RPF SI Syllabus 2026: Check Complete Subject-Wise Syllabus, Exam Pattern, PET, PMT and Preparation Strategy.The RPF SI Exam 2026 is a great opportunity for candidates who want to build a career as a Sub Inspector in the Railway Protection Force. But before jumping into preparation, it is important to understand the syllabus properly.
The RPF SI Computer-Based Test (CBT) includes three subjects: General Awareness, Basic Arithmetic, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. The paper contains 120 questions for 120 marks, and candidates get 90 minutes to complete the examination. There is also a negative marking of 1/3 mark for every wrong answer.
Apart from the CBT, candidates also have to clear the required physical stages and document verification. So, preparation should not be limited to books and mock tests. Physical fitness also needs regular attention.
In this article, you will find the RPF SI Syllabus 2026, detailed subject-wise topics, exam pattern, PET and PMT details, and a practical preparation strategy.
Overview of RPF SI Syllabus 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RPF Sub Inspector Exam 2026 |
| Post | Sub Inspector |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Question Type | Objective Type |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Exam Duration | 90 Minutes |
| Subjects | General Awareness, Basic Arithmetic, General Intelligence & Reasoning |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark for each wrong answer |
| Selection Process | CBT, PMT, PET and Document Verification |
RPF SI Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the exam pattern before starting your preparation can save a lot of time. It tells you which subjects need more attention and helps you plan your daily study schedule.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Basic Arithmetic | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Important Points
- The CBT consists of 120 questions.
- The total paper carries 120 marks.
- Candidates get 90 minutes to complete the exam.
- Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
- There is a 1/3 mark negative marking for every incorrect answer.
- General Awareness has the highest weightage with 50 questions.
Exam Tip: Don’t make the mistake of chasing attempts blindly. Because of negative marking, solving questions accurately is more important than simply attempting more questions.
RPF SI Syllabus 2026 – Subject-Wise
The RPF SI CBT syllabus is divided into three sections:
- General Awareness
- Basic Arithmetic
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
Let’s understand what you need to study in each section.
1. RPF SI General Awareness Syllabus 2026
General Awareness is the most heavily weighted section, with 50 questions for 50 marks.
It covers a wide range of topics, including Indian history, culture, geography, economics, polity, Constitution, science, sports and current affairs.
Important General Awareness Topics
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Ancient History
- Medieval History
- Modern History
- Art and Culture
- Literature
- Music and Dance
- Visual Arts
- Performing Arts
- Geography
- Physical Geography
- World Geography
- Environmental Issues
- Economics
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Financial Markets
- General Polity
- Governance and Administration
- Political Institutions
- Indian Constitution
- Fundamental Rights
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Constitutional Amendments
- Sports
- Major Sporting Events
- Sports Organisations
- General Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
How to Prepare General Awareness?
General Awareness is not a subject that can be completed overnight. It needs regular study and, more importantly, regular revision.
A simple way to handle it is to divide your preparation into two parts.
Static GK: History, Geography, Polity, Constitution, Science, Culture and Economics.
Current Affairs: Important national and international events, sports, awards and major developments.
Make short notes while studying. During revision, focus more on important facts instead of reading everything from the beginning again.
Preparation Tip: Spend some time on General Awareness every day. Even 30–45 minutes of consistent study can be more useful than trying to cover the entire section in one sitting.
2. RPF SI Basic Arithmetic Syllabus 2026
Basic Arithmetic carries 35 questions for 35 marks. The section focuses on fundamental mathematical concepts and their practical application.
Complete Arithmetic Topics
| Topic | Important Areas |
|---|---|
| Number System | Natural numbers, whole numbers, integers |
| Decimals & Fractions | Basic operations and calculations |
| Relationship Between Numbers | Factors, multiples and number relationships |
| Fundamental Operations | Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division |
| Percentage | Percentage calculation, increase and decrease |
| Ratio & Proportion | Ratio and proportion-based problems |
| Average | Basic average calculations |
| Interest | Simple Interest and Compound Interest |
| Profit & Loss | Cost price, selling price, profit and loss |
| Discount | Discount-related questions |
| Tables & Graphs | Data interpretation |
| Mensuration | Area, volume and surface area |
| Time & Distance | Speed, time and distance |
| Time & Work | Work and efficiency-based questions |
Best Order to Study Arithmetic
If you are not sure where to start, follow a logical sequence:
Number System → Percentage → Ratio & Proportion → Average → Profit & Loss → Interest → Time & Work → Time & Distance → Mensuration → Tables & Graphs
This allows you to build your calculation skills step by step.
Arithmetic Preparation Tip
Keep a separate notebook for formulas. Whenever you learn a new formula or shortcut, write it down and revise it regularly.
Also, solve questions with a timer. In the actual examination, knowing the method is not enough—you need to reach the answer quickly.
3. RPF SI General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus 2026
General Intelligence and Reasoning contains 35 questions for 35 marks.
This section checks your ability to identify patterns, understand relationships, analyse information and solve logical problems.
Important Reasoning Topics
- Analogy
- Similarities and Differences
- Syllogism
- Problem Solving
- Analysis
- Judgment
- Decision Making
- Spatial Visualization
- Spatial Orientation
- Discriminating Observation
- Visual Memory
- Relationship Concepts
- Arithmetical Reasoning
- Verbal Classification
- Figure Classification
- Number Series
- Non-Verbal Series
- Coding and Decoding
- Statement and Conclusion
How to Prepare Reasoning?
Reasoning is a practice-based subject. You will naturally become faster as you solve more questions.
Start with simpler topics such as:
Analogy → Classification → Series → Coding-Decoding → Syllogism → Statement and Conclusion
Once you are comfortable with these, move towards more analytical and figure-based questions.
Exam Tip: Don’t just count how many questions you solved. Look at the questions you got wrong and understand the reason behind each mistake.
RPF SI Selection Process 2026
The RPF SI selection process involves more than the written examination.
Stage 1: Computer-Based Test
The CBT is the first major stage and consists of 120 questions for 120 marks.
Stage 2: Physical Measurement Test
Candidates who qualify the required CBT stage proceed to the PMT.
Height and applicable chest measurements are checked during this stage.
Stage 3: Physical Efficiency Test
The PET checks the physical efficiency of candidates through activities such as:
- Running
- Long Jump
- High Jump
Stage 4: Document Verification
Candidates who qualify the required stages are called for document verification and have to produce the necessary original documents.
Important: Don’t wait for the CBT result to start physical preparation. It is better to build fitness gradually from the beginning.
RPF SI PET 2026
The PET requirements mentioned in the syllabus material are given below:
| Candidate | Running | Long Jump | High Jump |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 1600 Metres in 6 Minutes 30 Seconds | 12 Feet | 3 Feet 9 Inches |
| Female | 800 Metres in 4 Minutes | 9 Feet | 3 Feet |
How to Prepare for PET?
Physical preparation should be gradual and consistent.
Your routine can include:
- Regular running
- Sprint practice
- Endurance training
- Long-jump practice
- High-jump practice
- Warm-up and stretching
- Adequate recovery
Don’t suddenly increase your training load. Give your body enough time to adapt.
RPF SI PMT 2026
The Physical Measurement Test includes height standards for male and female candidates. Chest measurement is applicable to male candidates.
Male Candidates
| Category | Height | Chest |
|---|---|---|
| UR/OBC | 165 cm | 80–85 cm |
| SC/ST | 160 cm | 76.2–81.2 cm |
| Specified Categories | 163 cm | 80–85 cm |
Female Candidates
| Category | Height |
|---|---|
| UR/OBC | 157 cm |
| SC/ST | 152 cm |
| Specified Categories | 155 cm |
Specified categories include groups such as Garhwalis, Gorkhas, Marathas, Dogras, Kumaonese and other categories covered under the applicable rules.
Candidates should check the recruitment notification applicable to their recruitment cycle for the exact physical standards.
How to Prepare for RPF SI Exam 2026?
A good preparation plan doesn’t have to be complicated. The main goal is to study consistently and keep track of your progress.
1. Understand the Syllabus First
Before opening your books, make a topic-wise checklist.
Divide it into:
- General Awareness
- Arithmetic
- Reasoning
Tick off topics as you complete them.
This small habit can prevent a lot of confusion during preparation.
2. Build Strong Basics
Don’t start with difficult questions just because they look similar to exam-level questions.
First make sure your basic concepts are clear.
For Arithmetic, focus on formulas and calculation methods.
For Reasoning, understand the logic behind different question types.
For General Awareness, build a strong base in History, Geography, Polity and Science.
3. Practise Questions Every Day
Daily question practice should be a part of your routine.
You can start with:
- 30–40 Arithmetic questions
- 30–40 Reasoning questions
- 40–50 General Awareness questions
- Daily Current Affairs revision
These are only suggested targets. You can adjust them according to your preparation level.
4. Solve Previous-Year Questions
Previous-year questions are useful for understanding the nature of the examination.
While solving them, don’t focus only on your score.
Notice:
- Which topics are difficult for you?
- Which questions take too much time?
- Where do you make silly mistakes?
- Which formulas do you forget?
- Which Reasoning patterns are confusing?
Maintain an error notebook and revisit it regularly.
5. Take Mock Tests
After covering a good portion of the syllabus, start taking full-length mock tests.
After every test, spend time analysing your performance.
Check:
Attempted questions: How many did you solve?
Accuracy: How many were correct?
Time management: Which section consumed the most time?
Weak areas: Which topics need more practice?
This analysis is where much of the improvement happens.
RPF SI 90-Day Preparation Plan
Days 1–30: Build Your Foundation
The first month should be about understanding concepts.
Arithmetic
- Number System
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Average
- Profit and Loss
Reasoning
- Analogy
- Classification
- Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Syllogism
General Awareness
- History
- Geography
- Polity
- Constitution
- General Science
Begin physical training during this phase as well.
Days 31–60: Increase Practice
During the second month, shift gradually from learning to practising.
- Complete the remaining syllabus.
- Solve chapter-wise questions.
- Practise previous-year questions.
- Revise current affairs.
- Take sectional tests.
- Work on weak areas.
- Improve calculation speed.
- Continue physical training.
Days 61–90: Revision and Mock Tests
The final month should focus on improving speed, accuracy and confidence.
- Take full-length mock tests.
- Analyse every test.
- Revise formulas.
- Revise General Awareness notes.
- Practise weak Reasoning topics.
- Solve previous-year questions.
- Continue PET preparation.
Remember: Avoid changing your study material repeatedly during the final stage. Revision of familiar material is usually more productive.
RPF SI Daily Study Timetable
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Running / Physical Training |
| 8:00–9:30 AM | Arithmetic |
| 10:00–11:30 AM | Reasoning |
| Afternoon | General Awareness |
| Evening | Current Affairs |
| Night | Practice Questions / Mock Test |
| Before Sleep | Quick Revision |
You don’t have to follow these exact timings. Adjust them according to your daily schedule and study capacity.
Common Mistakes RPF SI Aspirants Should Avoid
1. Ignoring General Awareness
With 50 questions, GA deserves regular attention throughout your preparation.
2. Leaving Physical Preparation for the Last Moment
Fitness takes time to build. Start early and progress gradually.
3. Studying Without Revision
Reading a chapter once does not guarantee that you will remember it during the exam.
4. Taking Mock Tests Without Analysing Them
A mock test should help you identify mistakes and improve them.
5. Making Too Many Random Attempts
Negative marking means careless guessing can reduce your overall score.
6. Using Too Many Books
More study material does not automatically mean better preparation. Choose manageable resources and complete them properly.
RPF SI Syllabus 2026 – Quick Revision
- The CBT consists of 120 questions.
- The total paper carries 120 marks.
- The examination duration is 90 minutes.
- General Awareness carries 50 marks.
- Basic Arithmetic carries 35 marks.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning carries 35 marks.
- Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
- There is a 1/3 mark negative marking for incorrect answers.
- The selection process includes CBT, PMT, PET and Document Verification.
- PET includes running, long jump and high jump.
- PMT includes applicable height and chest measurements.
- Candidates should prepare for the written and physical stages together.
Infusion Notes Team
The Infusion Notes team consists of 20 educators who regularly share educational content in the blog section, including current affairs, previous year papers, and other study materials for you.
