Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS)

The Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) is one of the prestigious Group ‘A’ services in the Government of India, responsible for managing the transportation operations of the Indian Railways. Established in 1967, the IRTS cadre plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of one of the world’s largest railway networks. The service is integral in planning, operating, and managing the commercial aspects and the movement of trains across the country, ensuring efficiency, safety, and punctuality in railway operations.

Role and Responsibilities of (IRTS)

The roles and responsibilities of an IRPS officer are vast and encompass a wide range of HR functions within the Indian Railways. These include:

  1. Recruitment and Staffing: IRPS officers are responsible for the recruitment of personnel at various levels, ensuring that the right talent is inducted into the Indian Railways.
  2. Training and Development: They oversee the training programs for employees, focusing on skill enhancement, leadership development, and capacity building.
  3. Employee Welfare: Ensuring the welfare of railway employees is a key responsibility. This includes managing employee benefits, healthcare, housing, and other welfare schemes.
  4. Performance Management: IRPS officers are tasked with appraising employee performance, implementing performance improvement plans, and ensuring that merit-based promotions are conducted.
  5. Industrial Relations: They play a critical role in maintaining harmonious industrial relations by addressing grievances, managing disputes, and negotiating with trade unions.
  6. Policy Formulation: IRPS officers contribute to the formulation of HR policies, ensuring that they align with the overall objectives of the Indian Railways.
  7. Legal Compliance: They ensure that all HR activities comply with the existing labor laws and regulations, minimizing legal risks for the organization.
  8. Retirement and Pension Management: Managing the retirement process and ensuring timely disbursement of pensions and other retirement benefits is a crucial responsibility.

Career Path of (IRTS)

The career progression in IRTS is structured, with ample opportunities for growth and diversification. The typical career path is as follows:

  1. Probationary Period:

    • After selection, IRTS officers undergo a two-year training period, which includes classroom training at the Indian Railway Institute of Transportation Management (IRITM), on-the-job training, and field visits.

  2. Assistant Divisional Traffic Manager (ADTM):

    • Entry-level position where officers manage specific segments of railway operations within a division.

  3. Divisional Traffic Manager (DTM):

    • Overseeing a larger segment of operations, including passenger services and freight movement within a division.

  4. Senior Divisional Traffic Manager (Sr. DTM):

    • Responsible for the overall management of operations within a railway division.

  5. Chief Traffic Manager (CTM)/Chief Operations Manager (COM):

    • Officers in these roles handle the management of operations at a zonal level.

  6. General Manager (GM):

    • At the apex of the career, officers may become General Managers of zonal railways or hold equivalent positions.

  7. Railway Board:

    • The highest level, where officers can be appointed as Members or Chairpersons in the Railway Board, shaping national railway policies.

Syllabus of (IRTS)

The syllabus for the Indian Railway Traffic Service is derived from the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The syllabus includes:

  1. Preliminary Examination:

    • General Studies Paper I: Current events, history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and science.
    • General Studies Paper II (CSAT): Comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and general mental ability.

  2. Main Examination:

    • Essay: One essay from a choice of topics.
    • General Studies:
      • Paper I: Indian heritage and culture, history, and geography of the world and society.
      • Paper II: Governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations.
      • Paper III: Technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management.
      • Paper IV: Ethics, integrity, and aptitude.
    • Optional Subject: Two papers on one chosen subject from a list provided by UPSC.

  3. Personality Test (Interview):

    • An assessment of the candidate’s personality traits, communication skills, and suitability for a career in public service.
117

Exam Pattern of (IRTS)

The selection process for IRTS through the Civil Services Examination consists of three stages:

  1. Preliminary Examination:

    • Objective type with two papers of 200 marks each.
    • General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT).

  2. Main Examination:

    • Written examination with nine papers, of which seven papers count towards the merit.
    • Subjects include Essay, General Studies I-IV, and Optional Subject Papers I-II.

  3. Personality Test (Interview):

    • Carries 275 marks and assesses the candidate’s overall suitability for a career in the civil services.

Eligibility of (IRTS)

To be eligible for IRTS, candidates must fulfill certain criteria related to age, educational qualifications, and nationality.

  • Nationality: Indian citizen.
  • Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree from any recognized university.
  • Age Limit: The age limit varies based on the candidate’s category.

Qualification and Eligibility Age Group

CategoryMinimum AgeMaximum AgeNumber of Attempts
General21 years32 years6
OBC21 years35 years9
SC/ST21 years37 yearsUnlimited
Physically Disabled21 years35-42 years9 for General/OBC
Ex-Servicemen21 years37 yearsAs per category

Pay Scale

The pay scale of IRTS officers is attractive and grows with experience and seniority. The pay structure is as follows:

  • Junior Scale: ₹15,600-39,100 + Grade Pay ₹5,400.
  • Senior Time Scale: ₹15,600-39,100 + Grade Pay ₹6,600.
  • Junior Administrative Grade: ₹15,600-39,100 + Grade Pay ₹7,600.
  • Selection Grade: ₹37,400-67,000 + Grade Pay ₹8,700.
  • Super Time Scale: ₹37,400-67,000 + Grade Pay ₹10,000.
  • Higher Administrative Grade: ₹67,000-79,000.
  • HAG+: ₹75,500-80,000.
  • Apex Scale: ₹80,000 (fixed).
  • Cabinet Secretary Grade: ₹90,000 (fixed).
Back to "HOME"
Training Methodology
Call Now