RPF Exam vs SSC GD Exam, Which Is Easier To Crack?

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RPF Exam vs SSC GD Exam

RPF Exam vs SSC GD Exam: The RPF Exam and the SSC GD Exam are both ways to get security jobs, but they’re different in how they’re set up, the kinds of jobs they offer, and who can apply. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right path and prepare effectively for their chosen exam. Let’s check various aspects of RPF Exam vs SSC GD Exam.

What Is RPF Exam and SSC GD Exam?

The RPF (Railway Protection Force) exam is conducted by the Indian Railways to recruit personnel responsible for ensuring the safety and security of passengers, property, and premises within the railway system.

The SSC GD (Staff Selection Commission – General Duty) exam, on the other hand, is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission of India to recruit candidates for various general duty positions in central government paramilitary forces like the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), etc. These positions involve duties such as safeguarding borders, providing security to vital installations, conducting anti-insurgency operations, and maintaining law and order.

RPF Exam vs SSC GD Exam – Eligibility Criteria

Exploring career paths in law enforcement? Let’s compare the eligibility criteria for the RPF Exam and the SSC GD Exam to help you understand the differences between the two.

RPF Exam:

  • Age Limit: 18 to 25 years for Constable, 20 to 25 years for SI.
  • Educational Qualification: 10th pass for Constable, Graduation for SI.
  • Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
  • Physical Standards:
PositionHeight (Male)Height (Female)Chest (Male Only)Weight
Constable165 cm157 cmUnexpanded: 80 cm, Expanded: 85 cmProportionate to height and age
Sub-Inspector (SI)165 cm157 cmUnexpanded: 80 cm, Expanded: 85 cmProportionate to height and age
  • Number of Attempts: No limit until the candidate is within the age limit.

SSC GD Exam:

  • Age Limit: 18 to 23 years.
  • Educational Qualification: 10th pass.
  • Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
  • Physical Standards:
CriteriaMale CandidatesFemale Candidates
Height170 cm157 cm
Chest (Only for Male Candidates)Unexpanded: 80 cm (Minimum Expansion 5 cm)N/A
WeightProportionate to height and age as per medical standardsProportionate to height and age as per medical standards
  • Number of Attempts: No limit until the candidate is within the age limit.

RPF Exam vs SSC GD Exam – Selection Process

Comparing the selection processes of the RPF Exam and the SSC GD Exam highlights their differences, despite both leading to law enforcement careers. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for candidates seeking public sector employment.

Selection StagesRPF ExamSSC GD Exam
Written ExamComputer Based Test (CBT) assessing general knowledge, reasoning, and numerical aptitude.Computer-Based Test (CBT) evaluating various subjects.
Physical TestsPhysical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Measurement Test (PMT) to assess fitness and measurements.Physical Efficiency Test (PET)/Physical Standards Test (PST) to assess fitness and physical standards.
Document VerificationVerification of original documents.Checking the authenticity of the documents provided.
Medical ExaminationRequired to ensure candidates are medically fit.Medical Test or Detailed Medical Examination (DME) to ensure fitness.

Note: Both exams have a multi-stage selection process designed to assess the candidates’ abilities and suitability for a career in law enforcement. While there are similarities in the stages, such as the CBT and physical tests, there may be differences in the specific requirements and standards of each test.

RPF Exam vs SSC GD Exam – Exam Pattern

The RPF Exam and SSC GD Exam have different exam patterns, each designed to suit the needs of their respective organizations. Both exams recruit candidates for security roles, but they assess skills and knowledge differently. It’s important for aspirants to grasp these distinctions for effective preparation.

Exam PatternRPF ExamSSC GD Exam
Exam ModeOnline Computer Based Test (CBT)Online Computer Based Test (CBT)
SectionsGeneral Awareness, Arithmetic, General Intelligence & ReasoningGeneral Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Elementary Mathematics, English/Hindi
Number of Questions12080
Total Marks120160
Duration90 minutes60 minutes
Negative MarkingYes (1/3 mark deduction for incorrect answers)Yes (0.25 marks deduction for incorrect answers)

Note: The RPF Exam consists of a CBT with three sections, while the SSC GD Exam includes four sections with a preference for English or Hindi in the language section. The SSC GD Exam has fewer questions but a higher total mark value, and both exams have negative marking for incorrect answers. The duration of the RPF Exam is longer by 30 minutes compared to the SSC GD Exam.

RPF Exam vs SSC GD Exam – Syllabus

RPF Exam:

  • General Awareness: Topics include current events, Indian history, Art & Culture, Geography, Economics, General Polity, Indian Constitution, Sports, General Science.
  • Arithmetic: Number systems, whole numbers, decimal and fractions, relationships between numbers, fundamental arithmetical operations, percentages, ratio and proportion, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, use of table and graphs, mensuration, time and distance, ratio and time, time and work, etc.
  • General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, similarities and differences, spatial visualization, spatial orientation, problem-solving, analysis, judgment, decision making, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal and figure classification, arithmetical number series, non-verbal series, coding and decoding, statement conclusion, syllogistic reasoning.

SSC GD Exam:

  • General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analytical aptitude and ability to observe and distinguish patterns, analogies, spatial visualization, spatial orientation, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning and figural classification, arithmetic number series, non-verbal series, coding and decoding, etc.
  • General Knowledge & General Awareness: Current events, India and its neighboring countries, especially pertaining to sports, history, culture, geography, economic scene, general polity, Indian Constitution, scientific research, etc.
  • Elementary Mathematics: Number systems, computation of whole numbers, decimals and fractions, relationships between numbers, fundamental arithmetical operations, percentages, ratio and proportion, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, mensuration, time and distance, ratio and time, time and work, etc.
  • English/Hindi: Candidates’ ability to understand basic English/ Hindi and their basic comprehension and writing ability.

Note: Both exams cover a range of topics designed to assess the candidates’ general aptitude, knowledge, and language skills. While there is significant overlap in the subjects covered, the SSC GD Exam includes a language component where candidates can choose between English and Hindi. 

Conclusion

The RPF Exam and the SSC GD Exam offer different routes to security jobs. Understanding these variations helps candidates choose the right exam and prepare effectively. By comparing various aspects of the two exams, candidates can make informed decisions and tailor their preparation accordingly for a successful career in law enforcement.

RPF Exam vs SSC GD Exam – FAQs

Q1) How do the exam patterns of RPF and SSC GD exams differ?

Ans: RPF Exam: CBT with sections on General Awareness, Arithmetic, and General Intelligence & Reasoning.
SSC GD Exam: CBT covering General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Elementary Mathematics, and English/Hindi.

Q2) What are the differences in the selection process between RPF and SSC GD exams?

Ans: RPF Exam: Includes stages like Computer Based Test (CBT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
SSC GD Exam: Also involves CBT, Physical Efficiency Test (PET)/Physical Standards Test (PST), Document Verification, and Medical Test.

Q3) Do these exams have negative marking for incorrect answers?

Ans: Yes, both the RPF Exam and SSC GD Exam have negative marking. In the RPF Exam, there is a deduction of 1/3 mark for incorrect answers, while in the SSC GD Exam, 0.25 marks are deducted for incorrect answers.

Q4) How many attempts are allowed for RPF and SSC GD exams?

Ans: There is no limit on the number of attempts for either exam until the candidate is within the prescribed age limit.




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