RPF Revised Recruitment Rules 2025

The Ministry of Railways has officially released the Railway Protection Force (RPF) Amendment Rules, 2025, through a notification dated 17th October 2025. These amendments have been made under the powers granted by Section 21 of the Railway Protection Force Act, 1957, and are aimed at updating and aligning RPF recruitment and enlistment standards with those followed by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The rules have come into effect from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

Key Highlights of the RPF Revised Recruitment Rules 2025

The RPF Revised Recruitment Rules 2025 mark a major shift in the recruitment framework of the Railway Protection Force. By aligning the physical, medical, and selection standards with the Central Armed Police Forces, the Ministry of Railways aims to bring greater transparency, efficiency, and uniformity to the recruitment process. These changes are expected to make RPF recruitment more competitive and consistent with national paramilitary standards.

Click Here to Download Official Notice of Revised Recruitment Rules

1. Rule 45 – Change in Recruitment Procedure

The amendment in Rule 45(2) modifies the process of filling vacancies. Earlier, the rule directed authorities to “take steps to fill them up in accordance with these rules.” Now, it has been replaced with the phrase “send it to Railway Board”, indicating that the Railway Board will now play a direct role in managing the recruitment process.

2. Rule 47 – Updated Enlistment Standards

The revised Rule 47 outlines the new physical standards for recruitment into the Railway Protection Force.

(a) Executive Cadre

For candidates applying to the Executive Cadre, the physical standards are now at par with the CAPFs:

• Height: 170 cm

• Chest (for male candidates):

  • Unexpanded: 80 cm

  • Expanded: 85 cm

Female and reserved category candidates will also follow the same standards as applicable in CAPF recruitments.

(b) Other than Executive Cadre

For posts other than Executive Cadre, the minimum physical standards are:

• Height: 165 cm

• Chest (for male candidates):

  • Unexpanded: 80 cm

  • Expanded: 85 cm

A relaxation of 2.5 cm in height and 5 cm in chest may be granted to candidates under 20 years of age if certified by a Divisional Medical Officer that they are likely to meet the standards upon reaching the maximum eligible age.
The Director-General may also prescribe separate standards for female candidates in future recruitments.

3. Rule 48 – New Provisions for Constable (Executive)

The amendment introduces a new sub-rule 48.3 specifying the eligibility for Constable (Executive) posts:

• Age Limit: 18 to 23 years as of the recruitment notification date.

• Educational Qualification: Must have passed the High School Examination or its equivalent from a recognized Board or University.

Additionally, wherever the word “Constable” appeared in sub-rule 48.2, it has now been replaced with “Constable other than Executive Cadre.”

4. Rule 49 – Revised Recruitment Process

The selection process for Sub-Inspectors (Executive) and Constables (Executive) will now follow the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) recruitment procedure used for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

This means RPF recruitment for these posts will now be conducted through the SSC, ensuring a uniform, transparent, and standardized selection process across all paramilitary forces.

In addition, sub-rule 49.2 has been modified to replace “Constables” with “Constables except Constable (Executive)”, distinguishing the recruitment procedure for Executive and Non-Executive categories.

5. Rule 51 – Updated Medical Examination Procedure

The medical examination standards for candidates have been upgraded and categorized as follows:

• A new sub-rule, 51.1, has been inserted, stating that medical examinations for Sub-Inspectors (Executive) and Constables (Executive) shall be conducted by:

  • A Medical Officer of the CAPFs, or

  • A Medical Officer/Assistant Surgeon of Grade-I belonging to any Central or State Government Hospital or Dispensary.

The existing sub-rule 51.1 has been renumbered as 51.1A, and it now specifies that it applies to candidates other than those in the Executive Cadre.

Summary of Key Changes

The following table provides a concise overview of the important modifications introduced under the RPF Revised Recruitment Rules 2025.