Indian Railway Engineering Service (IRES) is one of the prestigious and challenging services in India. IRES officers are responsible for the designing, construction, maintenance, and operation of the Indian Railways network. Becoming a member of IRES requires determination, hard work, and preparation. This article outlines the steps to become a member of IRES.
- Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility criteria for IRES are as follows:
- The candidate should be a citizen of India.
- The age of the candidate should be between 20 and 30 years.
- The candidate should have a degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Communication Engineering) from a recognized university or institution.
- Examination: The IRES officers are selected through the Indian Engineering Services (IES) examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The IES examination is conducted annually and is divided into three stages:
- Preliminary Examination: The preliminary examination is a multiple choice-based examination and is conducted in the first week of June. The examination consists of two papers – General Studies and Engineering Aptitude Test (Paper I) and Engineering Discipline-related Paper (Paper II).
- Mains Examination: The mains examination is conducted in the first week of October. The examination consists of two papers – Engineering Discipline-related Paper I and Engineering Discipline-related Paper II.
- Interview: The candidates who qualify in the mains examination are called for an interview, which is conducted by the UPSC in the month of December.
- Preparation: To prepare for the IES examination, the candidate should have a thorough knowledge of the engineering discipline and a sound understanding of the engineering concepts. The candidate should also be well-versed in General Studies, current affairs, and English. It is advisable to read newspapers and books on engineering to improve the candidate’s knowledge.
- Training: After selection, the IRES officers undergo a training program of two years. The training program is divided into two parts – the first part is a foundation course, and the second part is an on-the-job training program. During the training program, the IRES officers are exposed to various aspects of the Indian Railways and its operations.
In conclusion, becoming a member of the Indian Railway Engineering Service (IRES) is a challenging and rewarding experience. The candidate should meet the eligibility criteria, clear the IES examination, and undergo the training program to become a member of IRES. With determination, hard work, and preparation, anyone can become a member of IRES and contribute to the development of the Indian Railways network.
