RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026: Selection Process & Complete Guide

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the RRB Group D Level-1 2026 notification, announcing 22,000 vacancies for roles including Track Maintainer Grade-IV, Helper/Assistant, and Assistant Pointsman. To successfully crack the RRB Group D Exam 2026, candidates must thoroughly understand the exam pattern and the official syllabus of the RRB Group D exam. Reviewing the updated exam pattern, selection stages, and marking scheme is crucial for a strategic preparation plan.

RRB Group D Selection Process 2026

The RRB Group D 2026 recruitment features a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted nationwide. The Railway Administration reserves the authority to hold the CBT in either single or multi-stage formats. Candidates who clear the CBT will proceed to the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), followed by Document Verification (DV) and a mandatory Medical Examination.

The comprehensive recruitment process consists of the following key stages:

1. Computer Based Test (CBT-1)
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
3. Document Verification and Medical

RRB Group D Result 2026 (CEN 08/2024) - Click Here to Check

RRB Group D Score Card 2026 - Click Here to Download

RRB Group D Cut Off 2026 - Click Here to Check

RRB Group D Level-1 Exam Pattern 2026 (CBT-1)

Candidates shortlisted based on their performance in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) will be invited for the PET and Document Verification. The exam duration and total question count are detailed below:

RRB Launches Single Portal For All Railway Recruitment - Click Here to Check

RRB Group D CBT-1 Exam Pattern 2026
Subjects	No. Of Questions	Marks	Duration
General Science	25	25	Total Exam Duration: 90 Minutes
Mathematics	25	25
General Intelligence & Reasoning	30	30
General Awareness and Current Affairs	20	20
Total	100	100

Important Note:

1. *The examination duration will be 120 Minutes for eligible PwBD candidates accompanied with Scribe.
2. The section-wise distribution given in the above table is only indicative and there may be some variation in the actual question paper. There will be negative marking and 1/3 marks shall be deducted for each wrong answer.
3. Minimum percentage of marks for eligibility in various categories: UR-40%, EWS-40%, OBC(Non creamy layer)-30%, SC-30%, ST-30%. This percentage of marks for eligibility may be relaxed by 2% for PwBD candidates in case of a shortage of PwBD candidates against vacancies reserved for them.
4. Where a second stage CBT is deemed necessary and held, the Railway Administration reserves the right to treat the first stage CBT as a qualifying test for the purpose of shortlisting a reasonable number of candidates for the second stage.

Physical Efficiency Tests (PET)

Based on CBT merit, candidates equal to three times the number of vacancies will be shortlisted for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The Railway Board reserves the right to adjust this ratio to ensure sufficient candidate availability. Please note that the PET is mandatory and purely qualifying in nature.

Male candidates	Female candidates
Should be able to lift and carry 35 Kg of weight for a distance of 100 metres in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down ; and Should be able to run for a distance of 1000 metres in 4 minutes and 15 seconds in one chance.	Should be able to lift and carry 20 Kg of weight for a distance of 100 metres in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down; and Should be able to run for a distance of 1000 metres in 5 minutes and 40 seconds in one chance.

Document Verification and Empanelling of Candidates

Following the PET, candidates twice the number of available vacancies will be called for Document Verification, based on their merit ranking and post preferences.

These additional candidates are considered for empanelment only to address shortfalls arising from candidates not joining or other administrative requirements.

In the event of a tie in marks, merit is determined by age (older candidates are given preference). If age is also identical, alphabetical order of the candidate's name is used to break the tie.

Final selection is subject to meeting medical fitness standards, successful verification of educational/community certificates, and a background character check.

All candidates attending Document Verification undergo a medical examination. Being called for the medical round does not guarantee an appointment, especially for those called beyond the number of notified vacancies.

Please note that RRBs/RRCs are responsible for the recommendation of candidates, while the final offer of appointment is issued exclusively by the respective Railway Administrations.