🚨Railway Security Departmental Exams : Syllabus, Pattern & Preparation Here is a on the Railway Security Departmental Exams Syllabus, specifically for RPF (Railway Protection Force) and RPSF (Railway Protection Special Force) personnel preparing for departmental promotions and limited departmental competitive exams (LDCEs):
🔰 Introduction
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) are specialized security wings under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, tasked with the protection of passengers, railway property, and personnel.
To maintain a strong, competent internal structure, departmental exams and LDCEs are conducted regularly to promote staff such as Constables, Head Constables, Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI), Sub-Inspectors (SI), and others to higher ranks within the force.
🧭 Eligibility for Departmental Exams
| Current Post | Eligible for Promotion To | Mode of Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| Constable | Head Constable / ASI | Departmental Exam / LDCE |
| Head Constable | ASI / SI | LDCE / Selection |
| ASI | SI | Seniority / Exam |
| SI | Inspector | Selection |
📚 RPF/RPSF Departmental Exams: Syllabus Overview
The syllabus covers a mix of:
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- General Awareness
- Numerical Aptitude
- Professional Knowledge (related to RPF/Railway Security Duties)
- Law & Constitution (especially Railway Act, IPC, CrPC, etc.)
📘 Detailed Syllabus for RPF Security Departmental Exams
1. 🧠 General Intelligence & Reasoning (20–25%)
- Analogies
- Series (Number, Letter, Verbal)
- Coding-Decoding
- Venn Diagrams
- Directions & Distance
- Classification
- Syllogism
- Statement & Conclusion
- Visual Reasoning
- Blood Relations
- Data Interpretation
2. 🌐 General Awareness (20–25%)
- Current Affairs – National & International
- History of India (especially Freedom Struggle)
- Geography (basic concepts and India’s geography)
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics)
- Sports & Awards
- Books & Authors
- Indian Railway History & Structure
- Security & Safety News (RPF-related updates)
3. 🔢 Numerical Aptitude (15–20%)
- Number Systems
- Simplification
- HCF & LCM
- Percentages
- Ratio and Proportion
- Averages
- Time & Distance
- Time & Work
- Profit and Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Data Interpretation (Bar Graphs, Tables, Pie Charts)
4. 🚔 Professional Knowledge (20–30%)
This is specific to RPF/RPSF roles and is the most crucial part of the exam.
Topics include:
- Role and Responsibilities of RPF
- Structure and Organization of RPF
- Duties of Constable, Head Constable, ASI, and SI
- Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1966
- Railway Act, 1989 – Sections related to passenger safety & railway property
- Crimes in Railways – Handling, Prevention, and Response
- Bomb Threat Protocols
- Coordination with GRP and Local Police
- Surveillance Techniques
- Crowd Management
- Women & Child Protection Measures
- VIP Escort Duties
- Cyber Crime Awareness
- Anti-Trafficking Measures
- Disaster Management in Railways
- Use of Technology (CCTV, body cams, GPS)
5. ⚖️ Indian Laws & Acts (10–15%)
- Constitution of India (Fundamental Rights, Duties)
- Indian Penal Code (IPC) – Important Sections
- Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
- Evidence Act
- Arms Act
- Dowry Act, POCSO Act
- Narcotics Act
- Human Rights
- Legal Provisions for Arrest, Search & Seizure
- Basic knowledge of Cyber Law and IT Act
- Duties during Election Duty
📝 Exam Pattern (Indicative)
| Section | Marks | Type |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | Objective |
| General Awareness | 25 | Objective |
| Numerical Aptitude | 20 | Objective |
| Professional Knowledge | 20 | Descriptive |
| Indian Laws & Railway Acts | 10 | Objective |
| Total | 100 | Mixed |
Note: Different zones may have variations in exam pattern. Always refer to the official notification.
📖 Recommended Books
| Subject | Book / Source |
|---|---|
| General Intelligence | A Modern Approach to Verbal Reasoning – RS Aggarwal |
| General Awareness | Lucent’s General Knowledge |
| Numerical Aptitude | Fast Track Objective Arithmetic – Rajesh Verma |
| Professional Knowledge | RPF Training Materials, RPF Rulebook, Railnet Circulars |
| Indian Laws & Railway Act | Bare Acts, Railway Act Digest by RPF Academy |
🎯 Tips to Crack RPF/RPSF Departmental Exams
- Know the Laws: Be thorough with Railway Act, IPC Sections, and RPF rules.
- Focus on Current Affairs: Especially railway security-related updates.
- Practice Reasoning Daily: It’s high scoring and logic-based.
- Use Mock Tests: Time management is key.
- Read the RPF Standing Orders and Circulars.
- Join Study Groups: Many RPF zones have internal Telegram/WhatsApp groups for preparation.
📝 Sample Questions
Q1. Under which section of the Railway Act can a person be prosecuted for ticketless travel?
🔹 Section 137 of Railway Act, 1989
Q2. Who is the Head of the RPF at the national level?
🔹 Director General (DG), RPF
Q3. What is the full form of POCSO?
🔹 Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act
Q4. What is the duty of RPF during VIP train movements?
🔹 Security, crowd control, and coordination with other law enforcement agencies
🧪 Physical Efficiency (if applicable in LDCE)
Some departmental exams include Physical Efficiency Tests (PET) especially for promotions to active posts.
| Test Type | Required Standard |
|---|---|
| 1600m / 800m Run | Within specified time limit |
| Long Jump | Minimum qualifying distance |
| High Jump | Minimum qualifying height |
| Physical Measurement | Height, Chest (for male), etc. |
🛡️ Personality Test / Viva
For ASI/SI-level departmental promotions, a viva or interview is conducted focusing on:
- Knowledge of Railway Security Laws
- Handling of critical incidents
- Communication skills
- Leadership and discipline
- Knowledge of internal RPF procedures
📥 Bonus: Get Personalized Study Materials
Would you like:
✅ Zone-wise previous papers
✅ Topic-wise PDF Notes
✅ Daily practice questions
✅ Personalized timetable
Let me know your current post and zone and I will share a custom preparation kit!
🚨 Railway Security Departmental Exams Syllabus: Detailed Guide for RPF/RPSF
🛡️ Introduction
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and RPSF are entrusted with ensuring the security of passengers, railway property, and station premises. To maintain high standards and efficiency, the Indian Railways conducts Departmental Exams for promotions to higher posts such as Constable to Head Constable, Head Constable to Sub-Inspector (SI), and SI to Inspector.
These exams are competitive and focus on law enforcement knowledge, railway acts, general awareness, and internal discipline.
🔰 Key Promotional Posts Covered
| Current Post | Promotion Through Exam |
|---|---|
| Constable | Head Constable |
| Head Constable | Assistant Sub-Inspector |
| ASI (LDCE) | Sub-Inspector (SI) |
| Sub-Inspector (SI) | Inspector |
🧾 Exam Structure (Indicative Pattern)
| Section | Marks | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 | |
| General Knowledge & Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| Numerical Aptitude | 35 | 35 | |
| Railway Acts & RPF Laws | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 2 hours |
Note: This format may vary slightly for different levels such as HC to SI or SI to Inspector.
📚 Detailed Syllabus for RPF/RPSF Departmental Exams
1. 👮♂️ General Intelligence and Reasoning (15–20%)
- Analogies
- Similarities and Differences
- Number Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Test
- Syllogism
- Statement & Conclusion
- Non-verbal reasoning (Figures and Patterns)
2. 🌍 General Awareness and Current Affairs (20–25%)
- Indian Constitution & Political System
- History and Culture of India
- Geography (India & World)
- Indian Economy & Railway Budget
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Sports and Awards
- Books & Authors
- Important Government Schemes
- Environmental Issues
3. 🧮 Arithmetic / Numerical Aptitude (15–20%)
- Number System
- Simplification
- Percentages
- Average
- Ratio & Proportion
- Profit and Loss
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Distance
- Time and Work
- Data Interpretation (Bar Charts, Tables)
- Mensuration
- LCM & HCF
4. ⚖️ Railway Laws and Security-Related Acts (30–40%)
This section is most critical for departmental exams. It tests your professional knowledge.
Key Acts and Rules:
- The Railway Protection Force Act, 1957
- The Railway Protection Force Rules, 1987
- The Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1966
- The Indian Railways Act, 1989 (especially Chapter XV to XVII)
- Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) – relevant sections
- Indian Penal Code (IPC) – sections related to theft, trespass, public nuisance
- Arms Act, 1959
- Explosives Act, 1884
- Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984
- Police Act, 1861
Duties and Responsibilities
- Escorting trains
- Patrolling railway premises
- Crowd control and women’s security
- Disaster management and rescue work
- Intelligence gathering and surveillance
- Handling of seized property
- Coordination with GRP and local police
Practical Questions Could Be:
- Filing of FIR
- Report writing formats
- Intelligence note formats
- Role during VVIP movements
- Coordination in accidents and sabotage
5. 🧾 Professional Knowledge / Internal Rules (Optional Section in Some Exams)
- Daily diary writing & record maintenance
- Logbook handling
- Beat duty system
- Leave rules applicable to RPF
- Uniform and weapon regulations
- Duties of officers at various posts (Post Commander, Company Commander, etc.)
📘 Recommended Books & Materials
| Subject Area | Recommended Source |
|---|---|
| Railway Acts & RPF Rules | RPF Training Manuals, Acts by Commercial Law Publishers |
| General Knowledge | Lucent’s GK, Pratiyogita Darpan |
| Reasoning & Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal Books |
| Current Affairs | Newspaper (The Hindu/Indian Express), GKToday |
| Previous Papers | RPF Departmental Exam Guides (KD Campus, Arihant) |
📅 Weekly Study Plan (8-Week Strategy)
| Week | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| 1 | Railway Acts – RPF Act, RPUP Act |
| 2 | Indian Railways Act, IPC sections |
| 3 | Arithmetic + Reasoning |
| 4 | General Awareness + Constitution |
| 5 | Practice question papers + Mock tests |
| 6 | RPF Rules, Duties of SI/Inspector |
| 7 | Report writing formats, FIR & record-keeping |
| 8 | Full syllabus revision + practice |
📑 Sample Questions
Q1: Under which section of the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act, is the punishment for theft defined?
A: Section 3 and 4 of RPUP Act, 1966.
Q2: What are the duties of an RPF Constable during an escort duty?
A: Prevent theft, ensure passenger safety, report irregularities, remain alert throughout journey, report to the Post Commander.
Q3: What is the punishment under IPC for causing damage to public property?
A: Section 427 IPC: Punishment up to 2 years + fine.
🔐 Practical & Viva Topics (Especially for SI/Inspector Promotions)
- FIR writing
- Daily duty report formats
- Physical Fitness Test (for certain levels)
- Weapon handling & safety drill
- Disaster management roleplay
- Case study-based situational handling questions
📌 Final Tips for Success
✅ Master the Railway Acts – most scoring and relevant
✅ Revise legal terms and sections using short notes or flashcards
✅ Solve previous year’s departmental exam papers
✅ Be ready for report-writing and scenario-based questions
✅ Stay fit – Physical efficiency is mandatory at certain levels
✅ Keep updated with circulars from the RPF Directorate
📥 Want PDF Notes or Personalized Study Material?
Just let me know and I’ll send you:
- ✅ Zone-wise RPF Promotion Guidelines
- ✅ Printable Railway Acts Summary
- ✅ Practice MCQs and Case Studies
- ✅ Daily/Weekly Revision Tracker