The full form of RPF is Railway Protection Force. RPF was established by the RPF Act 1957 to improve the protection and security of railway property, passengers, and passenger areas, as well as other related concerns. The RPF is a Union Armed Force that operates under the guidance of the Ministry of Railways, and its administrative structure is similar to that followed by the Indian Railways. The Force also has 12 battalions of RPSF (Railway Protection Special Force) situated around the country. Three additional RPSF Battalions, including one at Mahila Battalion, are being formed to improve railway security further.
It has the authority to conduct searches, make arrests, conduct investigations, and bring legal action against anyone who violates the Railway Property Act of 1966 and The Railways Act of 1989. The Civil Services Examination, which attracts more than 1 million applicants yearly, is used to choose the superior RPF officials. In addition, the Railway Protection Force is led by an IPS officer with the rank of Direct General, with several additional officers who were also chosen through the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Exam as his/her assistants.
RPF Constable Eligibility
Candidate must be a citizen of India
The age limit of candidates must be between 18 and 25 years.
The candidate must have passed class 10 from a recognized board.
RPF Sub Inspector Eligibility
Candidate must be a citizen of India
The age limit of candidates must be between 20 and 25 years.
The candidate must have completed graduation from a recognized university.
RPF Officer Selection Process
The selection process has 3 stages:
Computer Based Test
Physical Measurement Test
Physical Efficiency Test
RPF Constable Exam pattern
There are 120 multiple-choice questions in all.
The exam has four sections: Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Analytical Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning.
The exam has a 1.5-hour time limit and a maximum score of 120.
Every wrong answer results in a 1/3 deduction.
In addition to English and Hindi, candidates may also sit this exam in their native language.
RPF Sub Inspector Exam pattern
There are 120 multiple-choice questions in all.
The exam has three sections: General Awareness, Arithmetic, and General Intelligence and Reasoning.
The exam has a 1.5-hour time limit and a maximum score of 120.
One mark is awarded for each correct answer and every wrong answer results in a 1/3 deduction.
In addition to English and Hindi, candidates may also sit this exam in their native language.
The monthly salary for RPF Sub Inspector is Rs 43,300 - Rs 52,030.
The monthly salary for an RPF constable is Rs Rs 27, 902 - Rs 31, 270.
Benefits for RPF officers include the following:
Night duty allowance
Educational allowance
Overtime Allowance
Provident fund
Travelling and transfer allowance
Dress Allowance
Ration Allowance
Gratuity
Pass and privilege tickets order
Medical facilities
To defend and protect railway property, as well as to prevent crimes against it.
To remove any impediment to the progression of railway property
Identifying potential criminal scenarios (against railway property, whether static, in transit, or mobile) and implementing corrective actions
Remove any anti-social components from trains, railway properties, and passenger zones to improve passenger travel and security.
Maintain vigilance to prevent women's and children's trafficking and take necessary action to rehabilitate orphaned youngsters identified in railway locations.
Serve as a liaison between the Railway Police and the higher railway administration.
The RPF is given the following powers to help them carry out their tasks more effectively:
The authority to investigate, punish, and arrest those who engage in actions against the Railways Act of 1890.
Power to remove impediments to rail transportation or passengers, such as unauthorized structures and encroachments.
Discretionary authority to utilize lethal and non-lethal force while carrying out their tasks.