The RRB Group D Syllabus 2026 is essential for candidates preparing for the Railway Recruitment Board Group D examination under CEN 09/2025. With 22,195 vacancies for Track Maintainer, Helper, Pointsman and Gateman posts, understanding the complete syllabus and exam pattern is the first step toward cracking this exam. This article covers the CBT exam pattern, subject-wise syllabus, PET details and negative marking rules.
RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026 – Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RRB Group D CBT (Computer Based Test) |
| CEN Number | CEN 09/2025 |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Duration | 90 Minutes |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer |
| Language | Hindi, English & 13 regional languages |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice (MCQ) |
| Qualifying Stage | CBT → PET → Document Verification → Medical |
RRB Group D CBT – Section-Wise Distribution
The Computer Based Test (CBT) for RRB Group D consists of 4 sections with 100 total questions to be completed in 90 minutes. Here is the section-wise breakdown:
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Note: PwBD candidates with eligible disabilities get 120 minutes (30 extra minutes) as per railway rules.
RRB Group D Mathematics Syllabus (25 Questions)
The Mathematics section tests basic numerical ability. Key topics include:
- Number System: HCF, LCM, fractions, decimals, square roots
- Simplification: BODMAS, approximation
- Percentage: Calculation, increase/decrease
- Ratio & Proportion: Direct and inverse proportion
- Profit & Loss: Cost price, selling price, discount
- Simple & Compound Interest: Formula-based problems
- Time & Work: Pipes and cisterns, work and wages
- Time, Speed & Distance: Trains, boats and streams
- Mensuration: Area, volume, surface area of basic shapes
- Algebra: Basic algebraic expressions, equations
- Geometry & Trigonometry: Basic concepts, angles, triangles
- Data Interpretation: Tables, bar graphs, pie charts
RRB Group D General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus (30 Questions)
This is the highest-weightage section with 30 questions. Topics include:
- Analogies: Word, number and figure analogies
- Coding-Decoding: Letter, number and mixed coding
- Series: Number series, letter series, figure series
- Blood Relations: Family tree based questions
- Direction Sense: Map-based direction problems
- Syllogism: Logical deductions from statements
- Venn Diagrams: Classification and grouping
- Classification: Odd one out
- Order & Ranking: Arrangement, position based
- Mathematical Operations: Symbol substitution
- Mirror & Water Images: Visual reasoning
- Paper Folding & Cutting: Visual pattern recognition
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement: Linear and circular
- Calendar & Clock: Day, date and time calculations
RRB Group D General Science Syllabus (25 Questions)
General Science covers Physics, Chemistry and Biology up to 10th standard level (NCERT):
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Physics | Force & Motion, Work-Energy-Power, Light, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism, Heat |
| Chemistry | Acids-Bases-Salts, Metals & Non-Metals, Carbon Compounds, Chemical Reactions, Periodic Table |
| Biology | Cell Biology, Human Body, Diseases, Nutrition, Reproduction, Environment, Ecology |
Preparation Tip: Focus on NCERT Class 9 and 10 Science textbooks. Most questions are directly from these books.
RRB Group D General Awareness & Current Affairs Syllabus (20 Questions)
This section tests knowledge of current events and general awareness:
- Current Affairs: Last 6 months national and international news
- Indian Polity: Constitution, fundamental rights, Parliament
- Indian Economy: Budget, RBI, banking, GDP
- Indian History: Freedom struggle, ancient and medieval India
- Geography: Indian geography, rivers, mountains, climate
- Sports: Recent tournaments, awards, records
- Awards & Honours: Padma awards, Nobel prizes, national awards
- Books & Authors: Important publications
- Science & Technology: Recent developments, space missions (ISRO)
- Important Days & Dates: National and international observances
RRB Group D Negative Marking Rules
| Action | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 mark |
| Wrong Answer | -1/3 mark (0.33 deducted) |
| Unanswered Question | 0 marks (no penalty) |
Strategy: Do not guess randomly. Attempt a question only if you can eliminate at least 1-2 options. Leaving a question unanswered is better than a random guess.
RRB Group D PET (Physical Efficiency Test)
After clearing the CBT, candidates must pass the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). PET is qualifying in nature (no marks are awarded):
| PET Activity | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting & Carrying | Lift and carry 35 kg for 100 metres in 2 minutes | Lift and carry 20 kg for 100 metres in 2 minutes |
| Running | Run 1000 metres in 4 minutes 15 seconds | Run 1000 metres in 5 minutes 40 seconds |
Note: PET standards may vary for PwBD and ex-servicemen candidates as per railway notification.
RRB Group D Selection Process – Complete Flow
- Stage 1 – CBT: Computer Based Test (100 questions, 90 minutes)
- Stage 2 – PET: Physical Efficiency Test (qualifying)
- Stage 3 – Document Verification: Original certificates and documents
- Stage 4 – Medical Examination: Fitness test as per railway medical standards
RRB Group D Syllabus 2026 – Preparation Tips
- Start with NCERT Class 9-10 books for Science and Maths foundation
- Practice Reasoning daily – it carries the highest marks (30 questions)
- Read newspaper daily for Current Affairs (last 6 months are most important)
- Solve previous year RRB Group D papers to understand question patterns
- Take mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy
- Do not ignore PET preparation – start running and physical training early
RRB Group D Syllabus 2026 – FAQ
How many questions are asked in RRB Group D CBT?
RRB Group D CBT has 100 questions to be completed in 90 minutes. The exam is divided into 4 sections: Mathematics (25), General Intelligence & Reasoning (30), General Science (25) and General Awareness & Current Affairs (20).
Is there negative marking in RRB Group D exam?
Yes. There is negative marking of 1/3 mark for every wrong answer. This means 0.33 marks are deducted for each incorrect response. Unanswered questions carry no penalty.
What is the PET for RRB Group D?
PET (Physical Efficiency Test) includes lifting and carrying weight (35 kg for males, 20 kg for females over 100 metres in 2 minutes) and running (1000 metres in 4:15 for males, 5:40 for females). PET is qualifying in nature.
Which books should I study for RRB Group D?
Start with NCERT Class 9 and 10 textbooks for Science and Mathematics. For Reasoning, practice from any standard competitive exam book. For Current Affairs, read a daily newspaper and monthly compilations.
Is RRB Group D CBT exam available in Hindi?
Yes. RRB Group D CBT is available in Hindi, English and 13 other regional languages. Candidates can choose their preferred language at the time of application.
What is the selection process for RRB Group D 2026?
The selection process has 4 stages: Stage 1 – CBT (Computer Based Test), Stage 2 – PET (Physical Efficiency Test), Stage 3 – Document Verification, Stage 4 – Medical Examination. Merit list is prepared based on CBT marks.
