Mains Syllabus of RPF SI Exam 2024
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) Sub-Inspector (SI) exam is a highly competitive examination conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) for recruitment to the post of Sub-Inspector in the RPF. The exam consists of two stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Medical Examination
This article focuses on the Mains Syllabus for the RPF SI exam, which is conducted after the candidates clear the CBT stage.
Mains Syllabus:
The Mains syllabus for the RPF SI exam is designed to assess the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of various subjects related to the role of a Sub-Inspector in the RPF. The syllabus is broadly divided into the following sections:
1. General Studies:
- Indian History:
- Ancient India: Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, etc.
- Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, etc.
- Modern India: British rule, Indian National Movement, Independence, etc.
- Indian Polity:
- Indian Constitution: Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties, etc.
- Union Government: President, Prime Minister, Parliament, etc.
- State Government: Governor, Chief Minister, Legislature, etc.
- Judiciary: Supreme Court, High Courts, etc.
- Indian Economy:
- Economic Growth and Development: GDP, Inflation, Poverty, etc.
- Agriculture: Green Revolution, Food Security, etc.
- Industry: Public Sector, Private Sector, etc.
- Infrastructure: Roads, Railways, Airports, etc.
- Indian Geography:
- Physical Geography: Mountains, Rivers, Climate, etc.
- Human Geography: Population, Settlement, etc.
- Economic Geography: Agriculture, Industry, etc.
- General Science:
- Physics: Basic concepts of motion, force, energy, etc.
- Chemistry: Basic concepts of matter, atoms, molecules, etc.
- Biology: Basic concepts of living organisms, cells, tissues, etc.
- Current Affairs:
- National and International events of the past year.
- Important personalities and their contributions.
- Major developments in science and technology.
- General Awareness:
- Important facts and figures about India.
- Current trends and issues in various fields.
- General knowledge about the world.
2. Reasoning and Mental Ability:
- Verbal Reasoning:
- Analogies, Synonyms, Antonyms, etc.
- Sentence Completion, Reading Comprehension, etc.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning:
- Series, Analogy, Classification, etc.
- Coding-Decoding, Mirror Images, etc.
- Logical Reasoning:
- Syllogisms, Statement and Assumptions, etc.
- Data Interpretation, Decision Making, etc.
- Analytical Reasoning:
- Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, etc.
- Data Sufficiency, Blood Relations, etc.
3. Quantitative Aptitude:
- Arithmetic:
- Number System, Percentage, Profit and Loss, etc.
- Simple Interest, Compound Interest, etc.
- Time and Work, Time and Distance, etc.
- Algebra:
- Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, etc.
- Inequalities, Progressions, etc.
- Geometry:
- Lines, Angles, Triangles, etc.
- Circles, Polygons, etc.
- Trigonometry:
- Basic Trigonometric Ratios, Identities, etc.
- Heights and Distances, etc.
- Data Interpretation:
- Tables, Graphs, Charts, etc.
- Analysis and Interpretation of Data, etc.
4. General English:
- Grammar:
- Parts of Speech, Tenses, Articles, etc.
- Prepositions, Conjunctions, etc.
- Active and Passive Voice, etc.
- Vocabulary:
- Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, etc.
- One-word Substitution, etc.
- Comprehension:
- Reading Comprehension Passages, etc.
- Composition:
- Paragraph Writing, Letter Writing, etc.
- Essay Writing, etc.
5. Railway Protection Force (RPF) Specific Subjects:
- Railway Act, 1989:
- Provisions related to the RPF.
- Powers and duties of RPF personnel.
- Offences related to railways.
- Railway Safety Rules:
- Safety regulations for railway passengers and staff.
- Procedures for handling emergencies.
- Safety measures for railway infrastructure.
- Railway Security:
- Security threats to railways.
- Measures for preventing crime and terrorism.
- Role of RPF in maintaining security.
- Disaster Management:
- Disaster preparedness and response.
- Role of RPF in disaster relief operations.
- Disaster management protocols.
- Law Enforcement:
- Criminal law and procedure.
- Investigation techniques.
- Evidence collection and presentation.
- Human Rights:
- Fundamental rights of citizens.
- Human rights violations.
- Role of RPF in protecting human rights.
- Ethics and Values:
- Ethical principles for law enforcement officers.
- Values of integrity, honesty, and accountability.
- Professional conduct and ethics.
Preparation Strategy:
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the detailed syllabus and identify the important topics.
- Refer to Relevant Study Material: Choose reliable study materials like textbooks, reference books, and online resources.
- Create a Study Plan: Plan your study schedule effectively, allocating sufficient time for each subject.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Focus on Current Affairs: Stay updated with current events related to national and international affairs, railways, and law enforcement.
- Develop Reasoning and Analytical Skills: Practice reasoning and analytical questions to enhance your problem-solving abilities.
- Improve English Language Skills: Work on your grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills to score well in the English section.
- Physical Fitness: Start preparing for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) well in advance to ensure you meet the required standards.
Important Books and Resources:
- General Studies:
- NCERT Textbooks (Class 6-12)
- Lucent’s General Knowledge
- Manorama Yearbook
- The Hindu Newspaper
- India Today Magazine
- Reasoning and Mental Ability:
- R.S. Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude
- Arun Sharma – Quantitative Aptitude
- M.K. Pandey – Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Quantitative Aptitude:
- R.S. Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude
- Arun Sharma – Quantitative Aptitude
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Dinesh Khattar
- General English:
- Wren & Martin – High School English Grammar and Composition
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- RPF Specific Subjects:
- Railway Act, 1989
- Railway Safety Rules
- Railway Security Manual
- Disaster Management Handbook
- Law Enforcement and Human Rights books
Sample Questions:
General Studies:
- Which of the following is the largest state in India by area?
- Who is the current Chief Justice of India?
- What is the currency of Japan?
- What is the name of the first Indian satellite launched into space?
- What is the capital of Australia?
Reasoning and Mental Ability:
- If A is the brother of B, and C is the sister of B, then what is the relationship between A and C?
- Find the missing number in the series: 2, 4, 8, 16, ___.
- If ‘CAT’ is coded as ‘XZW’, then what is the code for ‘DOG’?
- In a certain code, ‘GREEN’ is written as ‘JQGRF’. How will ‘BLUE’ be written in that code?
Quantitative Aptitude:
- A train travels 120 km in 2 hours. What is its speed?
- A shopkeeper sells an item for Rs. 1200, making a profit of 20%. What is the cost price of the item?
- If the simple interest on a certain sum for 2 years at 5% per annum is Rs. 100, then what is the sum?
- A rectangular field is 100 meters long and 50 meters wide. What is its area?
General English:
- Choose the correct synonym for the word ‘enormous’.
- Identify the correct tense of the verb in the sentence: “He has been working here for five years.”
- Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition: “The book is _____ the table.”
- Write a short paragraph on the importance of education.
RPF Specific Subjects:
- What are the powers and duties of an RPF Sub-Inspector?
- What are the different types of offences related to railways?
- What are the safety measures to be taken in case of a fire on a train?
- What is the role of RPF in disaster management?
Conclusion:
The RPF SI exam is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for individuals who are passionate about serving the nation and ensuring the safety and security of railway passengers and infrastructure. By following a well-structured preparation strategy, candidates can enhance their knowledge, skills, and fitness level to excel in the exam and secure a fulfilling career in the RPF.
Table 1: RPF SI Exam Pattern
Stage | Exam Type | Subjects | Duration | Total Marks |
---|---|---|---|---|
CBT | Computer Based Test | General Studies, Reasoning and Mental Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, General English | 120 minutes | 100 marks |
Mains | Written Exam | General Studies, Reasoning and Mental Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, General English, RPF Specific Subjects | 180 minutes | 200 marks |
PET | Physical Efficiency Test | Running, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Put | As per RPF standards | Qualifying |
Medical | Medical Examination | Physical and Medical Fitness | As per RPF standards | Qualifying |
Table 2: Important Dates for RPF SI Exam 2024
Event | Date |
---|---|
Notification Release | To be announced |
Online Application | To be announced |
CBT Exam | To be announced |
Mains Exam | To be announced |
PET and Medical | To be announced |
Final Result | To be announced |
Note: The above dates are tentative and subject to change. Candidates are advised to refer to the official RRB website for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers:
General Studies:
Q: What are the important topics to focus on in Indian History for the RPF SI exam?
A: Focus on major dynasties, important events, and prominent personalities from Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India.
Q: How can I prepare for the Indian Polity section?
A: Study the Indian Constitution, the structure of the Union and State Governments, and the role of the Judiciary.
Q: What are some good resources for preparing for the Indian Economy section?
A: Refer to NCERT textbooks, newspapers, and magazines that cover economic news and analysis.
Q: How can I stay updated with Current Affairs?
A: Read newspapers, magazines, and online news portals regularly. Follow reliable news sources and make notes of important events.
Reasoning and Mental Ability:
Q: What are some tips for improving my logical reasoning skills?
A: Practice solving logic puzzles, syllogisms, and critical thinking problems.
Q: How can I prepare for the Non-Verbal Reasoning section?
A: Practice solving questions based on series, analogies, classification, coding-decoding, and spatial reasoning.
Q: What are some strategies for tackling Data Interpretation questions?
A: Learn to analyze tables, graphs, and charts effectively. Practice interpreting data and drawing conclusions.
Quantitative Aptitude:
Q: Which topics are most important in Arithmetic?
A: Focus on number systems, percentages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, and time and distance.
Q: How can I improve my speed and accuracy in solving math problems?
A: Practice regularly, learn shortcuts and formulas, and focus on understanding the concepts.
Q: What are some good resources for preparing for Data Interpretation?
A: Refer to books and online resources that provide practice questions and explanations.
General English:
Q: How can I improve my grammar skills for the exam?
A: Study grammar rules, practice exercises, and read English literature to enhance your understanding.
Q: What are some tips for improving my vocabulary?
A: Read English newspapers, magazines, and novels. Use a dictionary and thesaurus to learn new words and their meanings.
Q: How can I prepare for the Reading Comprehension section?
A: Practice reading comprehension passages, identify key ideas, and answer questions based on the text.
RPF Specific Subjects:
Q: What are the key provisions of the Railway Act, 1989?
A: Study the provisions related to the RPF, its powers and duties, and offences related to railways.
Q: How can I prepare for the Railway Safety Rules section?
A: Refer to the Railway Safety Rules manual and understand the regulations for passenger and staff safety.
Q: What are some important aspects of Railway Security?
A: Learn about security threats to railways, measures for preventing crime and terrorism, and the role of RPF in maintaining security.
Q: What are the key elements of Disaster Management?
A: Understand disaster preparedness, response, and the role of RPF in relief operations.
Q: How can I prepare for the Law Enforcement and Human Rights sections?
A: Study criminal law and procedure, investigation techniques, evidence collection, and human rights principles.
General:
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for the RPF SI exam?
A: Refer to the official notification for detailed eligibility criteria, including age, educational qualifications, and physical standards.
Q: How can I apply for the RPF SI exam?
A: Apply online through the official website of the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB).
Q: What is the exam pattern for the RPF SI exam?
A: The exam consists of two stages: Computer Based Test (CBT) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Medical Examination.
Q: What are the important dates for the RPF SI exam?
A: Refer to the official notification for the latest exam dates.
Q: What are some tips for preparing for the exam?
A: Create a study plan, refer to relevant study materials, practice previous year papers, and take mock tests.
Q: What are the salary and benefits for an RPF SI?
A: Refer to the official notification for details on salary, allowances, and other benefits.