If you have ever come across a constable with the military outfit and a gun in the railway
stations of India, then you have encountered an RPF constable. Like the police constable who
keeps the security of the street tight, the RPF constable also works in protecting and giving tight
security to the railways.
The RPF aspirant before taking up the job needs to undergo the UPSC NDA exam, only through
which will be selected. Throughout the exam, the aspirant will undergo the test examining the
physical ability and communication skills.
Every year, the Railway Recruitment Board releases notification to fill up the huge vacancy list
of RPF. There are more than 10,000 vacancies, and 50 per cent of the job is reserved for
women. The recruitment entirely happens based on eligibility criteria and physical ability.
Aspirant willing to take up the position should read the notification carefully to avoid any
confusion later. The Railway Protection Force is the most demanding jobs in India, offering a
good salary and other financial benefits. Moreover, it gives a sense of pride in protecting the
railway property and passengers.
The role of an RPF is to protect railway passengers and properties of the same. RPF constable
has absolute power to arrest and investigate railway criminals. The superior officers of this force
are recruited through the civil services examination to examine the ability to protect the railway
property and passengers.
Some of the roles and responsibilities of RPF
Candidate applying for the RPF job need to be educated about the roles and responsibilities,
which will help them to prepare self mentally and physically. Roles and Responsibilities include-
● Arresting and prosecuting criminals responsible for damaging and stealing railway
property
● Providing complete security to railway passengers
● Offering service to control access of railway premises and general security
● To ensure there is a smooth movement of railway traffic and confiscating criminals who
disturb the movement.
● Checking and preventing women and children trafficking
● Powers Railway Protection Force has-
● They have full power to arrest and prosecute criminals for violating the Railway Act,
1890.
● Absolute power to remove obstruction like illegal constructions, which obstruct rail
transport passengers.
These roles and responsibilities come with expectation, so you need to be very specific that will
help you in getting promotions and earn other benefits.
Grade and Salary
Working as an RPF is not just a proud moment as you will be responsible for protecting people
while railway travelling, but also you get a good package along with other benefits. The basic
pay of the RPF constable is Rs 21,700/- pm along with the HRA, DA, Travel Allowance, and
others. However, after years of experience and raise in the post, the RPF constable will get a
higher designation. For instance, the director-general will get a pay of Rs 225000/-.
Apart from the regular pay and other financial benefits, the personal will also receive facilities
including-
● Government accommodation
● Free railway pass for travelling in first class with self-6 times a year
● Security Guard in a higher position
● Concessional railway tickets
However, to enjoy all these benefits, RPF aspirants need to undergo the test conducted by the
board. The test is both online and offline. There will be a computer-based test, physical
efficiency test, physical measurement test and medical examination. Under the written test, the
candidate will have objective type multiple questions consisting of 120 questions testing general
awareness, general intelligence and arithmetic. You need to be well versed with these subjects
to get good marks and move to the next level of examination.
Once you pass through all these tests, you can confidently take up the most responsible job
where you will be serving the national property. You need to keep in mind that you are
responsible for protecting the most critical sector of India.
