The Railway Protection Force (RPF) recruitment for Sub-Inspector (SI) and Constable posts is one of the most awaited hiring drives for aspirants aiming for a uniformed career in Indian Railways. As of today, 3 July 2026, no fresh application window is open, but a new RPF Constable & SI Recruitment 2026 cycle is widely anticipated in the coming months. Kindly note that, going forward, the recruitment is expected to be conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), marking a shift from the earlier Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) process. Interested aspirants are advised to start preparing now so that they are exam-ready the moment the official notification is released.
Overview
| Recruiting Body | Railway Protection Force (RPF) / RPSF, Ministry of Railways (via SSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Sub-Inspector (Executive) & Constable (Executive) |
| Category | Railway Jobs / Defence & Police |
| Total Vacancies | Expected 5,000+ (to be confirmed; previous CEN 01/2024 & 02/2024 cycle had 4,660 posts) |
| Job Location | All India (various Railway Zones) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | rpf.indianrailways.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Expected 2026 (after SSC 2026-27 calendar) |
| Application Start Date | To be announced (Expected) |
| Last Date to Apply | To be announced (Expected) |
| CBT Exam Date | To be announced (Expected) |
| Admit Card | Expected 10-15 days before exam |
Candidates are advised to treat the above as tentative. Confirmed dates will be published in the official notification.
Vacancy Details
The exact vacancy break-up for the 2026 cycle will be declared in the official notification. Based on the previous cycle (CEN 01/2024 for Constable and CEN 02/2024 for Sub-Inspector), a total of 4,660 posts were advertised — 4,208 for Constable and 452 for Sub-Inspector. For the upcoming cycle, various coaching and news portals expect a larger drive of around 5,000 or more Constable posts, though this figure is unconfirmed and must be treated as an estimate based on the previous cycle. As per the earlier norms, 15% of vacancies in each post are reserved for women candidates, and reservation for SC/ST/OBC/EWS applies as per government rules. The final zone-wise and category-wise distribution will be shared once the notification is out.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
For the post of Constable, candidates must have passed Class 10th (Matriculation) or its equivalent from a recognised board. For the post of Sub-Inspector, a Bachelor’s degree (graduation) in any discipline from a recognised university is required. Candidates in the final year may check the official notification for cut-off dates regarding qualification.
Age Limit
As per the previous notification, the age limit was approximately:
- Constable: 18 to 25 years
- Sub-Inspector: 20 to 25 years
Age is calculated as on the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification. Age relaxation is provided as per government rules — 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and additional relaxation for ex-servicemen and other reserved categories. The exact upper age and cut-off date will be confirmed in the RPF 2026 notification.
Application Fee
As per the previous cycle, the application fee structure was as follows (subject to revision in the 2026 notification):
- General / OBC / EWS: Rs 500 (of which Rs 400 is refunded after appearing in the CBT, less bank charges)
- SC / ST / Female / Ex-Servicemen / Minorities / Economically Backward: Rs 250 (refunded after appearing in the CBT, less bank charges)
The fee is to be paid online. Candidates are advised to verify the exact amount and refund policy from the official notification before making payment.
Salary / Pay Scale
Selected candidates will draw an attractive salary as per the 7th Pay Commission:
- Constable: Pay Level 3, basic pay starting at Rs 21,700 per month
- Sub-Inspector: Pay Level 6, basic pay starting at Rs 35,400 per month
In addition to basic pay, employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, and other benefits as admissible under railway service rules. Along with a stable career, candidates also enjoy job security, promotions, and pension benefits.
Selection Process
The RPF selection process for both Constable and Sub-Inspector is conducted in the following stages:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT): An objective online examination.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Measurement Test (PMT): To assess physical fitness and body measurements.
- Document Verification (DV): Verification of original certificates and eligibility.
Candidates must qualify each stage to move to the next. Final selection is based on merit in the CBT along with clearing PET/PMT and DV.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus Highlights
As per the previous notification, the CBT pattern for both posts is broadly similar:
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 |
| Arithmetic | 35 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 |
| Total | 120 questions / 120 marks |
The CBT duration is 90 minutes, with +1 mark for each correct answer and a negative marking of 1/3 mark for each wrong answer. The syllabus covers current affairs, Indian history, geography, polity, economy, general science, simple arithmetic (number system, percentage, ratio, average, time and work), and reasoning (analogies, series, coding-decoding, logical puzzles).
For the PET (Constable), the indicative standards are: male candidates — 1600 metre run, long jump 14 feet, high jump 4 feet; female candidates — 800 metre run, long jump 9 feet, high jump 3 feet. For PMT, the height requirement is 165 cm (UR/OBC) and 160 cm (SC/ST) for males, with a chest of 80-85 cm for males. Exact standards for each category and for SI will be specified in the notification.
How to Apply Online
- Wait for the official RPF/SSC notification to be released and read it carefully.
- Visit the official website and register with your basic details to generate login credentials.
- Fill the online application form with personal, educational, and category details.
- Upload a scanned photograph, signature, and required documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee online through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
- Submit the form, and download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
- Apply through the official portal only: rpf.indianrailways.gov.in
Admit Card & Result
The admit card (call letter) for the CBT is expected to be released online approximately 10 to 15 days before the examination date. Candidates will be able to download it using their registration number and password from the official website. The admit card must be carried to the exam centre along with a valid photo ID. The result will be declared stage-wise — first the CBT result and shortlist for PET/PMT, followed by the final merit list after Document Verification. All results and updates will be published on the official website, and candidates are advised to check it regularly.
Preparation Tips & Document Checklist
Since the notification is expected soon, this is the ideal time to prepare. Interested aspirants should focus on building a strong foundation in general awareness through daily current affairs, practise arithmetic and reasoning through previous year papers and mock tests, and simultaneously work on physical fitness — especially running, long jump, and high jump — to clear the PET comfortably. A disciplined study routine of 4-5 hours daily can make a significant difference.
Document Checklist: Class 10th/graduation certificate and marksheet, date-of-birth proof, category/caste certificate (if applicable), EWS certificate (if applicable), Aadhaar or valid photo ID, recent passport-size photographs, and a scanned signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the RPF Constable & SI 2026 notification come?
The official notification is expected to be released in 2026, most likely after the SSC publishes its 2026-27 examination calendar. No confirmed date has been announced yet, so candidates are advised to monitor the official website.
Who will conduct the RPF recruitment in 2026?
As per current reports, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is expected to conduct the RPF Constable and SI recruitment, replacing the earlier RRB-led process. The final process will be confirmed in the official notification.
What is the educational qualification for RPF Constable and SI?
For Constable, Class 10th (Matriculation) pass is required. For Sub-Inspector, a Bachelor’s degree (graduation) in any discipline from a recognised university is required.
What is the salary of an RPF Constable and SI?
An RPF Constable draws pay at Level 3 starting from Rs 21,700, while a Sub-Inspector draws pay at Level 6 starting from Rs 35,400 per month, plus applicable allowances.
How many vacancies are expected in RPF 2026?
The exact number will be confirmed in the notification. Based on the previous cycle of 4,660 posts, a larger drive of 5,000 or more is expected, but this figure is unconfirmed.
Important Links
Official Website / Apply Online
Disclaimer: The information provided above is for general guidance only and is based on previous cycles and available reports. Details such as vacancies, dates, eligibility, and fee are tentative and subject to change. Candidates are strongly advised to verify all information from the official website before applying.