Key Takeaways
- Preparing for the RPF SI exam requires effective planning and quality study materials to succeed in 2026.
- Understanding the RPF SI exam pattern helps candidates choose the right resources that align with the test format.
- The article provides subject-wise recommendations for the best books for RPF SI, emphasizing their utility in covering the syllabus and practice questions.
- Candidates should also engage with mock tests and current affairs resources for a comprehensive preparation strategy.
- A well-structured study plan around the recommended books enhances candidates’ chances of success in the RPF SI examination.
Preparing for the RPF SI (Railway Protection Force Sub-Inspector) exam demands smart planning, consistency, and the right set of study materials. With the competition intensifying every year and the syllabus evolving, knowing the best books for RPF SI is crucial to achieving success in 2026. This article goes beyond generic book lists – it provides subject-wise recommendations, actual utility analysis, lesser-known resources, and strategic tips to help aspirants prepare with confidence. Whether you are just starting your preparation or refining your study plan for the final push, this guide will give you an edge over other aspirants by focusing on quality, relevance, and exam-aligned resources.
What is the RPF SI Exam Pattern?
The RPF SI exam pattern is divided into sections like – CBT, PET, document verification and medical test. Before following any book, it is important to check out the details of the exam pattern:
| Stage | Description |
| Computer Based Test (CBT) | Multiple-choice questions covering General Awareness, Arithmetic, and Reasoning. |
| Physical Efficiency Test (PET) | For qualified candidates from CBT. |
| Document Verification & Medical Test | Final eligibility check. |
Why does choosing the right books matter?
Choosing the right books matters as they offer a structured and affordable path to cover the entire syllabus. Good books provide:
- Conceptual clarity
- Section-wise practice questions
- Previous year question patterns
- Mock tests that resemble real exam difficulty
Best Books for RPF SI 2026
The best books for RPF SI Recruitment 2026 have been given in the table below, subject-wise. Check them out below:
| Section | Book Title | Why is it Recommended |
| General Awareness (GA) | General Knowledge by Manohar Pandey | Covers all static GK topics with clarity and balance; widely used for Railways and SSC exams. |
| Lucent’s General Knowledge | Simplified content with facts, charts, and short notes; ideal for quick revision. | |
| General Awareness – RPF/RPSF Sub-Inspector Bharti Pariksha (Editorial Board) | A large collection of objective questions with clear explanations. | |
| Arithmetic (Quantitative Aptitude) | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal | Comprehensive coverage of fundamentals with a large number of practice questions. |
| Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma | Best for learning shortcuts and improving calculation speed. | |
| Objective Arithmetic (S. Chand) | Provides good-quality practice questions across easy to difficult levels. | |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal | Covers all reasoning types with extensive practice sets; a must-have book. |
| A New Approach to Reasoning by B.S. Sijwali & Indu Sijwali | Excellent for concept clarity and handling higher-difficulty questions. | |
| Railway: General Intelligence & Reasoning (3000+ MCQs) | RPF-specific reasoning practice with a large collection of MCQs. | |
| Lucent’s Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | Concise content with rich practice examples for quick preparation. | |
| Practice Sets & Solved Papers | – | Designed as per the latest exam pattern with detailed solved solutions. |
| – | Real solved papers help identify question trends and exam focus areas. | |
| – | Integrated guide covering syllabus concepts along with practice questions. | |
| – | English-medium practice book with exam-relevant questions. | |
| – | Large collection of objective questions with clear explanations. |
Other resources for RPF SI Exam 2026
Besides the recommended books, candidates must also undertake mock tests, take online coaching classes, and more to ensure success. Some of them are mentioned below:
| Resource Type | How It Helps in RPF SI Preparation | How It helps in RPF SI Preparation |
| Online Mock Tests | Oliveboard | Provide full-length and sectional mock tests with time limits, performance analytics, accuracy tracking, and real exam-level difficulty – essential for improving speed and exam temperament. |
| Current Affairs Monthly PDFs | Reputable monthly current affairs magazines or PDFs | Help cover national and international events, government schemes, sports, awards, and appointments from the last 6–12 months, which are frequently asked in GA sections. |
| NCERT Textbooks (Class 6–12) | History, Geography, Civics, Science, Economics | Build strong conceptual clarity for static GK topics; many RPF SI questions are directly or indirectly based on NCERT fundamentals. |
| YouTube Channels & Free Lectures | RPF SI–focused playlists | Offer free topic-wise explanations, shortcut methods, doubt clearing, and strategy sessions for Quant, Reasoning, and GA. Ideal for concept revision and self-paced learning. |
What is the estimated cost for purchasing the RPF SI Books?
The estimated cost for purchasing the RPF SI books may range from ₹250 – ₹800. Given below are the subject wise estimated cost details:
| Book/Resource | Estimated Price (INR) | Medium |
| General Awareness Books | – | – |
| Lucent’s General Knowledge | ₹250 – ₹300 | English |
| General Knowledge by Manohar Pandey | ₹300 – ₹350 | English |
| RPF/RPSF SI General Awareness Book (Exam-Specific) | ₹400 – ₹500 | English / Hindi |
| Arithmetic / Quant Books | – | – |
| Quantitative Aptitude (R.S. Aggarwal) | ₹300 – ₹350 | English |
| Fast Track Objective Arithmetic (Rajesh Verma) | ₹250 – ₹300 | English |
| Reasoning Books | – | – |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning (R.S. Agarwal) | ₹350 – ₹400 | English |
| A New Approach to Reasoning (B.S. Sijwali & Indu Sijwali) | ₹350 – ₹400 | English |
| Railway Reasoning Practice Book (Testbook) | ₹350 – ₹450 | English |
| Practice Sets & Solved Papers | – | – |
| eVidya 15 Practice Sets (CBT) | ₹350 – ₹400 | English |
| RBD Publication Solved Papers (23 Papers) | ₹400 – ₹450 | English |
| Adda247 MCQ Guide (2100+ MCQs) | ₹200 – ₹250 | English / Hindi |
| Toppersexam RPF SI Practice Book | ₹300 – ₹350 | English |
| Examcart Guidebook (RPF CX/SI) | ₹300 – ₹350 | English / Hindi |
| Optional Resources | – | – |
| Current Affairs Monthly PDF (1-year) | ₹150 – ₹300 | English / Hindi |
| NCERT Textbooks (Set of 8–10) | ₹500 – ₹800 | English / Hindi |
How to choose the perfect RPF SI Study Material?
To select the perfect RPF SI study material, candidates must check out the list of currently available books. Some of the important factors are given below:
- Assess a sample test or exam from the previous year to identify areas requiring more experience.
- Check the list of currently available books for each topic.
- Read online reviews and features to determine if a book meets your needs.
- Choose a book with plenty of practice questions and clear explanations of concepts.
How to build your study plan around the RPF SI Books?
To build a perfect study plan around the recommended books, candidates must divide time equally among each section. Check out the details below:
We hope you understood why it is important to select the perfect study material for the RPF SI Examination. To read more such articles, visit the Oliveboard website.
Best Books For RPF Exam FAQs
Ans: The suggested books for RPF SI exam preparation encompass subjects such as general awareness, reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and the English language. This article offers a selection of the best RPF SI Exam books.
Ans: RRB RPF SI books are available at various online and offline bookstores, as well as on e-commerce platforms.
Ans: Using just one comprehensive book is possible, but it’s better to add other books focusing on specific sections for thorough preparation.
Ans: Yes, solving previous years’ question papers helps you get used to the exam format and types of questions, which is crucial for your preparation.
The estimated cost for purchasing the RPF SI books may range from ₹250 – ₹800
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Hello! This is Arijit Dutta. I am a skilled Content Writer at Oliveboard with nearly 3+ years of experience in crafting engaging, informative, and exam-focused content for the Railways Domain. With a strong command of language and a keen understanding of learner needs, I contribute significantly to Oliveboard’s mission of delivering high-quality educational resources. Passionate about clear communication and continuous learning, I consistently create content that helps government job aspirants achieve their goals. Outside of work, I enjoy playing cricket and listening to music, which helps me stay balanced and creative in my professional journey.