RPF Constable Exam – What You Need to Know

If you’re eyeing a job with the Railway Protection Force, the first step is understanding the Constable Exam. It’s a two‑stage test that measures your basic knowledge and physical fitness. Knowing the dates, eligibility rules and syllabus up front saves you time and stress.

Who Can Apply?

The RPF constable post is open to Indian citizens who are at least 18 years old but not older than 28 (or 32 for OBC/SC/ST candidates). You need a 10+2 qualification from a recognized board. A clean conduct certificate and a valid medical fitness report are also mandatory. Keep a copy of your birth certificate and academic marks ready – they’ll be asked for during the application.

Exam Pattern at a Glance

The written test is a computer‑based exam with 100 multiple‑choice questions. You get 90 minutes to finish it. Questions are divided into three sections: General Awareness, Mathematics, and Reasoning. Each correct answer gives you one mark, while there is no negative marking. To clear the exam you usually need at least 50‑55% in each section.

After clearing the written part, you face a physical endurance test (PET). It includes a 100‑meter sprint, a 10‑kilometer run, a shot‑put, and a rope‑climbing test. The PET is tough, so start training early. You’ll also have a document verification round where your educational and age proofs are checked.

Key Topics to Study

Here’s a quick list of subjects you should cover:

• General Awareness – current affairs, Indian history, geography, and basic science.
• Mathematics – percentages, ratio‑proportion, simplification, and basic algebra.
• Reasoning – coding‑decoding, series, puzzles, and data interpretation.

Focus on NCERT Class 10 textbooks for basics, then move to RPF‑specific preparation books. Online mock tests are great for timing yourself.

Study Plan That Works

Break your preparation into three phases. First, finish the syllabus in 4‑5 weeks by reading one chapter a day. Second, solve previous year papers and take timed mock exams for two weeks. Finally, spend the last week revising weak areas and doing quick revisions.

Don’t ignore physical training. Run three times a week, practice sprint drills, and do strength exercises for the shot‑put and rope climb. A balanced diet with protein and hydration will keep your energy up.

Resources You Can Trust

Use these free or low‑cost tools:

• Official RPF notification on the Railway Board website – for exact dates and cut‑offs.
• Current affairs apps or a daily newspaper – keep a notebook for important events.
• YouTube channels that explain reasoning tricks in under 5 minutes.
• Online test platforms like Testbook or Olivetree for mock exams.

Join a study group on WhatsApp or Telegram. Sharing notes and quiz questions keeps motivation high.

Day‑of‑Exam Checklist

Wake up early, have a light breakfast, and carry your admit card, photo ID, and two recent passport‑size photos. Reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the gate opens. Keep a bottle of water and a small snack in case you need a quick energy boost.

Stay calm, read each question carefully, and remember there’s no negative marking – it’s better to guess than to leave a question blank.

After the Exam

Results are usually announced on the official website within a month. If you clear the written test, you’ll get a call for the PET and document verification. Keep checking your email and phone for updates. If you miss the cut‑off, analyse your mock scores, identify gaps, and try again next cycle.With the right plan and steady practice, the RPF Constable Exam can be a realistic target. Start today, stay consistent, and you’ll increase your chances of joining the Railway Protection Force.