How to Become a Railway Police Constable – Eligibility, Exam & Selection Process

For those that desire to contribute to their country by being a part of the Indian Railways, as well as this field interest you, the job of Railway Police Constable is one of the greatest Railway Jobs one can think of. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has a very important task to protect the passengers, the railway stations, and the railway properties and is therefore seen as the lifeline of Indian Railways. This prestigious position does not come with just a good salary but also with the chance of being promoted in the government sector. If you are interested in the job and you have the right qualifications, then this is the positive career step.

Eligibility Criteria for RPF Constable

Before applying for any recruitment notification, it is essential to confirm you meet all eligibility parameters.

Educational Qualification

• Upon application, candidates must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or an equivalent qualification from a recognised body.
• Candidates may (but do not need to) possess a higher qualification (12th grade or graduation)

Age Limit: 18 to 28 years, which is relaxable by up to 5 years for SC/ST candidates, up to 3 years for OBC candidates, and additional relaxation for specific categories such as ex-servicemen.

Physical Requirements

For Male Candidates:

• Height: 165 cm (for General and OBC and EWS), 160 cm (for SC/ST)
• Chest size: 80 cm (unexpanded and a minimum expansion of 5 cm)

For Female Candidates:

• Height: 157 cm (for General and OBC and EWS), 152 cm (for SC/ST)

Candidates must also be physically fit and medically sound for field duties.

Medical Provision: Candidates must be medically fit, without any eye or body impairments, such as colour blindness, flat feet, or knock-knees.

RPF Constable Selection Process

The process of recruitment is executed by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) or RPF and is done anywhere in the country. Several steps are involved in the selection process.

Step 1: Online Application

Candidates are required to go to the official RPF website to find the registration link and open and fill in all the sections with their own personal data, relevant educational qualification, category certificates, and payment of the test fee.

Step 2: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

The first stage of evaluations is CBT. CBT will be objective multiple choice type tests on the same day across the centers. The language of the test would be in English, Hindi, or other languages. The test will consist of 120 questions of one mark each. The total 90 minutes will be given to complete the test. The questions will be of objective type with multiple answers.

Exam Structure:

• Total Questions: 120
• Marks: 120
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Negative marking:33 for each wrong answer

Sections Covered:

• General Awareness – 50 questions
• Arithmetic – 35 questions
• General Intelligence and Reasoning – 35 questions

Step 3: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Measurement Test (PMT)

The candidates that are declared qualified will have to clear the Physical Efficiency Test and Physical Measurement Test that will be conducted on the same day, the first day of the test. Tests for different grounds and facilities will be held simultaneously and the candidates will be scheduled for the tests as they report at the examination center.

PET Standards:

For Males:

• 1600m race in 5 min 45 sec
• Long jump: 14 feet
• High jump: 4 feet

For Females:

• 800m race in 3 min 40 sec
• Long jump: 9 feet
• High jump: 3 feet

The tests are of a qualifying nature and no marks are awarded for them.

Step 4: Document Verification

Candidates who meet the criteria must submit genuine documents that include proof of age, educational certificates, and an identity certificate.

Step 5: Medical Examination

The firm belief is that the medical examination is one of the most stringent among all other checks and balances, and the goal is not only to identify serious weaknesses but also to set a maximum limit on minor ones, which together may render the person unsuitable for railway duties.

How to Prepare for the RPF Constable Exam

It depends on the person’s physical condition and mental state whether one can secure one of the highly esteemed railway jobs, and it is not the least that a person is going to become one unless a great deal of effort and dedication are applied.

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Focus on the same topics that have the highest chances of arising and questions that have been asked in the past five years, and incorporate them into your overall plan.
2. Build Physical Fitness: PET can successfully overcome the hurdles of chronology if uphill runs, acceleration, and powerful exercises are part of your everyday life. To steer clear of injury, include yoga or stretching in your regimen.
3. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: According to newspapers, television, or internet sources, being a usual and well-informed follower of the happenings in the rail industry can end up enhancing the “General Awareness” score greatly.
4. Mock Test Preparation: When you go through online examinations, you can notice that there will be questions that you could have answered much faster and even with less effort, provided you had had more time.

Career Growth & Promotions

The recruitment of constables, both male and female, in the Railway Protection Force (RPF) is the initial step in the hiring process. Like every other profession, the railways have a hierarchy, and with hard work and experience, you can rise to the top.

Salary and Perks

The monthly salary of an RPF Constable is approximately ₹21,700 according to the 7th Pay Commission standard, plus such emoluments as transport, housing, medical care and so on.

Benefits consist of:

• Allowances for dearness and travel
• Medical benefits and insurance
• Retirement pension and pension benefits
• Train travel privileges (at no cost or discounted fare) for employees and dependents

These are what make it one of the best jobs in the railway sector in India.

Conclusion