grade certificate to the candidate after passing the examination.
Note: This is a criteria by NPC. The qualifying criteria may vary for BOE exams conducted by directorate of boilers in various states.
Module 1: Boiler Act 1923/2007/2025 (amended)
Module 2: Indian Boiler Regulations 1950
Module 3: Properties of Steam
Module 4: Fuels, Combustion and Flue Gases
Module 5: Types of Boilers
Module 6: Boiler Mountings and Accessories
Module 7: Water Chemistry and Treatment
Module 8: Boiler Operation, Control and Instrumentation
Module 9: Boiler Materials
Module 10: Boiler Mechanics
Module 11: Boiler Welding
Module 12: Numericals from BOE Exams
Module 13: Boiler Drawing
Module 14: Objective Questions from BOE Exams
Fee
The promotional price* of the study material is ₹ 3500/-. The course includes Theory booklets, MCQ booklets, and a Numerical booklet. The course is 100% BOE exam oriented. A blog boost is available free of cost.
* This promotional fee is valid till August 15, 2025.
How to Pay
Please deposit the requisite fee by NEFT/UPI transfer in the following account:
Payee Name
AMIE(I) Study Circle
Bank
Punjab National Bank
Branch: B T Ganj, Roorkee
Current Account No.: 0407002100045379
IFSC code: PUNB0040700
After the payment of the fee, please send an online form.
What is Certificate of Proficiency?
Any individual responsible for operating a boiler (or a battery of boilers) with a heating surface area exceeding 1000 square meters must hold a Certificate of Proficiency as a Boiler Operation Engineer (BOE). This is a compulsory requirement for all boiler owners.
Which authority conducts the BOE Exam?
Primary Authority: The Steam Boiler Department of respective State Governments/UTs (through their Boiler Boards).
NPC’s Role: Some states may collaborate with the National Productivity Council (NPC) for conducting training or examinations.
What are the eligibility criteria for appearing in the BOE Exam?
Educational Qualification: Diploma/Degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of practical experience in boiler operation (varies by state).
What is the examination process?
The certificate is granted by the Steam Boiler Department of a state or Union Territory upon passing the BOE examination. The exam is conducted by a Board of Examiners, appointed by the Chief Inspector or Director of Steam Boilers in the respective state or UT.
What is the current system of BOE exam?
With the implementation of the Boiler Operation Engineer’s Rules 2011, all states and Union Territories now follow a uniform examination system, issuing the same BOE certificate to successful candidates. Many states that had previously halted examinations have now resumed them, adhering to the standardized syllabus, eligibility criteria, and exam format.
The BOE examination consists of three written papers (100 marks each) covering:
1. Boiler Theory
2. Numerical Calculations
3. Engineering Drawing
A viva voce (oral examination) for candidates who clear the written papers.
What is the validity of BOE certificate?
The BOE certificate obtained from any state is valid across India.
Candidates can only apply for the exam in the state where they are currently employed, provided that state has formed a Board of Examiners.
How often is the BOE Exam conducted?
The exam is held once or twice a year, depending on the state. Central Boiler Board also conducts this exam.
Some states (like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Karnataka etc.) conduct it regularly, while others may have irregular schedules.
Generally exam is conducted within 3 to 4 months after publication of advertisement. This period is not sufficient to prepare for this advanced level exam. You need atleast one year preparation time to perform better in the exams.
Can candidates from one state apply for the BOE Exam in another state?
Generally No: Most states only allow candidates employed within their jurisdiction. However, in some state boiler board exams (such as Kerala), candidate from other state can apply provided he has boiler experience certificate from Chief Inspector of Boilers.
How can I apply for the BOE Exam?
Check the official notifications from the respective State Boiler Department or NPC website.
Submit the application form along with required documents (qualifications, experience certificates, etc.).
How can I prepare for the BOE Exam?
Study the standard syllabus (as per Boiler Operation Engineer’s Rules 2011).
Refer to previous years’ question papers (if available).
Take training programs (if offered by NPC or State Boiler Boards).
Take study material from us.
What happens if I fail the BOE Exam?
Candidates can reappear in the next exam cycle (subject to state rules). Some states allow reappearing in only the failed papers.
Where can I get updates on BOE Exam notifications?
Visit our website frequently for BOE exam updates.
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