RRB RPF Constable Syllabus
The RPF (Railway Protection Force) Constable examination 2027 is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) for recruitment to Constable (Executive) posts in the Railway Protection Force and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF). RPF Constables are responsible for the protection and security of railway passengers, railway property, and passenger area. This is a uniformed armed force post under the Ministry of Railways.
The selection process involves a Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Physical Measurement Test (PMT), Document Verification, and Medical Examination. The CBT pattern is similar to NTPC in subject areas but with a single-stage examination structure. The minimum qualification is 10th pass (Matriculation) from a recognised board.
Quick Facts: RPF Constable 2027
Detail | Information |
Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
Force | Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) |
Post | Constable (Executive) |
Pay Level | Level 3 (7th CPC Pay Matrix) -- Basic Pay Rs. 21,700 |
Minimum Qualification | 10th Pass (Matriculation) from a recognised board |
Age Limit | 18 to 28 years (relaxation as per GoI norms) |
CBT Pattern | 120 questions, 120 marks, 90 minutes |
Negative Marking | 1/3 mark per wrong answer |
Post CBT Stages | PET (Physical Efficiency Test), PMT (Physical Measurement Test), DV, Medical |
Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in / respective RRB websites |
RPF Constable Selection Process 2027
• Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT) -- 120 questions, 120 marks, 90 minutes; merit-based shortlisting for PET/PMT
• Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) -- Running, long jump, high jump; qualifying in nature
• Stage 3: Physical Measurement Test (PMT) -- Height and chest measurement; qualifying in nature
• Stage 4: Document Verification (DV)
• Stage 5: Medical Examination
Note: The final merit list is based on CBT marks only. PET, PMT, DV, and Medical are qualifying stages.
CBT Exam Pattern
Subject | Questions | Marks | Level | Time |
General Awareness | 50 | 50 | General |
|
Arithmetic | 35 | 35 | Class 10 |
|
General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 | 35 | Class 10 |
|
Total | 120 | 120 |
| 90 Minutes |
CBT Syllabus
General Awareness (50 Questions -- Highest Weightage)
• Current Affairs: national and international events (last 12 to 18 months)
• Indian Railways: history, zones, major projects (Vande Bharat, KAVACH, RRDA), RPF history and functions
• Indian History: ancient, medieval, and modern India; freedom struggle
• Indian Geography: physical features, rivers, climate, states and capitals
• Indian Polity: Constitution, Fundamental Rights, government structure, election system
• Indian Economy: GDP, banking, government schemes, budget
• Law and Order: basic knowledge of Indian legal system; laws relevant to railway security (Railways Act, RPF Act)
• Art and Culture: classical arts, UNESCO Heritage Sites, national symbols
• Science and Technology: ISRO, defence, digital India
• Sports: major tournaments, awards, Indian achievements
• Static GK: important days, books and authors, national awards
Arithmetic (35 Questions)
• Number System: HCF, LCM, divisibility, simplification
• Percentage: calculation and application
• Ratio and Proportion
• Profit and Loss: SP, CP, discount, marked price
• Simple Interest and Compound Interest
• Time and Work; Pipes and Cisterns
• Time, Speed and Distance; Trains; Boats and Streams
• Mensuration: area and volume of standard shapes
• Elementary Algebra: linear equations
• Elementary Statistics: mean, median, mode; bar graph, pie chart
• Number Series
General Intelligence and Reasoning (35 Questions)
• Analogies: verbal, number, and alphabet
• Number and Alphabetical Series
• Coding and Decoding
• Mathematical Operations: symbol substitution
• Blood Relations, Directions and Distance
• Syllogism: All/Some/No statements and conclusions
• Venn Diagrams
• Statement and Conclusion / Assumption
• Seating Arrangement and Puzzles
• Non-Verbal: Mirror Image, Paper Folding, Figure Series
• Classification and Odd One Out
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Standards
Post | Gender | 1600m Run | Long Jump | High Jump |
RPF Constable | Male | 5 min 45 sec | 14 feet (4.27m) | 3 feet 9 in (1.14m) |
RPF Constable | Female | 800m in 3 min 40 sec | 9 feet (2.74m) | 3 feet (0.91m) |
RPSF Constable | Male | 5 min 30 sec | 14 feet | 4 feet (1.22m) |
RPSF Constable | Female | 800m in 3 min 30 sec | 9 feet | 3 feet |
Physical Measurement Test (PMT) Standards
Category | Gender | Minimum Height | Chest (Male Only) |
UR / OBC | Male | 165 cm | Unexpanded: 80 cm; Expanded: 85 cm |
UR / OBC | Female | 157 cm | Not Applicable |
SC / ST | Male | 160 cm | Unexpanded: 76.2 cm; Expanded: 81.2 cm |
SC / ST | Female | 152 cm | Not Applicable |
Hilly Regions / Tribal Areas | Male | 163 cm | Unexpanded: 78 cm; Expanded: 83 cm |
Subject Syllabus Pages
Subject Page | Questions | Key Topics |
35 | Arithmetic, Mensuration, Basic Algebra, Statistics | |
35 | Series, Analogies, Coding, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Non-Verbal | |
50 | Current Affairs, Railways, History, Geography, Polity, RPF Acts |
Preparation Tips for RPF Constable 2027
1. General Awareness is the Highest-Scoring Section
With 50 out of 120 marks from General Awareness, this is the most important section for RPF Constable. Prepare RPF-specific GK alongside standard current affairs: know the RPF Act 1957, Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act 1966, functions of RPF and RPSF, and railway security highlights.
2. Begin Physical Training Early
The PET running standards (1600m in 5 min 45 sec for men; 800m in 3 min 40 sec for women) require regular cardiovascular training. Begin running training from the start of preparation and progressively build endurance. Practice long jump and high jump regularly.
FAQs: RPF Constable
Q1. Is RPF Constable a gazetted officer post?
No. RPF Constable is a Level 3 non-gazetted post. Gazetted officer ranks in RPF start at Sub-Inspector level.
Q2. Is there a written test after PET?
No. The written CBT is conducted before the PET. Only CBT-qualified candidates are called for PET. The final merit is based on CBT marks.
Q3. Are ex-servicemen eligible for RPF Constable?
Yes. Ex-servicemen (ESM) are eligible for age relaxation and reservation as per Government of India norms. Physical standards may also differ for ESM candidates.
RRB ALP Selection Process 2027
• Stage 1: CBT 1 -- 75 questions, 75 marks, 60 minutes; common for both ALP and Technician posts; shortlists for CBT 2 at approx. 15 times the vacancy
• Stage 2: CBT 2 (Part A) -- 100 questions, 90 minutes; common section for both ALP and Technician; merit-based shortlisting for CBAT / DV
• Stage 2: CBT 2 (Part B) -- 75 questions, 60 minutes; trade-specific questions for the ITI trade or engineering discipline; qualifying in nature only (minimum 35% required); marks NOT counted in merit
• Stage 3: Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) -- Only for ALP posts; tests spatial and memory aptitude; minimum T-Score required; merit list based on CBT 2 Part A marks
• Stage 4: Document Verification (DV)
• Stage 5: Medical Examination -- ALP has Alc (highest) medical standard due to locomotive operation duty
CBT 1 Exam Pattern
Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Level |
Mathematics | 20 | 20 |
| Class 10 |
General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| Class 10 |
Basic Science and Engineering | 20 | 20 |
| Class 10 to 12 + Engg. |
General Awareness on Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
| General |
Total | 75 | 75 | 60 Minutes |
|
CBT 2 Exam Pattern
Part A: Common Section
Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Level |
Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| Class 10 |
General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| Class 10 |
Basic Science and Engineering | 40 | 40 |
| Diploma / ITI level |
General Awareness on Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
| General |
Part A Total | 100 | 100 | 90 Minutes |
|
Part B: Trade-Specific Section (Qualifying Only)
Section | Questions | Marks | Duration | Minimum to Pass |
Relevant Trade / Engineering Discipline | 75 | 75 | 60 Minutes | 35% (26.25 marks) |
Important: CBT 2 Part B marks are NOT counted in the merit list. Part B is qualifying only. The final merit for ALP posts is based on CBT 2 Part A scores.
CBT 1 and CBT 2 Part A Syllabus
Mathematics
• Number System, HCF and LCM, BODMAS
• Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Profit and Loss
• Simple Interest and Compound Interest
• Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance
• Mensuration: 2D and 3D shapes
• Elementary Algebra and Statistics
• Trigonometry: standard ratios, heights and distances
General Intelligence and Reasoning
• Analogies, Series (Number, Alphabet, Alpha-numeric)
• Coding and Decoding, Mathematical Operations
• Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Blood Relations
• Directions, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles
• Statement-based reasoning, Data Sufficiency
• Non-Verbal: Mirror Image, Paper Folding, Figure Series
Basic Science and Engineering (Key Focus Area)
This section is unique to ALP and covers applied science and engineering concepts at the ITI/Diploma level:
• Engineering Mathematics: basic calculus, logarithms, matrices basics
• Engineering Physics: Units and Measurement, Work Energy Power, Heat and Temperature, Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, Basic Electronic Components
• Engineering Drawing: reading of engineering drawings, types of lines, orthographic projection, isometric views, sectional views
• Basic Electricity: Ohm's Law, series and parallel circuits, AC and DC concepts, power and energy calculations
• Levers and Simple Machines: types of levers, mechanical advantage, velocity ratio, efficiency
• Occupational Safety and Health: safety signs and signals, personal protective equipment, fire safety basics
• IT Literacy: basic computer operations, internet and email, MS Office basics
• Environmental Education: pollution types, waste management, renewable energy
General Awareness on Current Affairs
• Current events at national and international level (last 12 months)
• Indian Railways: history, network, zones, major projects (Vande Bharat, KAVACH, DFC)
• Science and Technology, Sports and Awards, Important appointments
CBT 2 Part B: Trade-wise Syllabus Pages
Trade Syllabus Page | Part B Qs | Core Areas |
75 Qs (CBT1) | Maths, Reasoning, Basic Science and Engineering, Current Affairs | |
100 Qs | Same subjects as CBT 1 but higher difficulty | |
75 | Electrical Fundamentals, Wiring, Motors, Protection, Switchgear | |
75 | Fitting, Bench Work, Machine Shop, Measurement Tools, Blueprint Reading | |
75 | Lathe Operations, Cutting Tools, Precision Measurement, Grinding | |
75 | CNC Basics, Machining Processes, Cutting Tools, Quality Control | |
75 | Welding Processes (MIG, TIG, ARC), Safety, Metallurgy Basics, Testing | |
75 | House Wiring, Cable Types, Earthing, Domestic Appliances, Safety | |
75 | Refrigeration Cycle, Compressors, Refrigerants, AC Systems, Troubleshooting | |
75 | Engine Systems, Transmission, Brakes, Electrical Systems, Fuel Systems | |
75 | Semiconductors, Digital/Analog Circuits, PCB, Microcontrollers, Communication | |
75 | Measurement Instruments, Calibration, Process Control, Sensors, Industrial Instruments |
Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for ALP
The CBAT is conducted only for ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) posts, not for Technician posts. It tests five key aptitude batteries essential for safe locomotive operation:
• Test of Memory: short-term and sequential memory
• Following Directions: ability to follow a series of directions accurately
• Depth Perception: ability to judge relative distances
• Concentration: ability to maintain focused attention over a sustained period
• Perceptual Speed: speed and accuracy in reading signals and signs
Candidates must achieve a minimum T-Score of 42 in each battery of the CBAT. The CBAT score is NOT added to the merit list; it is qualifying only. The final merit list is based on CBT 2 Part A marks.
Preparation Tips for RRB ALP 2027
1. Prioritise Basic Science and Engineering
The Basic Science and Engineering section is the most distinctive part of the ALP syllabus. It carries 20 marks in CBT 1 and 40 marks in CBT 2 Part A. This section is harder to prepare at the last minute and requires understanding engineering drawing, basic electricity, levers and machines, and applied physics at the ITI level.
2. Prepare Your ITI Trade Thoroughly for Part B
Although Part B is qualifying (35% pass mark required), failing Part B means elimination regardless of your Part A score. Prepare your trade subject from ITI trade theory and practical textbooks published by NCVT.
3. Train for CBAT from the Start
The CBAT tests specific cognitive aptitudes that can be improved with practice. Use online aptitude test simulators for memory, concentration, and perceptual speed from early in your preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions: RRB ALP
Q1. What is the difference between ALP and Technician posts?
ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) posts are for locomotive operation staff; candidates must clear an additional CBAT and meet strict vision standards. Technician posts are for technical maintenance staff in various trades; no CBAT is required.
Q2. Is CBT 2 Part B qualifying or merit-based?
CBT 2 Part B is qualifying only. Candidates must score a minimum of 35% in Part B. The marks scored in Part B are NOT added to the merit list. Merit is based solely on CBT 2 Part A scores.
Q3. What medical standard is required for ALP posts?
ALP posts carry Alc medical standard, which is among the most stringent in Indian Railways. This includes strict vision requirements (no colour blindness, minimum visual acuity in both eyes). Candidates with any significant visual or other physical condition should check the medical standards in the official notification before applying.


