RRB Group-D
RRB Group-D – Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Selection Process
Table of Contents
About RRB Group-D
RRB Group D, officially referred to as recruitment for Level-1 posts in Indian Railways, is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) for various operational, technical and maintenance-related positions across different Railway zones. The recruitment provides opportunities for candidates with secondary-level or relevant technical qualifications to enter the Indian Railways.
The Level-1 recruitment includes posts such as Track Maintainer Grade-IV, Pointsman-B and various Assistant posts in departments including Electrical, Engineering, Mechanical and Signal & Telecommunication. The latest CEN 09/2025 notified 22,195 Level-1 vacancies, with an initial pay of ₹18,000 under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
RRB Group D is particularly relevant for candidates looking for a Central Government career where the selection process combines a computer-based examination with a physical efficiency assessment.
The article is based primarily on the official RRB notification framework, with the current cycle being CEN 09/2025.
RRB Group D Eligibility
Candidates must fulfil the educational, age and other conditions prescribed in the relevant RRB notification.
Educational Qualification
For the Level-1 posts covered under CEN 09/2025, candidates generally need to possess one of the prescribed qualifications:
- Passed Class 10th / Matriculation from a recognized board, or
- ITI qualification from a recognized institution, or
- National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT, wherever applicable.
The exact qualification can vary according to the post, so candidates should check the post-wise requirements in the official notification before applying.
Age Limit
Under CEN 09/2025, the prescribed age range was 18 to 33 years as on 1 January 2026. Upper-age relaxation is applicable to eligible categories according to Government of India rules.
Common relaxations include:
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC-NCL | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| PwBD | As per applicable rules |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per applicable rules |
The exact age-relaxation provisions may differ for particular categories and should always be checked against the applicable CEN.
Other Eligibility Conditions
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed nationality, medical and post-specific requirements. Certain Level-1 posts also have specific medical standards because the nature of railway duties may involve operational, technical or physically demanding responsibilities.
RRB Group D Exam Pattern
The RRB Group D selection process begins with a Computer Based Test (CBT). Under CEN 09/2025, the CBT consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying 100 marks.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
The examination duration is 90 minutes. Candidates eligible for the use of a scribe receive 120 minutes. There is a negative marking of one-third mark for every incorrect answer. The section-wise distribution is indicative and may vary in the actual question paper.
The minimum percentage prescribed for shortlisting is generally 40% for UR/EWS and 30% for OBC-NCL, SC and ST, subject to the provisions mentioned in the notification.
RRB Group D Syllabus
The CBT syllabus covers four major areas: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness & Current Affairs.
Mathematics
Important topics include:
- Number System
- BODMAS
- Decimals and Fractions
- LCM and HCF
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentage
- Mensuration
- Time and Work
- Time and Distance
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Profit and Loss
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Elementary Statistics
- Square Root
- Age Calculations
- Calendar and Clock
- Pipes and Cisterns
The questions generally focus on fundamental mathematical concepts and their practical application.
General Intelligence & Reasoning
The Reasoning section includes topics such as:
- Analogies
- Alphabetical and Number Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Mathematical Operations
- Relationships
- Syllogism
- Jumbling
- Venn Diagrams
- Data Interpretation and Sufficiency
- Conclusions and Decision Making
- Similarities and Differences
- Analytical Reasoning
- Classification
- Directions
- Statement-Arguments
- Statement-Assumptions
Regular practice is important because many questions require quick identification of patterns and logical relationships.
General Science
General Science covers Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences up to the Class 10 level, broadly aligned with the CBSE standard.
Candidates should focus on fundamental concepts, definitions, important laws, everyday applications and basic scientific phenomena.
General Awareness & Current Affairs
This section covers current and general awareness related to areas such as:
- Science and Technology
- Sports
- Culture
- Important Personalities
- Economics
- Politics
- National and international events
- Important developments of general interest
Current affairs should be studied regularly rather than only immediately before the examination.
RRB Group D Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates shortlisted on the basis of CBT performance are called for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The PET is qualifying in nature and candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards.
Under the current CEN:
| Candidate | Weight-Carrying Requirement | Running Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Male | Carry 35 kg for 100 metres within 2 minutes | 1000 metres within 4 minutes 15 seconds |
| Female | Carry 20 kg for 100 metres within 2 minutes | 1000 metres within 5 minutes 40 seconds |
The weight must be carried without putting it down, and the PET requirements should be checked carefully in the applicable notification before appearing for the test.
Candidates should therefore include physical preparation alongside their academic preparation.
RRB Group D Selection Process
The selection process for Level-1 posts generally consists of:
Computer Based Test (CBT) → Physical Efficiency Test (PET) → Document Verification → Medical Examination
The CBT is used for shortlisting candidates for the PET. Candidates who qualify in the PET proceed to document verification and the prescribed medical examination.
The final appointment is subject to fulfilment of all applicable eligibility, document and medical requirements.
Preparation Strategy for RRB Group D
A systematic preparation strategy can help candidates manage the four CBT subjects effectively.
Build Strong Fundamentals
Start with basic concepts in Mathematics, Reasoning and General Science. Since the syllabus is largely based on fundamental-level concepts, clarity is more important than relying only on shortcuts.
Practise Mathematics and Reasoning Regularly
Speed plays an important role in a 90-minute examination. Solve questions regularly and gradually reduce the time required for each question.
Revise General Science
Focus on Class 10-level Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences. Prepare short revision notes for formulas, definitions, important facts and frequently tested concepts.
Follow Current Affairs
Maintain a regular current-affairs routine covering national events, science and technology, sports, economics, government developments and other important areas.
Take Mock Tests
Mock tests help candidates understand the examination environment, improve time management and identify weak areas. Candidates should analyse their mistakes after every test rather than focusing only on the score.
Prepare for PET Early
Physical preparation should not be postponed until after the CBT. Candidates who are serious about Railway Group D should gradually develop the stamina, strength and running ability required for the PET.
Career and Job Profile
RRB Group D recruits employees for various Level-1 positions across Indian Railways. Depending on the post and department, responsibilities may involve track maintenance, railway infrastructure support, electrical or mechanical assistance, signalling and telecommunication support, traffic-related duties and other operational functions.
The nature of work can therefore vary considerably from one post to another. Candidates should examine the post-wise duties, medical standards and working conditions before giving their preferences.
The Level-1 posts carry an initial basic pay of ₹18,000, with applicable allowances and benefits according to Railway and Government rules.
RRB Group D offers candidates an opportunity to enter one of India’s largest Central Government organisations through a recruitment process that is accessible to candidates with secondary-level or relevant technical qualifications.
The examination tests fundamental academic ability as well as physical efficiency, making it important for candidates to prepare for both components. A structured approach combining CBT preparation, regular practice and physical training can help candidates meet the requirements of the recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RRB Group D?
RRB Group D refers to recruitment for various Level-1 posts in Indian Railways, conducted through the Railway Recruitment Boards.
What is the educational qualification for RRB Group D?
Depending on the post, candidates generally require 10th/Matriculation, ITI or the prescribed National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC). The exact requirement is specified in the relevant notification.
What is the age limit for RRB Group D?
For CEN 09/2025, the prescribed age was 18 to 33 years as on 1 January 2026, with applicable relaxations for eligible categories.
How many questions are asked in the RRB Group D CBT?
The CBT consists of 100 questions carrying 100 marks, with 90 minutes allotted to complete the examination.
Is there negative marking in RRB Group D?
Yes. One-third mark is deducted for each incorrect answer in the CBT.
Is PET mandatory for RRB Group D?
Yes. Candidates shortlisted for the PET must qualify the prescribed Physical Efficiency Test before proceeding to the subsequent stages.
Is RRB Group D a good career option?
RRB Group D provides an opportunity to work in Indian Railways in various Level-1 roles. Candidates should consider the nature of duties, physical requirements, medical standards and career progression associated with their preferred posts.
Start Your RRB Group-D Preparation
A structured approach is essential for RRB Group D preparation, as the recruitment process evaluates both academic ability and physical efficiency. Build a strong foundation in Mathematics, Reasoning and General Science, stay updated with current affairs, practise questions regularly and take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy. Alongside CBT preparation, candidates should begin physical training early to meet the requirements of the Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
With the right study plan, consistent practice and regular revision, candidates can develop the confidence and skills required to approach the RRB Group D selection process effectively.