Probation in Indian Railways
- What is Probation ? A process of testing or observing the character or abilities of a person who is new to a role or job.
- A person appointed in Railways will be on probation till he is assessed suitable for Railway service.
- Probationers who are assessed un-suitable for Railway service should be discharged from service immediately.
- If Recruitment rules do not prescribe any probation period, such a person should be confirmed in service with immediate effect.
- Probation period on Direct Recruitment and promotion from one Group to other Group is as under:
SN | Posts | Period |
1 | Direct Recruitment to the post in Level 12 and above and to the posts for which maximum age limit is 35 years and no initial training is required | 1 year |
2 | Direct Recruitment to other posts | 2 years |
3 | Promotion from one Group to other Group | 2 years |
- Probationers will be given the opportunity to work in different fields under different officers to gain practical experience during the probation period.
- Field officers should carefully assess the performance of the probationer, his outlook, character and aptitude towards learning etc and give their individual reports.
- Field officers reports are in addition to Annual Confidential Reports (APAR - Annual Performance Appraisal Report)
- The probation report will be reviewed by a committee of senior officers and give their recommendations to the Appointing Authority.
- Apart from passing the confirmation test at the end of probation, confirmation will also depend on the Probation Report.
- Probation period should not be extended for more than one year and in no case it should exceed the total period of probation.
- Probationer, whose performance is not satisfactory, should be notified of his defects and he should be discharged from service if he is a direct recruiter or reverted to lower Group if he is promoted from lower Group.
- On discharge he is not eligible for compensation.
- In all cases of Direct Recruitment, there must be at least two weeks of induction training.
Key Points for MCQ on Probation:
1. Direct recruitment in Level 12 - Probation period is 1 year
2. Posts other than Level 12 - Probation period is 2 years
3. Promotion from one Group to another Group - Probation period is 2 years
4. Confirmation depends on 1. Passing the Confirmation test & Probation Report
5. All cases of Direct Recruitment - Minimum induction period is 2 weeks
6. If performance is not satisfactory during Probation period
A. Direct recruiter - Discharged from Service
B. Promotee - Reverted to lower group
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