The Railway Protection Force (RPF) Recruitment 2025 is one of the most awaited opportunities for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Railways in a security role. The selection process includes multiple stages, of which the Computer-Based Test (CBT) and the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) are the most crucial.
Many aspirants are often confused about the differences between RRB RPF CBT and PET, their difficulty levels, and how to prepare effectively for both. While the CBT checks your knowledge, reasoning, and aptitude, the PET evaluates your physical fitness and endurance. Balancing preparation for both stages is the key to securing your dream job.
In this detailed guide, we will explain the differences between RPF CBT and PET, their difficulty level, and provide practical preparation tips for 2025.
RRB RPF Selection Process 2025 at a Glance
Before comparing CBT and PET, let’s look at the overall RPF selection process:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Objective-type exam conducted online.
- Tests general awareness, reasoning ability, and arithmetic skills.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
- Evaluates candidates’ physical strength, stamina, and endurance.
- Document Verification (DV)
- Verification of academic, category, and other eligibility documents.
- Medical Examination
- Final medical fitness test before appointment.
Both CBT and PET are elimination stages, meaning you need to clear each to progress further.
RRB RPF CBT 2025: Key Details
The Computer-Based Test (CBT) is the first stage of selection and is highly competitive since lakhs of candidates appear for limited vacancies.
Exam Pattern for CBT:
- Mode: Online (computer-based).
- Questions: 120 objective-type.
- Duration: 90 minutes.
- Subjects Covered:
- General Awareness – 50 marks
- Arithmetic (Maths) – 35 marks
- General Intelligence & Reasoning – 35 marks
Difficulty Level of CBT
- General Awareness: Moderate; requires good knowledge of current affairs, Indian railways, polity, history, and science.
- Arithmetic: Moderate; focuses on speed and accuracy in basic calculations.
- Reasoning: Easy to moderate; involves puzzles, series, coding-decoding, etc.
CBT mainly checks your knowledge, analytical skills, and accuracy.
RRB RPF PET 2025: Key Details
After clearing CBT, candidates appear for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), which is a qualifying stage (no marks awarded, but mandatory to pass).
PET Events for Male Candidates:
- 1600-meter run – Must complete within 5 minutes 45 seconds.
- Long Jump – Minimum 14 feet.
- High Jump – Minimum 4 feet.
PET Events for Female Candidates:
- 800-meter run – Must complete within 3 minutes 40 seconds.
- Long Jump – Minimum 9 feet.
- High Jump – Minimum 3 feet.
Difficulty Level of PET
- PET requires physical fitness and stamina.
- Running is the toughest challenge for most candidates.
- Long jump and high jump require practice, technique, and body balance.
Unlike CBT, PET is not knowledge-based but purely physical.
RRB RPF CBT vs PET: Major Differences
| Aspect | CBT (Computer-Based Test) | PET (Physical Efficiency Test) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Test | Knowledge-based written exam | Physical fitness-based test |
| Mode | Online (objective) | On-ground physical tasks |
| Subjects | GA, Reasoning, Arithmetic | Running, Long Jump, High Jump |
| Duration | 90 minutes | Depends on event (running, jumps) |
| Scoring | Marks awarded | Qualifying only |
| Difficulty | Moderate (depends on preparation) | Moderate to high (depends on stamina) |
| Preparation Needed | Books, mock tests, current affairs | Daily exercise, running, sports practice |
Difficulty Comparison – CBT vs PET
- For academically strong candidates – CBT is easier, but PET can be challenging.
- For physically fit candidates (sports background) – PET feels easier, but CBT may seem tough.
- Overall – PET is often seen as tougher since many candidates fail in the running test despite clearing CBT.
Thus, balancing preparation for both is essential for success.
Preparation Tips for RRB RPF CBT 2025
1. General Awareness
- Follow daily news updates (Indian Railways, Government schemes, Current Affairs).
- Read Lucent’s GK, NCERT history & geography basics.
- Revise static GK topics like awards, sports, capitals, and Indian polity.
2. Arithmetic (Maths)
- Focus on topics like percentages, ratio, profit & loss, SI & CI, averages, speed & distance.
- Practice with RS Aggarwal and railway-specific previous papers.
- Time management is crucial – solve mock tests regularly.
3. Reasoning Ability
- Practice puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, syllogisms.
- Solve at least 25–30 reasoning questions daily.
- Online mock tests help in improving speed and accuracy.
4. Mock Tests & Revision
- Attempt previous year RPF papers to understand difficulty level.
- Take online CBT mocks to simulate the real exam.
Preparation Tips for RRB RPF PET 2025
1. Running Practice
- Male: Practice 1600 meters daily with gradual speed improvement.
- Female: Practice 800 meters regularly with interval running.
- Build stamina with jogging, sprinting, and endurance exercises.
2. Long Jump & High Jump
- Practice jumping techniques with proper landing.
- Work on leg strength through squats, lunges, and skipping.
- Train under guidance or with local sports facilities.
3. Diet & Fitness
- Maintain a balanced diet with proteins, fruits, and hydration.
- Avoid junk food and late-night schedules.
- Ensure regular exercise to prevent injuries.
4. Consistency & Health
- Practice daily for at least 2–3 months before PET.
- Avoid overtraining right before exam day.
- Take proper rest and sleep.
Summary
The RRB RPF CBT and PET 2025 are two crucial stages of recruitment. While CBT tests your knowledge and reasoning ability, PET checks your physical fitness and stamina. Many candidates underestimate PET, but statistics show a significant number fail in running tests. Therefore, balanced preparation for both CBT and PET is the only way to succeed.
- CBT → Focus on General Awareness, Arithmetic, Reasoning.
- PET → Prioritize stamina, running practice, and jumping skills.
- Key Strategy → Start preparing early, stay consistent, and focus equally on mental and physical fitness.
FAQs on RRB RPF CBT vs PET 2025
1. Which is tougher: CBT or PET in RPF?
Both have their challenges – CBT is tough for those weak in academics, while PET is tough for those lacking physical stamina. PET is often considered more difficult due to the strict running time limits.
2. Is PET qualifying in RPF?
Yes, PET is qualifying. You need to pass running, long jump, and high jump to move ahead. Marks are not added to the final merit list.
3. How should I prepare for RPF CBT?
Focus on daily current affairs, solve previous year papers, and take online mock tests. Time management is crucial.
4. Can a candidate prepare for CBT and PET together?
Yes, ideally you should start preparing for both. Dedicate mornings/evenings to physical training and the rest of the day for CBT studies.
5. How many months are needed to prepare for RPF PET?
At least 2–3 months of consistent physical training is required, especially for the running test.