A.

GENERAL

1. Hierarchical set up and line of control of planning Department at Zonal level and

at Railway Board.

2. Man power planning

3. Work Study

4. Staff Bank

5. Bench Marking

6. Operating Ratio

B. ESTABLISHMENT RULES

 1. HOER

2. Leave Rules

3. PNM, Industrial Relations

4. Retirement Benefits

C. FINANCIAL RULES

1. Parliamentary control over Railway Finance - Public accountability Cannons of

financial propriety

2. Financial Planning, budgeting, budgetary and financial reviews.

3. Works Programme – financial justification of works Surveys, preparation of

Estimates

4. Purchase and stores keeping procedure - inventory control and A B C Analysis

5. Financial and cost control in Railway Workshops.

D. ENGLISH General English - Questions should be set so as to test the vocabulary and assess
theability of the candidate to conduct a study independently and prepare a reporproperly.

E. Official Language Policy & Rules

Hierarchical Set-up and Line of Control of Planning Department at Zonal Level and Railway
Board

1. At Railway Board (Apex Level)

Railway Board functions under the Ministry of Railways, Govt. of India.

Planning-related functions are handled by the Member (Finance) and Member (Infrastructure)
along with the Director General (Statistics & Economics).

Key Departments involved:

Planning Directorate – Prepares long-term plans, five-year plans, rolling stock programs.

Statistics & Economics Directorate – Data collection, traffic forecasting, demand projections.

Finance Directorate – Examines financial viability of projects, approves budget allocations.

Railway Board issues directives, policies, and financial sanctions to Zonal Railways.

[Link] Zonal Railway Level General Manager (GM) is the overall head of the Zone.

Under GM, Chief Planning & Development Officer (CPDO) or Chief Planning Officer
(CPO/Planning) heads the Planning Department.

Supporting officers:

Deputy Chief Planning Officer (Dy. CPO/Planning)

Assistant Planning Officers (APO/Planning)

Planning Inspectors/Clerks

`Responsibilities at Zonal level:

Preparing Works Programme (major & minor works).

Traffic surveys and demand assessment.

Liaison with divisions for project proposals.

Forwarding proposals to Railway Board with justifications.

Monitoring sanctioned works & utilization of funds.

3. At Divisional Level

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) is overall in charge.

Divisional Planning Officer (DPO) (usually under Sr. DFM or Sr. DEN coordination).

Divisional Planning section prepares proposals for track renewals, station improvements, traffic
facilities, etc., and forwards them to Zonal HQ.

4. Line of Control (Flow of Planning & Sanctions)

1. Divisions → identify needs & prepare proposals.

2. Zonal HQ Planning Dept. → scrutinizes, consolidates, prioritizes.

3. Railway Board Planning Directorate → examines, approves, and allocates funds.

4. Implementation → monitored by Zonal HQ & reported to Railway Board.

Railway Board = Policy, long-term planning, fund sanction.

Zonal HQ (CPDO/Planning) = Consolidation, prioritization, coordination.

Division = Ground-level need identification & proposals.

Hierarchical Set-up & Line of Control – Planning Department

Key Functionaries in Planning:

Chairman & CEO, Railway Board (CRB) – Head of Indian Railways, final authority.

Member (Infrastructure) – Deals with planning, construction, signaling, and electrification.

Member (Finance) – Ensures financial control, budgeting, propriety of expenditure.

Director General (Statistics & Economics) – Provides traffic projections, cost-benefit analysis.

Planning Directorate – Central body for Works Programme, rolling stock, and long-term
planning.

Finance Directorate – Examines financial feasibility, sanctions estimates.

Statistics & Economics Directorate – Data analysis, forecasting future needs.

Functions of Railway Board in Planning:
1. Framing Five-Year & Annual Plans.
2. Sanction of new lines, doubling, electrification, gauge conversion, traffic facilities.
3. Allocation of Budget & Plan Heads to Zones.
4. Monitoring of expenditure and progress through Works Program Reviews.

B. At Zonal Railway Headquarters (Execution & Coordination)

Each Zone (like Southern Railway, Northern Railway, etc.) has a Planning Department.

Hierarchy:

General Manager (GM) → Head of the Zone.

Chief Planning & Development Officer (CPDO) → Head of Planning Department.

Dy. Chief Planning Officer (Dy. CPO/Planning) → Assists CPDO.

Asst. Planning Officers (APO/Planning) → Handle specialized areas (Civil, Mechanical,

Electrical).

Planning Inspectors/Clerks → Assist with data, files, and compilation.

Functions at Zonal Level:

1. Consolidating Works Proposals from all Divisions.

2. Scrutinizing proposals technically & financially.

3. Prioritizing works as Throwforward, Rolling, or New Works.

4. Preparing the Preliminary Works Programme (PWP) and later Final Works Programme
(FWP).

5. Sending proposals to Railway Board with detailed justification.

6. Monitoring implementation of sanctioned works (new lines, yard remodeling, station

improvements, workshops).

C. At Divisional Level (Ground Execution & Need Identification)

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) is overall head.

Planning work is done by Divisional Planning Officer (DPO) or under Sr. Divisional Officers
(Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Traffic).
Functions at Divisional Level:

1. Identifying field-level requirements (track renewals, level crossings, yard modifications,

passenger amenities).

2. Preparing Detailed Proposals with justification & cost estimates.

3. Forwarding proposals to Zonal HQ Planning Department.

D. Line of Control (Decision & Approval Flow)

1. Division → Zonal HQ (Planning Department) – proposals submitted.

2. Zonal HQ → Railway Board (Planning Directorate) – proposals consolidated & justified.

3. Railway Board → Ministry of Railways → Ministry of Finance (where required) – financial

sanction.

4. Implementation → Division executes the sanctioned work under supervision of Zonal HQ.

E. Importance of Planning Department

Acts as a link between operational needs & financial resources.

Ensures optimum utilization of funds under different Plan Heads.

Provides data-based decisions for future expansion.

Coordinates with other departments (Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Stores, Finance).

PWP (Preliminary Works Programme): Draft list of works proposed by Zones, sent to Railway
Board.

FWP (Final Works Programme): Works approved by Railway Board & included in the Budget.

Plan Heads: Categorization of Railway expenditure (New Lines, Doubling, Electrification,

Rolling Stock, Passenger Amenities, Workshops, etc.).

Throwforward: Works already sanctioned but not yet completed.

Rolling Works: Ongoing works to be continued in next financial year.

✅Definition:

In railways, rolling stock means all railway vehicles that move (roll) on tracks.
1. Locomotives (engines – diesel, electric, steam heritage).

2. Coaching Stock – Passenger coaches, EMUs, DEMUs, metro cars.

3. Freight Stock (Wagons) – BOXN, BTPN, BCN, flat wagons, etc.

4. Special vehicles – Cranes, inspection cars, tower wagons.

Anything that has wheels and runs on railway tracks = Rolling Stock.

It is opposite to Fixed Infrastructure (like tracks, bridges, stations, signaling).

Categories of Rolling Stock in Indian Railways

1. Broad Gauge Rolling Stock (1676 mm) – Most common in India.

2. Metre Gauge / Narrow Gauge Rolling Stock – Being phased out, only in heritage lines.

Importance of Rolling Stock Capacity: Determines how much passenger/freight can be carried.

Efficiency: Modern LHB coaches, high axle load wagons improve speed & safety.

Planning: Railway Board allocates rolling stock under Plan Head 21 (Rolling Stock) in Works
Programme.

Maintenance: Overhauled in workshops & sheds to ensure safety.

Manpower Planning in Indian Railways

Manpower Planning (HR Planning) = Ensuring the right number of staff with the right skills are
available at the right time to achieve organizational goals.

In Railways, manpower is a huge cost factor (nearly 55–60% of working expenses).

Hence, planning manpower = controlling cost + improving efficiency.

2. Objectives of Manpower Planning

1. Forecasting Staff Requirements – based on workload, traffic demand, new projects.

2. Avoiding Surplus Staff – reduce idle manpower & financial burden.

3. Avoiding Shortage of Staff – prevent disruption of operations.

4. Skill Development – training to meet new technology (electrification, IT, LHB coaches).

5. Optimum Utilization – maximum productivity from existing staff.

6. Rationalization – deploying staff where workload is high.

3. Steps in Manpower Planning (Railway Context)

1. Workload Analysis

Studying train kilometers, engine kilometers, wagon kilometers, workshop workload.

Example: No. of trains to be operated decides loco pilots & guards needed.

2. Manpower Forecasting

Predicting staff needs based on traffic growth, new lines, electrification, workshops.

3. Work Study (Scientific Staff Assessment)

Carried out by Work Study Units in each Railway to fix norms.

Identifies excess staff (can go to Staff Bank) and shortages.

4. Staff Bank Concept

Surplus staff redeployed where there is shortage.

5. Benchmarking

Comparing manpower productivity across divisions/zones.

Examplez staff per 1000 NTKM (Net Tonne Kilometer) or per 100 train kilometers.

6. Periodic Review

PNM Meetings (Permanent Negotiating Machinery) also discuss staff issues.

Annual review through Operating Ratio and Productivity Indicators.

4. Levels of Manpower Planning

Railway Board Level: Policy, norms, cadre strength, sanction posts.

Zonal Level: Consolidation, work study, staff re-distribution.

Divisional Level: Practical deployment & control of staff.

5. Tools for Manpower Planning

HOER (Hours of Employment Regulations): Decides staff requirement for safe duty hours.

Work Study Reports: Norms for each activity.

Benchmarking: Target productivity [Link] Roster Management: Ensures staff

availability & rest rules.
6. Benefits of Manpower Planning

Cost saving by avoiding surplus.

Efficiency & safety by proper staffing.

Better industrial relations (fair distribution).

Supports modernization (e.g., need for IT-skilled staff).

7. Example (Practical in Railways)

In a new Express Train is introduced between Chennai–Delhi:

Need for Loco Pilots + Guards → Operations Dept.

Need for Coaching Maintenance Staff → Mechanical Dept.

Need for Reservation/Booking Staff → Commercial Dept.

These requirements are planned in advance by Divisional & Zonal HQ Planning Sections.

✅In Short:

Manpower Planning in Railways = Scientific estimation, optimum utilization, periodic review of

staff → so that Railways remain financially viable & operationally efficient.

Work Study in Indian Railways

1. Meaning

Work Study = A scientific method of analyzing work to determine the minimum staff required
for a job without affecting safety & efficiency.

It is part of Manpower Planning and is used to fix staff norms.

In simple words: Work Study = How much work? How many staff needed?

2. Objectives

1. Ensure optimum utilization of manpower.

2. Identify excess staff (to be moved to Staff Bank).

3. Identify shortages (justify new posts).

4. Improve productivity and efficiency.

5. Control operating costs (staff salary is the largest expenditure in Railways).

3. Who does Work Study?

In each Zonal Railway → Work Study Cell / Team under Planning Department.

At Railway Board level → Directorate of Efficiency & Research coordinates.

4. Techniques of Work Study

Work Study has two main components:

A. Method Study

Aim: Find the best way of doing a job.

Involves:Studying the present method of work.

Recording each [Link] for redundancy, delays, or waste.

Designing a better method (simpler, faster, safer).

B. Work Measurement

Aim: Decide the time and manpower needed for the job.

Involves:Time Study → observing time taken for each activity.

Work Sampling → random checks to see how time is utilized.

5. Process of Work Study in Railways

1. Select the job (example: wagon examination at yard).

2. Observe existing method (how fitters are deployed, how much time each job takes).

3. Record data (staff strength, workload, number of wagons handled).

4. Analyze (identify surplus staff, duplication of work).

5. Develop improved method (e.g., use of mechanized equipment, better layout).

6. Measure manpower requirement scientifically.

7. Recommend staffing norms to Zonal HQ.

6. Outcome of Work Study

Norms: Standard staff requirement per workload unit.

Example: 1 Train Examiner (TXR) is required for every 100 wagons per shift.

Surplus staff: Sent to Staff Bank for redeployment.

Shortage staff: Justification sent for new posts.

Improved methods: Standardization of processes (e.g., better rostering).

7. Importance in Railways

Manpower = biggest expense → ~55–60% of Railway’s revenue.

Work Study ensures cost saving without compromising safety.

Supports Benchmarking by providing staff productivity ratios.

Used in PNM meetings when unions demand more staff → management shows Work Study
report as justification.

8. Example

In a Carriage & Wagon depot:

Present staff = 120 fitters.

Work Study shows only 90 required (based on no. of coaches handled/day).

30 staff declared surplus → moved to Staff Bank → redeployed to other depots where shortage
exists.

9. Difference Between Work Study & Benchmarking

Work Study Benchmarking

Scientific study of specific Comparing staff productivity across.

job/workload to fix staff norms. zones/divisions

Done by Work Study Cell. Done by Railway Board/Zonal HQ.

Micro-level (job specific). Macro-level (organization-wide).

Work Study = Scientific staff assessment → determines how much staff is actually required,
identifies excess & shortage, and ensures financial control in Indian Railways.

Staff Bank in Indian Railways

1. Meaning

Staff Bank is a pool of surplus staff identified through Work Study.

These employees are not terminated, but are temporarily kept aside until they can be redeployed
to places where there is shortage.

Purpose = Avoid retrenchment (job loss) + ensure optimum utilization.

When Work Study finds extra staff in one unit, they are moved to a Staff Bank. Later, if another
unit needs people, they are drawn from this bank.

2. Why Needed?

Railways is a huge organization with uneven workload.

Some depots, yards, or offices → surplus staff (due to modernization, electrification, IT,
mechanization).

Other units → shortage of staff (new lines, new trains, additional workload).

Instead of recruiting new staff or retrenching old staff, Railways created Staff Bank system.

3. Functioning of Staff Bank

1. Identification of surplus staff through Work Study.

2. Staff declared surplus → transferred to Staff Bank at Divisional/Zonal HQ level.

3. Staff remain on payroll but are not permanently attached to any department.

4. Redeployment is done when vacancies/shortages are reported.

5. If redeployment is not possible, staff may be given alternative jobs, training for new skills, or
absorbed in other departments.

4. Benefits

Prevents wastage of manpower.

Avoids industrial unrest (no retrenchment).

Provides a ready reserve of trained manpower.

Ensures cost control by not creating unnecessary new posts.

5. Example

In a steam loco shed, after electrification, most steam staff became surplus.

Work Study declared them surplus → moved to Staff Bank.

Later, many of them were retrained and redeployed in electric loco sheds and carriage & wagon
depots.

6. Relation to Other Concepts

Work Study → identifies surplus.

Staff Bank → keeps surplus staff in reserve.

Manpower Planning → ensures redeployment where needed.

Benchmarking → ensures productivity norms are balanced.

Staff Bank = a holding pool of surplus staff created after Work Study, used for redeployment in
areas of shortage, ensuring job security + cost efficiency in Indian Railways.

Benchmarking in Indian Railways

1. Meaning

Benchmarking = Fixing a standard level of manpower requirement for a particular

activity/workload, based on best practices.

It compares actual staff strength with the standard (benchmark) requirement.

It answers: “How many staff should be ideally needed for a given workload?”

2. Why Needed?

To avoid excess manpower (which increases cost).

To prevent understaffing (which affects efficiency & safety).

To ensure uniform standards across different Zones/Divisions.

3. Benchmarking Process

1. Identify a Unit/Activity – e.g., C&W depot, Loco shed, Signal maintenance.

2. Measure workload – No. of trains examined, no. of locos maintained, km of track, etc.

3. Fix Benchmark norms – How many staff are needed per unit of workload.

Example: 1 coach examiner for every 4 coaches examined daily.

4. Compare actual staff vs benchmark norms.

If more staff → Surplus → Send to Staff Bank.

If less staff → Shortage → Recruit/redeploy.

4. Example in Railways

Suppose in a Carriage & Wagon depot:

Workload: 100 coaches/day.

Benchmark Norm: 1 coach examiner per 4 coaches.

Required Staff (Benchmark): 25.

Actual Staff Available: 32.

Result: 7 staff surplus → can be moved to Staff Bank.

5. Levels of Benchmarking

Zonal Railway Level – Fixes benchmarks for divisions.

Railway Board Level – Final approval of benchmark norms for uniformity across India.

Periodic Review – Benchmarks revised with modernization (e.g., mechanized cleaning needs
less manpower).

6. Importance

Helps in optimum utilization of manpower.

Ensures cost control and better Operating Ratio.

Prevents uneven staffing across zones.

Forms basis for Work Study reports and Staff Bank redeployment.
7. Link with Other Concepts

Manpower Planning → future needs.

Work Study → identifies surplus/shortage.

Staff Bank → manages surplus staff.

Benchmarking → sets the standard requirement.

Benchmarking in Railways = Setting manpower norms for a given workload to ensure uniform,
economical, and efficient staff deployment across zones.

Answer Key – Mock Test (Section A: General)

Q1. At the Zonal level, the head of the Planning Department is:

✅c) CPDO (Chief Planning & Development Officer)

Q2. At Railway Board level, Planning is controlled by:

✅c) Executive Director (Planning) under Board Members

Q3. Manpower Planning mainly aims at:

✅b) Matching staff strength with workload

Q4. Which is not a component of Manpower Planning?

✅c) Budgeting of funds

Q5. Work Study uses which techniques?

✅a) Method Study & Time Study

Q6. In Work Study, the purpose of Time Study is:

✅b) To calculate time required for a job

Q7. Staff Bank in Railways is:

✅b) Surplus staff pool for redeployment

Q8. The advantage of Staff Bank is:

✅b) Provides ready reserve manpower

Q9. Benchmarking means:

✅a) Comparing workload with standard manpower norms

Q10. Standard benchmark norm for coach examination is:

✅b) 1 examiner per 4 coaches

Q11. Operating Ratio is calculated as:

✅b) (Working Expenses ÷ Gross Earnings) × 100

Q12. If Working Expenses = ₹96 crore, Earnings = ₹100 crore, OR = ?

\text{OR} = \frac{96}{100} \times 100 = 96\%

13. Lower Operating Ratio means:

✅b) Railways is more efficient

Q1. At the Divisional level, planning work is looked after by:

✅c) Sr. Divisional Planning Officer / Coordination Officer

Q2. At Railway Board level, long-term planning and Five-Year Plans are coordinated by:

✅b) Planning Directorate

Q3. The first step in Manpower Planning is:

✅b) Estimating current manpower supply

Q4. Manpower Planning is considered successful when:

✅b) Right number of people are in the right job at right time

Q5. Work Study is mainly conducted by:

✅c) Work Study Cell under Planning Department

Q6. In Work Study, Method Study is done to:

✅b) Find out best way of doing work

Q7. Staff sent to Staff Bank:

✅b) Continue to get salary and benefits until redeployed

Q8. Which of the following is not true about Staff Bank?

✅c) Helps in financial budgeting

Q9. Benchmarking is introduced in Indian Railways mainly to:

✅b) Compare manpower deployment with standard norms

Q10. Which of the following is an example of Benchmark Norm?

✅d) All of the above

Q11. If Gross Earnings = ₹200 crore, Working Expenses = ₹180 crore, OR = ?

OR = \frac{180}{200} \times 100 = 90\%

Q12. Which one is correct about Operating Ratio?

✅b) Lower OR means better efficiency

Q13. In Indian Railways, Operating Ratio in recent years has generally been:

✅d) 95–100%

Q1. Hierarchy

At Zonal Railway HQ, who coordinates between Planning Department and Finance Department
for Works Programme?

a) FA&CAO

b) CPDO

c) CPO

d) AGM

Q2. Manpower Planning

If current staff strength is 1,20,000 and projected requirement after 5 years is 1,10,000, the
manpower planning decision should be:

a) Recruit 10,000 more staff

b) Stop recruitment and use natural attrition

c) Increase overtime duty

d) Outsource manpower

Work Study
A Work Study shows 100 men are employed, but actual work requires only 80. What % staff is
surplus?

a) 10%

b) 15%

c) 20%

d) 25%

Q4. Staff Bank

Which one is not a function of Staff Bank?

a) Redeployment of surplus staff

b) Maintain seniority and pay of staff

c) Sanction new recruitment

d) Provide manpower for newly created posts

Q5. Benchmarking

Benchmarking for coach cleaning is fixed at 1 employee per 2 coaches. If a division has 400
coaches, how many staff should ideally be sanctioned?

a) 100

b) 150

c) 200

d) 250

Q6. Operating Ratio

If Working Expenses = ₹7200 crore, Gross Earnings = ₹8000 crore, OR = ?

a) 80%

b) 85%

c) 90%

d) 95%
Q7. Work Study Numerical

In a workshop, cycle time of one activity is 10 minutes. After method improvement, it reduces to
8 minutes. What is the % productivity gain?

a) 10%

b) 20%

c) 25%

d) 30%

Q8. Manpower Norms

Norm fixed = 1 employee per 4 berths in maintenance. A depot has 2000 berths. Sanctioned staff
should be:

a) 400

b) 450

c) 500

d) 600

Q9. Operating Ratio

In one year, Gross Earnings = ₹20,000 cr, Working Expenses = ₹18,400 cr. Find OR and
comment.

a) 90% (good)

b) 92% (average)

c) 95% (tight)

d) 98% (very high)

Q10. Staff Bank + Benchmarking

If staff are found surplus after Work Study and posted in Staff Bank, but Benchmarking norms
show shortage in another division, the correct action is:

a) Recruit new staff

b) Redeploy from Staff Bank

c) Outsource staff
d) Keep surplus idle

HOER (Hours of Employment Rules)

1. Objective

To regulate duty hours and periods of rest for railway staff.

Ensures safety, reduces fatigue, and maintains operational efficiency.

2. Coverage

Applies to railway servants engaged in running trains or performing safety-related duties (like
station staff, signal staff, maintenance staff, etc.).

Governed by Railway Act and Railway Servants (Hours of Employment) Rules, 2005.

3. Classification of Railway Servants (as per HOER)

1. Continuous

Work goes on continuously (24x7) and staff is required without long breaks.

Eg: Station Master, Signal staff, Ticket counters.

2. Essentially Intermittent

Work not continuous, involves long periods of inaction.

Eg: Gangmen, staff who wait for breakdown/repair work.

3. Intensive

Work is of high mental/physical strain with no scope for rest.

Eg: Loco pilots, Cabin men, Traffic controllers.

4. Excluded

Staff not covered under HOER due to supervisory/administrative nature.

Eg: Inspectors, Officers.

[Link] of Duty & Rest (Key Points)

Continuous workers → Max 8 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week.

Intensive workers → Max 6 hrs/day, 36 hrs/week.

Essentially Intermittent → Up to 12 hrs/day, but with long idle time.

Rest period → At least 16 consecutive hours between two duty rosters for running staff after a
long trip.

Weekly rest → Minimum 30 consecutive hours once a week.

5. Important Provisions

VV//VVM7URunning staff (drivers, guards, etc.) → Special limits, generally 104 duty hours +
195 SPAD (sign-on to sign-off) per fortnight.

Classification disputes (if a staff disagrees with category) → Decided by Regional Labour
Commissioner.

Exemptions possible in emergencies with approval of Railway Board.

Detailed Notes – HOER (Hours of Employment Rules)

1. Purpose of HOER

Railway operations run 24x7, so staff fatigue directly affects safety.

HOER was introduced to regulate:

Duty hours (how long staff can work)

Rest hours (minimum rest needed)

Weekly rest

Classification of jobs (depending on work nature).

2. Authority

Governed by:

Railway Act, 1989 (Section 130–134).

Railway Servants (Hours of Work and Period of Rest) Rules, 2005.

Implemented by: Railway Board and Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) at Zonal level.
3. Classification of Railway Servants under HOER

1. Continuous

Nature: Continuous process, workload steady, no long idle gaps.

Duty limit: 8 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week.

Station Masters (busy stations),Signal Operators,Ticket booking clerks

2. Essentially Intermittent

Nature: Long waiting/idle periods between work.

Duty limit: 12 hrs/day, but actual working time is much less.

Example:Gangmen on patrol duty,Train lighting staff waiting for breakdowns

3. Intensive

Nature: Heavy physical/mental strain, continuous attention required.

Duty limit: 6 hrs/day, 36 hrs/week.

Example:Loco Pilots (Drivers),Assistant Loco Pilots,Cabinmen, Levermen

4. Excluded

Nature: Supervisory/administrative staff.

Not covered by HOER duty hours.

Example:Inspectors,,Officers (AEN, DEN, etc.),

4. Duty Hours & Rest Rules

Continuous staff → max 8 hrs/day.

Intensive staff → max 6 hrs/day.

Intermittent staff → up to 12 hrs/day (because of idle time).

Running staff (drivers, guards, etc.):

Not more than 104 hours duty in 14 days.

Not more than 195 hours “sign-on to sign-off” (SPAD) in 14 days.

Rest between two duties:Running staff: 16 hrs rest after a long trip.
Non-running staff: 12 hrs rest.

Weekly rest: At least 30 consecutive hours once every 7–10 days.

5. Special Provisions

Emergency exemptions: In cases like accidents, floods, equipment breakdowns, duty hours can
be relaxed with approval of competent authority.

Classification disputes:

If staff feels wrongly classified (say continuous instead of intermittent), dispute goes to Regional
Labour Commissioner (RLC).

Overtime:

Allowed only under special circumstances.

Paid as per Railway rules + Factories Act guidelines.

6. Practical Relevance in Railways

Ensures safety of train operations (fatigue causes accidents).

Maintains discipline and fairness among different cadres.

Protects railway staff rights while ensuring 24x7 service continuity.

✅Now you have both basic + detailed notes on HOER.

Part A – Objective Questions (1 mark each)

Q1. HOER in Indian Railways is primarily aimed at:

a) Reducing operating costs

b) Regulating duty and rest hours of staff

c) Improving punctuality of trains

d) Increasing staff strength

✅Answer: b

Explanation: HOER regulates working hours and rest periods to reduce fatigue and ensure safety.
Q2. Which Act governs HOER provisions?

a) Factories Act, 1948

b) Indian Railways Act, 1989

c) Shops and Establishments Act

d) Payment of Wages Act

✅Answer: b

Explanation: Sections 130–134 of the Indian Railways Act, 1989 cover HOER.

Q3. Station Masters in busy stations are classified under which category?

a) Intensive

b) Intermittent

c) Continuous

d) Excluded

✅Answer: c

Q4. Maximum duty hours per day for intensive staff is:

a) 8 hrs

b) 10 hrs

c) 6 hrs

d) 12 hrs

✅Answer: c

Explanation: Intensive staff have a max of 6 hrs/day, 36 hrs/week.

Q5. Loco Pilots are classified as:

a) Excluded

b) Intensive

c) Continuous

d) Intermittent
✅Answer: b

Explanation: Their work involves high mental/physical strain → Intensive.

Q6. Which category of staff has the longest permissible duty hours per day?

a) Continuous

b) Intensive

c) Intermittent

d) Excluded

✅Answer: c

Q7. Running staff must not exceed how many duty hours in a fortnight (14 days)?

a) 72 hrs

b) 104 hrs

c) 120 hrs

d) 195 hrs

✅Answer: b

Explanation: Limit = 104 duty hrs + 195 hrs sign-on to sign-off (SPAD) in 14 days.

Q8. Minimum rest period between two runs for running staff is:

a) 8 hrs

b) 10 hrs

c) 12 hrs

d) 16 hrs

✅Answer: d

Explanation: Running staff must get 16 hrs rest after a long trip.
Q9. Which staff category is not covered under HOER?

a) Cabinmen

b) Inspectors

c) Signalmen

d) Booking clerks

✅Answer: b

Explanation: Inspectors are supervisory → “Excluded category.”

Q10. Weekly rest under HOER is at least:

a) 12 hrs

b) 16 hrs

c) 24 hrs

d) 30 hrs

✅Answer: d

Explanation: Weekly rest = 30 consecutive hours once a week.

Q11. Classification disputes under HOER are referred to:

a) Labour Court

b) Regional Labour Commissioner

c) Railway Board

d) GM of Zonal Railway

✅Answer: b

Explanation: Disputes on classification are settled by RLC.

Q12. Duty hours for continuous staff should not exceed:

a) 6 hrs/day

b) 8 hrs/day

c) 10 hrs/day
d) 12 hrs/day

✅Answer: b

Explanation: Continuous category = 8 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week.

Q13. Essential feature of “Intermittent” staff is:

a) Continuous strain

b) Administrative duties

c) Long waiting/idle periods

d) Supervisory work

✅Answer: c

Explanation: Intermittent = staff with long gaps of inactivity.

Q14. Emergency exemptions from HOER can be approved by:

a) Station Master

b) Chief Personnel Officer

c) Railway Board

d) Ministry of Labour

✅Answer: c

Explanation: Only Railway Board can approve exemptions in emergencies.

Q15. The term SPAD in HOER means:

a) Signal Passed At Danger

b) Sign-On to Sign-Off Period

c) Staff Pay & Allowances Data

d) Special Performance Assessment Duty

✅Answer: b

Explanation: In HOER, SPAD refers to “Sign-on to Sign-off” duty period.

Part B – Assertion & Reasoning (2 marks each)

Q16.

Assertion (A): Running staff require longer rest periods than non-running staff.

Reason (R): Their work involves long idle periods.

a) Both A & R true, R is correct explanation

b) Both A & R true, but R not explanation

c) A true, R false

d) Both A & R false

✅Answer: c

Explanation: Running staff need longer rest because of fatigue & safety, not idle time.

Q17.

Assertion (A): Intensive staff can work longer hours due to idle time.

Reason (R): Their duties involve continuous physical/mental strain.

✅Answer: d

Explanation: Both statements are wrong – Intensive staff actually work shorter hours.

Part C – Match the Following (2 marks each)

Q18. Match the staff with classification:

1. Loco Pilot → (a) Continuous

2. Gangman → (b) Intensive

3. Station Master → (c) Intermittent

4. Inspector → (d) Excluded

✅Answer:

1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d

Q19. Match the limits:

1. Continuous → (a) 12 hrs/day

2. Intensive → (b) 6 hrs/day

3. Intermittent → (c) 8 hrs/day

4. Running staff fortnight → (d) 104 hrs

✅Answer:

1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d

Q20. Which of the following is NOT correct about HOER?

a) Intensive staff → max 6 hrs/day

b) Continuous staff → max 8 hrs/day

c) Intermittent staff → max 12 hrs/day

d) Running staff → max 200 hrs duty in 14 days

✅Answer: d

Explanation: Correct limit is 104 duty hrs + 195 hrs SPAD in 14 days, not 200 hrs.

✅That completes a 20-question set on HOER (with answers & explanations).

Do you want me to now prepare a PDF (Notes + MCQs) for HOER, or move ahead to the next
topic under Establishment Rules (Leave Rules)?

Great Let’s move on to the next Establishment Rules topic after HOER → Leave Rules in
Indian Railways.

I’ll structure it like before:

1. Concise + Detailed Notes

2. Exam-style MCQs with Explanations

Leave Rules (Indian Railways)

1. Authority

Governed by Railway Services (Leave) Rules, 1986 (similar to CCS Leave Rules).
Applies to all Railway servants (permanent, temporary, apprentices, probationers).

2. Types of Leave

(A) Earned Leave (EL)

Credited: 15 days per half-year (30 days/year).

Max accumulation: 300 days.

Encashment: Up to 300 days on retirement.

(B) Half Pay Leave (HPL)

Credited: 10 days per half-year (20 days/year).

Can be converted into Commuted Leave (half pay → full pay) if medical certificate given.

(C) Leave on Average Pay (LAP)

Same as Earned Leave (term used in railway rules).

(D) Leave on Half Average Pay (LHAP)

Same as HPL (Railway terminology).

(E) Leave Not Due (LND)

Granted when HPL is exhausted.

Max: 360 days in service.

(F) Extraordinary Leave (EOL)

Without pay.

Given when no other leave is due.

(G) Casual Leave (CL)

Not part of leave account.

Normally 8–12 days per year (varies).

Can’t be combined with Earned Leave.

(H) Special Kinds of Leave

Maternity Leave: 180 days for female staff.

Paternity Leave: 15 days.

Child Care Leave (CCL): 730 days (for female staff).

Study Leave: Max 2 years.

Hospital Leave: For staff engaged in medical duties.

3. Key Rules

Leave is not a right; it is granted at discretion of sanctioning authority.

Combination of leave allowed (except CL with other leave).

Leave salary depends on type of leave:

EL → full pay

HPL → half pay (or full pay if commuted)

EOL → no pay

✅That’s the Leave Rules notes.

Would you like me to now prepare a 20-question MCQ set with explanations on Leave Rules,
just like we did for HOER?

Perfect Let’s do a 20-question practice set on Leave Rules (with answers + explanations) just
like HOER.

Part A – Objective Questions (1 mark each)

Q1. Earned Leave (EL) is credited at the rate of:

a) 30 days per half-year

b) 15 days per half-year

c) 10 days per half-year

d) 20 days per half-year

✅Answer: b

Explanation: EL = 15 days per half-year (total 30 days/year).

Q2. Maximum accumulation of Earned Leave (EL) in Railways is:

a) 240 days

b) 180 days

c) 300 days

d) 365 days

✅Answer: c

Explanation: EL can accumulate up to 300 days.

Q3. Half Pay Leave (HPL) is credited at:

a) 5 days per half-year

b) 10 days per half-year

c) 15 days per half-year

d) 20 days per half-year

✅Answer: b

Explanation: HPL = 10 days per half-year (20 days/year).

Q4. Which of the following is not counted in leave account?

a) Earned Leave

b) Casual Leave

c) Half Pay Leave

d) Leave Not Due

✅Answer: b

Explanation: Casual Leave is not part of leave account.

Q5. Maximum encashment of EL at retirement is:

a) 240 days

b) 300 days

c) 365 days
d) 180 days

✅Answer: b

Explanation: Encashment allowed for 300 days.

Q6. "Leave Not Due (LND)" is granted against:

a) Future Half Pay Leave

b) Earned Leave

c) Casual Leave

d) Study Leave

✅Answer: a

Explanation: LND is advance of future HPL.

Q7. Maximum amount of Leave Not Due during entire service is:

a) 180 days

b) 240 days

c) 360 days

d) 90 days

✅Answer: c

Eplanation: 360 days (to be adjusted against future HPL).

Q8. Extraordinary Leave (EOL) is:

a) Leave with full pay

b) Leave with half pay

c) Leave without pay

d) Casual Leave

✅Answer: c

Explanation: EOL = without pay, granted when no other leave is available.

Q9. Casual Leave (CL) normally allowed in Railways per year is:

a) 15 days

b) 12 days

c) 10 days

d) 8 days

✅Answer: b

Explanation: Usually 12 days per year (can vary in some cases).

Q10. Maternity Leave is admissible for female railway servants up to:

a) 90 days

b) 120 days

c) 180 days

d) 365 days

✅Answer: c

Explanation: 180 days maternity leave.

Q11. Paternity Leave admissible in Railways is:

a) 7 days

b) 15 days

c) 30 days

d) 20 days

✅Answer: b

Explanation: 15 days, to be availed within 6 months of childbirth.

Q12. Child Care Leave (CCL) is admissible to:

a) All male employees

b) Only female employees

c) Female employees and single male parents

d) None of the above

✅Answer: c

Explanation: CCL = women employees + single male parents (widower/divorcee/separated).

Q13. Maximum CCL during entire service is:

a) 180 days

b) 365 days

c) 730 days

d) 540 days

✅Answer: c

Explanation: 730 days (2 years) during service.

Q14. During first 365 days of CCL, leave salary is:

a) Full pay

b) 80% pay

c) Half pay

d) No pay

✅Answer: a

Explanation: First 365 days = full pay, next 365 = 80% pay.

Q15. Study Leave can be granted for maximum:

a) 1 year

b) 2 years

c) 3 years

d) 5 years

✅Answer: b

Explanation: Study leave max = 2 years.

Part B – Assertion & Reasoning (2 marks each)

Q16.

Assertion (A): Leave is a right of every railway employee.

Reason (R): Leave cannot be refused by the administration.

✅Answer: Both false

Explanation: Leave is not a right; it can be refused/curtailed depending on service needs.

Q17.

Assertion (A): EOL does not carry any pay benefits.

Reason (R): It is granted when no other leave is available.

✅Answer: Both true, and R is correct explanation.

Part C – Match the Following (2 marks each)

Q18. Match Leave with Maximum Admissible Limit:

1. Earned Leave → (a) 730 days

2. Child Care Leave → (b) 300 days

3. Leave Not Due → (c) 180 days

4. Maternity Leave → (d) 360 days

✅Answer:

1-b, 2-a, 3-d, 4-c

Q19. Match Leave with Pay Benefits:

1. Earned Leave → (a) No pay

2. Half Pay Leave → (b) Full pay

3. Extraordinary Leave → (c) Half pay

4. CCL (2nd spell, after 365 days) → (d) 80% pay

✅Answer:

1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d

Q20. Which of the following is NOT correct about Leave Rules?

a) CL is not part of leave account

b) EL can be encashed up to 300 days

c) LND is granted against future EL

d) EOL is without pay

✅Answer: c

Explanation: LND is granted against future HPL, not EL.

✅That’s your 20-question Leave Rules practice set with answers & explanations.

Shall I now combine HOER + Leave Rules (Notes + MCQs) into one PDF, or do you prefer
we continue to the next topic (Pass Rules) before I prepare PDFs?

Got it You’re asking about PNM and Industrial Relations in the Railway/administrative
context (since you’re preparing for AWM). Let me break it down simply and exam-oriented:

1. PNM (Permanent Negotiating Machinery)

Purpose: A formal platform for negotiation and discussion between Railway Administration and
Recognized Trade Unions (like AIRF, NFIR).

Levels of PNM:

1. Railway Board PNM – between Railway Board & Federations.

2. Zonal PNM – between General Manager & Zonal Union representatives.

3. Divisional PNM – between DRM & Divisional Union reps.

4. Workshop PNM – for specific production/workshop issues.

Agenda System:

Unions submit agenda points.

Administration discusses, resolves, or records decisions.

Pending items reviewed in subsequent PNMs.

Frequency: Usually quarterly at each level.

2. Industrial Relations (IR)

Definition: Relationship between employer (Railway Administration) and employees (staff &
unions).

Objective: Maintain industrial peace, ensure productivity, and avoid strikes/lockouts.

Key Tools in Indian Railways:

1. PNM – structured negotiation.

2. JCM (Joint Consultative Machinery) – for consultation on welfare and broader issues.

3. Works Committee – at unit/workshop level to discuss day-to-day grievances.

4. Grievance Redressal System – Staff Councils, Suggestion Schemes, etc.

5. Arbitration & Adjudication – if disputes remain unresolved.

Featuresof Good IR in Railways:

Mutual trust between unions & administration.

Quick grievance settlement.

Communication channels open (PNM, JCM).

Fair personnel policies (promotion, transfer, welfare).

✅Exam Tip:

PNM = Negotiation (structured bargaining).

JCM = Consultation (advisory, not binding).

Both are important arms of Industrial Relations in Railways.

Would you like me to prepare a short set of MCQs on PNM & IR (like we did earlier for AWM
prep), so you can test yourself right away?

Perfect

Let’s begin with Section B – Establishment Rules (from your official syllabus).

Below is a sample question bank (40 MCQs + answers) covering HOER, Leave Rules, PNM,
Industrial Relations, and Retirement Benefits.

After this, I’ll prepare the next sections (A, C, D, E) and combine everything into one PDF for
you.
 SECTION B – ESTABLISHMENT RULES (Question Bank)

A. HOER – Hours of Employment Regulations

1. The HOER applies to which category of employees?

a) Running staff b) Ministerial staff c) Both d) None

✅Ans: a

2. Who classifies Railway staff under HOER categories?

a) Divisional Personnel Officer b) Chief Personnel Officer c) Controlling Officer d) RLC

✅Ans: b

3. “Continuous” category means working hours normally exceed ___ hours.

a) 8 b) 10 c) 6 d) 9

✅Ans: d

4. How much rest is required between two duty spells?

a) 8 hrs b) 10 hrs c) 12 hrs d) 16 hrs

✅Ans: b

5. The spread-over of duty for a Continuous worker should not exceed ___ hours.

a) 8 b) 10 c) 12 d) 14

✅Ans: d

6. The term “Intensive” refers to ___ work nature.

a) Physical only b) Mental + physical strain c) Light clerical d) Supervisory

✅Ans: b

7. Under HOER, periodical review of classification is done every ___ years.

✅Ans: 5 years

8. If an employee works beyond roster hours without permission, it is called ___.

✅Ans: Unauthorized overtime

9. Who maintains the Register of HOER classifications?

✅Ans: Controlling Officer

10. Leave period is treated as duty for HOER purpose?

✅Ans: No

B. Leave Rules

11. How many days of LAP (Leave on Average Pay) are earned per year?

✅Ans: 30 days

12. Maximum accumulation of LAP is ___.

✅Ans: 300 days

13. How many days of LHAP (Leave on Half Average Pay) per year?

✅Ans: 20 days

14. How much Child-Care Leave can a female employee avail?

✅Ans: 730 days (2 years)

15. Commuted Leave = ___.

✅Ans: Half Pay Leave converted to full pay leave (2 days HPL = 1 day Commuted Leave)

16. Leave Not Due can be granted up to ___.

✅Ans: 360 days during entire service

17. Special Casual Leave is normally granted for ___.

✅Ans: Sports, Family Planning, Blood Donation, etc.

18. Maternity Leave is admissible for how many days?

✅Ans: 180 days (6 months)

19. Leave salary = average pay of last 10 months for ___.

✅Ans: LAP encashment at retirement

20. LAP encashment limit on retirement = ___.

✅Ans: 300 days

C. PNM & Industrial Relations

21. Full form of PNM = ___.

✅Ans: Permanent Negotiating Machinery

22. At Zonal level, who chairs the PNM meeting?

✅Ans: General Manager

23. How often are PNM meetings held?

✅Ans: Once in a quarter

24. Staff Council at Board level = ___.

✅Ans: Departmental Council under JCM

25. Strike is governed under which Act?

✅Ans: Industrial Disputes Act 1947

26. For minor penalty appeals, representation may be made to ___.

✅Ans: Next higher authority

27. “Cooling-off” period after one PNM discussion = ___.

✅Ans: 3 months

28. Two recognized Federations in Indian Railways are ___.

✅Ans: AIRF & NFIR

29. Who acts as Chief Staff Counsellor?

✅Ans: General Manager

30. Industrial Relations primary objective is ___.

✅Ans: To maintain harmonious relations between management and staff

D. Retirement Benefits

31. Qualifying service for pension = ___.

✅Ans: 10 years
32. Minimum service for gratuity = ___.

✅Ans: 5 years

33. Maximum gratuity limit (7th CPC) = ___.

✅Ans: ₹ 20 lakhs

34. Commutation of pension allowed up to ___.

✅Ans: 40 % of basic pension

35. Restoration of commuted pension after ___.

✅Ans: 15 years

36. Leave encashment during service (on LTC) limited to ___.

✅Ans: 10 days per block year

37. Family pension payable after death of pensioner for a maximum of ___.

✅Ans: Till the spouse’s lifetime / child up to 25 years

38. NPS introduced from ___.

✅Ans: 01 Jan 2004

39. Service Book entries must be verified at least once in ___.

✅Ans: Every year

40. Qualifying service for Voluntary Retirement = ___.

✅Ans: 20 years

SECTION A – GENERAL (Question Bank)

1. Planning Department Structure

1. The Planning branch at Zonal HQ functions under which department?

✅Ans: Chief Planning Officer (CPO / CWM under GM)

2. The Planning wing at Railway Board comes under which directorate?

✅Ans: Efficiency & Research Directorate

3. Primary function of the Planning branch in HQ?

✅Ans: Manpower Planning, Work Study, and Productivity Improvement

4. The Chief Planning Inspector assists which officer?

✅Ans: Deputy Chief Planning Officer ([Link])

5. At Divisional level, who coordinates with the Planning branch?

✅Ans: Sr. DME / Sr. DPO or equivalent officer

6. Planning department primarily deals with which type of studies?

✅Ans: Work Study and Benchmarking

7. The HQ Planning branch compiles reports and submits to ___.

✅Ans: General Manager through CPO

8. Railway Boad planning control operates through which system?

✅Ans: Zonal Consolidated Work Study Reports

9. The key performance measure for Planning branch is ___.

✅Ans: Operating Ratio and Staff Productivity

10. The Planning cell functions under which branch in Workshops?

✅Ans: Mechanical Department

2. Manpower Planning

11. Manpower Planning aims to ensure ___.

✅Ans: Optimum utilization of human resources

12. Formula for manpower requirement = ___.

✅Ans: Workload ÷ Standard Time per job

13. Surplus staff identification is part of ___.

✅Ans: Work Study

14. “Staff Bank” in Railways is used to manage ___.

✅Ans: Surplus manpower due to reorganization

15. Manpower planning is normally reviewed every ___.

✅Ans: 3 years (or as per Railway Board orders)

16. Manpower norms are prepared based on ___.

✅Ans: Time Study and Work Measurement

17. The final authority for manpower approval in HQ is ___.

✅Ans: General Manager

18. Factors affecting manpower planning are ___.

✅Ans: Workload, Technology, Budget, and Organization Structure

19. The best tool for manpower optimization is ___.

✅Ans: Work Study

20. Workload data is collected by ___.

✅Ans: Direct observation and data sampling

3. Work Study

21. Work Study consists of two major components:

✅Ans: Method Study & Work Measurement

22. The main objective of Work Study is ___.

✅Ans: To improve productivity and reduce cost

23. In Work Study, “Method Study” deals with ___.

✅Ans: Finding the best way to perform a job

24. “Work Measurement” deals with ___.

✅Ans: Determining the time required for a job

25. Standard Time = Basic Time × (1 + Allowance %)

✅Ans: Correct

26. Allowances in time study include ___.

✅Ans: Relaxation, Contingency, and Special Allowances

27. Tools used in Work Study include ___.

✅Ans: Stopwatch, Time Sheet, Process Chart, Flow Diagram

28. The first step of Method Study is ___.

✅Ans: Selecting the job to be studied

29. Flow process chart shows ___.

✅Ans: Sequence of operations and inspections

30. The outcome of Work Study is ___.

✅Ans: Revised manpower requirement and improved method

4. Staff Bank

31. The Staff Bank concept was introduced to manage ___.

✅Ans: Surplus staff due to modernization or workload reduction

32. Who controls the Staff Bank at HQ?

✅Ans: Chief Personnel Officer (Planning)

33. Surplus staff in Staff Bank are posted against ___.

✅Ans: Vacant posts in other units/divisions

34. The period of stay in Staff Bank normally should not exceed ___.

✅Ans: 6 months

35. Staff in Staff Bank are eligible for ___.

✅Ans: Full pay and allowances

36. Transfer from Staff Bank is made based on ___.

✅Ans: Seniority and Suitability

37. Staff Bank helps in achieving ___.

✅Ans: Zero idling and efficient manpower deployment

38. Staff Bank register is maintained by ___.

✅Ans: Planning Branch

39. The re-deployment proposals are approved by ___.

✅Ans: GM through CPO (Planning)

40. Staff Bank is reviewed during ___.

✅Ans: Periodic Manpower Review

5. Benchmarking & Operating Ratio

41. Benchmarking in Railways means ___.

✅Ans: Comparing performance with best practices across zones/divisions

42. Benchmarking in manpower norms is issued by ___.

✅Ans: Railway Board (Efficiency & Research)

43. Key parameters for benchmarking include ___.

✅Ans: Output per employee, cost per unit, productivity index

44. Operating Ratio (OR) indicates ___.

✅Ans: Ratio of working expenses to gross earnings

45. Lower Operating Ratio means ___.

✅Ans: Better efficiency and profitability

46. Ideal Operating Ratio in Railways should be below ___.

✅Ans: 85%

47. OR formula = (Working Expenses / Gross Earnings) × 100

✅Ans: Correct

48. Factors increasing OR are ___.

✅Ans: Higher fuel cost, manpower cost, low freight earnings

49. OR is calculated by ___.

✅Ans: Accounts Department (Finance branch)

50. Work Study and Benchmarking together aim to ___.

✅Ans: Improve productivity and reduce Operating Ratio

SECTION C – FINANCIAL RULES

1. Parliamentery Control & Financial Propriety

1 Parliament exercises control over Railway finances through ___.

✅Ans: Budget approval & appropriation

2 The annual Railway Budget is presented to Parliament by ___.

✅Ans: Minister for Railways

3 “Canons of Financial Propriety” means ___.

✅Ans: Principles governing prudent public expenditure

4 One important canon is ___.

✅Ans: No expenditure should be prima facie more than what the occasion demands

5 Railway Accounts are audited by ___.

✅Ans: Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG)

6 Public accountability in Railways ensures ___.

✅Ans: Transparency and responsible use of public funds

7 Demand for Grants is voted by ___.

✅Ans: Lok Sabha

8 Supplementary Grants are required when ___.

✅Ans: Additional funds are needed mid-year

9 Appropriation Accounts compare ___.

✅Ans: Sanctioned grant vs actual expenditure

10 Finance Code Vol I & II contain rules for ___.

✅Ans: Railway financial management and procedure

2. Financial Planning & Budgeting

11 Financial planning means ___.

✅Ans: Forecasting income & expenditure for a financial year

12 Railway financial year runs from ___.

✅Ans: 1 April to 31 March

13 Primary unit of budget control is called ___.

✅Ans: Demand for Grant

14 Budget Estimate (BE) is ___.

✅Ans: Projected requirement for next financial year

15 Revised Estimate (RE) is ___.

✅Ans: Current year’s estimate revised based on actuals

16 Works are included in budget through ___.

✅Ans: Works Programme

17 Revenue Budget covers ___.

✅Ans: Operating and maintenance expenditure

18 Capital Budget covers ___.

✅Ans: Creation of new assets

19 Plan Head indicates ___.

✅Ans: Category of work under Railway budget classification

20 Mid-year review of budget is done by ___.

✅Ans: FA & CAO (Finance Department)

3. Works Programme & Estimates

21 Works Programme (WP) is prepared annually for ___.

✅Ans: All new works and renewals

22 WP is initiated by ___.

✅Ans: Concerned department and compiled by Planning branch

23 Final WP is approved by ___.

✅Ans: Railway Board

24 Survey estimate is prepared for ___.

✅Ans: Investigating feasibility of new works

25 Detailed estimate is framed after ___.

✅Ans: Survey and Administrative approval

26 Administrative approval granted by ___.

✅Ans: Competent authority (General Manager or Board)

27 Financial sanction is issued by ___.

✅Ans: Finance branch after vetting

28 Abstract estimate shows ___.

✅Ans: Rough cost and scope of project

29 Detailed estimate contains ___.

✅Ans: Item-wise cost and quantities

30 Minor works limit for Zonal sanction is ___.

✅Ans: ₹ 2.5 crore (approx; as per latest RBE order)

4. Purchase & Stores Procedures

31 Procurement in Railways is governed by ___.

✅Ans: Indian Railway Stores Code and GFR

32 Tender types include ___.

✅Ans: Open, Limited, Single and Proprietary

33 Purchase Order is a ___.

✅Ans: Legal contract between Railway and supplier

34 Tender Committee consists of ___.

✅Ans: Three officers (Executive, Finance, Stores)

35 ABC analysis classifies items based on ___.

✅Ans: Annual consumption value

36 A-category items normally represent ___.

✅Ans: 10 % items ≈ 70 % value

37 Inventory control aims to ___.

✅Ans: Minimize capital blocked in stores

38 EOQ stands for ___.

✅Ans: Economic Order Quantity

39 Lead time means ___.

✅Ans: Time between placing order and receipt of material

40 Codal life of an item refers to ___.

✅Ans: Prescribed service life before replacement

5. Financial & Cost Control in Railway Workshops

41 Major tool for cost control in workshops is ___.

✅Ans: Work study and time standards

42 Cost centre in workshop denotes ___.

✅Ans: Shop or section where expenditure is collected

43 Unit cost is calculated as ___.

✅Ans: Total cost ÷ Total output

44 Standard Costing compares ___.

✅Ans: Standard vs Actual costs

45 Variance Analysis is used to ___.

✅Ans: Identify reasons for cost deviation

46 Job Cards help in ___.

✅Ans: Recording labour and material cost per job

47 Periodical Cost Review is done by ___.

✅Ans: Workshop Accounts with Production department

48 Cost Index = (Current Cost / Base Cost) × 100

✅Ans: Correct

49 Work Study helps in reducing workshop cost by ___.

✅Ans: Eliminating waste & improving methods

50 Financial discipline ensures ___.

✅Ans: Economy, Efficiency & Accountability

SECTION D – ENGLISH (Question Bank)

1 Vocabulary & Word Meaning

1 Eminent means —

✅Ans: Famous or distinguished

2 Transparent means —

✅Ans: Easily understood / clear

3 Mandatory means —

✅Ans: Compulsory

4 Abbreviate means —

✅Ans: To shorten

5 Precise means —

✅Ans: Exact and clear

6 Redundant means —

✅Ans: Unnecessary / surplus

7 Negligence means —

✅Ans: Carelessness

8 Adverse means —

✅Ans: Unfavourable
9 Scrutiny means —

✅Ans: Critical examination

10 Consensus means —

✅Ans: General agreement

2 Synonyms / Antonyms

11 Synonym of Adequate → ✅Ans: Sufficient

12 Synonym of Compile → ✅Ans: Collect

13 Antonym of Permanent → ✅Ans: Temporary

14 Antonym of Cautious → ✅Ans: Careless

15 Synonym of Flawless → ✅Ans: Perfect

16 Antonym of Transparent → ✅Ans: Opaque

17 Synonym of Conclude → ✅Ans: Finish

18 Antonym of Appreciate → ✅Ans: Criticize

19 Synonym of Amend → ✅Ans: Correct / Modify

20 Antonym of Abundant → ✅Ans: Scarce

3 Grammar & Usage

21 The plural of “Analysis” is —

✅Ans: Analyses

22 Choose correct article: “___ honest person.”

✅Ans: An

23 Correct tense: “He ___ to Chennai yesterday.”

✅Ans: Went

24 Fill in the blank: “Each of the reports ___ ready.”

✅Ans: Is
25 Identify correct sentence:

a) He don’t work hard. b) He doesn’t work hard.

✅Ans: b

26 Preposition: “He is interested ___ cricket.”

✅Ans: In

27 Correct passive voice of “They prepared the plan.”

✅Ans: The plan was prepared by them.

28 Choose correct form: “The meeting ___ by the manager.”

✅Ans: Was conducted

29 “Neither of the officers ___ present.”

✅Ans: Was

30 “If I ___ time, I will help you.”

✅Ans: Have

4 Comprehension (Short-Passage Type Practice)

31 Purpose of comprehension test —

✅Ans: To check understanding of written passage

32 Best way to answer comprehension —

✅Ans: Read passage carefully, underline keywords, then answer

33 In comprehension, inference means —

✅Ans: Logical conclusion drawn from passage

34 Tone of a report means —

✅Ans: Attitude or style of writing

35 Summary of passage should be —

✅Ans: Brief, accurate, in own words

36 In comprehension, avoid —

✅Ans: Copying long sentences from passage

37 Skimming means —

✅Ans: Reading quickly to get main idea

38 Scanning means —

✅Ans: Looking for specific information

39 Central idea is also called —

✅Ans: Theme

40 Title of a report should —

✅Ans: Reflect subject concisely

5 Report-Writing & Office English

41 A report should be written in —

✅Ans: Simple, clear and factual language

42 The first part of a report is —

✅Ans: Introduction / Objective

43 The final part of a report is —

✅Ans: Conclusion & Recommendations

44 Reports in Planning branch must be —

✅Ans: Analytical and supported by data

45 When quoting figures, always mention —

✅Ans: Source and period

46 Report language should avoid —

✅Ans: Personal opinions and emotional words

47 The salutation in an official letter ends with —

✅Ans: “Sir,” or “Madam,”

48 “Encl:” at the end of a letter stands for —

✅Ans: Enclosures

49 Punctuation in official writing ensures —

✅Ans: Clarity of meaning

50 A good report is judged by —

✅Ans: Accuracy, brevity, and clarity

SECTION E – OFFICIAL LANGUAGE POLICY & RULES

1 Constitutional & Policy Basics

1 Article 343 of the Constitution declares ___ as the official language of the Union.

✅Ans: Hindi in Devanagari script

2 The numerals used for official work shall be ___.

✅Ans: International form of Indian numerals (1, 2, 3 …)

3 Official Languages Act was passed in ___.

✅Ans: 1963

4 Official Language Rules came into force in ___.

✅Ans: 1976

5 The objective of Rajbhasha policy is ___.

✅Ans: Progressive use of Hindi for official purposes of the Union

2 Implementation Structure

6 At Railway Board level, implementation is monitored by ___.

✅Ans: Official Language (OL) Directorate

7 At Zonal Railway level, control rests with ___.

✅Ans: Chief Official Language Officer (COLO) / Dy. CPO (Rajbhasha)

8 Each office constitutes an Official Language Implementation Committee (OLIC) chaired

by ___.

✅Ans: Head of Office

9 How often should OLIC meet?

✅Ans: Once in a quarter

10 Progress reports of OL implementation are sent to ___.

✅Ans: Ministry of Home Affairs (Dept. of Official Language)

3 Regional Classification & Usage

11 Under OL Rules, India is divided into how many regions for implementation?

✅Ans: Three (Region A, B and C)

12 Tamil Nadu belongs to which region?

✅Ans: Region C

13 In Region A, correspondence between Central Govt offices should be in ___.

✅Ans: Hindi

14 In Region C, letters to individuals should be in ___.

✅Ans: English (with Hindi translation where possible)

15 Bilingual forms and letterheads are compulsory for ___.

✅Ans: All Central Govt offices

4 Translation & Bilingual Work

16 Translation of statutory notifications in Hindi is done by ___.

✅Ans: Official Language Wing of the Ministry of Law and Justice

17 Translation of technical terms should follow ___.

✅Ans: Railway Terminology Committee guidelines

18 Name plates and sign boards are displayed in ___.

✅Ans: Hindi (on top) and English (below)

19 Computer applications must support ___.

✅Ans: Bilingual input (Hindi and English)

20 Hindi translation of forms should be verified by ___.

✅Ans: Nodal OL officer of the office

5 Incentives & Training

21 Official Language Incentive Scheme provides cash award for ___.

✅Ans: Doing official work originally in Hindi

22 Hindi training is divided into ___.

✅Ans: Prabodh, Praveen and Pragya

23 Which training is compulsory for Group C staff?

✅Ans: Prabodh

24 Employees passing Pragya with distinction get ___.

✅Ans: Cash award as per Railway Board rules

25 Training is arranged through ___.

✅Ans: Central Hindi Training Institute (CHTI)

6 Reports & Monitoring

26 Annual Progress Report on Rajbhasha is called ___.

✅Ans: PRY Report (Progress Report on the use of Hindi)

27 Inspections are carried out by ___.

✅Ans: OL officers and Railway Board teams

28 Targets for Hindi correspondence are fixed by ___.

✅Ans: Dept. of Official Language

29 Percentage target for Region C is usually ___.

✅Ans: 30 % (for Hindi correspondence)

30 OL inspection reports are reviewed by ___.

✅Ans: Zonal Official Language Committee

7 Miscellaneous

31 The Hindi Day is celebrated on ___.

✅Ans: 14 September

32 Hindi Fortnight is observed in the month of ___.

✅Ans: September

33 Railway Board issues instructions on Rajbhasha through ___.

✅Ans: PBC / RBE circulars

34 Karyanvayan Samiti means ___.

✅Ans: Implementation Committee

35 Official Language policy encourages ___.

✅Ans: Progressive use of Hindi without neglecting other languages

36 Form of official communication between Regions A and C should be ___.

✅Ans: Bilingual (Hindi & English)

37 Reports to be sent to Dept of Official Language every ___.

✅Ans: Half-yearly / Annual basis

38 ⃣ Hindi typing font used in official correspondence is ___.

✅Ans: Unicode Mangal font

39 Railway Board uses software for bilingual correspondence named ___.

✅Ans: e-Rajbhasha

40 Main aim of OL Rules is to achieve ___.

✅Ans: Progressive increase of Hindi use in Central Govt offices

1. Parliamentary Control over Railway Finance

Key Points:

The Railways is a departmental commercial undertaking of the Government of India.

 Its finances are controlled through Parliamentary supervision, similar to general

government finances but with some special procedures.

Main Stages of Control:

1. Railway Budget Presentation

o Presented separately from the General Budget (until 2017; now merged with
Union Budget but still distinct in part).
o The Minister of Railways presents the Railway portion to Parliament.
2. Discussion and Voting
o Parliament discusses the Demands for Grants related to Railways.
o Members can move cut motions to reduce or reject any grant.
o Parliament votes on the Demands — only after its approval can money be spent.
3. Appropriation Act
o Grants voted by Parliament and charged expenditure are consolidated under the
Appropriation Bill.
o Passed by Parliament → becomes Appropriation Act authorizing expenditure.
4. Finance Accounts and Audit
o The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audits Railway accounts.
o CAG reports are laid before Parliament.
o Examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Estimates
Committee.
5. Performance Review
o The PAC ensures that expenditure is as per Parliamentary approval.
o The Railway Convention Committee reviews working and financial results of
Indian Railways periodically.

2. Public Accountability in Railway Finance

Forms of Accountability:

 Ministerial Responsibility: Railway Minister is accountable to Parliament.

 Financial Accountability: Ensuring funds are spent for approved purposes only.
 Administrative Accountability: Railway Board and subordinate officers responsible for
efficiency and economy.
 Audit Accountability: Ensured by CAG reports and scrutiny by PAC.
3. Cannons (Canons) of Financial Propriety

These are guiding principles for financial discipline and integrity in public spending.

Main Canons:

1. Public funds must not be used for the benefit of a particular person or section unless
sanctioned by law.
2. Expenditure should not be prima facie more than the occasion demands.
3. No authority should exercise its powers of sanctioning expenditure for its own
advantage.
4. Public money should not be used for an object that is not of public interest.
5. Vigilance must be exercised in spending public money as if it were one’s own.

(Source: Railway Financial Code, Rule 105)

4. Summary Table

Aspect Description
Budget Presentation Minister of Railways presents financial estimates.
Parliamentary Scrutiny Through debates, cut motions, and voting.
Authorization of
Through Appropriation Act.
Expenditure
Audit & Accountability CAG Audit + PAC Review.
Expenditure must follow canons of economy, legality, and
Financial Propriety
integrity.

1. Who presents the Railway portion of the Budget in Parliament?

a) Finance Minister
b) Prime Minister
✅c) Minister of Railways
d) Comptroller & Auditor General

2. After Parliamentary approval, Railway expenditure is authorized through which

Act?
a) Finance Act
✅b) Appropriation Act
c) Budget Act
d) Railway Audit Act

3. Who audits the accounts of Indian Railways?

a) Public Accounts Committee
b) Railway Board
 ✅c) Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
d) Finance Ministry

4. Which Parliamentary committee examines CAG reports on Railway finances?

a) Estimates Committee
✅b) Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
c) Railway Convention Committee
d) Standing Committee on Transport

5. Which of the following is NOT a Canon of Financial Propriety?

a) No expenditure should be more than the occasion demands
b) No authority should sanction expenditure for its own advantage
✅c) Expenditure should always aim for departmental profit
d) Public funds must not be used for private benefit

6. Which body periodically reviews the working of Indian Railways?

a) Planning Commission
b) Finance Commission
✅c) Railway Convention Committee
d) CAG

7. Public accountability of Railway Finance is ensured mainly through:

a) Railway Board alone
✅b) Parliament and CAG Audit
c) Ministry of Finance
d) Private Auditors

8. Which of the following ensures Parliamentary control over Railway expenditure?

a) Appropriation Accounts
✅b) Demands for Grants
c) Budget Estimates
d) Performance Budget

9. The principle of financial propriety implies:

a) Maximizing departmental profits
✅b) Spending only for approved and necessary purposes
c) Freedom to sanction any expenditure
d) Using funds for staff welfare only

10. Which of the following statements about Parliamentary control over Railway
Finance is TRUE?
✅a) Parliament votes on the Demands for Grants related to Railways.
b) Railway expenditure is not subject to audit.
c) The Finance Minister approves all Railway spending.
d) Railway budget is never discussed in Parliament.
11. Which statement best defines Parliamentary control over Railway Finance?
a) Parliament prepares the Railway Budget
b) Railways control their own expenditure independently
✅c) Parliament authorizes, monitors, and reviews Railway spending
d) CAG directly sanctions all Railway expenditure

12. The term “Demands for Grants” refers to:

a) Income estimates of the Railways
✅b) Requests for expenditure approval placed before Parliament
c) Audit objections raised by CAG
d) Subsidy allocations for passengers

13. Who is primarily responsible for ensuring Railway finances are used properly?
a) CAG
✅b) Minister of Railways
c) Finance Minister
d) Railway Board Chairman

14. After merger of Railway Budget with Union Budget (from 2017 onwards):
✅a) Railway estimates form part of the Union Budget
b) Railway Budget is presented separately as before
c) CAG presents Railway Budget
d) No Parliamentary approval is needed

15. Which committee reviews dividend payable by Railways to General Revenues?

✅a) Railway Convention Committee
b) Public Accounts Committee
c) Finance Commission
d) Railway Board

16. Public accountability ensures:

✅a) Transparency and responsible use of public funds
b) Free spending by departments
c) Political interference in finances
d) Complete privatization of Railways

17. Who examines the Railway Appropriation Accounts?

✅a) Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
b) Railway Board
c) Planning Commission
d) Ministry of Finance

18. Which is an example of financial impropriety?

a) Spending for approved purposes only
b) Using funds economically
 ✅c) Spending for personal benefit
d) Submitting accounts to CAG

19. The Canon of Financial Propriety mainly aims at:

a) Maximizing profits
✅b) Maintaining integrity and economy in expenditure
c) Encouraging lavish spending
d) Reducing Parliamentary control

20. Which one is NOT related to Parliamentary financial control?

a) Budget discussion
b) Appropriation Act
✅c) Annual Confidential Report
d) CAG Audit

21. Who prepares the Railway Budget estimates before presentation?

✅a) Railway Board
b) Public Accounts Committee
c) Ministry of Finance
d) Planning Commission

22. Which document shows actual expenditure versus voted grants?

✅a) Appropriation Accounts
b) Finance Bill
c) Demands for Grants
d) Audit Note

23. The principle “spend public money as if it were your own” relates to:
✅a) Canon of Financial Propriety
b) Audit Procedure
c) Railway Manual of Administration
d) Appropriation Act

24. CAG’s role in Railway Finance is to:

✅a) Audit expenditure and report to Parliament
b) Approve the Railway Budget
c) Prepare financial estimates
d) Manage railway revenues

25. The object of the Appropriation Act is to:

✅a) Authorize expenditure voted by Parliament
b) Regulate freight and fares
c) Present surplus estimates
d) Approve staff promotions
26. Which of the following is considered “charged expenditure”?
✅a) Interest on Railway capital
b) Staff salary
c) Passenger subsidy
d) Bonus payments

27. Railway finances are part of:

✅a) Consolidated Fund of India
b) Contingency Fund
c) Public Account
d) Reserve Fund

28. Which statement is TRUE about the CAG’s report?

✅a) It is submitted to the President and laid before Parliament.
b) It is sent only to the Railway Board.
c) It is not accessible to the public.
d) It requires ministerial approval before submission.

29. Economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in public expenditure are ensured by:
✅a) Audit and Parliamentary review
b) Railway Board circulars
c) Staff meetings
d) Financial delegation

30. Which Canon prohibits an officer from sanctioning expenditure for his own gain?
✅a) Canon of Financial Propriety
b) Rule of Law
c) Financial Decentralization
d) Audit Rule

31. Public Accounts Committee works under the chairmanship of:

✅a) A member of opposition (Lok Sabha)
b) Speaker of Lok Sabha
c) Railway Minister
d) Finance Secretary

32. Railway Convention Committee was first set up in:

✅a) 1949
b) 1952
c) 1960
d) 1975

✅Answer key summary:

11-c, 12-b, 13-b, 14-a, 15-a, 16-a, 17-a, 18-c, 19-b, 20-c,
21-a, 22-a, 23-a, 24-a, 25-a, 26-a, 27-a, 28-a, 29-a, 30-a,
31-a, 32-a