RPSF Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Important Dates

Computer Based Test

Minimum pass marks: 35 per cent for UR, EWS and OBC (NCL) and 30 per cent for SC and ST. OBC is grouped with UR here, unlike most RRB notices.

PET and PMT

CBT merit calls 10 times the vacancies in each category, separately for men, women and ex-servicemen, to the PET, PMT and Document Verification. If too few qualify, 10 times the shortfall is called for a second round, the last. Unfilled women's and ex-servicemen's posts then go to men of the same category. Ex-servicemen skip the PET but take the PMT. Both tests are qualifying only.

One chance at the run, two at each jump.

The order is run, then height, then chest (men only). A man below the height minimum isn't measured for chest; below the unexpanded chest, the expanded isn't taken. Fail any test and you're out. PMT grievances go to the PCSC (Principal Chief Security Commissioner) within three days.

From Para 12.1 of the Constable CEN. Topics are the same for both ranks; the standard is 10th or Matric level for Constable and graduate level for Sub-Inspector.

Arithmetic, 35 marks

Number system; whole numbers; decimals and fractions and the relationship between numbers; fundamental arithmetical operations; percentages; ratio and proportion; averages; interest; profit and loss; discount; use of tables and graphs; mensuration; time and distance. No algebra, trigonometry or geometry beyond mensuration.

General Intelligence and Reasoning, 35 marks

Analogies; similarities and differences; spatial visualization; spatial orientation; problem solving analysis; judgement; decision making; visual memory; discriminating observation; relationship concepts; arithmetical reasoning; verbal and figure classification; arithmetic number series; non-verbal series; coding and decoding; statement and conclusion; syllogistic reasoning.

General Awareness, 50 marks

Awareness of the environment and its application to society, current events, and everyday observation expected of an educated person, plus Indian History, Art and Culture, Geography, Economics, General Polity, the Indian Constitution, Sports and General Science.

There's no English and no computer section.

Both age bands include a one-time 3-year Covid-19 relaxation. You must hold the qualification by the closing date, 14 May 2024; those awaiting results should not apply. Your date of birth must match your Matriculation or SSLC certificate, with no later changes.

Medical bars

The B-1 medical is at the Railway Hospitals, under the Indian Railway Medical Manual. The CEN says: "Those wearing glasses or having flat foot, knock knee, squint eyes, colour blindness and other bodily infirmities are not eligible for appointment." Glasses are an absolute bar. Check this before you spend a year preparing. Being sent for the medical doesn't mean you're selected.

Persons with disabilities

These posts are not open to persons with disabilities; they're exempt under sections 33 and 47 of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995, and Annexure A marks them "Not Suitable".

Category claims

Reckoned on the closing date. An OBC certificate must state you're not in the creamy layer. Eligibility is provisional at every stage, and a false claim found even after appointment means rejection.

Physical standards are under the exam pattern.

1. Computer Based Test, 120 questions in 90 minutes. The merit list.
2. PET and PMT, for 10 times the vacancies. Qualifying only.
3. Document Verification.
4. Medical at category B-1, Railway Hospitals.
5. Allotment to a Zone or the RPSF, then training.

Document Verification

• Miss DV and you're out, whatever your CBT and PET.
• Bring all originals plus two sets of self-attested photocopies, and upload your photo and signature in true colour beforehand at oirms-ir.gov.in/rrbdv.
• No extra time for missing originals. A missing caste or EWS certificate makes you unreserved instead; a four-week extension is allowed only for a wrong format, or a lost or stolen certificate backed by an FIR.
• Reserved candidates selected on merit without any relaxation count against UR vacancies.
• Ties go to the older candidate, then alphabetical order.

Training

Training is at an RPF or RPSF training centre on a stipend, not the post's pay. You must pass the final exam to be appointed, and may have to sign a security or indemnity bond. The RRB only recommends names; the Zone or RPSF makes the appointment.

Signatures must be identical everywhere and in running hand, not block or capital letters, or you may be disqualified. Postponements and venue changes aren't allowed.

That's the first cell of the level, paid on appointment. On top come Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance by city class, Transport Allowance and the allowances of a uniformed railway force; NPS and health scheme contributions are deducted. During training you get only a stipend.

Apply online through the RRB websites. In 2024 a single link covered both CEN RPF 01/2024 (Sub-Inspector) and CEN RPF 02/2024 (Constable). Only one application per candidate; more than one gets them all rejected and you debarred.

Give your bank name, account holder, account number and IFSC in the form, or you won't get the refund. No refund for rejected or incomplete forms.

Your mobile number and email can't be changed once the account is made, and the schedule reaches you by SMS and email.

SC and ST candidates get a free Sleeper Class pass with each e-call letter, on request. Carry the original caste certificate when booking and travelling; misuse means rejection and debarment.

Not allowed into the exam: phones, bluetooth devices, pen drives, laptops, calculators, smart watches, bangles, chains, bracelets, hearing aids, wallets, purses, belts, shoes, metal items and any stationery including pens. Breaking this means disqualification, legal action and debarment.

The Railway Recruitment Boards under the Ministry of Railways run the recruitment for both the RPF and the RPSF. Vacancy distribution is in Annexure B of each CEN. After the panel, you're allotted to a Zonal Railway's RPF establishment or to the RPSF by administrative need; you don't choose.

The PET, PMT, DV and medical are held under a PCSC, the Principal Chief Security Commissioner of the RPF.

The Boards warn that the process is fully computerised and merit-based, and to ignore touts promising selection for money.

The CBT is at a centre the RRB allots, with dates and venues sent through the RRB websites, SMS and email. No postponements or changes of venue, date or shift. In the Constable cycle it ran on 2 to 7, 9 to 12 and 17 to 18 March 2025.

The PET, PMT and DV are held separately, much later (November to December 2025 last time), under a PCSC. Upload your photo and signature at oirms-ir.gov.in/rrbdv before DV.

The 2024 round, which recruited for both the RPF and the RPSF

Twenty-two months from notice to Constable panel, with nine between the CBT and the PET. Age is reckoned on 1 July 2024 and qualification on 14 May 2024. The 16 May and 10 June 2024 notices reopened fee payment and photo upload after the closing date; don't count on that happening again. Neither CEN fixes exam dates. Watch the RRB websites.

E-call letters, city intimation and schedules come through the RRB websites, SMS and email. Your registered mobile and email can't be changed, so keep them working. SC and ST candidates' free travel pass comes with the e-call letter.

For DV, bring your Matriculation or SSLC certificate (your only accepted date of birth proof), your degree if you applied as Sub-Inspector, a current caste certificate, minority or EBC certificate if you took that fee concession, and a Gazette notification if your name has changed.

The panel lists roll numbers in ascending order, not merit order, and is provisional. The RRB can correct errors and doesn't reply to unsuccessful candidates. Empanelment still isn't appointment.

There's no separate RPSF cut-off, because allotment to the RPSF comes after the panel. The RRB hasn't published a numerical cut-off for these notices; the Constable panel lists only roll numbers.

The fixed figures are the minimum pass marks (35 per cent for UR, EWS and OBC, 30 for SC and ST) and the 10 times shortlist for the PET. In 2024 that meant roughly forty thousand Constable and four and a half thousand Sub-Inspector candidates at the physical stage. Results and panels appear on the RRB websites under Exam Results and Selection List.

• Check the medical bars first. Glasses, flat foot, knock knee, squint and colour blindness rule you out, and the medical comes last, about two years in.
• Check height and chest against the PMT table.
• Weight General Awareness. It's 50 of 120 marks; splitting time equally under-prepares it by a third.
• Work at 45 seconds a question. The paper isn't hard, it's fast.
• Don't guess blind. Three wrong answers cancel one right one.
• Train for the run separately, and keep training after the CBT. You get one chance, and last time the PET was nine months after the CBT.
• Practise visual memory, discriminating observation and spatial questions. They're named in the syllabus and thinly covered in reasoning books.
• Use the Mock Test Link the RRBs publish before the CBT to see the interface.
• Check any practice set: 120 questions, 90 minutes, General Awareness 50, one third penalty. Material sold as "RPSF" is really RPF Constable or SI material.

No previous year papers or answer keys are available for the RPF Constable and SI exams. The CENs provide for neither.

The RRBs do post a Mock Test Link on the real CBT platform shortly before each exam, on the RRB websites, along with each cycle's notices, FAQs and panels.

• RRB websites: every RPF notice, under Notification, Exam Schedule, E-Call Letters, Mock Test Link, Exam Results, Document Verification and Selection List
• CEN RPF 02/2024, Constable (Executive)
• CEN RPF 01/2024, Sub-Inspector (Executive)
• Constable panel, 16 February 2026
• oirms-ir.gov.in/rrbdv: photo and signature upload before DV

Is there a separate RPSF examination?

No. You apply to an RPF notice for Constable or Sub-Inspector and are allotted to a Zone or the RPSF after the panel. You don't choose.

What were the last notices?

CEN RPF 02/2024 (Constable), 4,208 vacancies, and CEN RPF 01/2024 (Sub-Inspector), 452 vacancies, both 14 April 2024.

What qualification and age?

10th pass and 18 to 28 for Constable; graduate and 20 to 28 for Sub-Inspector, on 1 July 2024.

Is there negative marking?

Yes, one third of a mark per wrong answer, not 0.25.

Do the PET and PMT carry marks?

No. They're qualifying only.

Can I wear glasses?

No. Glasses bar appointment, as do flat foot, knock knee, squint and colour blindness.

Can persons with disabilities apply?

No. The posts aren't identified as suitable.

Does being empanelled mean I have the job?

No. You still need the medical, allotment and training, and must pass the final exam after training.

How long does it take?

The last Constable cycle took twenty-two months from notice to panel, before training.

What is the fee?

₹500, with ₹400 back if you sit the CBT; ₹250 for SC, ST, ex-servicemen, women, minorities and EBC, all refunded if you sit.