The Railway Board has issued an important clarification and relaxation for Junior Accounts Assistants (JAA) regarding the Appendix II (IREM) Examination. As per RBA No. 31/2025 dated 15 December 2025, eligible JAAs can now be allowed a third chance to appear in the examination even beyond the prescribed four-year service period, subject to specific conditions.
This decision brings relief to many railway employees who could not avail their chances within the stipulated timeline due to administrative or examination-related constraints.
Background of the Issue
Earlier, as per Railway Board’s letter dated 28.06.1995, the power to grant a third chance to clear the Appendix II examination within four years of service was delegated to the General Manager, based on the specific recommendation of FA&CAO.
However, practical difficulties were observed in conducting examinations in such a manner that every candidate could get their second and third chances within three and four years respectively. This led to genuine hardship for several JAAs.
What Has Been Decided Now?
After careful examination, Railway Board under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, has decided the following:
- Zonal Railways and Production Units may allow JAAs to avail the third chance beyond the four-year service period.
- Such relaxation will be granted:
- With the approval of the General Manager, and
- On the specific recommendation of the Principal Financial Adviser (PFA).
- The administration must record valid reasons explaining why examinations could not be conducted in time to allow candidates their chances within the prescribed period.
Important Clarification by Railway Board
The Railway Board has clearly reiterated that:
- ✅ This relaxation is limited only to the time limit.
- ❌ There is no increase in the number of permissible chances.
- 🔒 All other conditions of the Appendix II (IREM) Examination remain unchanged.
In simple terms, JAAs will still have only three chances, but the four-year time restriction for the third chance can be relaxed where justified.
Why This Decision Matters for JAAs
This order is significant because it:
- Protects employees from losing career progression due to administrative delays.
- Ensures fair opportunity to all eligible JAAs.
- Provides flexibility to Zonal Railways while maintaining examination standards.
- Reinforces transparency by requiring proper justification and approvals.
Reference Details
- Railway Board Authority: RBA No. 31/2025
- File No.: 2025/ACII/20/8/e3490505
- Date of Issue: 15 December 2025
- Issued by: Joint Director Finance (CCA), Railway Board