01 Railway Organisation
4 Staff Groups on Indian Railways
Group A → UPSC | Group B → Departmentally | Group C → RRB/RRC/CG/Sports | Group D → RRC/CG/Sports/Scouts
▸ Railway Board — Chairman & Members
CRB & CEO
Chairman Railway Board
HR · Safety · Security · Vigilance · Planning
↓
M/Infra
Member Infrastructure
Works · Civil · Bridges · Signal & Telecom · RE
M/TRS
Member TRS
Mechanical · Loco · Coaches · Electrical
M/O&BD
Member Operations
Traffic · Coaching · Commercial · IT
MF
Member Finance
Accounts · Finance · Budget
Remember: S&T sits under Member Infrastructure (M/Infra)
Signal & Telecom is one of the departments under M/Infra — along with Civil Engineering, Bridges, Works, Land & Amenities, Station Development, and Railway Electrification.
Recruitment Modes at a Glance
| Body | Full Form | Recruits |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC | Union Public Service Commission | Group A |
| RRB | Railway Recruitment Board | Group C (direct) |
| RRC | Railway Recruitment Cell | Group D |
| CG | Compassionate Ground | Group C & D (≤5% vacancies) |
| GDCE | General Departmental Competitive Exam | 25% direct recruitment quota |
Telecom Maintainer — Promotion Channel
▸ Telecom Maintainer Gr.III → Gr.II → Gr.I → JE → SE
50% Direct50% Dept
TM Gr. III
Entry Level
→
Promotion
TM Gr. II
→
Promotion
TM Gr. I
→
50% DR30% Promo20% IA
JE (Tele)
→
20% DR
SE (Tele)
IA = Intermediate Apprentice (ITI/Act Apprenticeship + 3 yrs service + below 45 yrs age)
02 S&T Department Structure
▸ Zonal HQ Hierarchy — S&T
CSTE
Chief Signal & Telecom Engineer — Admin + Professional Head, reports to GM
CCE
Chief Communication EngineerAll communication matters
CSE
Chief Signal EngineerAll signaling matters
CSTE/Plg
CSTE/PlanningPlanning of works
Dy.CSTE
Deputy CSTEAssists CSTE/CSE/CCE
SSTE
Sr. Signal & Telecom EngineerSenior Scale, works under CSTE/CCE
▸ Divisional Hierarchy — S&T
Sr. DSTE
In-charge of all S&T in division · Under DRM administratively, PCSTE technically
DSTE/ADSTE
Divisional & Asst. DSTESection-level supervision
SSE/JE (Tele)
Sr. Section Engineer / Junior EngineerDirectly maintains all Telecom assets in section
TM
Telecom MaintainerYou — day-to-day field maintenance
Helper/Tele
Helper (Telecom)Assists maintainer
From Telecom Manual (2021) — Chapter 1
The telecommunication system on each division is divided into sections. Each section is maintained by SSE(Telecom)/JE(Telecom). Each SSE/JE is responsible to the Sr.DSTE through DSTE/ADSTE for efficient maintenance and correct installation of all telecom equipment under his charge.
03 Duties of Staff
🔧 Telecom Maintainer (TM) — Core Duties
Efficient maintenance of all Telecom equipment under charge
Attend failures promptly and rectify defects expeditiously
Ascertain causes of failure and take action to prevent recurrence
Carry out new works / alterations under SSE/JE instructions
Report any emergency beyond competence/control to SSE/JE
📋 TM — Periodic Testing Schedule
Testing of Telecom equipment at Stations and Cabins
Passenger Amenities in station premises
OFC equipment in OFC hut
Data channels and structured cabling (UTS/PRS counters)
LC gate / IB signal post telephones in block section
Telecom equipment in TSS/SSP/SPs in RE area
Cable path & EC sockets in section — route markers every 50m
BSNL telephones in Railway premises
Protective systems & Batteries/Chargers
📁 TM — Responsibilities
Keep registers updated with latest guidelines
Adhere to maintenance rounds programme; intimate SM before leaving HQ station
Maintain tools in working condition
Submit weekly diary / fortnightly report
Maintain failure record and submit failure reports
Mark attendance of staff working under him every morning
Obtain materials via requisition from SSE/JE; return released materials without delay
🏗️ SSE/JE (Tele) — Essential Duties (Telecom Manual)
Regular inspection & maintenance of all Telecom systems: IP/MPLS, Exchanges, OFC, Quad cables, VHF, Wi-Fi, CCTV, VSS, PA systems, power supply & earthing
Execution of new works and alterations
Periodical tests/measurements — independently or jointly with BSNL/RailTel
Efficient maintenance of stores and establishment matters
Joint inspections in OFC huts with RCIL staff
EC testing and inspection of S&T cables along the track
JE is in-charge of particular section/assets and reports to SSE
Mandatory Books Every TM Must Possess
✦ Telecommunication Manual |
✦ Working Time Table |
✦ Equipment Manuals
Technicians must be conversant with all rules, regulations and instructions concerning their work.
Technicians must be conversant with all rules, regulations and instructions concerning their work.
04 Hours of Employment Regulation (HOER)
HOER applies to all non-gazetted railway servants including casual labour and substitutes. Staff are classified into 4 categories:
| Category | Who | Statutory Limit | Standard (Rostered) | Weekly Rest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intensive | Signal Maintainer, Telephone Operator, Wireless Operators, Cabin Men, Controllers | 45 hrs/week 7.5 hrs/day |
42 hrs/week | 30 consecutive hrs |
| Continuous | Guards, Drivers, TTEs, Clerks, Typists | 54 hrs/week 9 hrs/day |
48 hrs/week | 30 consecutive hrs |
| EI | Waiting room bearers, Sweepers, 'C' class gatemen, Caretakers | 75 hrs/week 12.5 hrs/day |
48+24 = 72 hrs | 24 consecutive hrs (incl. full night) |
| Excluded | Railway school staff, Medical staff, Supervisory (Inspectors/Supdt/Foreman), Confidential capacity, Armed guards | No statutory limit | — | — |
HOER ROSTERED HOURS BREAKDOWN
IntensiveStandard 42 + P&C 3 = 45 hrs
ContinuousStandard 48 + P&C 6 = 54 hrs
EIStandard 48 + Additional 24 + P&C 3 = 75 hrs
Overtime Rules
| Zone | Rate |
|---|---|
| Within roster hours up to statutory limit | 1½ × ordinary rate |
| Beyond statutory limit | 2 × ordinary rate |
Rest Givers Ratio
Intensive: No separate rest givers (cyclic rotation) · Continuous: 1 rest giver per 6 staff · EI: 6:1, 3:1, or 5:2 depending on conditions
05 Pay & Allowances (7th CPC)
7th CPC Pay Matrix — effective 01.01.2016
Increment Rate: 3% of Pay Level, rounded to next multiple of 100. On Promotion: 3% increment added, rounded to next 100. Increment Date: 1st January & 1st July annually.
| Allowance | Key Rate / Rule |
|---|---|
| DA (Dearness Allowance) | Twice a year — 1st Jan & 1st July, paid with March & September salary. Based on AICPIN. |
| HRA (House Rent) | X cities: 27%→30% | Y cities: 18%→20% | Z cities: 9%→10% of Basic Pay (revised when DA crosses 25% & 50%) |
| Transport Allowance | Level 9+: ₹7200+DA (A/A1) / ₹3600+DA (others). Doubles for disabled employees. |
| Night Duty Allowance | 22:00 to 06:00 hrs. Each hour = 10 min weighted. Rate: (Basic+DA)/200 |
| NDA (National Holiday) | Non-gazzetted only. Level 1-2: ₹384 / Level 3-5: ₹477 / Level 6-8: ₹630 |
| Breakdown Allowance | TM Gr.III (Level 2): ₹405/month |
| Children Education | ₹2812.5/child/month (max 2 eldest children). Hostel subsidy: ₹8437.5/month. |
HRA City categories: X = 50 lakh+ pop (Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad) · Y = 5-50 lakh · Z = Below 5 lakh
06 Leave Rules
Golden Rule: Leave Cannot Be Claimed as a Right
Leave of any kind may be refused or revoked by competent authority. Maximum leave in any single stretch = 5 years. Employee cannot take up employment during leave.
| Leave Type | Accrual | Max Accumulation | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CL (Casual) | 8 days (workshop/school) / 10 days (others) | Lapses 31 Dec | Cannot combine with other leave (except Compensatory). Half day CL allowed. SSE/JE independent charge can sanction. |
| LAP (Leave on Avg Pay) | 30 days/year (2.5 days/month) in 2 installments: 15 days on 1 Jan & 15 days on 1 Jul | 300 days | Encashment at retirement up to 300 days. Max 10 days encashment per leave occasion (max 6 occasions). Max in 1 spell: 120 days (India) / 180 days (Ex-India). |
| LHAP (Half Avg Pay) | 20 days/year — 10 days on 1 Jan & 10 Jul | Unlimited | Medical certificate required. Max in 1 spell: 24 months. Can be commuted (= full pay, double LHAP debited). |
| EL (Extra-Ordinary) | When no other leave is due | Max 5 years combined | No leave salary paid. Not debited to leave account. |
| Maternity | — | 180 days | Female with less than 2 surviving children. Not debited to leave account. |
| Paternity | — | 15 days | Male with less than 2 surviving children. Within 6 months of delivery. |
| CCL (Child Care) | — | 730 days (entire service) | Female / Single male. Child below 18 yrs. Max 3 spells/year, min 5 days/spell. Full pay for first 365 days, 80% for next 365 days. |
| Study Leave | After 5 years service | 12 months at a time / 24 months total | Higher studies related to duty. 3-year bond after return. Half pay during study outside India. |
| LPR (Pre-retirement) | Avail accumulated LAP | 240 days max | Instead of encashment. Requires competent authority permission. |
| WRIIL | Work-related illness/injury | Full pay during hospitalization + 6 months beyond. Half pay for next 12 months. | RBE 64/2019. No LAP/LHAP credited during this period. |
LEAVE QUICK NUMBERS — MEMORIZE THESE
CL10 days/year → lapses 31 Dec
LAP30 days/year → max 300 days accumulated → 300 days encashable at retirement
LHAP20 days/year → unlimited accumulation → max 24 months in 1 spell
Maternity180 days (+ 1 year commuted leave after)
Paternity15 days within 6 months of delivery
CCL730 days in entire service, max 3 spells/year
Study24 months max in entire service, 5 yr service required
07 Pass Rules 1986
Pass rules govern the entitlement of railway servants to travel at concessional or free rates. Key definitions: Family = spouse + sons <21 yrs + unmarried daughters of any age + widowed/divorced dependent daughters. Not more than 2 dependents in a pass/PTO (family limit = 5).
8 Types of Passes
| # | Pass Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duty Pass | Official travel on duty (Metal/Cheque/DCP/EDP) |
| 2 | Privilege Pass | Personal travel — debited to pass account |
| 3 | School Pass | Children's travel to school/college — 3 sets/year |
| 4 | Post-Retirement | After retirement — Group C: 2 sets, Group A&B: 3 sets |
| 5 | Widow Pass | After employee's death |
| 6 | Residential Card Pass | Daily commute between residence and workplace |
| 7 | Special Pass | Medical, sports, scouting, physically handicapped, etc. |
| 8 | PTO (Privilege Ticket Order) | Travel at 1/3rd fare — 4 sets/year, Group C&D. Valid 5 months. |
Duty Pass Types
| Pass Type | Who Gets It | Class Entitlement |
|---|---|---|
| Metal — Gold | CRB, Members RB, GMs (Level 16-17) | 2 berths 1A + 2 berths 2A |
| Metal — Silver | SAG/NFSAG/HAG Officers (Level 14-15) | 1 berth 1A + 3 berths 2A |
| Metal — Bronze | SS/JS Gazetted (Level 8-11) | 4 berths 2A and below |
| Cheque Pass (1st Cl) | Non-Gazetted Level 6+ | 1 berth 2A/3A/SL/2S |
| Cheque Pass (2nd Cl A) | Non-Gazetted Level 2-5 | 1 berth 3A/SL/2S |
| Cheque Pass (2nd Cl) | Group D (Level 1) | 1 berth SL/2S |
| DCP | Frequently moving staff | Issued by CPO, area mentioned on pass |
| EDP | Emergency/occasional duty | Issued by JE/SSE in charge |
Privilege Pass Entitlement for Non-Gazetted Staff
Level 6+: 1 set upto 5 years service → 3 sets after 5 years · Level 4 to 1: 1 set upto 5 years → 3 sets after 5 years (also 1 set 2nd Class A in lieu of sleeper). Validity: 5 months.
PASS PENALTY FOR LOSS
Metal — Gold₹10,950
Metal — Silver₹3,028
Metal — Bronze₹2,557
Privilege Pass (1st/1A)₹10
Joining Time on Transfer
| Distance between Old & New HQ | Joining Time Allowed |
|---|---|
| 1000 km or less | 10 days |
| Above 1000 km up to 2000 km | 12 days |
| Above 2000 km | 15 days |
08 Conduct Rules 1966
A Railway servant shall at all times maintain absolute integrity, devotion to duty, and do nothing unbecoming of a railway servant.
✅ Must DO
Maintain integrity and devotion to duty
Report sensitive emergencies through proper channel
Submit annual immovable property return (PB-2, GP 4600+ staff)
🚫 Must NOT Do
Participate in politics / election campaigns
Join banned associations or participate in public demonstrations
Comment on matters endangering sovereignty
Contribute to press/media on administration matters
Disclose official sensitive matters
Accept gifts >₹1500 (Gr A&B) or >₹500 (Gr C&D) without sanction
Entertain dowry or practice private trade/employment
Sub-let official accommodation
Borrow from unrecognized private agencies
Be under intoxication/drugs in public places
Engage children under 14 years for work
Sexual harassment of working women
Railway Quarters Entitlement
| Grade Pay | Type of Quarter |
|---|---|
| GP ≤ ₹1800 | Type I |
| GP > ₹1800 up to ₹2400 | Type II |
| GP > ₹2400 up to ₹4200 | Type III |
| GP > ₹4200 (Non-Gazetted) | Type IV |
| Gazetted officers GP < ₹6600 | Type IV |
| Gazetted officers GP = ₹6600 | Type IV (Special) |
| Gazetted officers GP > ₹6600 | Type V |
SC/ST reservation in quarters: 10% for Type I & II, 5% for Type III & IV (where total quarters > 50). No subletting without DRM/HOD approval.
09 DAR — Discipline & Appeal Rules 1968
Constitutional Provisions
Art. 310: Railway employees hold position at pleasure of the President. Art. 311(1): Cannot be dismissed by authority subordinate to appointing authority. Art. 311(2): Cannot be dismissed without inquiry and reasonable opportunity to be heard.
Principle of Natural Justice (CJ S.R. Sinha)
① Nobody can be a judge in his own cause. ② None should be condemned without being heard. ③ All decisions should be made in good faith.
Penalties — Minor vs Major
📋 Minor Penalties
Censure
Withholding of promotion for specified period
Recovery from salary for damages/loss caused to Railways
Withholding of privilege passes or PTOs or both
Reduction to lower stage in timescale — max 3 years, without cumulative effect
Withholding increments for specific period with/without cumulative effect
🔴 Major Penalties
Reduction to lower stage — with/without cumulative effect
Reduction to lower scale of pay / grade / post
Compulsory retirement (retirement benefits applicable)
Removal from service (not disqualified for future government service)
Dismissal from service (disqualified for future government service)
Key Standard Forms (DAR)
| SF No. | Purpose |
|---|---|
| SF-1 | Placing employee under suspension |
| SF-3 | Claim subsistence allowance (by suspended employee) |
| SF-4 | Revoke from suspension |
| SF-5 | Imposing major penalty |
| SF-7 | Appointing an Enquiry Officer |
| SF-8 | Appointing Presenting Officer |
| SF-11 | Imposing minor penalty |
DAR KEY TIMELINES
Suspension Allowance½ monthly pay (no regular allowances) for 3 months
Appeal Limit45 days from date of penalty order
Defence Counsel NominationWithin 20 days of Inquiry Authority appointment
Appointing Authority (JE/SSE)CPO (Chief Personnel Officer)
10 Pension & Gratuity
PENSION FORMULA (Basic & Dearness Pay only)
Pension Amount50% of Average Emoluments (last 10 months)
Minimum qualifying service10 years (for pension) / 20 years (for full 50%)
Min Pension₹3,500/month
Max Pension50% of highest pay
| Age of Pensioner | Additional Quantum |
|---|---|
| 80 – 84 years | +20% of basic pension |
| 85 – 89 years | +30% of basic pension |
| 90 – 94 years | +40% of basic pension |
| 95 – 99 years | +50% of basic pension |
| 100 years & above | +100% of basic pension |
Gratuity Types
| Type | Payable To | Amount | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retirement Gratuity | Retiring employee | 16½ × Basic Pay (max ₹10 lakh) | Min 5 years service |
| Death Gratuity | Widow/Nominee | 2x to 33x based on service (max ₹10 lakh) | Died in harness |
| Service Gratuity | Retiring employee | ½ month Basic per 6-month period | Service < 10 years (no pension) |
DEATH GRATUITY RATES
< 1 year service2× basic pay
1 – 5 years6× basic pay
5 – 20 years12× basic pay
20+ years½ emoluments × every 6-month period (max 33×)
NPS (New Pension Scheme) — for staff joined after 01.01.2004
NPS Key Points
Unique 16-digit PRAN allotted. Two tiers: Tier-I (mandatory, no withdrawal) and Tier-II (optional, withdrawable).
Contribution: Employee contributes 10% of Basic+DA; Government makes equal matching contribution.
Exit: Normally at 60 years. Must invest 40% in annuity (Life Insurance). If leaving before 60 → 80% must be annuitized. Regulated by PFRDA.
Contribution: Employee contributes 10% of Basic+DA; Government makes equal matching contribution.
Exit: Normally at 60 years. Must invest 40% in annuity (Life Insurance). If leaving before 60 → 80% must be annuitized. Regulated by PFRDA.