Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS): Roles, Eligibility, Salary & Selection Process

Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) is a Group “A” civil service that works under the Ministry of Railways. This service is responsible for handling the financial framework of Indian Railways in an organized and accountable manner. The officers appointed to this service play a key role in ensuring that public funds are managed carefully and in line with government rules.

The Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) supports the smooth functioning of railway operations by maintaining proper accounting systems, monitoring expenditure, and offering financial advice to administrative authorities. Due to the scale of Indian Railways, this service carries significant responsibility and requires officers to work with precision and integrity.

Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) Overview

Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) focuses on financial planning, accounting, audit, and expenditure control related to railway activities. Officers of this service are posted at different levels across railway zones, divisions, production units, and railway boards. Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) was created to bring uniformity and discipline in railway finance and has continued to expand its scope with the growth of railway infrastructure and services.

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IRAS Roles and Responsibilities

IRAS Officers perform various duties important for financial and accounting management within the Ministry of Railways.

• Officers prepare budgets, control expenditures, and provide accurate financial reporting.
• They conduct internal audits to prevent fraud and financial irregularities.
• IRAS officers ensure proper use of funds for railway initiatives.
• They advise administrative heads on investments, financial planning, and policy.
• Officers maintain accounts, financial records, and perform audits for Indian Railways.

How to Become IRAS Officer?

Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) recruits officers through a national-level competitive examination process. This process is designed to assess analytical ability, general awareness, and administrative aptitude.

• Apply for the Civil Services Examination conducted every year
• Qualify the Preliminary Examination
• Appear for and clear the Main Examination
• Attend the Personality Test conducted by the commission
• Receive service allocation based on rank and preferences

Selection to the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) UPSC process is based entirely on merit and service allocation rules. After selection, officers undergo foundation training followed by specialized training related to railway finance and accounts.

IRAS Eligibility Criteria

Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) has specific eligibility requirements that candidates must fulfill before applying for the examination.

IRAS Eligibility Criteria 2026 covers educational qualifications, age limits, and applicable relaxations.

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IRAS Educational Qualifications

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Those awaiting final examination results can also apply for the UPSC CSE.

IRAS Age Criteria

The minimum age for applicants is 21 years. The maximum age is 32 years as of August 1st of the examination year.

Age Relaxation

Age relaxation is available for certain categories:

• SC/ST applicants receive up to 5 years of age relaxation.
• OBC applicants receive up to 3 years of age relaxation.
• Specific groups like J&K domiciles, armed forces personnel disabled in hostilities, ex-servicemen, and persons with disabilities also receive relaxation, up to 10 years for blind, deaf-mute, and orthopedically challenged individuals.

Indian Railway Accounts Service Posts

The career progression for Indian Railway Accounts Service officers follows a structured hierarchy.

• Junior Time Scale
• Senior Time Scale
• Junior Administrative Grade
• Selection Grade
• Senior Administrative Grade
• Higher Administrative Grade
• Higher Administrative Grade+

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IRAS Officers Salary Structure

 IRAS Officers Salary Structure adheres to the 7th Pay Commission guidelines. It follows the standard pay matrix applicable to other Group ‘A’ civil services.

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