Train Managers: Indian Railways Replaces Pass-Fail with Grading
In a significant move to bolster operational safety and refine professional training, the Indian Railways has officially moved away from the traditional pass/fail examination model for Train Managers. Formerly known as Guards, these personnel will now be evaluated through a new, comprehensive grading system during their refresher training sessions.
The Railway Board issued this directive via RBE No. 83/2026 on October 13, 2026. The new assessment framework is set to be implemented immediately across all Zonal Railways, Central Training Institutes, and Production Units.
The New Three-Tier Grading Framework
Rather than a binary result, Train Managers will now receive one of three distinct grades based on their performance in refresher courses. This system is designed to provide a clearer picture of competency levels:
- Grade 'A': Awarded to high performers scoring 80 marks or higher.
- Grade 'B': Assigned to those scoring between 60 and 79 marks.
- Grade 'C': Designated for personnel scoring below 60 marks.
These grades will remain active for the individual until they undergo their next scheduled refresher training.
Targeted Support and Monitoring
The shift to a grading system is not merely about assigning marks; it is about creating a structured pathway for improvement. The Railway Board has instituted specific actions based on the grade achieved:
- For Grade 'B' Staff: Personnel in this category will undergo regular counseling sessions conducted by their Station Manager, Supervisor, or Lobby In-charge. All such counseling records will be consolidated and sent to the respective divisional offices.
- For Grade 'C' Staff: Those falling into the lowest grade will be placed under special monitoring at the divisional level to ensure they receive the necessary oversight and remedial training.
Furthermore, divisional offices are responsible for analyzing these performance records to identify recurring training deficiencies and organize additional training sessions to address them.
A Move Toward Enhanced Safety
This policy change follows the recommendations of the High-Level Safety Review Committee (Kakodkar Committee). By focusing on continuous guidance rather than simple testing, the Railways aims to minimize human error and significantly enhance overall safety standards on the tracks.
"The primary objective is to shift the focus from simple mark-assignment to providing guidance for those who score lower," explained Neelam Sharma, Deputy Director of the Railway Board.
It is important to note that these changes are specific to the training of Train Managers. The existing refresher training protocols for Loco Pilots and Assistant Loco Pilots remain unaffected by this new directive.