RPF Constable 2026 –
Notification, Syllabus, PET/PMT & Complete Guide
2024 cycle (4,208 vacancies) is in final PET/PMT stage as of 2026. A fresh RPF Constable notification is expected in second half 2026. 10th pass eligible. Railway security career with job security and steady pay.
1. What is RPF Constable 2026?
RPF Constable 2026 Notification: To Be Notified
The 2024 cycle (CEN RPF-01/2024) PET/PMT is ongoing. A fresh 2026 cycle notification has not been released yet. Expected in the second half of 2026. Bookmark rpf.indianrailways.gov.in and start preparation now — this is your best head start.
RPF Constable is a Group C central government post under the Railway Protection Force (RPF), which functions under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. The RPF is responsible for protecting railway property, passengers, and ensuring safety on the vast Indian Railways network — one of the largest in the world.
Recruitment is done through a national-level Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by a mandatory Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Measurement Test (PMT). The exam is open to candidates who have cleared Class 10th — making it one of the most accessible central government jobs in India.
Selected constables are posted at railway stations, trains, goods yards, and RPF barracks across all 18 railway zones. The job comes with Grade Pay Level 3 (₹21,700 – ₹69,100), government quarters, uniform allowance, CGHS medical coverage, and pension under NPS.
2. 📅 Important Dates – RPF Constable 2024–2026
The 2024 cycle CBT result was declared on 26 February 2026 and PET/PMT is currently underway. The next fresh cycle is expected later in 2026. 💡 Key update: If you missed the 2024 cycle, now is the ideal time to prepare — competition is predictably high but consistent preparation pays off.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| RPF Constable 2024 Notification Released (CEN RPF-01/2024) | 15 April 2024 | ✓ Done |
| Online Application Window Open | 15 April – 14 May 2024 | ✓ Done |
| CBT Exam Conducted (Phase 1) | 2–4 March 2025 | ✓ Done |
| CBT Exam Conducted (Phase 2) | 14 April – 3 May 2025 | ✓ Done |
| CBT Provisional Answer Key Released | May 2025 | ✓ Done |
| CBT Result / Merit List Declared | 26 February 2026 | ✓ Done |
| PET / PMT Physical Tests (Ongoing) | March – June 2026 | ✓ Done |
| Document Verification & Medical Examination | June – August 2026 (TBN) | TBN |
| Final Appointment & Joining | August – October 2026 (TBN) | TBN |
| 💡 RPF Constable 2026 New Notification (Expected) | Second Half 2026 (TBN) | 🔔 Upcoming |
⚠️ TBN = To Be Notified. Always verify on rpf.indianrailways.gov.in before taking any action.
3. 🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Must have passed Class 10th (Matriculation) or equivalent examination from a recognised board. Higher qualifications are also acceptable — graduates and above can apply.
Age Limit
Nationality
Must be a citizen of India. Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan and Tibetan refugees who settled in India before 1 January 1962 may also apply as per Government of India rules with a certificate of eligibility.
Physical Requirements
Candidates must be physically fit and able to pass the PET (running, long jump, high jump) and PMT (height, chest, weight, vision). See Section 8 for detailed standards. Ex-servicemen are exempted from PET but must clear PMT.
4. 💰 Vacancies & Recruitment History
RPF Constable recruitment is irregular — new cycles are notified every 3–5 years with vacancy counts varying widely. The 2024 cycle had 4,208 vacancies across General (armed) and Para (band) categories.
| Recruitment Cycle | Posts | Vacancies | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 (CEN 01/2018) | Constable (General + Para) | ~9,739 | Completed |
| 2019 (CEN 01/2019) | Constable (General) | ~3,688 | Completed |
| 2024 (CEN 01/2024) | Constable (General + Para) | 4,208 | PET/PMT Stage (2026) |
| 2026 (Expected) | Constable (New Cycle) | TBN | Notification Awaited |
💡 Vacancy insight: RPF Constable vacancies fluctuate based on Ministry of Railways staffing needs. Historically, each cycle sees 3,000–10,000 vacancies. With the Indian Railways expanding, demand for RPF personnel remains consistently high. The 2024 cycle also included RPSF (Railway Protection Special Force) posts.
5. 📋 Selection Process
120 objective-type questions (120 marks, 90 minutes). Sections: General Awareness (50), Arithmetic (35), Reasoning (35). Negative marking of 1/3 mark per wrong answer. Exam is bilingual — English and Hindi.
Running, Long Jump, and High Jump events. Standards vary by gender and category. Qualifying in nature — no marks awarded. Failing PET means disqualification regardless of CBT score. Ex-servicemen are exempted.
Height, chest (for males), and weight measurement. Vision test including colour blindness (Ishihara chart) screening. Qualifying only. Candidates not meeting standards are rejected at this stage.
Original documents verified — 10th marksheet, category certificate (OBC/SC/ST), age proof, domicile, etc. Candidates must carry all originals and attested copies.
Detailed medical examination by a Railway Medical Officer. Must meet RPF medical fitness standards. Final selection is subject to medical fitness clearance.
⚠️ Important: There is NO written Mains exam and NO interview in RPF Constable recruitment. The final merit list is prepared solely on the basis of CBT marks (after PET/PMT/DV/Medical clearances). Higher CBT score = better posting preference.
6. 🖥️ Exam Pattern – CBT
| Section | Questions | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | −1/3 per wrong |
| Arithmetic (Maths) | 35 | 35 | −1/3 per wrong |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 | −1/3 per wrong |
| Total | 120 | 120 | 1 mark each |
The CBT is conducted in bilingual mode (English & Hindi) on a computer. The difficulty level is moderate — Class 10 to Class 12 standard for Maths and Reasoning, with GK requiring current affairs awareness.
7. 📖 Detailed Syllabus 2026
General Awareness
50 questions- →Current Affairs – National & International (last 12 months)
- →Indian History – Ancient, Medieval, Modern & Freedom Struggle
- →Indian Geography – Rivers, Climate, States, National Parks
- →Indian Polity – Constitution, Parliament, President, Fundamental Rights
- →Indian Economy – Budget basics, Five Year Plans, Banking & RBI
- →Science & Technology – Space, Defence, IT (ISRO, DRDO launches)
- →Railways – History of Indian Railways, Zones, Terminology
- →Sports – Major tournaments, Olympic & Commonwealth medals (India)
- →Books, Authors & Awards – Padma, Bharat Ratna, Nobel Prize winners
- →Important Days & Schemes – National & International days, PM schemes
- →Static GK – Capitals, Currencies, UN agencies, Dams & Rivers
Arithmetic (Maths)
35 questions- →Number System – Integers, Fractions, HCF, LCM, BODMAS
- →Decimal & Percentage
- →Ratio & Proportion, Average
- →Profit & Loss, Discount
- →Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- →Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns
- →Time, Speed & Distance (Trains, Boats)
- →Mensuration – Area, Perimeter, Volume (2D & 3D)
- →Basic Algebra – Linear equations (2 variables)
- →Data Interpretation – Tables, Bar Charts, Pie Charts
General Intelligence & Reasoning
35 questions- →Analogies – Verbal & Non-Verbal
- →Number & Letter Series
- →Coding-Decoding
- →Blood Relations & Family Tree
- →Direction & Distance
- →Odd One Out / Classification
- →Syllogisms & Logical Conclusions
- →Sitting Arrangement (Linear & Circular)
- →Ranking & Order
- →Matrix & Venn Diagrams
- →Statement & Conclusion / Assumption
- →Embedded & Mirror Figures (Non-verbal)
8. 🏃 PET / PMT Physical Standards
PET/PMT is purely qualifying — passing does not add any marks to your score. But failing means immediate disqualification, even if you topped the CBT. Take physical preparation as seriously as the written exam.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Standards
| Event | Qualifying Standard | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| 1600 m Run | Must complete in 5 min 45 sec | Qualifying |
| Long Jump | 14 feet (4.27 m) — 3 chances | Qualifying |
| High Jump | 3 feet 9 inches (1.14 m) — 3 chances | Qualifying |
| Event | Qualifying Standard | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| 1600 m Run | Must complete in 6 min 15 sec | Qualifying |
| Long Jump | 14 feet (4.27 m) — 3 chances | Qualifying |
| High Jump | 3 feet 9 inches (1.14 m) — 3 chances | Qualifying |
| Event | Qualifying Standard | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| 800 m Run | Must complete in 3 min 40 sec | Qualifying |
| Long Jump | 9 feet (2.74 m) — 3 chances | Qualifying |
| High Jump | 3 feet (0.91 m) — 3 chances | Qualifying |
| Event | Qualifying Standard | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| 800 m Run | Must complete in 4 min 00 sec | Qualifying |
| Long Jump | 9 feet (2.74 m) — 3 chances | Qualifying |
| High Jump | 3 feet (0.91 m) — 3 chances | Qualifying |
Physical Measurement Test (PMT) Standards
| Attribute | Standard |
|---|---|
| Height (Male – General / OBC / SC / ST) | 165 cm (Hilly / ST: 160 cm) |
| Height (Female – General / OBC / SC / ST) | 157 cm (Hilly / ST: 152 cm) |
| Chest (Male – Unexpanded) | 80 cm (Hilly / ST: 76 cm) |
| Chest (Male – Expanded) | 85 cm (Hilly / ST: 81 cm) — min. 5 cm expansion |
| Weight (Female) | Proportionate to height & age |
| Vision – Distant (With correction) | 6/12 both eyes, or 6/9 one eye & 6/12 other |
| Colour Blindness | Not permitted — must pass Ishihara chart |
* Hilly area candidates (Garhwal, Kumaon, Himachal, Gorkha, Dogra, Marathas, Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam, Cachar Hills, Ladakh, Kashmir) get relaxed height and chest measurements. Confirm exact standards in the official notification.
9. 💰 Salary & Benefits
Additional Benefits & Perks
- ✓Free/subsidised railway travel passes (self + family)
- ✓CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) medical coverage
- ✓Government accommodation / railway quarters (where available)
- ✓Annual leave, sick leave, and casual leave entitlements
- ✓Uniform and kit maintenance allowance
- ✓National Pension System (NPS) — employer contributes 14%
- ✓Group insurance under CGEGIS
- ✓Promotion: Constable → Head Constable → ASI → SI
10. 🗓️ 4-Month Study Plan for RPF Constable 2026
NCERT Maths 6th–10th for Arithmetic basics. Start Reasoning with R.S. Aggarwal — cover series, coding, blood relations. Read one newspaper/day. Complete Lucent GK — History & Polity chapters. Practice 30 MCQs daily.
Cover all Arithmetic topics (Time & Work, Ratio, Profit & Loss, SI/CI). Reasoning: arrangements, syllogisms, direction sense. GK: Geography, Economy, Railway-specific GK, Science. Practice 60 MCQs daily mixing all sections.
Give one full 120-question mock test every 2 days (90 min each). Review errors the same day. Track per-section accuracy. Target: 90+ correct with <5 wrong. Tighten weak topics. Focus on speed — aim for 45 sec/question average.
Daily physical training: 1600m run, long jump, high jump practice (run training 6 weeks before PET). Revise formulas, GK capsule, current affairs. Final mocks — target 100+ correct. Stay calm before CBT.
💡 Physical Prep Note: Start your 1600m run training in parallel from Month 1 itself. Running fitness takes 6–8 weeks of consistent effort to build. Do not wait for the CBT result — if you pass CBT, you will need to be PET-ready within weeks.
11. 📚 Best Books for RPF Constable 2026
| Subject | Book Title | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent PublicationsBuy |
| Arithmetic | Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma (Arihant)Buy |
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. AggarwalBuy |
| All Subjects (PYQs) | RPF Constable & SI Chapterwise Solved Papers | Kiran Prakashan |
| Railways GK | Railway General Awareness | Arihant Experts |
🆓 Free preparation resources are also available on YouTube. Search for "RPF Constable 2026 preparation" — channels like Khan GS Research Centre, Adda247 Hindi, and Wifistudy have free lectures covering all sections.
12. 💡 Expert Preparation Tips
RPF Constable has 50 GK questions out of 120 total. This is the highest-weightage section. Most candidates score low here because they ignore Railways-specific GK (zones, history, terminology). Build a dedicated notes sheet for railway facts.
Each wrong answer costs you 1/3 marks. With 120 questions at 1 mark each, a single wrong answer cancels 3 correct ones. If you are less than 60% sure of an answer, skip it. Target 90–100 correct answers, not 120 attempts.
PET and PMT are purely qualifying — no marks, just pass/fail. But failing PET means disqualification even after cracking the written test. Start your 1600m (or 800m) running training at least 6–8 weeks before the PET date. Do not wait for the result.
Most Reasoning questions in RPF Constable are at Class 8–10 difficulty. With focused practice, you can score 30–35 out of 35 in this section. This makes Reasoning your safety net — practice 30 questions daily for at least 30 days.
RPF Constable does not ask advanced Maths. Focus on: Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, SI/CI, Ratio & Proportion, and DI. These 6 topic clusters cover 25+ of the 35 questions in every paper. Do not waste time on Geometry or Trigonometry.
RPF Constable 2018 and 2024 papers are now publicly available (Kiran Prakashan compiles them). Solving these under 90-minute timed conditions gives you the exact feel of the real exam and reveals the actual difficulty level, which is moderate-to-easy.
13. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
As of May 2026, a new RPF Constable 2026 notification has not been officially released. The 2024 cycle (CEN RPF-01/2024) is in its final stages — PET/PMT is ongoing. A fresh notification for the next cycle is expected in the second half of 2026. Monitor rpf.indianrailways.gov.in for updates.
The minimum educational qualification is passing Class 10th (Matriculation or equivalent) from any recognised board. Graduates are also eligible. There is no subject or stream restriction.
The general age limit is 18–25 years. OBC candidates get +3 years (18–28), SC/ST candidates get +5 years (18–30), and ex-servicemen get relaxation as per Government of India norms. Age is calculated as on the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification.
The CBT consists of 120 objective-type questions for 120 marks, to be solved in 90 minutes. The three sections are: General Awareness (50 questions), Arithmetic (35 questions), and General Intelligence & Reasoning (35 questions). Each correct answer gives 1 mark, each wrong answer deducts 1/3 mark. The exam is bilingual (English & Hindi) and taken on a computer.
For General/OBC/SC male candidates: complete 1600m run in 5 min 45 sec, long jump minimum 14 feet (3 chances), and high jump minimum 3 feet 9 inches (3 chances). ST male candidates get a relaxed run time of 6 min 15 sec. All three events are qualifying — failing any one disqualifies the candidate.