The Railway Protection Force is a central armed force under the Ministry of Railways. It safeguards railway property and supports passenger security across India.
Its mandate comes from the RPF Act, 1957, and associated rules.
It works alongside each state’s Government Railway Police, which handles general crime and law-and-order on railway premises.
Entry Routes and Posts
Most new civilian entrants join as Constable (Executive) or Sub-Inspector (Executive).
Recruitment is centralized and announced through official notifications called Centralised Employment Notices (CEN).
Vacancies, eligibility, syllabus, and schedules are published in those notices. Applications are submitted online during the notified window.
Job profile and duties
RPF personnel protect railway property and vital installations, patrol stations, yards, and trains as assigned, and assist passengers.
They regulate access to railway premises, support smooth operations, and coordinate with GRP and local police on law-and-order matters.
Certain duties involve enforcement under the Railways Act and related provisions within railway limits.
Eligibility (age, education, nationality)
You must be an Indian citizen and 18–28 years on the reference date in the notification.
Statutory age relaxations apply as specified for categories such as SC/ST/OBC, ex-servicemen, and others.
Education
Constable (Executive) must pass in Class 10/Matriculation from a recognized board.
Sub-Inspector (Executive) requires a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Medical standard must have a minimum B-1 medical category under Indian Railways medical norms. You must satisfy the fitness criteria applicable to the post.
Always follow the exact eligibility, cut-off date, formats, and relaxation rules stated in the active CEN for your year of application.
Selection Process: What to Expect
You complete the form on the official application portal when the CEN is live.
Choose the post, fill in personal and educational details, upload documents, and pay the fee if applicable.
- Track official notices: Watch for RPF/Railway Recruitment notifications (CENs) that announce vacancies, dates, and instructions. Avoid relying on summaries alone.
- Confirm eligibility precisely: Check age (with the exact reference date), education, citizenship, and category relaxations. Verify exam cities, fee rules, and permissible IDs.
- Prepare documents early: Keep your matriculation/degree proof, category/EWS/ex-servicemen certificates (if applicable), photo, and signature in the required sizes and formats.
- Apply within the window: Fill the form accurately, submit, and save the application number and payment receipt.
- Plan for PET/PMT: Train for the exact running distances and jumps listed for your post and category. Ensure you meet measurement standards.
- Follow admit-card and exam updates: Download city intimation/admit cards when released and follow the instructions for the CBT and subsequent stages.
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
The CBT is objective and follows the syllabus and pattern printed in the notification.
Sectional topics, question counts, marking scheme (including negative marking, if any), and normalization rules are defined there.
Physical Efficiency Test/Physical Measurement Test (PET/PMT)
Shortlisted candidates from the CBT attempt PET events (such as running and jumps) and undergo PMT for height/chest/weight as per gender and category.
Standards are specified post-wise in the notification.
Document Verification (DV)
Originals (matriculation/degree, category certificates, identity/address proofs, etc.) are checked. Keep documents in the exact formats prescribed.
Medical Examination
Conducted at designated Railway hospitals to B-1 standard (or as specified for the post).
Candidates must be medically fit to proceed.
Allotment and training
After final merit and medical clearance, candidates are allotted to Zonal Railways or the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF).
Basic/foundation training is mandatory before first posting.
Pay, Allowances, and Career Path
Constable (Executive): Level-3, ₹21,700 basic per month at entry.
Sub-Inspector (Executive): Level-6, ₹35,400 basic per month at entry.
Allowances and benefits
In addition to basic pay, you receive central-government allowances applicable to Railways (e.g., Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance).
In-hand pay is higher than the basic due to these allowances and varies by city classification, current DA rate, and other factors.
Other benefits can include uniform/kit entitlements, leave, medical facilities under Railway rules, and contributory retirement benefits as applicable.
Progression
Constable track: Constable → Head Constable → Assistant Sub-Inspector → Sub-Inspector (through departmental exams and seniority, as per rules).
SI track: Sub-Inspector → Inspector and further supervisory ranks.
Specialized roles (e.g., intelligence, training, technical/cyber support) may be available based on qualifications and organizational needs.
Training and Posting
Selected candidates undergo foundation training at RPF training institutions.
Training covers law, Railways Act provisions, investigation basics, physical conditioning, weapons safety, soft skills, and standard operating procedures.
After successful completion, you receive your initial posting in a Zone or RPSF battalion based on merit, vacancies, and administrative requirements.
Transfers, accommodation, and duty patterns follow Railway Board policies and force orders.
Preparation Tips That Work
Draft a study plan strictly aligned to the CBT sections and marking scheme in the active notification.
Use timed mock tests to simulate CBT conditions and refine question selection and speed.
Track your run timings weekly; practice long jump/high jump (as applicable) with proper technique and recovery.
For dates, exam city slips, admit cards, and results, check only the official portals and notices.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stable central-government job
- Decent entry pay
- Nationwide vacancies
- Clear selection path
- Structured training
- Career progression
- Meaningful public service
- Uniformed discipline and camaraderie
- Diverse work environments
- Experience portability
Cons
- Competitive exams
- Physically demanding
- Transfers and postings
- Shift work and holidays
- Operational risk
- Administrative load
- Resource constraints in some locations
- Public scrutiny and accountability
- Slow promotions in places
- Compliance burden
Choose RPF if you want stable government service, uniform discipline, and a public-facing security role with clear rules and career ladders.
Be ready for nationwide postings, physical demands, shift work, and high competition at entry.
Train early for PET/PMT, keep documents perfect, and plan family logistics around transfers to make the most of the career.
Conclusion
If you are an Indian citizen who meets the age and education criteria, you can compete for RPF Constable or Sub-Inspector posts.
You must clear the CBT, PET/PMT, Document Verification, and B-1 medical stages to be empanelled.
Focus on the official notification for your cycle, align prep to its exact standards, and train steadily for the PET/PMT to maximize your chances.
