RRB Group D Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern, Topics, Weightage + PET

The RRB Group D syllabus for the 2026 exam (CEN 09/2025) covers four sections in a single Computer-Based Test (CBT) of 100 questions and 100 marks in 90 minutes: General Intelligence & Reasoning (30 marks), Mathematics (25 marks), General Science (25 marks) and General Awareness & Current Affairs (20 marks), with negative marking of 1/3 mark per wrong answer. The General Science portion is set at the 10th standard (CBSE/NCERT) level, and candidates who clear the CBT must qualify the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification and Medical Examination before final selection.

If you are preparing for Railway Recruitment Board Level-1 posts, this guide gives you everything in one place: the official exam pattern, the full subject-wise syllabus with topic lists, a previous-year weightage and high-yield topic breakdown, the complete PET standards for male and female candidates, a step-by-step PDF download method, a 90-day study plan, the Hindi-medium syllabus, and answers to every common question.

RRB Group D 2026 (CEN 09/2025): Quick Overview

The RRB Group D recruitment is conducted by the 21 Railway Recruitment Boards under the Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) to fill Level-1 posts in the 7th CPC pay matrix — including Track Maintainer Grade-IV, Pointsman, Helper/Assistant in various technical departments (Electrical, Mechanical, S&T, Engineering), Assistant Pointsman and Hospital Assistant. It is one of the largest recruitment drives in India, attracting over a crore applications. Here is the quick-glance overview every aspirant should bookmark.

RRB Group D Syllabus 2026: Section-Wise Structure

The RRB Group D syllabus 2026 is divided into four subjects tested in one single CBT. There is no separate Tier-2 or main exam for Level-1 posts — a single CBT decides your merit, which resolves the two-stage confusion some aspirants carry over from older recruitment cycles. The four subjects are:

• General Intelligence & Reasoning — verbal and non-verbal reasoning (the highest-weightage section).
• Mathematics — arithmetic and quantitative aptitude.
• General Science — Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences at 10th standard (CBSE/NCERT) level.
• General Awareness & Current Affairs — static GK plus the last 6-12 months of current events.

The CBT is non-sectional in timing (you can move freely between subjects), but understanding the per-subject weightage is what separates toppers from the crowd. We break this down in detail below.

RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026 (CBT)

The RRB Group D exam pattern 2026 follows the standard single-CBT structure. Knowing the exact marks distribution lets you allocate the right number of minutes per section in the actual exam. The CBT is qualifying-cum-merit: you must score the minimum qualifying marks AND rank high enough on normalized scores.

Minimum Qualifying Marks (Category-Wise)

To be considered for the next stage, candidates must clear the minimum qualifying percentage on the CBT. These are relaxable for reserved categories on the basis of vacancies.

Is There Negative Marking in RRB Group D?

Yes. There is negative marking in the RRB Group D exam. For every wrong answer, 1/3 (0.33) mark is deducted. There is no penalty for unattempted questions. This means accuracy matters as much as speed — three wrong guesses wipe out one correct answer. Practising with mock tests trains you to identify when a calculated guess is worth the risk and when to leave a question blank.

RRB Group D Syllabus Subject Wise: Detailed Topics

This is the core of the RRB Group D syllabus 2026. Below is the complete, subject-wise topic list, mapped to NCERT/10th-standard sources wherever the Board defines the level. Use this as your master checklist.

1. Mathematics (Arithmetic Ability) — 25 Marks

The Mathematics section tests speed-based arithmetic. Most questions are direct application of formulae; mastering shortcuts is the key. Topics include:

• Number System, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions
• LCM and HCF
• Ratio and Proportion
• Percentages
• Mensuration (areas, volumes, surface areas)
• Time and Work
• Time and Distance
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss
• Algebra (basic)
• Geometry and Trigonometry (10th level)
• Elementary Statistics
• Square Root, Age Calculations
• Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cisterns

2. General Intelligence & Reasoning — 30 Marks

With 30 marks, this is the highest-weightage section and the most scoring because answers are logic-driven, not memory-driven. The railway group d syllabus for reasoning covers both verbal and non-verbal areas:

• Analogies
• Alphabetical and Number Series
• Coding and Decoding
• Mathematical Operations
• Relationships (Blood Relations)
• Syllogism
• Jumbling
• Venn Diagram
• Data Interpretation and Sufficiency
• Conclusions and Decision Making
• Similarities and Differences
• Analytical Reasoning
• Classification
• Directions
• Statement – Argument and Assumptions

3. General Science — 25 Marks

The General Science syllabus is pegged to the 10th standard CBSE/NCERT level and is split across Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences (Biology). This is why class 10 science material is the single best foundation resource for Group D aspirants. Comprehensive class-10 packs such as the Aakash Class 10 Study Material map almost one-to-one with the exam level and are an efficient way to revise the entire science base.

4. General Awareness & Current Affairs — 20 Marks

This section blends static general knowledge with current affairs of the last 6 to 12 months. Topics include:

• Current Affairs (national & international)
• Science & Technology developments
• Sports (awards, tournaments, records)
• Indian Culture & Heritage
• Personalities in News
• Economics & Banking basics
• Politics & Polity (Constitution basics, schemes)
• Indian History & National Movement
• Indian & World Geography
• Government Flagship Schemes & Budget highlights

Because current affairs change every month, a structured monthly compilation saves enormous time. Aspirants preparing in English can use a reliable monthly digest like the Vision IAS Current Affairs Magazine (English) to cover events crisply, while the broader GK foundation still rests on standard NCERT/class-10 social science.

RRB Group D Syllabus: Subject-Wise Weightage

Here is the consolidated weightage table. Reasoning and Mathematics together carry 55 of 100 marks — and both are practice-based, scoring sections. Strategic aspirants front-load these two subjects.

Which Subject Has the Highest Weightage in RRB Group D?

General Intelligence & Reasoning has the highest weightage in RRB Group D, with 30 questions and 30 marks (30% of the paper). It is also the safest section to score in because the answers come from logic and pattern recognition rather than rote learning. Most toppers target 27+ out of 30 here. Mathematics and General Science follow at 25 marks each, with General Awareness contributing the remaining 20.

High-Yield vs Low-Yield Topics (Previous-Year Trend Analysis)

This is the breakdown the generic syllabus pages never give you. Based on observed previous-year question (PYQ) trends across recent Group D shifts, here is where the marks actually concentrate. Prioritise the high-yield topics first.

The clear takeaway: roughly 60-70% of the paper is covered by these high-yield topics. A focused aspirant who masters them and practises mock tests can comfortably cross the qualifying line.

RRB Group D Syllabus PDF Download

Many aspirants want an offline, printable copy of the syllabus to stick on their study wall. The official rrb group d syllabus pdf download is available directly from the Railway Recruitment Board sources.

How to Download the RRB Group D Syllabus PDF

• Visit the official RRB website for your region (e.g., rrbcdg.gov.in) or the central RRC portal.
• Open the CEN 09/2025 notification PDF — the detailed syllabus is part of the official notification document.
• Scroll to the “Scheme of Examination” / Annexure section, which lists the CBT pattern and subject-wise syllabus.
• Click the download icon and save the PDF, or use Ctrl+P to print just the syllabus pages.
• Cross-check the topic list against the subject-wise breakdown above so nothing is missed.

Tip: the official notification PDF is the only authoritative source. Treat coaching-site PDFs as study aids, but always validate the pattern and weightage against the CEN 09/2025 notification.

RRB Group D Selection Process 2026

Clearing the CBT is only step one. The complete RRB Group D selection process has four stages, and a candidate must clear each one to be appointed.

Candidates are shortlisted for PET based on normalized CBT scores, typically calling about three times the number of vacancies. PET is pass/fail — it does not add to your merit, but failing it eliminates you regardless of CBT score. Final merit is therefore based on normalized CBT marks of candidates who qualify PET and DV.

RRB Group D Physical Test (PET) Details 2026

The Physical Efficiency Test (PET) is a mandatory qualifying stage with separate standards for male and female candidates. There is no relaxation in PET standards for any category — everyone must meet the same physical benchmark. Each candidate gets a single chance for each component.

PET Standards for Male Candidates

PET Standards for Female Candidates

PET Preparation Tips

Start physical training at least 2-3 months before the expected PET date. Build running stamina with interval training, practise the weight-carry with sandbags to condition your grip and core, and avoid last-minute crash workouts that risk injury. Many CBT-qualified candidates lose their seat purely because they neglected PET — treat it as seriously as the written exam.

Normalization and Cut-Off Explained

Because the RRB Group D CBT is held in multiple shifts across several days, raw scores are adjusted using a normalization formula to account for varying difficulty between shifts. Your final score is a normalized score, not your raw score — this ensures fairness whether you got an easy or tough slot. The cut-off then depends on the number of vacancies, category, and the overall difficulty of that recruitment cycle. Always aim well above the qualifying percentage; clearing only 40% rarely secures a final selection in a competitive cycle.

2026 Syllabus vs Previous CEN: What Changed

Aspirants who attempted earlier Group D cycles often ask whether the 2026 syllabus is different. The core subjects — General Science, Mathematics, Reasoning, and General Awareness — remain the same. The most important clarification is the single-CBT structure: unlike some past confusion around two-stage CBTs, Level-1 selection is decided by one CBT followed by PET. The General Science level continues to be anchored at 10th standard. Current affairs is the only naturally “changing” part each cycle, so focus your updates there.

NCERT / Source Mapping for General Science & GA

Because the General Science syllabus is fixed at class-10 level, mapping each topic to its NCERT chapter is the fastest route to coverage:

• Physics → NCERT Class 10 Science: Light, Human Eye, Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current; Class 9: Motion, Force, Gravitation, Work & Energy, Sound.
• Chemistry → NCERT Class 10 Science: Chemical Reactions, Acids-Bases-Salts, Metals & Non-Metals, Carbon Compounds, Periodic Classification; Class 9: Matter, Atoms & Molecules.
• Biology → NCERT Class 10 Science: Life Processes, Control & Coordination, Reproduction, Heredity; Class 9: Cell, Tissues, Natural Resources.
• General Awareness → NCERT Class 6-10 Social Science (History, Geography, Civics, Economics) for static GK.

A consolidated class-10 study pack therefore does double duty — it covers the entire General Science section and most of the static GA. This is why a structured resource like the Aakash Class 10 Study Material is one of the most efficient single purchases for Group D science preparation.

Railway Group D Syllabus in Hindi (हिंदी माध्यम)

Group D has one of the largest Hindi-medium aspirant bases of any government exam, yet most syllabus pages are English-only. The good news: the CBT is offered in 15 languages including Hindi, so you can attempt the entire paper in Hindi. The syllabus itself is identical — only the medium changes. Hindi-medium aspirants should note:

• गणित (Mathematics) — संख्या पद्धति, प्रतिशत, लाभ-हानि, समय एवं कार्य, समय एवं दूरी, ब्याज, क्षेत्रमिति।
• सामान्य बुद्धिमत्ता एवं तर्कशक्ति (Reasoning) — श्रृंखला, सादृश्यता, कूट लेखन, न्यायनिगमन, रक्त संबंध, दिशा।
• सामान्य विज्ञान (General Science) — भौतिकी, रसायन एवं जीव विज्ञान (कक्षा 10 स्तर)।
• सामान्य जागरूकता एवं समसामयिकी (GA & Current Affairs) — समसामयिक घटनाएँ, खेल, पुरस्कार, सरकारी योजनाएँ।

For current affairs in Hindi, a monthly compilation such as the Vision IAS Current Affairs Magazine (Hindi Medium) keeps Hindi-medium aspirants on par with English-medium ones without translating notes themselves.

RRB Group D Preparation Strategy & 90-Day Study Plan

A syllabus is only useful when paired with a timetable. Here is a practical, syllabus-driven 90-day plan that maps each subject to a phase. Adjust durations to your strengths.

Section-Wise Preparation Tips

• Reasoning: Solve 30-40 questions daily. Speed comes from pattern recognition — never skip this section in mocks.
• Mathematics: Memorise tables, squares, cubes and shortcut formulae. Practise mental calculation to save time.
• General Science: Read NCERT line by line; make a one-page formula and diagram sheet per chapter.
• General Awareness: Read one current-affairs compilation monthly and revise static GK weekly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the negative marking and blind-guessing in the exam.
• Neglecting PET preparation until after CBT results — start running early.
• Over-studying low-yield topics while skipping high-yield ones.
• Reading 12th-level science when the exam is strictly 10th level — don’t over-prepare the wrong depth.
• Skipping current affairs revision (it’s 20 marks of relatively easy marks).
• Not attempting enough full-length mock tests under timed conditions.

Best Books & Resources by Subject

The right resources keep your preparation focused on the actual exam level. As a guide:

• General Science: NCERT Class 9 & 10 Science + a consolidated class-10 pack like the Aakash Class 10 Study Material.
• Mathematics & Reasoning: A standard arithmetic/reasoning practice book with topic-wise PYQs and timed sets.
• Current Affairs: A monthly digest — English or Hindi — covering the last 6-12 months.
• General Awareness (static): NCERT Class 6-10 Social Science.

Pairing a class-10 science base with regular mock tests and a current-affairs compilation covers every section of the RRB Group D syllabus 2026 efficiently — without buying ten different books.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the syllabus of RRB Group D 2026?

The RRB Group D syllabus 2026 (CEN 09/2025) has four subjects in one CBT: General Intelligence & Reasoning (30 marks), Mathematics (25 marks), General Science (25 marks, 10th level) and General Awareness & Current Affairs (20 marks), for a total of 100 questions and 100 marks in 90 minutes.

How many subjects and questions are there in RRB Group D CBT?

There are four subjects and 100 questions in the RRB Group D CBT. The split is Reasoning 30, Mathematics 25, General Science 25 and General Awareness & Current Affairs 20 — each worth one mark, totalling 100 marks.

Is there negative marking in RRB Group D exam?

Yes. There is negative marking of 1/3 (0.33) mark for every wrong answer in the RRB Group D CBT. Unattempted questions carry no penalty, so accuracy is critical.

What is the exam pattern for RRB Group D?

The RRB Group D exam pattern is a single Computer-Based Test of 100 objective MCQs worth 100 marks, to be completed in 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates using a scribe). It has four sections — Reasoning (30), Mathematics (25), General Science (25) and General Awareness & Current Affairs (20) — with 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer. There is no separate Tier-2; this one CBT decides merit, followed by PET, Document Verification and Medical Examination.

Is RRB Group D General Science based on NCERT / 10th standard?

Yes. The General Science section is set at the 10th standard CBSE/NCERT level, covering Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences. NCERT Class 9 and 10 Science books are the ideal preparation base.

Which subject has the highest weightage in RRB Group D?

General Intelligence & Reasoning has the highest weightage with 30 questions and 30 marks (30%). It is also the most scoring section because answers are logic-based rather than memory-based.

What are the PET standards for RRB Group D 2026?

Male candidates must carry 35 kg for 100 m in 2 minutes and run 1000 m in 4 min 15 sec. Female candidates must carry 20 kg for 100 m in 2 minutes and run 1000 m in 5 min 40 sec. PET is qualifying only, with one chance per component and no category relaxation.

How can I download the RRB Group D syllabus PDF?

Open the official CEN 09/2025 notification on your regional RRB website or the central portal (rrbcdg.gov.in), go to the “Scheme of Examination” / Annexure section that contains the CBT pattern and subject-wise syllabus, and save or print those pages. The official notification is the only authoritative source — verify any coaching-site PDF against it.

Can I attempt the RRB Group D exam in Hindi?

Yes. The RRB Group D CBT is available in 15 languages, including Hindi and English. The syllabus and difficulty are identical across languages — only the medium of the question paper changes — so Hindi-medium aspirants can prepare and attempt the entire exam in Hindi.

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