Preparing for the RPF SI Exam 2026? Access our detailed guide to the official syllabus, exam pattern, marking criteria, and essential subject-wise topics to streamline your study plan.
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) manages the highly competitive RPF Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment process. To secure a position in the Railway Protection Force, candidates must adopt a strategic preparation approach. This article provides a deep dive into the 2026 syllabus, exam pattern, and scoring scheme to help you maximize your performance.
RPF SI Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
The RPF SI Exam 2026 is offered in 15 regional languages to ensure accessibility across India. The selection process for Sub-Inspectors (SI) in the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) consists of four rigorous stages: a Computer-Based Test (CBT), Physical Measurement Test (PMT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and final document verification.
| RPF SI Syllabus 2026-Highlights | |
| Organization | Ministry of Railways |
| Post Name | RPF Sub Inspector (SI) |
| Types of Questions | Objective Type |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Language | 15 |
| Time Duration | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Negative Marking | ⅓ marks |
| Selection Process | Online Test, Physical Measurement Test, Physical Efficiency Test and Document Verification |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Official website | www.indianrailways.gov.in |
RPF SI Selection Process 2026
To be successfully recruited as an RPF Sub-Inspector in 2026, candidates must qualify in the Computer-Based Test, successfully clear the physical standards, and pass the final document verification stage.
- Computer-Based Test: Consists of 120 questions of 120 marks. Check the complete details of the RPF SI syllabus below in the article.
- Physical Measurement Test: The PMT test involves the height and chest measurement of male candidates and height measurement for female candidates
- Physical Efficiency Test: The PET test includes such things as race, high jump, and long jump PET-qualified candidates will be called for the DV test.
- Document Verification: Candidates have to provide original documents in the document verification process.
RPF SI Exam Pattern 2026
- The RPF SI Exam is a graduate-level examination that assesses a candidate’s general intelligence and reasoning, general awareness, and basic math skills.
- The exam takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.
- The RPF SI Exam Pattern 2026 consists of 120 questions in total.
- There is one mark for the RPF SI Exam question.
- Every incorrect response will result in a deduction of 1/3rd mark.
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks |
| Basic Arithmetics | 35 | 35 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
RPF SI Syllabus 2026
The RPF SI selection exam is divided into three core sections: Arithmetic, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness. Candidates should strictly follow this official 2026 syllabus to ensure comprehensive coverage of all testable topics.
RPF SI Syllabus 2026 for General Awareness
The General Awareness section is a high-scoring component worth 50 marks across 50 questions. It covers vital subjects, including Indian History, Art and Culture, Geography, Economics, Polity, the Indian Constitution, Sports, and General Science.
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Art & Culture
- Geography
- Economics
- General Polity
- Indian Constitution
- Sports
- General Science
RPF SI Syllabus 2026 for General Intelligence and Reasoning
The General Intelligence & Reasoning section comprises 35 questions worth 35 marks. Key topics include analogies, spatial visualization, problem-solving, decision-making, visual memory, relationship concepts, and logical analysis. Review the detailed syllabus breakdown below.
- Analogies
- Spatial Visualization
- Spatial Orientation
- Problem-Solving Analysis
- Decision Making
- Visual Memory
- Similarities & Differences
- Discriminating Observation
- Relationship Concepts
- Arithmetical Reasoning
- Classification of Verbal & Figure
- Arithmetic Number Series
- Syllogistic Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Series
- Coding & Decoding
- Statement Conclusion
RPF SI Syllabus 2026 for Arithmetics
The Arithmetic section in the RPF SI Syllabus 2026 features 35 questions. Primary topics include Number Systems, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Averages, Profit and Loss, Interest, Time and Distance, Mensuration, and Data Interpretation through tables and graphs.
- Number Systems
- Whole Numbers
- Decimal and Fractions
- Relationships between Numbers
- Fundamental Arithmetical Operations
- Percentages
- Ratio and Proportion
- Averages
- Interest
- Discount
- Profit and Loss
- Tables and Graphs
- Time and Distance
- Mensuration
RPF SI 2026-Physical Measurement Test
After passing the Phase-1 Computer-Based Test, candidates advance to Phase-2 of the recruitment process. Please note that physical measurement and efficiency criteria differ for male and female candidates; check the specific requirements outlined below.
| RPF SI PMT for Male Candidates | ||
| Categories | Height (in cm) | Chest (in cm) |
| UR/OBC | 165 | 80/85 |
| SC/ST | 160 | 76.2/81.2 |
| Garhwalis, Gorkhas, Marathas, Dogras, Kumaonese, and other categories specified by Govt. | 163 | 80/85 |
| RPF SI PMT for Female Candidates | |
| Categories | Height (in cm) |
| UR/OBC | 157 |
| SC/ST | 152 |
| Garhwalis, Gorkhas, Marathas, Dogras, Kumaonese, and other categories specified by Govt. | 155 |
RPF SI 2026-Physical Efficiency Test
The Physical Efficiency Test (PET) 2026 evaluates your fitness through mandatory events like long jumps, high jumps, and speed runs. Candidates must meet the minimum physical standards to remain eligible for further recruitment stages.
| RPF SI 2026: Physical Efficiency Test | ||
| Category | Males | Females |
| 1600-meter run | Within 6 minutes 30 seconds | — |
| Long Jump | 12 feet | 9 feet |
| High Jump | 3 feet 09 inch | 3 feet |
RPF SI Syllabus 2026- FAQs
Q1. What is the syllabus for RPF SI 2026?
Ans. The comprehensive RPF SI syllabus for 2026 is detailed throughout this guide.
Q2. How much mark does the RPF SI Paper will contain?
Ans. The RPF SI Exam 2026 consists of 120 multiple-choice questions totaling 120 marks.
Q3. Is there any negative marking for RPF SI Exam 2026?
Yes, a negative marking scheme is applicable, where 1/3 of a mark is deducted for every incorrect response.
Also Read:
- RPF Revised Recruitment Rules 2025: New Age Limit, Physical Standards, and SSC Selection Process
- RPF Constable Salary 2025: Pay Scale, In-Hand Salary, Job Profile & Career Growth
- RPF Admit Card 2025: Download Constable Hall Ticket (CEN 02/2024) @ RRB Official Link
- RPF Constable Exam Date 2025 Announced: Schedule for March 2–18
- RPF SI Exam Date 2024 Declared: Check CBT Schedule and Lucknow Exam Rescheduling Updates
- RPF Constable Physical Test 2025: PET & PST Schedule, Requirements & Guidelines