RPF SI Eligibility 2026: Check Age Limit, Qualification, PET & PST
RPF SI Eligibility 2026 outlines what candidates must have to apply for Railway Protection Force Sub-Inspector (RPF SI) posts, which include nationality, age limit & age relaxation, educational qualification, and physical efficiency & standards. These criteria are set by Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. Candidates with a minimum age of 20 years, having passed their graduation in any discipline from any recognized discipline can apply for RPF SI, who are responsible for maintaining railway security and passenger safety.
RPF SI Nationality 2026
To apply for the RPF SI post, a candidate must be an Indian citizen. This nationality criterion ensures that only eligible Indian nationals can serve in Railway Protection Force (RPF). Candidates must provide valid nationality proof, such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport, during document verification. Failing which can lead to their candidature being canceled.
RPF SI Age Limit 2026
Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has set RPF SI age limit between 20 to 28 years for general candidates. But has also given age relaxation for candidates from different categories, which are given below:
Age Relaxation:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC & ST | 5 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years |
| Ex-servicemen with at least six months of continuous service after attestation |
|
| Female candidates who are widowed, divorced, or judicially separated from husbands but not remarried |
|
| Central Government employees (other than Ex-Servicemen) with at least 3 years of regular and continuous service on the date of reckoning |
|
RPF SI Educational Qualification 2026
To apply for the RPF SI posts, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in India. This ensures that only eligible individuals possessing adequate academic qualifications are selected for the security-sensitive SI role.
RPF SI Physical Standards 2026
RRB has set certain physical standards that candidates, whether Male/Female, must meet to apply for RPF SI 2026 posts. These standards include height, chest, and weight measurements. However, female candidates only need weight measurements. The Physical standards are given below:
Male Candidates:
| Category | Height (Minimum) | Weight (Minimum) | Chest (Minimum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR/EWS/OBC | 170 cm | - | 80 cm (Expanded: 85 cm) |
| SC/ST | 160 cm | 50 kg (SC)48 kg (ST) | 76.2 cm (Expanded: 81.2 cm) |
| Garhwalis, Gorkhas, Marathas, Dogras, Kumaonese & other specified categories | 163 cm | - | 80 cm (Expanded: 85 cm) |
Female Candidates:
| Category | Height (Minimum) |
|---|---|
| UR/EWS/OBC | 157 cm |
| SC/ST | 152 cm |
| Garhwalis, Gorkhas, Marathas, Dogras, Kumaonese & other specified categories | 155 cm |
RPF SI Physical Efficiency Test 2026
Candidates aspiring to become RPF SI have to show their efficiency for the posts. All male and female candidates are to undergo the following physical efficiency tests at the designated centers decided by RRB:
| Category | Physical Test | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-Inspector (Exe) Male | 1600 Meters Run | 6 min 30 secs |
| 800 Meters Run | - | |
| Long Jump | 12 feet | |
| High Jump | 3 ft 9 inch | |
| Sub-Inspector (Exe) Female | 1600 Meters Run | - |
| 800 Meters Run | 4 mins | |
| Long Jump | 9 feet | |
| High Jump | 3 feet |
Note:
- For the 1600/800 meters event, only one chance will be given. For the remaining events, i.e., Long Jump and High Jump, the candidates will be given up to 2 chances each.
- Ex-servicemen shall be exempted from PET. However, they will have to undergo PMT.
- A Candidate must qualify in all tests as per the above norms to be eligible for consideration.
- Male candidates who do not have a minimum height shall not be considered for the measurement of chest and shall be treated as disqualified.
RPF SI Medical Requirement 2026
After RPF SI Document Verification, shortlisted candidates will be called for a Medical Examination conducted by CRPF Medical Officers/Grade 1 Govt Medical Officers. They must meet the following medical standards:
- Candidates must qualify under Medical Category ‘B-1’ as per the Indian Railway Medical Manual.
- Candidates wearing corrective glasses (spectacles) are not eligible for appointment.
- Individuals having flat feet or knock knees will be disqualified.
- Candidates with squint eyes or color blindness will not be considered fit for duty.
- Any other bodily infirmities affecting physical performance lead to disqualification.
Once candidates are sure about meeting the eligibility norms, they should focus on RPF SI exam pattern and syllabus. First, make section-wise planning, allocate time for revision, and use previous year papers (PYPs) for practice. This structured preparation ensures full coverage of all topics and boosts scores.
RPF SI Eligibility 2026 FAQs
Ques: Can candidates awaiting their final graduation results apply for RPF SI exam?
Ans: No. Candidates awaiting final graduation results are not eligible to apply. Applicants must possess a completed Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university before the last date of application submission.
Ques: Why are physical standards essential for RPF SI exam?
Ans: Physical standards ensure candidates possess the required fitness, strength, and endurance vital for maintaining railway safety, handling emergencies, pursuing offenders, and performing challenging on-ground security duties efficiently.
Ques: What happens if a male candidate’s unexpanded chest measurement is below the required limit in RPF SI physical test?
Ans: If a male candidate’s unexpanded chest measurement fails to meet the prescribed minimum criteria, the expanded measurement will not be recorded, and the candidate will be disqualified from the selection process.
Ques: Is there any attempt limit for RPF SI exam?
Ans: No specific limit on the number of attempts is mentioned by RRB. So long as a candidate meets the eligibility criteria (age, education, etc.), they may apply.
Ques: Is work experience required for RPF SI eligibility?
Ans: No. Prior work experience isn’t required for RPF SI exam. Any candidate possessing a recognized bachelor’s degree and meeting age and physical standards can apply successfully.
Ques: What is the minimum percentage required in graduation for RPF SI eligibility?
Ans: There’s no minimum percentage requirement for RPF SI. Candidates must simply possess a valid bachelor’s degree from a recognized university to qualify for the RPF SI application process.
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