RRB Group D Syllabus 2026 β Exam Pattern, Subject-Wise Syllabus, Selection Process
RRB Group D Syllabus 2026: Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released CEN No. 09/2025 for various Level-1 posts in Indian Railways. According to the notification, a total of 22,195 vacancies have been notified for various Level-1 posts. The initial pay is βΉ18,000, and the prescribed age limit is 18 to 33 years as on January 1, 2026.
Candidates preparing for RRB Group D 2026 should understand the complete syllabus and examination pattern before starting their preparation. The CBT will consist of questions from Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness & Current Affairs.
This article provides the complete RRB Group D Syllabus 2026, including the subject-wise topics, exam pattern, negative marking, qualifying marks, selection process, and Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
RRB Group D 2026 Exam Pattern
The RRB Group D Computer Based Test (CBT) will consist of objective-type multiple-choice questions. As per the official notification, the indicative distribution of questions is as follows:
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
| Exam Duration | 90 Minutes |
| For candidates eligible for a scribe | 120 Minutes |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark for every wrong answer |
RRB Group D Syllabus 2026 β Subject-Wise
1. Mathematics Syllabus
The Mathematics section has an indicative distribution of 25 questions. The official syllabus includes the following topics:
- Number System
- BODMAS
- Decimals
- Fractions
- LCM
- HCF
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentages
- Mensuration
- Time and Work
- Time and Distance
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Profit and Loss
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Elementary Statistics
- Square Root
- Age Calculations
- Calendar
- Clock
- Pipes and Cistern
These topics are specifically listed in the official CEN 09/2025 notification.
Important Mathematics Topics
Candidates should give special attention to:
- Number System
- BODMAS
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Profit and Loss
- Time and Work
- Time and Distance
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Mensuration
- Algebra
- Geometry
Regular practice is important for improving calculation speed and accuracy.
2. General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus
The Reasoning section has an indicative distribution of 30 questions, making it the largest section of the CBT.
The official syllabus includes:
- Analogies
- Alphabetical Series
- Number Series
- Coding and Decoding
- Mathematical Operations
- Relationships
- Syllogism
- Jumbling
- Venn Diagram
- Data Interpretation
- Data Sufficiency
- Conclusions
- Decision Making
- Similarities and Differences
- Analytical Reasoning
- Classification
- Directions
- StatementβArguments
- StatementβAssumptions
These topics are mentioned in the official notification as part of the General Intelligence and Reasoning syllabus.
Important Reasoning Topics
Candidates should focus particularly on:
- Number Series
- Alphabetical Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Analogy
- Classification
- Directions
- Relationships
- Syllogism
- Venn Diagram
- Statement-Based Questions
- Analytical Reasoning
3. General Science Syllabus
The General Science section has an indicative distribution of 25 questions.
According to the official notification, the General Science syllabus will cover Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences of 10th Standard level (CBSE).
General Science Subjects
Physics
- Basic concepts of Physics
- Motion
- Force
- Work and Energy
- Electricity
- Light
- Sound
- Heat
Chemistry
- Basic concepts of Chemistry
- Matter
- Atoms and Molecules
- Chemical Reactions
- Acids, Bases and Salts
- Metals and Non-Metals
- Carbon Compounds
Life Sciences
- Basic Biology
- Human Body
- Nutrition
- Diseases
- Plants
- Reproduction
- Environment and related concepts
4. General Awareness & Current Affairs Syllabus
The General Awareness and Current Affairs section has an indicative distribution of 20 questions.
The official notification states that questions may cover:
- Science & Technology
- Sports
- Culture
- Personalities
- Economics
- Politics
- Current Affairs
- Other subjects of importance
The notification also clarifies that the topics listed are illustrative and not necessarily exhaustive.
Important Areas for Current Affairs
Candidates should regularly follow important developments related to:
- National and International Events
- Government Schemes
- Sports
- Awards and Honours
- Important Appointments
- Science and Technology
- Economy
- Politics
- Important Personalities
- Major National Events
RRB Group D 2026 Minimum Qualifying Marks
The official notification specifies the following minimum percentage of marks for shortlisting in different communities:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|
| UR | 40% |
| EWS | 40% |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 30% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 30% |
For PwBD candidates, the eligibility percentage may be relaxed by 2 marks in case of a shortage of PwBD candidates against reserved vacancies.
Meeting the minimum qualifying percentage alone does not guarantee selection. Candidates must qualify for the subsequent stages according to the applicable shortlisting criteria.
RRB Group D 2026 Negative Marking
Negative marking will apply in the CBT.
1/3 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
Therefore, candidates should focus on accuracy and avoid unnecessary guessing during the examination.
RRB Group D 2026 Selection Process
According to CEN 09/2025, the recruitment process consists of the following stages:
-
1Computer Based Test (CBT)
-
2Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
-
3Document Verification (DV)
-
4Medical Examination (ME)
The official notification specifies these four stages of the recruitment process.
CBT
All eligible candidates have to appear for the Computer Based Test. If CBT is conducted in multiple shifts, normalization of marks will be carried out for shortlisting purposes.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates will be shortlisted for PET based on their CBT merit. The notification states that candidates may generally be shortlisted at three times the community-wise total vacancies, although the Railway Administration reserves the right to increase or decrease this ratio as required.
The PET is mandatory and qualifying in nature.
PET Criteria for Male Candidates
Male candidates must:
- Lift and carry 35 kg of weight for a distance of 100 metres within 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down.
- Run 1000 metres within 4 minutes 15 seconds in one chance.
PET Criteria for Female Candidates
Female candidates must:
- Lift and carry 20 kg of weight for a distance of 100 metres within 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down.
- Run 1000 metres within 5 minutes 40 seconds in one chance.
Document Verification and Medical Examination
After CBT merit and successful qualification in PET, candidates will be shortlisted for Document Verification.
The number of candidates called for Document Verification is generally equal to the number of notified vacancies, i.e. 1:1, subject to the provisions mentioned in the notification.
Candidates must produce their original certificates during Document Verification. Final appointment is subject to the required medical fitness, verification of educational and community certificates, and verification of antecedents and character.
RRB Group D 2026 Preparation Strategy
Mathematics Preparation
Start with basic arithmetic topics such as Number System, BODMAS, Percentage, Ratio, Profit & Loss, Time & Work and Time & Distance. After strengthening these topics, move on to Mensuration, Interest, Algebra, Geometry and other topics.
Practice calculations regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
Reasoning Preparation
Reasoning can be improved through regular question practice. Start with Series, Analogy, Classification, Coding-Decoding, Directions and Relationships. Gradually move toward Syllogism, Venn Diagrams and statement-based questions.
General Science Preparation
Since the official syllabus specifies 10th-standard CBSE level Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences, candidates should build a strong understanding of basic concepts at this level.
General Awareness Preparation
Read current affairs regularly and revise important events related to Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Economics, Politics and important personalities.
Mock Test Practice
The CBT contains 100 questions with a 90-minute duration. Candidates should therefore practice full-length mock tests to improve time management, question selection and accuracy.
RRB Group D Syllabus 2026 β Important Points
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment | RRB Group D / Level-1 |
| CEN | 09/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 22,195 |
| CBT Questions | 100 |
| CBT Marks | 100 |
| Exam Duration | 90 Minutes |
| Scribe Duration | 120 Minutes |
| General Science | 25 Questions |
| Mathematics | 25 Questions |
| Reasoning | 30 Questions |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 Questions |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 Mark |
| PET | Qualifying |
| Selection Stages | CBT β PET β DV β Medical |