Indian Railway Accounts Service
Manages the accounts and finances of the Indian Railways and scrutinises all its transactions.
Overview
The Indian Railway Accounts Service officers are responsible for the management of accounts and finances of the Indian Railways. A necessary part of this function is to scrutinize all transactions and record only those transactions, which are legitimately chargeable to the railways' revenues.
Where they work
- Indian Railways
- Government agencies
- Ministerial departments
Work environment
You will work in an office set up. You are likely to handle a team. Local travel is not a part of the job profile. You are likely to work 5 to 6 days a week and 8 to 9 hours every day.
Opportunities for differently abled exist in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You can keep accurate records of expenses and income.
- You enjoy Science.
- You are good at Maths.
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Pursue a Bachelor's in Engineering, Commerce, or Chartered Accountancy.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's and follow it up with a Master's in the same or allied field.
- 2Qualify Indian Railways Management Service exam held by UPSC.
Forms, exams and applications
Entry is through the Indian Railway Management Service examination conducted by the UPSC. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Engineering/Commerce. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, West Bengal
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Birla Institute of Technology, Rajasthan
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu
- Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, Maharashtra
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Assistant Financial Advisor/Assistant Divisional Financial Manager/Assistant Workshop Accounts Officer/Assistant Financial Advisor (Traffic)
- 2Senior Assistant Financial Advisor/Divisional Financial Manager/Workshop Accounts Officer/Senior Assistant Financial Advisor
- 3Deputy Financial Advisor & Chief Accounts Officer
- 4Deputy Financial Adviser (the printed ladder is cut off at this point)
Expected income
₹56,100 – ₹1,82,200 per month
This is the approximate salary of an Indian Railway Accounts Service officer. The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Indian Revenue Service
Civil servant administering India's tax laws under the CBDT or the CBIC.
Indian Railway Stores Service
Procures the stock and non-stock items the Railways need to run trains safely and keep assets working.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Commerce, Maths, Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to public service.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 579 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://testbook.com/ias-preparation/indian-railway-accounts-service-iras-salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The printed growth path is cut off mid-rank after "Deputy Financial", so the ladder is shown only as far as the source completes it. This card has no "Example from the field" panel. SRM Institute's campus is Kattankulathur (printed "Kallankuthar").
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.