RPF Constable Exam 2026

The RPF Constable 2026 examination is a national-level recruitment drive conducted by the Ministry of Railways to induct capable candidates into the Railway Protection Force. Below are the key highlights:

• Exam Name: Railway Protection Force (RPF) Constable Exam 2026
• Conducting Body: Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) on behalf of the Ministry of Railways
• Exam Level: National
• Mode of Exam: Computer Based Test (CBT)
• Total Vacancies: 4500+ (Tentative)
• Category: Government Job Recruitment

Candidates should keep track of the following tentative schedule for the RPF Constable 2026 cycle:

• Official Notification Release: January 2026
• Online Application Start Date: February 2026
• Last Date to Apply: March 2026
• Admit Card Release: May 2026
• CBT Exam Date: June 2026
• Result Declaration: August 2026
• Physical Efficiency Test (PET): September 2026

The RPF Constable is a position within the Railway Protection Force responsible for protecting railway property, passenger areas, and ensuring the safety of passengers. It is a prestigious central government job that offers a stable career, attractive salary, and various perks within the Indian Railways system.

The full form of RPF is the Railway Protection Force. The 'Constable' refers to the rank of the officer recruited through this specific entry-level examination, which is one of the most sought-after positions for candidates who have completed their secondary education.

Over the years, the RPF Constable exam has transitioned from a physical-first recruitment to a Computer Based Test (CBT) centric model. The competition has intensified, with millions of applicants vying for a few thousand seats, leading to higher cut-offs and a more comprehensive syllabus focusing on logical reasoning and general awareness.

To be eligible for the RPF Constable 2026 exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Must have passed 10th Standard (SSLC/Matriculation) from a recognized board.
• Age Limit: Minimum 18 years and maximum 28 years (Age relaxation applies for SC/ST/OBC categories).
• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
• Physical Standards: Specific height and chest measurements are required for male and female candidates.

The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official RRB regional website.
2. Click on the 'New Registration' link for RPF 2026.
3. Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and contact info.
4. Upload scanned copies of photograph and signature as per specifications.
5. Pay the application fee (approx. ₹500 for General/OBC and ₹250 for SC/ST/Ex-SM/Female).
6. Submit the form and print the confirmation page.

The CBT examination consists of three main subjects designed to test the candidate's mental and analytical ability:

• General Awareness: 50 Questions
• Arithmetic: 35 Questions
• General Intelligence & Reasoning: 35 Questions

The syllabus for 2026 is comprehensive and covers the following topics:

• General Awareness: Indian History, Art & Culture, Geography, Economics, General Polity, Indian Constitution, Sports, and General Science.
• Arithmetic: Number systems, Decimals and Fractions, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Interest, Profit and Loss, Mensuration, and Time & Distance.
• Reasoning: Analogies, Spatial Visualization, Coding and Decoding, Syllogistic Reasoning, Relationship concepts, and Arithmetical Number Series.

Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for success:

• Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT).
• Duration: 90 Minutes.
• Total Questions: 120.
• Total Marks: 120.
• Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer.
• Negative Marking: 1/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

The selection process consists of four distinct stages:

• Stage I: Computer Based Test (CBT).
• Stage II: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Measurement Test (PMT).
• Stage III: Document Verification (DV).
• Stage IV: Medical Examination.

As this is a recruitment exam for the Ministry of Railways, there are no 'universities' involved. Instead, recruitment is conducted across various Railway Zones including:

• Northern Railway (NR)
• Western Railway (WR)
• Southern Railway (SR)
• Eastern Railway (ER)
• And other regional zones across India.

The results for the RPF Constable 2026 CBT will be published on the official websites of the respective RRBs. The result will be released in the form of a merit list containing the roll numbers of candidates shortlisted for the PET/PMT round.

After the CBT results are announced, shortlisted candidates must prepare for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). This involves a 1600-meter run (for males) or 800-meter run (for females), long jump, and high jump. This stage is qualifying in nature but mandatory for final selection.

In the context of RPF, the 'counselling' process is the Document Verification (DV) stage. Candidates must present original documents such as 10th-grade mark sheets, caste certificates, and identity proofs. Successful verification leads to the final medical check-up and appointment letter issuance.

The cut-off marks vary by zone and category. Factors influencing the 2026 cut-off include:

• Total number of applicants.
• The difficulty level of the CBT exam.
• Zone-wise vacancy distribution.
• Previous year trends (usually ranging between 75-90 marks for General category).

While RPF is primarily handled by RRB, for queries related to any NTA-coordinated components or technical assistance, candidates can contact:

• Official Website: indianrailways.gov.in
• Helpline Number: 1800-111-363 (RRB Helpdesk)
• Email: rrb-help@gov.in
• Address: Railway Recruitment Board, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.