The Central Government, under the Boilers Act, 2025, has issued the Boiler Operation Engineers’ Rules, 2025, replacing the earlier Boiler Operation Rules, 2021, to regulate certification, examination, and duties of Boiler Operation Engineers (BOEs)

• Certification Requirements
  – Individuals must hold a certificate of proficiency as a Boiler Operation Engineer to supervise large boilers (Rule 4).
  – First-class Boiler Attendant certificate holders may continue limited supervision duties as specified (Rule 3).
  – Certificates remain valid across India until the holder turns 65 (Rule 24).
• Committee of Examiners
  – State/UT-level and Central-level Committees will conduct examinations, issue certificates, and maintain registers of certified BOEs (Rule 9–20).
  – Committees may refuse certificates if candidates are unfit physically or medically (Rule 18).
• Examination & Eligibility
  – Minimum age: 23 years.
  – Education: Degree or diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Power, Production, Metallurgical, or Instrumentation Engineering (including integrated branches like Mechatronics).
  – Experience: 2 years (degree) or 5 years (diploma) in operating boilers ≥1,000 sq. meters heating surface; reduced for NPTI post-diploma/PG diploma holders (Rule 30).
  – Exam includes written, drawing, and oral/practical components covering boiler operations, safety, design, instrumentation, and efficiency (Rule 31–34).
• Operational Responsibilities
  – BOEs must remain within 100 meters of the boiler when in charge (Rule 7).
  – Certificates must be produced on demand to authorised officers (Rule 5).
  – Boiler owners must report engagement or change of BOEs within 7 days to Chief Inspector/Director of Boilers (Rule 6).
• Record-Keeping & Surrender
  – Duplicate certificates can be issued if originals are lost or destroyed (Rule 41–44).
  – Certificates may be suspended or cancelled following enquiries into misconduct or incompetence (Rule 45–47).