RPF Recruitment 2026

RRB RPF Recruitment 2026: Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Selection ProcessThe Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has outlined specific requirements for aspirants looking to join the Railway Protection Force (RPF) as either a Constable or a Sub-Inspector (SI). Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what you need to know before applying.RPF Eligibility Criteria & QualificationsBefore filling out the application form, ensure you meet the necessary age limits and academic benchmarks.Educational RequirementsConstable: Candidates must have passed Matriculation (10th Class/SSLC or an equivalent qualification) from a recognized board.Sub-Inspector (SI): Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a government-recognized university.Age Limits & Category RelaxationsThe age criteria are calculated as of 01/07/2024.Constable Age Limit: Minimum 18 years | Maximum 28 yearsSub-Inspector Age Limit: Minimum 20 years | Maximum 28 yearsAge Relaxation TableCategoryUpper Age RelaxationSC / ST5 yearsOBC3 yearsJ&K & Ladakh Domiciles (1st Jan 1980 to 31st Dec 1989)UR/EWS: 5 yearsOBC: 8 yearsSC/ST: 10 yearsCentral Govt. Employees (Min. 3 years regular service; SI Post Only)UR/EWS: 5 yearsOBC: 8 yearsSC/ST: 10 yearsWidows, Divorced Women & Judicially Separated Women (Unmarried)UR/EWS: 2 yearsOBC: 5 yearsSC/ST: 7 yearsRRB RPF Application FeesAn application is considered incomplete and will be rejected if the processing fee is not paid. A major portion of this fee is refundable after you sit for the online exam.General & OBC Candidates: Rs. 500/- (Rs. 400/- will be refunded into your account after you appear for the CBT, minus bank charges).SC, ST, Female, Ex-Servicemen, Minorities, and EBC: Rs. 250/- (The full Rs. 250/- fee is refunded upon attending the CBT, minus bank charges).6 Steps to Apply Online for RPF 2026Eligible candidates can submit their applications online by following these steps on the official portal:1.Visit the Official Portal:Step 1.Navigate to the official website at www.rpf.indianrailways.gov.in.2.Complete Initial Registration:Step 2.Enter your basic personal details (Name, Email, Mobile Number) to generate your unique Registration ID and Password.3.Fill the Application Form:Step 3.Log in using your new credentials and fill in your academic history, personal details, and post preferences.4.Upload Required Documents:Step 4.Upload scanned copies of your passport-size photo, signature, and necessary certificates according to the specified size and format rules.5.Pay the Registration Fee:Step 5.Submit the application fee securely through Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards, or UPI.6.Review and Final Submit:Step 6.Double-check all entered information for accuracy. Click submit and download a copy of the confirmation page for future reference.RPF Selection ProcessThe RRB screens candidates through a rigorous four-tiered selection framework:Phase 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT): An objective online exam testing core academic and mental aptitude.Phase 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET): A physical endurance test tracking running times and jump distances.Phase 3: Physical Measurement Test (PMT): Verification of physical traits like height and chest expansions against standard rules.Phase 4: Document Verification (DV): Authenticating educational certificates and category proofs.Important Note for Working Professionals: Candidates currently employed with the government must present a No Objection Certificate (NOC) during Document Verification, or their candidature will be canceled.RPF Exam Pattern 2026 (CBT)While the syllabus and question count are identical for both Constable and SI posts, the difficulty level changes. Constable questions align with Matriculation (10th standard), whereas SI questions match Graduation-level difficulty.Exam Mode: Online / Computer-Based TestQuestion Type: Objective / Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)Exam Duration: 90 Minutes (1.5 Hours)Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each incorrect response. No penalty for skipped questions.Minimum Qualifying Marks: 35% for UR, EWS, and OBC-NCL | 30% for SC & ST categories.Exam StructureSectionNumber of QuestionsMaximum MarksTotal TimeGeneral Awareness5050Arithmetic353590 MinutesGeneral Intelligence & Reasoning3535(Shared across all sections)Total120120Physical Requirements & Standards1. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)The PET is qualifying in nature. Candidates must clear all standard benchmarks specified for their post and gender:Post & Gender1600m Run800m RunLong JumpHigh JumpConstables (Male)5 mins 45 secs—14 feet4 feetConstables (Female)—3 mins 40 secs9 feet3 feetSub-Inspector (Male)6 mins 30 secs—12 feet3 feet 9 inchesSub-Inspector (Female)—4 mins9 feet3 feet2. Physical Measurement Test (PMT)Candidates must meet the following height and chest metrics to pass standard clearance:CategoryMale Height (cm)Female Height (cm)Unexpanded Chest (cm)Expanded Chest (cm)UR / OBC1651578085SC / ST16015276.281.2Specified Hill Categories (Gorkhas, Garhwalis, Dogras, Marathas, Kumaonese, etc.)