RRB Group D Exam: Pattern, Eligibility, Selection Process (2026 Guide)

The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) conduct the Group D recruitment (RRC Level 1) to fill posts such as Track Maintainer Grade IV, Helper/Assistant, Assistant Pointsman and other Level 1 roles across Indian Railways. It is one of the largest recruitments in the country, and its computer-based tests for the current cycle are under way in 2026.

Quick Answer

RRB Group D selection has three stages: a single Computer-Based Test (CBT), a Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and Document Verification with medical examination. The CBT has 100 questions in 90 minutes with 1/3 negative marking. Minimum qualification is Class 10 pass or ITI (NCVT/SCVT) or equivalent NAC; the merit list is made purely from CBT scores.

Exam Pattern (CBT)

Total 100 questions, 90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates with scribe), objective multiple-choice, bilingual question paper. Every wrong answer deducts 1/3 of a mark.

Selection Process

1. CBT: the only scored stage — the merit list comes from normalised CBT marks.
2. PET (qualifying): for male candidates, typically lifting and carrying 35 kg for 100 metres in 2 minutes and a 1,000-metre run in 4 minutes 15 seconds; for female candidates, 20 kg for 100 metres and 1,000 metres in 5 minutes 40 seconds. Confirm exact standards in the current CEN.
3. Document Verification & Medical: qualified candidates face DV and a medical fitness examination in the applicable standard for the post.

Eligibility

• Education: Class 10 pass, or ITI from an NCVT/SCVT-recognised institution, or a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
• Age: generally 18–33 years for the current cycle, with relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC (NCL); check the CEN for the exact cut-off date.
• Fee: ₹500 for general/OBC (₹400 refunded on appearing in the CBT) and ₹250 for SC/ST/PwBD/female/Ex-SM candidates (fully refunded on appearing), as per recent cycles.

Qualifying Marks

Minimum qualifying percentages in the CBT are typically UR 40%, OBC/SC 30%, ST 30% — the actual cut-off to reach PET runs much higher and varies by zone and category.

How to Prepare

The paper rewards speed on basics: Class 10-level science and maths, standard reasoning types, and current affairs of roughly the last 12 months. Practise with full-length Group D mock tests to build the 54-seconds-per-question rhythm the real CBT demands, and revise from your mistakes rather than fresh material in the final weeks. Daily current-affairs MCQs cover the GA section efficiently.

FAQs

Is there an interview for Group D? No. Selection is CBT + qualifying PET + document verification and medical.

Is there negative marking? Yes, 1/3 mark per wrong answer in the CBT.

Where are notifications published? On the official RRB websites and rrbapply.gov.in; each recruitment is announced through a Centralised Employment Notice (CEN).