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RPF Sub Inspector 2026

Railway Protection Force, Ministry of Railways

Mode

Online

Level

Graduate

Vacancies

500+

Fee

₹500 (Gen/OBC), ₹0 (SC/ST/Female/Ex-SM)

Key dates

Notification

Jun 2026

Application Deadline

Jul 2026

CBT Exam

Oct 2026

PET / PMT

Dec 2026

Eligibility

  • Graduation from a recognized university in any discipline
  • Age limit: 20 to 28 years for general category; relaxation as per government norms for reserved categories
  • Physical standards: Male — minimum 170 cm height; Female — minimum 157 cm height
  • Good physical fitness and mental health required to pass medical standards
  • Must be a citizen of India with no criminal record

Syllabus

  • General Awareness
  • Arithmetic
  • General Intelligence and Reasoning
  • Current Affairs
  • Basic Computer Knowledge

Exam Pattern

  • Computer-Based Test (CBT): 120 questions in 90 minutes
  • Subjects: General Awareness, Arithmetic, General Intelligence and Reasoning
  • Negative marking: 0.5 mark deducted per wrong answer; higher difficulty level than Constable exam
  • Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Measurement Test (PMT) after CBT
  • Medical Examination as per RPF officer-level standards

Exam overview

RPF Sub Inspector (SI) 2026 is a Group B gazetted officer-level recruitment conducted by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) under the Ministry of Railways. With 500+ vacancies, RPF SI is responsible for supervising Constables, maintaining railway security, and handling law enforcement tasks on Indian Railways. The exam is open to graduates of any discipline and is among the most sought-after uniformed officer roles for fresh graduates seeking a government career with authority and responsibility.

Preparation for RPF SI demands thorough command of General Awareness, Arithmetic, and Reasoning at a higher difficulty level compared to the Constable exam, with more complex questions and current affairs depth. Physical fitness is non-negotiable — candidates must train for the PET alongside exam preparation. The competition is intense given the limited 500+ vacancies versus lakhs of applicants. The selection process from CBT to final medical typically takes 8 to 12 months, and consistent preparation from day one is essential.

Preparation tip

Start with the syllabus topics listed above, then practice timed mock tests and revise previous year questions weekly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility for RPF Sub Inspector 2026?▼
Candidates must hold a graduation degree from a recognized university in any discipline. Age limit is 20 to 28 years for general category, with relaxation for OBC, SC/ST, and other reserved categories as per government norms. Physical standards require minimum 170 cm height for males and 157 cm for females.
What is the salary of RPF Sub Inspector?▼
RPF Sub Inspector is placed at Pay Level 6 with a basic pay of Rs. 35,400 per month. Total in-hand salary including RPF allowances, DA, and HRA ranges from approximately Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 60,000 per month, depending on the posting location.
What is the exam pattern and syllabus for RPF SI 2026?▼
The Computer-Based Test has 120 objective questions to be completed in 90 minutes, covering General Awareness, Arithmetic, and General Intelligence and Reasoning. Negative marking is 0.5 marks per wrong answer. The difficulty level is higher than the RPF Constable exam, with greater emphasis on current affairs and analytical reasoning.
How many attempts are allowed in RPF SI exam?▼
RPF does not specify a maximum number of attempts for Sub Inspector recruitment. Candidates can apply as long as they meet the age eligibility criteria. The upper age limit of 28 years (with relaxations for reserved categories) effectively limits the number of attempts a candidate can make.
What is the RPF SI 2026 notification date?▼
The RPF Sub Inspector 2026 notification is expected in June 2026, with the application window closing in July 2026. The Computer-Based Test is scheduled for October 2026. Candidates should monitor the official RPF website and Indian Railways recruitment portals for the official notification release.