RPF SI Exam Pattern & Syllabus

The RPF SI exam pattern under CEN RPF 01/2024 is set out below, with negative marking of 1/3 mark per wrong answer and normalisation of marks where the CBT runs across multiple shifts.

RPF SI exam pattern

RPF Sub Inspector is the graduate-entry officer route into the Railway Protection Force. The pattern mirrors RPF Constable, but the standard of questions is set to degree level and the pay is Level 6 rather than Level 3.

Cut offs are published as normalised marks scaled to 100, separately for male, female and ex-servicemen candidates within each category.

Qualifying marks

UR and EWS 35%, SC and ST 30%. PwBD candidates may receive a 2-mark relaxation where there is a shortage of PwBD candidates against reserved vacancies.

Common syllabus topics

Mathematics

Number system, BODMAS, decimals, fractions, LCM and HCF, ratio and proportion, percentages, mensuration, time and work, time and distance, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, elementary statistics, square root, age calculations, calendar and clock, pipes and cistern.

General Intelligence and Reasoning

Analogies, alphabetical and number series, coding and decoding, mathematical operations, relationships, syllogism, jumbling, Venn diagrams, data interpretation and sufficiency, conclusions and decision making, similarities and differences, analytical reasoning, classification, directions, statement–arguments and assumptions.

General Science

Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences at Class 10 level.

General Awareness

Current affairs in science and technology, sports, culture, personalities, economics, politics and other subjects of importance.

The CEN notes that listed topics are illustrative and not necessarily exhaustive.

Normalisation of marks

Where the CBT is held in multiple sessions on the same syllabus, shortlisting uses normalised marks rather than raw scores, so candidates who sat harder shifts are not disadvantaged.