RPF SI Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age, Qualification & Physical Standards
Review the comprehensive RPF SI eligibility criteria, including essential age limits, educational qualifications, and physical measurement standards. Get detailed insights into the RPF SI Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Measurement Test (PMT) requirements for all aspirants.
RPF SI Eligibility Criteria 2026
The Ministry of Railways conducts the RPF SI Exam 2026 to recruit qualified personnel for Sub-Inspector positions. To serve in the Railway Protection Force, candidates must strictly adhere to the eligibility parameters stipulated in the official notification.
For the most accurate information, candidates should visit the official RPF website at www.rpf.indianrailways.gov.in. This guide outlines all mandatory RPF SI eligibility requirements for both male and female applicants.
RFP SI Eligibility
The RPF Recruitment 2026 process invites applications from eligible male and female candidates across the country. Before submitting your application form, verify your eligibility against the official criteria summarized in the table below.
| RPF SI Eligibility Criteria | |
| Organization | Railway Protection Force |
| Exam Name | RPF SI Exam 2026 |
| Post Name | Sub Inspector |
| Category | Eligibility Criteria |
| Status | Released |
| Age Limit | 20-28 |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Official Website | www.rpf.indianrailways.gov.in |
RPF SI Nationality
Only citizens of India are eligible to apply for RPF Sub-Inspector roles. Applicants must provide valid documentation as proof of citizenship. Ensure all uploaded documents are authentic and accurate, as any discrepancies or fraudulent entries will lead to immediate disqualification from the recruitment process.
RPF SI Age Limit
The age limit is a critical component of the eligibility criteria. Candidates must be between 20 and 28 years of age as of the prescribed reference date.
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 28 Years
Age Relaxations
To ensure inclusive recruitment, the government offers age relaxation for specific reserved categories. Interested candidates can refer to the table below to determine their applicable upper age limit.
| RPF SI Age Relaxation | ||
| Sl. No. | Category | Age Relaxation |
| 1 | SC & ST candidates | 5 Years |
| 2 | OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates | 3 Years |
| 3 | Ex-servicemen with at least six months of continuous service after attestation |
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| 4 | Female candidates, who are widowed, divorced or judicially separated from husbands but not remarried |
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| 5 | Central Government employees other than Ex-Servicemen, who have rendered not less than 3 years of regular and continuous service on the date of reckoning |
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RPF SI Education Qualification
To qualify for the 2026 RPF SI recruitment, candidates must meet the essential educational standards. These requirements apply uniformly to all applicants, with no exceptions granted. Please review the following mandatory academic qualifications required for the post.
- Candidates applying for the Sub Inspector position must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
RPF SI Physical Standards for Males
The RPF SI recruitment process includes rigorous physical standards that must be met post-written examination. Candidates who fail to meet the specified physical measurements during the assessment phase will be disqualified. Please review the physical standards below.
RPF SI Height Measurements
| Category | Height Minimum |
|---|---|
| Male |
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RPF SI Weight Measurement
| Category | Weight Minimum |
|---|---|
| Male |
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RPF SI Chest Measurement
| Category | Chest Minimum |
|---|---|
| Male |
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Note: The PET/PMT is qualifying in nature and carries no marks. Failure to meet the minimum height or chest (unexpanded/expanded) requirements results in immediate disqualification during the PMT.
RPF SI Physical Standards for Female
Female candidates must adhere to specific height requirements. For those in the UR/EWS/OBC categories, the minimum height requirement is 157 cm.
| Category | Height Minimum |
|---|---|
| Female |
|
RPF SI Physical Efficiency Test
The RPF SI selection process includes the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and the Physical Measurement Test (PMT). Consult the table below for detailed requirements for these two essential stages.
Following the race (1600m or 800m), candidates proceed to height and chest measurements. Chest assessment is mandatory for male candidates only. Failure to meet the unexpanded chest measurement automatically disqualifies the candidate, rendering the expanded measurement unnecessary.
| RPF SI Physical Efficiency Test | ||
| Category | Physical Test | Requirement |
| Sub-Inspector (Exe) Male | 1600 Meters Run | 6 min 30 secs |
| 800 Meters Run | Not specified | |
| Long Jump | 12 feet | |
| High Jump | 3 ft 9 inch | |
| Sub-Inspector (Exe) Female | 1600 Meters Run | Not specified |
| 800 Meters Run | 4 Mins | |
| Long Jump | 9 Feet | |
| High Jump | 3 Feet | |
RPF SI Medical Requirements
Selected candidates must pass a medical fitness examination conducted by the Railway Administration to ensure they are fit for duty. All candidates must meet the medical category ‘B-1’ as prescribed in the Indian Railway Medical Manual.
Conditions such as flat feet, knock knees, squint eyes, color blindness, or reliance on corrective glasses may lead to medical disqualification. Being invited for a medical exam does not guarantee final appointment or selection.
FAQs
Citizenship proof is mandatory for the RPF SI Exam 2026. Accepted documents for verification include an Aadhar Card, PAN Card, School Leaving Certificate, or Birth Certificate.
To be eligible for the 2026 RPF SI recruitment, candidates must be between 20 and 28 years of age.
Candidates must possess a recognized Bachelor’s Degree from a university to qualify for the 2026 RPF SI examination.
Male candidates generally require a minimum height of 165 cm (with relaxations for SC/ST and Ex-Servicemen) and a minimum chest measurement of 80 cm with 5 cm expansion. Female candidates must meet a standard height requirement of 157 cm across all categories.