RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026: CBT, Marking Scheme and PET

The RRB Group D exam pattern 2026 decides how you are tested, scored and shortlisted for 22,195 Level 1 posts under CEN 09/2025. It has one Computer Based Test (CBT) of 100 questions in 90 minutes, followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET), document verification and a medical examination. Knowing the pattern in detail helps you plan your time, avoid losing marks to negative marking and prepare for every stage, not just the written test.

RRB Group D Exam Pattern

Stages of the RRB Group D Selection Process

Only the CBT is scored. The other stages are pass-or-fail checks, but failing any one of them ends your candidature.

RRB Group D CBT Exam Pattern

A few points to note:

• No sectional time limit: You can move between sections freely within 90 minutes.

• No sectional cut-off: Qualification is based on your total score, not section-wise marks.

• Indicative split: RRB says the section-wise distribution is indicative, so the paper may vary slightly from these numbers.

• Single stage: For CEN 09/2025, the CBT is a single-stage test. RRB keeps the right to hold a second-stage CBT if needed, in which case the first stage would work as a qualifying test.

RRB Group D Marking Scheme and Negative Marking

Each correct answer earns 1 mark. Each wrong answer costs 1/3 mark (about 0.33). Unattempted questions carry no penalty.

Some websites say the penalty is 0.25 marks. That is not correct for RRB Group D. The notification clearly states 1/3.

Worked Examples

The examples show why accuracy matters more than the number of attempts. In the second row, ten extra attempts, all wrong, cost more than three marks.

When Is a Guess Worth It?

• Pure guess among four options: You win 1 mark one time in four and lose 1/3 mark three times in four. On average, you gain nothing.

• After removing one wrong option: Your chance becomes one in three, which gives a small positive expected score.

• After removing two options: A 50-50 guess is clearly in your favour.

So skip questions you know nothing about, and attempt the ones where you can confidently rule out at least one option.

RRB Group D Minimum Qualifying Marks

For PwBD candidates, a relaxation of up to 2 marks may be allowed if there are not enough qualified PwBD candidates against reserved vacancies.

Remember that these are only minimum marks to become eligible. The actual cut-off for PET shortlisting is usually much higher, because candidates are called in merit order.

RRB Group D Normalisation

The CBT runs over many days and shifts. Since one shift can be slightly easier or harder than another, RRB normalises the raw marks. Normalisation adjusts scores so that candidates from different shifts can be compared fairly.

What this means for you:

• The raw score you calculate from the answer key is not your final score.

• Your normalised score may go up or down depending on the difficulty and performance level in your shift.

• Shortlisting for the PET and the final merit list are based on normalised marks.

RRB Group D PET Exam Pattern

Candidates are called for the PET at three times the community-wise vacancies, based on CBT merit.

Important points:

• The PET is qualifying. It does not add marks to your merit.

• Transgender candidates follow the same PET standards as female candidates.

• PwBD candidates and ex-servicemen are among the categories exempted from the PET. Check the notification for the complete list of exemptions.

Document Verification and Medical Examination

Document Verification

Candidates who clear the PET are called for DV based on merit and post preference. You must show original certificates for education, date of birth, category, and identity, along with any other documents the notification asks for. Missing or mismatched documents can lead to cancellation.

Medical Examination

Each post is linked to a medical standard, mainly based on eyesight. The standards used for Level 1 posts include A-2, A-3, B-1 and C-1.

Two rules to know:

• Candidates who are medically unfit for the post they applied for are not given an alternative appointment.

• Candidates who have had LASIK surgery are not eligible for A-2 and A-3 posts, but can be considered for B-1 and C-1 posts.

Check the post-wise medical standard in the notification before you choose your post preferences.

RRB Group D vs RRB NTPC Exam Pattern

Many candidates appear for both railway exams. The formats look similar but differ in important ways.

The shared features, such as 100 questions, 90 minutes and 1/3 negative marking, mean that time management skills carry over well between the two exams.

What to Expect in the CBT Interface

The RRB Group D CBT is taken on a computer at an allotted exam centre. A few practical points help on exam day:

• Question palette: A panel shows which questions are answered, unanswered, or marked for review.

• Mark for review: You can flag a question and return to it later. Make sure you understand how a marked question with a selected answer is treated, as described in the exam instructions.

• Language: The paper is shown in the exam language you chose while applying.

• On-screen calculator: There is no calculator, so all calculations are done on the rough sheet provided.

• Timer: A countdown clock runs for the full 90 minutes. There is no separate timer for each section.

Taking mock tests on a computer, not only on paper, helps you get used to reading and answering on screen.

How the RRB Group D Pattern Has Evolved

The core pattern has stayed stable, which makes previous year papers very useful for preparation.

Exam Strategy Based on the Pattern

Time Plan for 90 Minutes

Adjust the order to your strengths. Many candidates prefer to start with their strongest section to build confidence.

Practical Tips

• Use the two-round method: Answer all easy questions first, then return to the time-consuming ones.

• Set an accuracy target: Aim for 90% accuracy or better in mocks before pushing for more attempts.

• Track negative marks: After each mock, count how many marks you lost to wrong answers. Reducing this number is the fastest way to raise your score.

• Train for PET early: Do not wait for the CBT result to start running and weight-carry practice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Attempting every question: With 1/3 negative marking, blind guesses usually lower your score.

• Getting stuck on one question: No single question is worth more than 1 mark. Move on after about a minute.

• Leaving the easy section for last: If time runs out, you lose marks you could have scored quickly.

• Relying only on raw score estimates: Your final score is normalised, so do not assume you are safe or out based on the answer key alone.

• Ignoring the medical standard: Choosing a post whose vision standard you cannot meet can cost you the job even after clearing every other stage.

The RRB Group D exam pattern 2026 is simple in structure: one 100-mark CBT, followed by qualifying PET, DV and medical stages. What makes it competitive is the 1/3 negative marking, normalisation across shifts and a large number of candidates. Focus on accuracy, plan your 90 minutes, and prepare for the PET alongside the written test.