In a notable policy reversal, the Indian government has reinstated the recruitment of railway officers through the Engineering Services Exam (ESE) and the Civil Services Exam (CSE), effectively rolling back its previous decision from 2019. This shift comes as the Ministry of Railways seeks to address ongoing challenges in sourcing qualified technical personnel for the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS).
Key Developments Railway Recruitment ESE CSE
- Restoration of ESE: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) approved the proposal to include ESE in railway officer recruitment, acknowledging the unique needs for both technical and non-technical staff within the Ministry of Railways.
- Tentative Vacancies: An official memorandum indicated that a total of 225 vacancies will be filled through ESE 2025, with specific allocations for various engineering disciplines: 75 for Civil, 40 for Mechanical, 50 for Electrical, 40 for Signal & Telecommunications, and 20 for Stores.
- Response to Recruitment Challenges: The decision comes after years of difficulty in recruiting suitable candidates for technical roles due to the previous merger of engineering and non-engineering recruitment processes under IRMS. This merger had limited the pool of qualified applicants.
- Next Steps: Following this approval, the Ministry of Railways has requested that the Department of Telecommunications update existing notifications to include these new requirements and extend application deadlines to ensure ample opportunity for candidates.
ALSO READ | Transform Your Skills with the TCS iON Digital Learning Hub to Empower Your Career
This strategic pivot not only aims to streamline Railway Recruitment ESE CSE but also addresses the pressing need for specialized skills within the railway sector. The government’s renewed focus on distinct pathways for technical and non-technical roles is expected to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery in Indian Railways.