RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026: CBT Sections, Marking Scheme, Qualifying Marks & PET

The RRB Group D exam pattern has two scoring hurdles: a Computer-Based Test (CBT) of 100 questions in 90 minutes with 1/3 negative marking, followed by a qualifying Physical Efficiency Test (PET). This guide covers the section-wise CBT pattern, marking scheme, minimum qualifying marks, normalisation, PET standards and the full selection process, using the RRB Group D 2026 recruitment (CEN 09/2025) as reference.

In 2026 about 58 lakh candidates applied for 22,195 vacancies, which is over 260 applicants per post. With competition like that, every 1/3 mark you lose to a careless guess matters.

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RRB Group D 2026 at a Glance

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RRB Group D CBT Exam Pattern

• Mode: online computer-based test, objective MCQs.
• Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates using a scribe).
• No sectional time limit: you can move between sections freely.
• Language: you choose the language while applying; English, Hindi and several regional languages are available.

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Marking Scheme and Negative Marking

Three wrong answers cancel one right answer. Attempt a guess only when you can eliminate at least two options.

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Minimum Qualifying Marks in the CBT

PwBD candidates may get a relaxation of up to 2% if there is a shortage of PwBD candidates for reserved vacancies. Qualifying is not selection: candidates are shortlisted for PET in order of merit, usually about three times the number of vacancies, so the real cut-off is much higher than these minimums.

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Normalisation

When the CBT runs in many shifts, RRB normalises raw marks to adjust for differences in difficulty between shifts. Your merit position is based on the normalised score, not the raw score from your response sheet. This is why two candidates with the same raw score in different shifts can end up with different normalised marks.

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RRB Group D Syllabus in Brief

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Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Standards

PET is qualifying only. Your PET performance does not add marks, but failing it ends your candidature.

PwBD candidates are exempt from PET. Ex-servicemen should check the notification for their specific requirement.

Start PET training while preparing for the CBT, not after the result. PET is usually held a few weeks after the result, and a 1,000 m time of 4:15 needs several weeks of regular running for most people.

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Full Selection Process

1. CBT: merit list on normalised marks, subject to the minimum qualifying percentage.
2. PET: qualifying; shortlisted candidates only.
3. Document Verification: educational certificates, category and age proof.
4. Medical Examination: as per the medical standard required for the post you are allotted.

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Preparation Tips Based on the Pattern

• Reasoning (30 marks) is the largest and most scoring section. Aim for 25+ correct.
• General Science (25 marks) is Class 10 NCERT level. Revise Physics, Chemistry and Biology chapters thoroughly.
• Maths (25 marks): speed comes from practising each topic until you can solve a question in under a minute.
• GA (20 marks): follow monthly current-affairs capsules for the last 6–8 months and railway-specific news.
• Mocks: take at least 30 full-length CBT mocks of 90 minutes. Practise on our free RRB NTPC mock test, which uses the same RRB CBT interface and similar Maths, Reasoning and GA questions.

Read the RRB Group D exam guide for eligibility and salary, and see the list of exam conducting agencies in India to understand how RRBs fit in.

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⚠️ Disclaimer: Pattern and standards are based on the RRB Group D CEN 09/2025 notification and recent recruitment notices. Always follow the official notification on your regional RRB website or rrbapply.gov.in.