Railways · RRB · Updated October 2026
RPF Constable ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
Administered by the Railway Recruitment Boards, this examination recruits Constables (Executive) in the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) for law-and-order duties across railway zones. Candidates take an online 120-mark objective test covering General Awareness, Arithmetic, and Reasoning before undergoing physical endurance trials.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- RRB
Start for free with RPF Constable syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
RPF Constable exam overview and highlights
About RPF Constable
The RPF Constable examination recruits constables for the Railway Protection Force and Railway Protection Special Force, which are responsible for the security of railway property, passengers and passenger areas. Recruitment is conducted through the Railway Recruitment Boards on behalf of the RPF. It is open to Class 10 pass candidates and involves a computer-based test, physical efficiency and measurement tests, document verification and a medical examination.
The examination process for RPF Constable comprises 3 stages: Computer-based test (CBT), followed by Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Measurement Test (PMT), followed by Document verification and medical examination. The official syllabus tests candidates across 3 core areas — General Awareness, Arithmetic, General Intelligence and Reasoning — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Candidates are shortlisted for the PET and PMT on normalised CBT marks. Both physical tests are qualifying only, and final merit is based on CBT marks, followed by document verification and medical examination.
Key subjects
- General Awareness
- Arithmetic
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
What clearing RPF Constable leads to
- Constable in Railway Protection Force (RPF)
- Constable in Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF)
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Pay Level 3 (basic pay from around ₹21,700) plus allowances
- Central / Institutional appointment through Railway Protection Force (RPF), Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards merit recommendation
- Structured time-scale promotions, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) elevation, and central allowances (DA, HRA, TA, Medical & NPS)
- All-India or zonal ministry, department, PSU, or public sector field and headquarters postings
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- Railway Protection Force (RPF), Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards
- Frequency
- As and when vacancies are notified
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test) followed by physical and medical tests
- Languages
- English, Hindi and 13 regional languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu)
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (1 paper total)
- Negative marking
- Yes, one-third of a mark deducted per wrong answer
- Official website
- rpf.indianrailways.gov.in
RPF Constable — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of RPF Constable conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RPF Constable |
| Conducting Body | Railway Protection Force (RPF), Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards |
| Exam Category | Railways |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | As and when vacancies are notified |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notified as vacancies arise; CBT a few months after the notification; PET, PMT and medical examination over the following months |
| Mode of Application | Online on the RRB apply portal (rrbapply.gov.in) |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) followed by physical and medical tests |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English, Hindi and 13 regional languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu) |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (1 Paper Total): Computer-based test (CBT) → Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Measurement Test (PMT) → Document verification and medical examination |
| Negative Marking | Yes, one-third of a mark deducted per wrong answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Candidates are shortlisted for the PET and PMT on normalised CBT marks. Both physical tests are qualifying only, and final merit is based on CBT marks, followed by document verification and medical examination. |
| Educational Qualification | Passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or equivalent from a recognised board |
| Age Limit | 18 to 28 years in recent notifications, with relaxation for reserved categories |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Pay Level 3 (basic pay from around ₹21,700) plus allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Several lakh applicants for a few thousand posts in most cycles |
| Official Website | rpf.indianrailways.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
RPF Constable exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for RPF Constable. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official RRB website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| RPF Constable Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Notified as vacancies arise; CBT a few months after the notification; PET, PMT and medical examination over the following months | As and when vacancies are notified |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Railway Protection Force (RPF), Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards |
| RPF Constable — Computer-based test (CBT) | Notified as vacancies arise; CBT a few months after the notification; PET, PMT and medical examination over the following months | Online (computer-based test) followed by physical and medical tests |
| RPF Constable — Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Measurement Test (PMT) | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- Several lakh applicants for a few thousand posts in most cycles. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official RPF Constable recruitment advertisement published by Railway Protection Force (RPF), Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards.
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Standard Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) fee structure applies: ₹500 for Unreserved/OBC/EWS (₹400 refunded after appearing in the 1st stage CBT) and ₹250 for SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD/Female/Transgender/Minority/EBC candidates (fully refunded after appearing in the CBT).
How to apply online for RPF Constable
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit rpf.indianrailways.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on the RRB apply portal (rrbapply.gov.in).
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the RPF Constable application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English, Hindi and 13 regional languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu)), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final RPF Constable Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
RPF Constable eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for RPF Constable must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by RRB.
Educational qualification
Passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or equivalent from a recognised board.
Age limit & relaxations
18 to 28 years in recent notifications, with relaxation for reserved categories.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Citizen of India.
Other conditions & standards
Physical standards: height around 165 cm for men (chest 80 cm with 5 cm expansion) and 157 cm for women, with relaxation for SC, ST and certain regional categories. PET: men run 1,600 metres in 5 minutes 45 seconds with long jump of 14 feet and high jump of 4 feet; women run 800 metres in 3 minutes 40 seconds with long jump of 9 feet and high jump of 3 feet.
RPF Constable — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
RPF Constable selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: Yes, one-third of a mark deducted per wrong answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: Candidates are shortlisted for the PET and PMT on normalised CBT marks. Both physical tests are qualifying only, and final merit is based on CBT marks, followed by document verification and medical examination.
Stage 1: Computer-based test (CBT)
Online (computer-based test) • 1 Paper (General Awareness (50), Arithmetic (35), General Intelligence and Reasoning (35)) • 120 Questions • 120 Total Marks • Duration: 90 minutes • An objective test with the largest weight on general awareness.
An objective test with the largest weight on general awareness. Candidates are shortlisted for the physical tests at about 10 times the vacancies based on normalised marks, and CBT marks decide the final merit.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration General Awareness (50), Arithmetic (35), General Intelligence and Reasoning (35)One-third mark deducted per wrong answer 120 120 90 minutes Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
Online (computer-based test) followed by physical and medical tests • Candidates must complete the race, long jump and high jump within the limits and meet height and chest standards.
Candidates must complete the race, long jump and high jump within the limits and meet height and chest standards. Both tests are qualifying only.
Stage 3: Document verification and medical examination
Online (computer-based test) followed by physical and medical tests • Candidates clearing the physical tests are verified and must pass the medical examination, including vision standards for a uniformed post.
Candidates clearing the physical tests are verified and must pass the medical examination, including vision standards for a uniformed post.
RPF Constable subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
General Awareness — Part I (Indian history and freedom struggle)
- Indian history and freedom struggle
- Indian polity and Constitution
- Geography of India
- Indian economy
General Awareness — Part II (General science)
- General science
- Art, culture and sports
- Current affairs
- Indian Railways and RPF basics
Arithmetic — Part I (Number system and simplification)
- Number system and simplification
- Fractions, decimals and LCM and HCF
- Percentage, ratio and proportion
- Averages, interest, profit and loss
Arithmetic — Part II (Time and work, time and distance)
- Time and work, time and distance
- Mensuration
- Use of tables and graphs
General Intelligence and Reasoning — Part I (Analogies and similarities)
- Analogies and similarities
- Spatial visualisation and orientation
- Series and coding-decoding
- Syllogism and Venn diagrams
General Intelligence and Reasoning — Part II (Arithmetical reasoning and number series)
- Arithmetical reasoning and number series
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Decision making and problem solving
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (RPF Constable)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past RPF Constable cycles
- High-yield chapters and section-wise mark distribution patterns
- Statement-based, assertion-reason and matching question formats
- Elimination techniques and negative-marking risk management
- Time allocation strategy across sections and papers
Current Affairs, Official Schemes, Economic Survey & Static GK
- National and international current events of the last 12 months
- Union and State Budget highlights, Economic Survey and flagship welfare schemes
- Constitutional amendments, landmark Supreme Court judgments and governance bills
- Science, space missions (ISRO), defence exercises, awards and sports
- Reports, indices, summits, international organisations and static general awareness
RPF Constable salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Pay Level 3 (basic pay from around ₹21,700) plus allowances. Appointments under Railway Protection Force (RPF), Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Pay Level 3 (basic pay from around ₹21,700) plus allowances.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Railway Protection Force (RPF), Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Railway Protection Force (RPF), Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards)
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
RPF Constable cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Railway Protection Force (RPF), Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards releases stage-wise and category-wise RPF Constable cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
RPF Constable — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When RPF Constable is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by yes, one-third of a mark deducted per wrong answer, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining RPF Constable Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the RPF Constable cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
RPF Constable admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
RPF Constable Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Railway Protection Force (RPF), Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official RPF Constable Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on rpf.indianrailways.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the RPF Constable e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
RPF Constable Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on rpf.indianrailways.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
RPF Constable Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Railway Protection Force (RPF), Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards declares the RPF Constable result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on rpf.indianrailways.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official RPF Constable Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
RPF Constable mock tests
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Computer-based test (CBT) · 120 questions · 90 minutes
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Computer-based test (CBT) · 120 questions · 90 minutes
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Computer-based test (CBT) · 120 questions · 90 minutes
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Computer-based test (CBT) · 120 questions · 90 minutes
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RPF Constable Full Mock Test 5
Computer-based test (CBT) · 120 questions · 90 minutes
RPF Constable previous year papers
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Complete 10-year RPF Constable paper archive
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Predicted questions for RPF Constable
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for RPF Constable
- Prepare General Awareness thoroughly, including static GK and current affairs, because it is 50 of the 120 questions.
- Keep Arithmetic and Reasoning at Class 10 level and practice with a stopwatch to finish 120 questions in 90 minutes.
- Begin running, long jump and high jump training early; the PET standards are stricter than many other constable exams.
- Check your height and chest measurements against the standards for your category before applying.
- Attempt previous RPF and RRB papers as mock tests and stay accurate because of the one-third negative marking.
- Read the official RPF Constable notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
RPF Constable FAQs
Is there negative marking in RPF Constable?
Yes. One-third of a mark is deducted for every wrong answer in the computer-based test.
What is the age limit for RPF Constable?
Recent notifications set the age limit at 18 to 28 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per rules. Check the current notification for the exact limit.
What is the physical test for RPF Constable?
Male candidates run 1,600 metres in 5 minutes 45 seconds, with long jump of 14 feet and high jump of 4 feet. Female candidates run 800 metres in 3 minutes 40 seconds, with long jump of 9 feet and high jump of 3 feet.
What is the salary of RPF Constable?
RPF Constable is at Pay Level 3 of the 7th Pay Commission, with DA, HRA and other allowances.
Which subjects are asked in RPF Constable?
General Awareness (50 questions), Arithmetic (35 questions) and General Intelligence and Reasoning (35 questions), for a total of 120 questions in 90 minutes.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for RPF Constable?
RPF Constable is conducted by Railway Protection Force (RPF), Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards across 3 stages: Computer-based test (CBT) → Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Measurement Test (PMT) → Document verification and medical examination. Candidates are shortlisted for the PET and PMT on normalised CBT marks. Both physical tests are qualifying only, and final merit is based on CBT marks, followed by document verification and medical examination.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for RPF Constable?
Educational Qualification: Passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or equivalent from a recognised board. Age Limit: 18 to 28 years in recent notifications, with relaxation for reserved categories.
When is the RPF Constable notification released and how can I apply online?
RPF Constable is held as and when vacancies are notified (Notified as vacancies arise; CBT a few months after the notification; PET, PMT and medical examination over the following months). Online on the RRB apply portal (rrbapply.gov.in).
Where can I practice free RPF Constable mock tests and solved previous year papers?
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How can I prepare for RPF Constable on SmartRank?
Select RPF Constable as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Awareness, Arithmetic, General Intelligence and Reasoning, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact RPF Constable pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.