The RPF Sub-Inspector examination is the Railway Recruitment Boards' recruitment of Sub-Inspectors (Executive) for the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF). The most recent notice is CEN No. RPF 01/2024 (SI), issued in April 2024 for 452 posts. Its computer-based test was held in December 2024 and its physical tests in mid-2025.
This guide explains that notice in detail: eligibility, the CBT, the physical standards and the stages, plus what was (and was not) on the RRB website when we checked in October 2026. Use it to prepare for the next notice, which may change any of these rules.
Checked against CEN RPF 01/2024 and RRB notices on the unified RRB website on 9 October 2026.
Is there a new RPF SI notification?
When we checked the RRB website's list of Centralised Employment Notices on 9 October 2026, the only RPF notices were CEN RPF 01/2024 (Sub-Inspector) and CEN RPF 02/2024 (Constable). The 2026 notices were for other railway posts. Treat any "RPF SI 2026 form" as suspect unless the same notice appears on the official RRB website.
Keep preparing
Continue with Document Verification Checklist – Central and Defence Recruitment₹299 — coaching के एक महीने से काफ़ी सस्ता / far cheaper than a month of coachingThe last notice at a glance
| Item | CEN RPF 01/2024 (SI) |
|---|---|
| Post | Sub-Inspector (Executive), RPF and RPSF |
| Vacancies | 452 (all RRBs) |
| Pay | Level 6 of the 7th CPC, initial pay ₹35,400 |
| Medical standard | B-1 |
| Education | Graduate from a recognised university |
| Age | 20 to 28 years on 1 July 2024 (normally 20–25; the extra 3 years were a one-time Covid-19 relaxation) |
| Applications | 15 April to 14 May 2024 |
| Fee | ₹500 (₹400 refunded after appearing in the CBT); ₹250 for SC, ST, ex-servicemen, female, minority and Economically Backward Class candidates (refunded after appearing in the CBT) |
Upper-age relaxation in the notice included 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates, with other categories listed.
The computer-based test
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 35 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 |
| General Awareness | 50 |
| Total | 120 questions, 120 marks, 90 minutes |
- One mark per correct answer; one-third of a mark deducted for each wrong answer.
- Marks are normalised across shifts.
- Minimum pass percentage: 35% for UR, EWS and OBC-NCL candidates, 30% for SC and ST.
Shortlisting for the physical tests and document verification was by merit in the CBT, category-wise, for male, female and ex-servicemen candidates.
Worked example: CBT scoring
Illustrative only. You attempt 105 questions: 84 right and 21 wrong.
- 84 − (21 × 1/3) = 84 − 7 = 77 out of 120
- The 35% line is 0.35 × 120 = 42; the 30% line is 36.
Clearing the minimum keeps you in contention; your merit position within your category decides whether you are called for the physical tests.
Physical tests
The Physical Efficiency Test in the SI notice:
| Event | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Run | 1,600 m in 6 min 30 s | 800 m in 4 min |
| Long jump | 12 ft | 9 ft |
| High jump | 3 ft 9 in | 3 ft |
The Physical Measurement Test:
| Category | Height (men) | Height (women) | Chest, men only (unexpanded / expanded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR / EWS / OBC | 165 cm | 157 cm | 80 / 85 cm |
| SC / ST | 160 cm | 152 cm | 76.2 / 81.2 cm |
The notice allows one attempt at the run and up to two attempts at each jump. Ex-servicemen are exempt from the PET but must pass the PMT.
Turn the run into training targets
- Men: 6 min 30 s is 390 seconds. Over 1,600 m that is about 24.4 seconds per 100 m, or 97.5 seconds per 400 m lap.
- Women: 4 minutes is 240 seconds. Over 800 m that is 30 seconds per 100 m, or 120 seconds per 400 m lap.
These targets are slower than the constable standard (1,600 m in 5 min 45 s for men), but the jumps still need technique practice. If you are starting from a low base, build up gradually and get advice from a qualified coach or doctor.
How the 2024 SI cycle ran
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications | 15 April to 14 May 2024 |
| CBT | 2, 3, 9, 12 and 13 December 2024 |
| PET, PMT and document verification | Tentatively 22 June to 2 July 2025, at the Jagjivan Ram RPF Academy, Lucknow |
We did not find a final SI panel among the notices listed for CEN RPF 01/2024 on the RRB Chandigarh page when we checked; candidates in this cycle should follow the RRB through which they applied.
A preparation checklist for the next notice
Graduation certificate and 10th certificate details matching (name, date of birth):
Age on the next notice's reference date, and any relaxation:
Weekly CBT mock: net score after the one-third penalty
General Awareness notes (50 of 120 marks), each dated and sourced
400 m lap time against the target, plus jump practice
Height and chest measured by someone else
Date I last checked the RRB website
For the constable route and its standards, see our RPF Constable guide, and for reading RRB notices generally, our railway recruitment routes guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the qualification for RPF SI?
The 2024 notice required graduation from a recognised university by the closing date. Check the next notice for any change.
Is there negative marking in the RPF SI CBT?
Yes. One-third of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
Does the RRB appoint selected candidates?
The RPF notices state that the RRB only recommends suitable candidates to the competent authority, which then directs them for training subject to medical fitness and eligibility.