Indian Railways, a cornerstone of India’s transportation infrastructure, stands as one of the world’s largest railway networks under a single management. Established in 1951 through the consolidation of 42 independent railway companies, it has since evolved into a behemoth with 18 operational zones, spanning 69,181 km of route length and employing over 1.2 million personnel. Beyond its operational scale, Indian Railways is a symbol of national integration, connecting remote corners of the country with its extensive network of 7,325 stations and 13,198 daily passenger trains.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF), a specialized security arm of Indian Railways, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding railway property, passengers, and assets. In its latest recruitment drive under CEN No. RPF 01/2026 and RPF CEN 02/2026, the RPF has announced 4,660 vacancies for the positions of Constable (Executive) and Sub-Inspector (Executive). This recruitment presents a golden opportunity for candidates aspiring to serve in a dynamic and respected central government organization while contributing to the safety and efficiency of India’s lifeline—its railways.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the vacancies, eligibility criteria, application process, and key dates to help prospective candidates navigate the recruitment process seamlessly.
The RPF Recruitment 2026 offers a total of 4,660 posts, distributed between Constable and Sub-Inspector roles. Below is a structured overview of the vacancies, including age limits and pay scales as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
| Post Name | Number of Vacancies | Age Limit (as of 01.07.2026) | Pay Scale (7th CPC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constable (Executive) – Male | 2,500 | 18 to 28 years | Level-3 (₹21,700 – ₹69,100) plus allowances |
| Constable (Executive) – Female | 1,000 | 18 to 28 years | Level-3 (₹21,700 – ₹69,100) plus allowances |
| Sub-Inspector (Executive) – Male | 800 | 20 to 28 years | Level-6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) plus allowances |
| Sub-Inspector (Executive) – Female | 360 | 20 to 28 years | Level-6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) plus allowances |
To ensure candidates meet the requirements for the RPF Constable and Sub-Inspector posts, the following eligibility criteria must be fulfilled. Failure to meet any of these conditions will result in disqualification.
| Post | Minimum Educational Requirement |
|---|---|
| Constable (Executive) |
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| Sub-Inspector (Executive) |
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Candidates must meet the following physical measurements, which will be verified during the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Measurement Test (PMT):
| Category | Height (cm) | Chest (cm) – Male Only | Visual Acuity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male (Constable & SI) | 165 (General/OBC/SC) 160 (ST/Hill Areas) |
80 (unextended) 85 (extended) |
6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other (without glasses) |
| Female (Constable & SI) | 157 (General/OBC/SC) 152 (ST/Hill Areas) |
Not Applicable | 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other (without glasses) |
Note: PET is qualifying in nature
