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Writer's pictureMuskan Celeste

Role of an IRAS Officer - UPSC

Updated: Jan 23, 2023


Role of an IRAS Officer - UPSC

You've probably heard about IRAS but need to learn what it means and what exactly they do. You may want to kickstart a career in this service but don't know how to go about it. Either way, this article is all you need to get enlightened.


What is the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS)? IRAS is an acronym for the Indian Railway Accounts Service. It is one also of the Group A Central Civil Services of the Government of India that is responsible for the executive's finances. It was formed in the 1920s and had a cadre strength of about 800.

Responsibilities of an IRAS Officer

An IRAS Officers tasks includes:

  • Accounts and finances management for the Indian Railways.

  • Giving financial advice to the administration on financial matters.

  • Giving financial approval for the various new railway projects that will be undertaken.

  • Managing various fund sources and resource allocation.

  • Preparation and distribution of the budget.

  • Supervised computers on Indian railways.

  • Handling legal issues and settlements.



Salary and Benefits of an IRAS Officer

After selection, IRAS officer salaries range from Rs. 37,400 to Rs. 67,00 plus Rs. 12,000 in grade pay as higher administrative grade plus Special Secretary to the Government of India/Chief Secretary and Director General/General Manager/Additional Member (Railway Board), which concludes aroud 80000 rupees. During your training as a junior administrator, you will be compensated between 15,000 and 40,000 rupees.


Perks of being an IRAS Officer:

  • Health Benefits: These benefits can be free or subsidized. It's available to all staff and also extends to employees' spouses and children. It includes hospitalization, outpatient treatment, and dental care.

  • Personal or Self-Development Benefits: Being an IRAS officer gives you access to subsidized course fees, training fees, awards, and scholarships.

  • Free transport between pick-up points and place of work

  • Corporate passes to a place of interest in Singapore

  • Gifts could be cash or non-cash for special occasions and festive periods.

  • Childcare subsided for a licensed childcare center.

  • Death gratuities, disability payments, and worker's compensation

  • Award benefits can either be a long service award or a retirement award.

  • Free laptops, tablets, and stationery are allowed for industrial purposes.


How to Become an IRAS Officer?

If being an IRAS officer is your dream, then you've got to ensure you're eligible to apply--eligibility in terms of age range, nationality, educational requirement, and several attempts. If you're eligible, the next step is to fill out the online application form that is always available every year. A preliminary examination will be conducted after you've applied, which includes two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2).

If you Successfully clear papers, you will be interviewed, and the interview too consists of two tests: a mental ability and a personality test. After successfully completing this phase, you'll undergo mandatory training for about two years. After that, you'll be posted to various railway departments and earn a starting salary of between Rs 15,000 and above. This amount gets increased with an increase in ranks.


Friendly Conclusion

By now, you already understand what IRAS means and what they do. So, if you're interested in kickstarting a career in this service, in that case, you're making the right decision because, like every other civil job, you're assured of a lifetime of financial security, and, of course, you get to enjoy power and authority adequately.



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