Making a Career in Railways in 2024: Top 10 Jobs, Salaries, Exams, and Eligibility Criteria

Doesn’t the world of Indian Railways fascinate you? Traveling in Indian Railways was one of the most-loved things in childhood. It gives us the nostalgia of going to our grandmother’s house during the summer vacation. Little did we know that some of us would be making a career in railways. The railways are the heartbeat of our country, and working here opens up various opportunities. Doesn’t matter if you like working with technology, managing things, or helping people, there’s something for everyone. The railway stations are lively places, and the tracks are impressive engineering feats. 

Do you know?

According to an article by Livemint, when it comes to the rail network, the nation had only 10,000 kilometers of rail lines in 1950, which rose to 63,000 kilometers in 2015. But it is slated to touch 1.2 lakh kilometers in 2025, the report said. Thus, railways will see around a 90 % increase in its length.

Being part of the railways means being part of a tradition that connects people and places, making the country come together. It’s not just a job but a chance to learn and grow as the industry evolves. Making a career in railways is like making a commitment to help our nation grow. If you’re ready for a job that’s more than just about trains and tracks, where each day brings new things to learn and do, then a career in Indian Railways is waiting for you. So, let’s reserve the tickets for our journey to a fascinating career in railways.

Overview of Types of Jobs in Indian Railways

Before commencing the journey, you need to be aware of the types of jobs in Indian Railways. It offers some of the promising careers in railways. The jobs in Indian Railways are generally divided into two types of posts – Gazetted Posts and Non-Gazetted Posts. It is further divided into four groups, Group A, Group B, Group C, and Group D.  

List of the Top 10 Career Options in Railways

So, passengers, your first stop is going to be the list of the top 10 career options in railways. In this section, we will list the top railway careers along with their average salaries. This will help you choose a perfect-fit job for yourself.

Name of the Job	Average Salary
Indian Railways Service of Engineering	INR 60,000 – 70,000 per month
Railways Protection Force	INR 50,000 – 55,000 per month
General Manager (Railways)	INR 70,000 – 90,000 per month
Station Master	INR 50,000 – 55,000 per month
Railways Clerk	INR 50,000 – 60,000 per month
Loco Pilot	INR 40,000 – 60,000 per month
Goods Guard	INR 40,000 – 50,000 per month
Assistant Bridge Engineer	INR 45,000 – 55,000 per month
Assistant Pointsman	INR 25,000 – 30,000 per month
Track Maintainer	INR 25,000 – 30,000 per month

Note: The above-mentioned figures are just the average salaries. This might vary based on certain factors like experience, level of pay, location, and much more.

Now that you have clearly known the types of popular careers in railways based on different groups, let’s look at each of them in detail.

Indian Railways Service of Engineering

The Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) is a prestigious Group ‘A’ service in Indian Railways. Those in the IRSE are responsible for managing the administrative, technical, and managerial aspects of the Civil Engineering department in the Indian Railways. It is a highly chosen career in railways. It’s one of the eight organized Group ‘A’ services in the railway system. 

The others include the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS), Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS), Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE), Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS), and Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSSE). Each of these services plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation and development of the Indian Railways. This is a great career in railways if you are a true rail fan.

Indian Railways Medical Services

The Railways Protection Force (RPF) is like the superhero team for Indian Railways. Their main job is to keep everyone safe – the passengers, the train stations, and all the important stuff related to trains. They have both men and women working together to prevent crimes and make sure everything is secure.

RPFs work at train stations and on trains, making sure people can travel without worrying about safety. They’re trained to handle different situations, from checking tickets to dealing with emergencies. They also team up with the local police to tackle any trouble that might happen around the railways.

Besides preventing crimes, RPF members are like emergency responders too. If something goes wrong, like an accident or a disaster, they jump into action to help. They also teach people how to stay safe on trains.

General Manager

Being a General Manager in Indian Railways is like being the big boss of a specific area of the train network. This important job involves making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently. The General Manager plans and decides on important things, working with other leaders and departments to improve the train services and infrastructure.

Safety is a top priority for the General Manager, who oversees measures to make train travel safer and more reliable. They also introduce new technologies and ideas to make the train system work better. Projects to build and upgrade railway facilities fall under their watch, and they keep higher-ups informed about how things are going in their area. This is a highly reputed career in railways.

Station Master

A Station Master in Indian Railways is like the captain of a train station. They make sure trains arrive and leave on time, working with train crews and managing the tracks. Safety is their priority, overseeing platforms and handling emergencies. They also handle the station’s paperwork, manage staff, and communicate with passengers. Station Masters play a crucial role in keeping the station and trains running smoothly, contributing to the efficiency and safety of Indian Railways.

Railways Clerk

A Railways Clerk in Indian Railways takes on an important administrative role, dealing with various paperwork and operational tasks essential for the smooth functioning of the railway system. Clerks handle duties related to ticketing, reservations, and maintaining passenger records. They work in close coordination with other railway staff to ensure accurate and efficient processing of paperwork, helping passengers with ticket-related inquiries, and managing the financial transactions at the ticket counters. The role demands precision, organizational skills, and a good understanding of the railway’s administrative processes to contribute effectively to the overall functioning of Indian Railways.

Loco Pilot

A Loco Pilot, also known as a train driver, plays a crucial role in the operation of trains within Indian Railways. Operating from the locomotive cabin, the Loco Pilot is responsible for safely driving the train, adhering to schedules, and ensuring the well-being of passengers. They undergo rigorous training to handle various types of locomotives and are well-versed in signaling systems and safety protocols. 

Loco Pilots work closely with co-drivers and follow precise instructions from control centers. Their role is vital for the punctuality, safety, and efficiency of train services across the extensive railway network. This is an interesting career in railways.

Goods Guard

The position of Goods Guard in Indian Railways is integral to the efficient transportation of goods across the railway network. Goods Guards, also known as Brake Van Operators, are responsible for managing the movement of freight trains. Their primary duty is to ensure the safe and secure transportation of goods from one destination to another.

Goods Guards work in the brake van of a freight train, overseeing the coupling and uncoupling of wagons, applying brakes when necessary, and ensuring the stability of the train during transit. They play a critical role in maintaining the overall balance and safety of the freight train.

Assistant Bridge Engineer

The role of an Assistant Bridge Engineer in Indian Railways is crucial for the construction, maintenance, and safety of railway bridges. These engineers work on the planning and execution of various tasks related to bridges, ensuring their structural integrity and functionality.

Assistant Bridge Engineers are involved in the design phase, collaborating with senior engineers to create plans for new bridges or modifications to existing ones. They consider factors such as load-bearing capacity, materials, and environmental conditions to ensure the longevity and safety of the structures. This career in railways has a plethora of responsibilities but it is one of the best jobs.

Assistant Pointsman

An Assistant Pointsman in Indian Railways is like a traffic director for trains. They make sure trains go in the right direction by managing track switches. Safety is their main job – they regularly check switches, communicate with train drivers, and fix any issues. They work outside, no matter the weather, and help in maintaining trackside equipment. 

In emergencies, they act fast to keep everyone safe. Their record-keeping helps improve train operations and ensures a smooth, safe railway journey for passengers. Last but not least, assistant pointsman can be a great career in railways.

Track Maintainer

A Track Maintainer in Indian Railways is like the guardian of train tracks. Their main job is to regularly check and fix any problems with the tracks, like loose bolts or damaged parts, to keep trains running safely. They work outside in all weather conditions, doing tasks such as replacing old tracks and making sure everything is in good shape. Safety is super important for them, and they follow strict rules to protect themselves and others. Their work helps prevent accidents, keeps the tracks in good condition, and ensures that trains can run smoothly for passengers and cargo.

Eligibility Requirements Regarding a Career in Railways

There are job opportunities in the railway sector for those who have completed their tenth or twelfth standards. The Railway Recruitment Board conducts selection procedures for various positions in different departments. People often pursue diploma courses to enhance their skills, leading to promotions and increased pay. The IT wing of Indian Railways, called the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), provides opportunities for IT graduates. 

CRIS is based in New Delhi and has regional offices in Kolkata, Secunderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi. IT graduates skilled in software development (like C#, C, C++, Java) can apply. Mechanical and Civil branch graduates can work in engine design and railway track development. Those aspiring for higher positions may need to clear the Engineering Services Examination or Civil Services Examination. Commerce and mathematics graduates can apply for roles in the audit and finance departments.

A Career in Railways: Entrance Exams Required

The table below will help you have an overview of the exams required to make a career in railways. The qualifications and the age limit have also been mentioned for your reference.

Service	Examination	Qualification	Age Limit (on 1st August)
Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE)	Indian Engineering Services	Engineering as graduation	21 to 30 years
Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers	Combined Engineering Service Exam	Engineering as graduation	21 to 30 years
Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers	Combined Engineering Service Exam	Engineering as graduation	21 to 30 years
Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers	Combined Engineering Service Exam	Engineering as graduation	21 to 30 years
Indian Railway Stores Service	Combined Engineering Service Exam	Engineering as graduation	21 to 30 years
Indian Railway Traffic Service	Civil Services Examination	Graduation	21 to 30 years
Railway Protection Force	Civil Services Examination	Graduation	21 to 30 years
Indian Railway Personnel Service	Civil Services Examination	Graduation	21 to 30 years
Indian Railway Accounts Service	Civil Services Examination	Graduation	21 to 30 years
Indian Railway Medical Service	Combined Medical Services Examination	Medical Degree	21 to 30 years
Various Positions (Commercial Apprentice, etc.)	Railway Non-Technical Cadre Exam	Graduation for B, C jobs	18 to 27 years
Railway Recruitment Service	Railway Non-Technical Cadre Exam	Engineering Degree	18 to 27 years
Sub Inspectors/Constables (RPF)	RPF Sub Inspectors/Constables Exam	Intermediate/10+2 Science background	20-25 years (Sub Inspectors), 18-25 years (Constables)
Various Positions (Assistants, Clerk, Driver, etc.)	Railway Recruitment Examination	Intermediate/10+2	18 to 25 years

Arrived at the Destination!

Choosing a career in Railways is like starting an exciting journey. It’s not just a job but a chance to be part of something big, like the heartbeat of our country. The railways connect people and places, and working here means contributing to that connection. Whether you like fixing things, managing stuff, or helping people, there’s a role for you. 

It’s like joining a big family where each day brings something new. So, imagine being part of a legacy, making a commitment to help our nation grow. Joining Indian Railways isn’t only a job but an adventure where every day is a new opportunity. All aboard for a fulfilling career journey with Indian Railways!

Confused about what to choose between so many options available? Fear not! iDreamCareer is here to assist you in making an informed decision about your future in this thriving field. Take advantage of iDreamCareer’s College & Course Selection Program today and embark on the path toward a successful future! 

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