Why in news?
The Union government announced the introduction of a dedicated Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) examination to recruit officers for the newly unified management cadre of the Indian Railways. The first exam will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in 2026.
Background
In 2019 the government merged eight separate railway services (engineering, traffic, accounts and personnel cadres) into a single IRMS to streamline decision‑making. Until now, IRMS officers were drawn from the Civil Services Exam or Engineering Services Exam. The new exam aims to select candidates with specialised skills relevant to modern railway operations.
Exam structure
- Preliminary test: Candidates will sit for a joint preliminary exam common to the Civil Services and Forest Services exams, covering general studies and aptitude.
- Mains papers: The mains will include two qualifying papers in Indian languages and English, two general studies papers, one engineering aptitude paper and one optional subject paper.
- Optional subjects: Aspirants can choose from civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or commerce & accountancy, reflecting the technical and managerial needs of the railways.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be Indian citizens aged 21–30 years with a degree in engineering, commerce or chartered accountancy. Final‑year students may apply.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates will face a personality test to assess leadership, ethics and problem‑solving abilities.
Why it matters
- Unified leadership: Recruiting through a single exam ensures officers are trained to manage both technical and commercial aspects of railway operations.
- Professional expertise: Including engineering and commerce subjects broadens the talent pool to address challenges like modernising infrastructure, digital ticketing and project finance.
- Transparency: A specialised exam is expected to reduce overlap with other services and enhance merit‑based selection.
Source: Indian Express