UPSC exams: Railways Protection Force (RPF)

The Indian Railway Protection Force (IRPF) was formed in the year 1954. IRPF is one of the Group ‘A’ Central Civil Service of India. The training ground for RPF is at Jagjivan Ram RPF Academy, Lucknow. The cadre controlling authority is the Director General, RPF.

Cadre size: 287 posts (direct recruitment: 50%, promotion: 40%, Lateral Entry: 10%).

Functions of the Officers

- Responsible for protection of Railway property.

- Assist the state police in maintenance of law and order in various states at the time of elections and other emergencies.

- Coordinates with the civil police and GRP (Government Railway police of the respective states) in controlling crime against railway passenger.