JAMALPUR GYMKHANA

The Jamalpur Gymkhana, often referred to as Gymkhana by its members, is a hostel for young apprentice officers of the mechanical department of Indian Railways in Jamalpur, Bihar, India. The apprentices are referred to as SCAs (Special Class Apprentices). It is also a club like any other Gymkhana. The apprenticeship officers used to join Indian Railways by qualifying the Special Class Railway Apprentice (SCRA) exam conducted by UPSC periodically. Currently, UPSC SCRA examination has been discontinued since 2016 and the last batch of SCAs passed out of Gymkhana in 2019.

HISTORY

In the early 20th century, India faced a shortage of mechanical engineers in running a fast-growing rail system. The Indian Railways Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IRIMEE), started in the year 1888 as Technical School. In the year 1927, the training of Mechanical Engineering Officers for Indian Railways commenced. It is the oldest of the six Centralized Training Institutes (CTIs) functioning for training of Officers of the Indian Railways. IRIMEE is located at Jamalpur in the Munger district of Bihar. The First special Class apprentice batch was inducted in 1927 and Jamalpur Gymkhana was the Special Grade Hostel for the SCAs for a period of 4 years.

FACILITIES

• Jamalpur Gymkhana houses a Club with a billiards/snooker table.
• Lounge is located right in front of the west side door of the Club. It used to be a get together spot for SCAs and also the venue of various Formal Lounge session
• Dining Hall is located at the east side exit door of the club and has a dining capacity of 50 people.
• Sports facilities consist of Badminton court, Squash court, Tennis court, Gymnasium and a Football ground. Most of the above facilities are not functional due to non-occupancy.
• Currently, 31 rooms in the Western lobby are available for accommodation purposes for probationers and in service officers.

Gymkhana through the ages

• Jamalpur Gymkhana houses a Club with a billiards/snooker table.
• Lounge is located right in front of the west side door of the Club. It used to be a get together spot for SCAs and also the venue of various Formal Lounge session
• Dining Hall is located at the east side exit door of the club and has a dining capacity of 50 people.
• Sports facilities consist of Badminton court, Squash court, Tennis court, Gymnasium and a Football ground. Most of the above facilities are not functional due to non-occupancy.
• Currently, 31 rooms in the Western lobby are available for accommodation purposes for probationers and in service officers.