Kalvimalar

About SCRA: Special Class Railway Apprentice (SCRA) is a programme by which candidates are selected by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) India, to train in the undergraduate program in mechanical engineering at the Indian Railways Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Jamalpur. 

Started in 1927, Railways decided to close down this examination in 2015 after UPSC communicated that it was not inclined to continue conducting the examination. However, the Ministry of Finance in 2021, has recommended to start conducting the exam again stating that Indian Railways requires specialised training and skills beyond what is part of a regular graduation program.

Under Graduate Course:

Admissions to Special Class Railway Apprentice (SCRA) is hotly contested, with as many as 2,500,000 candidates taking the entrance examination for about 20 to 30 seats. 

Eligibility criteria:

The applicant should have passed 10+2 with an aggregate of at least 45%, studying Mathematics as a compulsory subject during their higher secondary education, along with either Physics or Chemistry.

Entrance exam for SCRA:

The examination comprises written tests in mathematics, physics, chemistry, English language, general knowledge, and a psychological test (mental ability). 

Selected candidates are called for an interview, which is followed by a medical examination.

Training:  

The selected candidates undergo a four-year training programme in mechanical engineering, for which the Institute has a Memorandum of Understanding with Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, Ranchi. 

Stipend & Benefits:

The apprentices get a stipend and dearness allowance, apart from other benefits such as medical care, privilege passes, PTOs,[expand acronym] etc. 

Career: 

After successful completion of four years' training, they are absorbed into the highest-level leadership program in the Railway organization (also called Group A Officers).