RPF Recruitment 2026 brings a massive opportunity with 5500+ expected vacancies for Constable and SI posts. Check new physical rules, age limit, exam pattern, and official updates.
Will RPF constable vacancy come in 2025?
RPF Recruitment 2026 is one of the most awaited government job opportunities for railway and defense aspirants. Many students are confused due to rumors that the recruitment will be conducted by SSC or merged with SSC GD. Let us clear this confusion once and for all.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) recruitment will be conducted by Railway itself, not by SSC. The only major change is related to physical standards, which will now be similar to CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces).
This blog gives you clear, accurate, and simple information about RPF Constable and SI Recruitment 2026, including vacancies, age limit, height, exam pattern, and expected dates.
RPF Recruitment 2026 – Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Protection Force (RPF) |
| Posts | Constable & Sub-Inspector (SI) |
| Expected Vacancies | 5500+ |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Selection Process | CBT → Physical Test → Document Verification |
| Notification Date | Expected February 2026 |
| Job Location | All India |
What is the selection process for RPF 2025?
: SSC Has No Role
Many YouTube channels and social media posts claim that RPF recruitment will be done by SSC GD. This is completely false.
✔ SSC is not conducting RPF recruitment
✔ RPF exam is separate
✔ Only physical standards are updated as per CAPF
✔ Exam pattern remains same as before
So, remove this confusion from your mind and focus on preparation.
New Physical Standards (As Per Gazette Notification)
The Railway Board has issued a gazette notification changing physical criteria only.
Height Requirement (Updated)
| Category | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Constable | 170 cm | 157 cm |
| Sub-Inspector | 170 cm | 157 cm |
Special Relaxation:
Candidates below 20 years of age get 2.5 cm height relaxation
➡ Minimum height = 167.5 cm
Chest Measurement (Male Only)
| Normal | Expanded |
|---|---|
| 80 cm | 85 cm |
Age Limit for RPF 2026
| Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Constable | 18 – 23 Years |
| Sub-Inspector | 20 – 25 Years |
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
Educational Qualification
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Constable | 10th Pass |
| Sub-Inspector | Graduation (Any Stream) |
RPF Exam Pattern 2026 (No Change)
The exam pattern is exactly the same as previous recruitment.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| Basic Arithmetic | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
- Time Duration: 90 Minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3 Mark
- Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
Selection Process
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
- Document Verification (DV)
No interview.
Will railway vacancy come in 2025?
Even in the last recruitment (4208 posts), the cut-off did not go very high because:
- Most students prepare online
- Lack of consistency
- Distractions like reels and short videos
If you stay focused and disciplined, selection is very possible.
Expected Timeline for RPF Recruitment 2026
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Railway Group D Forms End | Feb 2026 |
| RPF Notification | Feb 2026 |
| Online Application Start | Feb–March 2026 |
| CBT Exam | Mid 2026 |
Trend:
RPF forms usually start 10–15 days after Railway Group D last date.
Important Official Links
- Railway Recruitment Board (RRB):
https://www.rrbcdg.gov.in - Indian Railways Official Website:
https://indianrailways.gov.in - Employment News (Govt. Updates):
https://www.employmentnews.gov.in
(Always check official websites only.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will RPF recruitment be conducted by SSC?
No. RPF recruitment is conducted by Railway only. SSC has no role.
2. How many vacancies are expected in RPF 2026?
Around 5500+ vacancies are expected.
3. Has the exam pattern changed?
No. Exam pattern remains the same.
4. What is the new height requirement for males?
170 cm (167.5 cm for candidates below 20 years).
5. When will the notification be released?
Most likely in February 2026.
6. Is there negative marking in RPF exam?
Yes, 1/3 mark negative marking.
