UPSC - SCRAE

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as subjects from a recognized board.
• Age Limit: Minimum age is 17 years and maximum is 21 years as of August 1 of the year of examination. Age relaxation is given as per government norms for reserved categories.
• Nationality: Candidate must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently in India.

Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper based).
• Number of Questions & Marking Scheme: The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and conventional type questions in written stage. Marks vary across stages including written exam, interview, and medical test.
• Subjects Covered: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, General Knowledge/Current Affairs.
• Schedule: The exam notification usually releases in the month of March or April each year, with the exam conducted in June or July.

Syllabus

Physics

• Mechanics
• Thermodynamics
• Optics and Wave Phenomena
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Modern Physics

Chemistry

• Physical Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics
• Inorganic Chemistry: Periodic Table, Chemical Families
• Organic Chemistry: Basic Concepts, Hydrocarbons, Functional Groups

Mathematics

• Algebra
• Trigonometry
• Differential Calculus
• Integral Calculus
• Coordinate Geometry

General Knowledge & Current Affairs

• Indian Polity and Constitution
• History and Culture
• Geography
• General Science
• Current National and International Events

Other Content

Application Process

1. Visit the official UPSC website https://www.upsc.gov.in.
2. Locate the Special Class Railway Apprentices' Examination notification under the "What's New" or "Examinations" section.
3. Read the detailed notification thoroughly for instructions, eligibility, and application dates.
4. Register on the UPSC Online Portal using your valid email ID and mobile number.
5. Fill the online application form with required details.
6. Upload scanned copies of photograph and signature as per specifications.
7. Pay the application fee through available online modes.
8. Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.

Courses Offered

• Undergraduate training in Mechanical Engineering discipline of Indian Railways.
• Upon successful completion, candidates join the Indian Railways as officers in relevant engineering streams.

Facts About the Exam

• It is one of the most prestigious railway service entrance exams in India.
• The exam has been discontinued since 2015 but still holds historical importance and occasionally updated info is available.

Admit Card

• Admit cards are released online at UPSC portal approximately 3 weeks before the exam date.
• Candidates must download and print the admit card.
• It contains details like exam center, date, and candidate information; carrying it to the exam center is mandatory.
• Follow specific instructions mentioned on the admit card during the exam.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are declared on the UPSC official website in the 'Examination' section.
• Cut-offs depend on the difficulty level and number of candidates.
• Candidates clearing the written exam are called for /personal interviews and medical examinations.

Preparation Tips

• Strong grasp of fundamental Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics concepts is crucial.
• Practice previous years' question papers.
• Focus on time management and accuracy.
• Recommended Books: NCERT textbooks for 11th and 12th standards, Objective Physics by H.C. Verma, O.P. Tandon for Chemistry, R.D. Sharma for Mathematics.
• Online Resources: Official UPSC website, educational YouTube channels, and test series websites.

FAQs

• Q: Is this exam still conducted annually?
  A: The Special Class Railway Apprentices' exam was discontinued after 2015, but official UPSC site should be checked for any updates.
• Q: What are the career prospects after clearing this exam?
  A: Successful candidates undergo training and are appointed as officers in Indian Railways' Mechanical Engineering stream.
• Q: Can candidates from all states apply?
  A: Yes, candidates from all over India fulfilling eligibility can apply.
• Q: What is the application fee?
  A: The fee varies yearly; refer to official notification for exact amount and payment methods.