Indian Railway Stores Service
Procures the stock and non-stock items the Railways need to run trains safely and keep assets working.
Overview
IRSS officers are responsible for making procurement of stock and non-stock items required for safe running of trains. These trained professionals ensure the proper upkeep/maintenance of rolling stock (locomotives, coaches, wagons etc.), infrastructure (track, signalling systems, buildings etc.), operation of assets (lubricating oils etc.) and production and repairs in workshops.
Where they work
- Indian Railways
- Other government departments/ministries
Work environment
Your job role will need you to work both indoor and outdoor. You will be visiting warehouses and loco sheds. You will handle a team of officials. 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 are a careful and organized person.
- You can make people work under your directions.
- You like to lead.
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
- 1No specific certification is required.
- 2A Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Management, or Logistics can be helpful to understand the basics of the railway's stores and supply management system.
- 3A Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a government-recognized university is mandatory to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Engineering degrees, Logistics, Materials Management, or Supply Chain Management courses may provide relevant knowledge for the role.
- 4Although not required, a Master's degree in Logistics, Materials Management, Supply Chain Management, Public Administration, or related fields can provide advanced knowledge in managing the railway stores system, which may benefit you during training and in your role as an officer.
Forms, exams and applications
Entry is through the UPSC examination for the Indian Railway Management Service. 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 list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), various locations in India
- National Institutes of Technology (NITs), various locations in India
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), various locations in India
- Indian Railways Institute of Logistics & Materials Management (IRILMM), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM), various locations in India
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Institute of Logistics & Aviation Management (ILAM), New Delhi
- International School of Business & Media (ISBM), Pune, Maharashtra
- Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune, Maharashtra
- XLRI Jamshedpur, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
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 Materials Manager
- 2Divisional Materials Manager
- 3Senior Divisional Materials Manager/Deputy Chief Materials Manager
- 4Chief Materials Manager
- 5Principal Materials Manager
- 6General Manager
- 7Member (the printed ladder is cut off at this point)
Expected income
₹78,400 – ₹1,00,000 per month
This is the approximate salary of an Indian Railway Stores Service officer. The card's source is a store in-charge salary page. The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Indian Railway Accounts Service
Manages the accounts and finances of the Indian Railways and scrutinises all its transactions.
Purchasing and Materials Manager
Works out an organisation's supply needs, buys the supplies and oversees receiving and warehousing.
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 Any Stream, Science, Commerce.
- 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.
Example from the field
Mukul Mohan — The Deputy Chief Materials Manager with the Indian Railways. Mohan has done his B.Tech. from National Institute of Technology, Warangal. His responsibilities involve supply chain management, warehousing and transportation. Between 2005 and 2007 Mohan was the Assistant Director with the Central Water Commission.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 591 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/indian-railways-salaries/store-incharge
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The printed growth path is cut off mid-rank ("Member (equivalent to"), so it is shown only as far as the source completes it.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.