CRPF Constable Tradesman Exam Pattern 2026: Stages, CBT Marks and Strategy

The CRPF Constable (Technical and Tradesmen) exam pattern 2026 has six stages, but only one of them, the Computer Based Test, decides your rank. The others are qualifying hurdles that you must clear. This page explains each stage, the marking scheme, the qualifying percentages and what the numbers mean for your preparation. It covers the Technical and Tradesmen and Pioneer posts from the CRPF notice dated 8 April 2026, not Constable GD (through SSC GD) or the Paramedical Staff recruitment.

Pattern details below come from the 2026 advertisement notice and are year-specific. Older pages may show a different pattern or stage order for earlier recruitments, so follow the latest official notice.

Official CRPF recruitment website: https://rect.crpf.gov.in/

Table of Contents

• Exam pattern at a glance

• Stage 1: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

• Stage 2: Physical Standard Test (PST)

• Stage 3: Computer Based Test (CBT) pattern

• Marking scheme and negative marking

• What the pattern means for you

• Stage 4: Trade Test

• Document verification and medical examination

• Final merit and tie-break rules

• Time management and exam-day strategy

Exam pattern at a glance

Stage 1: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

The 2026 notice lists the PET first. It is a timed race, and the distance depends on your trade. Ex-servicemen are exempt from the PET but must complete the PST. There is no appeal against the PET result.

Pregnant women may be deferred and re-tested six weeks after confinement, as the notice explains. The PET is qualifying only and carries no marks.

Stage 2: Physical Standard Test (PST)

The PST checks height, chest (men only) and weight in proportion to height and age. A candidate who fails the PST cannot move to the written test.

Stage 3: Computer Based Test (CBT) pattern

• Duration: 2 hours for the full paper.

• Language: English and Hindi only.

• Level: Matriculation.

• Restrictions: calculators and electronic devices are not allowed.

• Sectional timing: the notice does not describe a separate time limit for each section, so manage the 2 hours yourself.

Marking scheme and negative marking

Each question is worth 1 mark, and 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. The notice does not describe any penalty for an unattempted question. Marks are normalised before merit lists and cut-offs are prepared, and re-evaluation is not allowed.

For example, if you attempt 80 questions and get 64 right and 16 wrong, your raw score is 64 minus 4, which is 60. A candidate who attempts 70 and gets 62 right and 8 wrong scores 60 as well, with less risk. Accuracy matters as much as attempts.

What the pattern means for you

• Every section is worth the same: with 25 marks each, a zero in one section cannot be covered easily, so balance your practice.

• A wrong guess costs a quarter mark: guess only when you can remove at least two options.

• Time per question is about 72 seconds: reasoning figures and maths calculations should be solved faster so that you can spend longer on comprehension and GK recall.

• The CBT is the only merit stage: physical and trade stages cannot raise your rank, so spend written-test time on score improvement and physical time on safely passing.

• Qualifying percentages exist: clearing the minimum is not enough for selection, because the merit list is state-wise and the cut-off depends on competition.

Stage 4: Trade Test

Candidates are shortlisted for the trade test from the CBT-qualified pool. It is practical, trade-specific and out of 50 marks, with 20 marks needed to qualify. Tasks include driving and vehicle maintenance, tailoring, cobbling, cooking for around 100 people, and masonry or electrical work, depending on the trade. Marks are not added to the CBT merit score.

Document verification and medical examination

At document verification you present original certificates such as the Matriculation certificate, domicile or permanent residence certificate, category and relaxation certificates, and trade proof such as a driving licence or ITI certificate. The detailed medical examination follows uniform guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Candidates declared unfit may appeal for a review medical examination with written consent, usually on the next day. Eyesight standards differ by trade: CP-II for Driver, CP-III for Motor Mechanic Vehicle and CP-IV for others. Persons with disabilities are not eligible for these posts.

Final merit and tie-break rules

If candidates have equal marks, the tie is broken in this order: higher marks in Part A, then higher marks in Part B, then the older date of birth, then alphabetical order of name.

Time management and exam-day strategy

1. First pass, 75 minutes: solve maths and reasoning, then the language section, marking doubtful questions for review.

2. Second pass, 30 minutes: attempt general awareness questions you are sure about and return to marked questions.

3. Last 15 minutes: review flagged questions only where you can eliminate options.