RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026 CBT Format, PET Rules, Negative Marking & Qualifying Marks

RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026 is one of the most important topics for candidates preparing for the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Group D examination. Understanding the latest exam format can help the aspirants to plan their study and improve time management, and concentrate on the areas where they score high. The level of competition will be high, and therefore, as long as you are aware of the marking scheme, subject weightage, and the stages of selection, you are sure to have a good chance to succeed.

The Computer-Based Test (CBT) qualification enables candidates to start the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) component of the selection process. The physical efficiency test evaluates candidates' physical abilities through running exercises together with weight lifting activities. The RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026 requires candidates to complete their eligibility verification through Document Verification and Medical Examination following the CBT and PET stages. Full awareness of the examination pattern remains critical for achieving success in every stage to obtain employment within Indian Railways. The following points needs to considered to provide better understanding of Updated Group D CBT Exam pattern 2026;

1. RRB Group D CBT Exam pattern like previous year will consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
2. Previously Group D Exam had 2 stages of CBT Exam, which was CBT-1 and CBT-2. However, according to latest RRB Group D Exam pattern 2026, the CBT-2 stage has been removed. 
3. The candidates will get 90 minutes to complete the entire examination, however, PwBD candidates are allowed to complete exam under 120 minutes. 
4. The latest exam pattern consist of 25 questions from Mathematics, 30 questions from Reasoning & General Intelligence, 25 questions from General Awareness and 20 questions from General Awareness & Current Affairs. 

RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026: Highlights

The RRB Group D Exam Pattern for 2026 consists of a Computer-Based Test (CBT) along with Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and finishes with both Document Verification and Medical Examination procedures. The Computer-Based Test consists of various subjects where candidates need to demonstrate their understanding of General Science, Mathematics and both General Intelligence and Reasoning combined with General Awareness knowledge. The physical fitness examination known as the PET occurs after the CBT and PET approval results in the advancement to the exam's last stages.

Stage	Details
Computer-Based Test (CBT)	Total Questions: 100, Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates), Negative Marking: 1/3 per incorrect answer
Subjects in CBT	General Science (25 questions) Mathematics (25 questions) General Intelligence and Reasoning (30 questions) General Awareness and Current Affairs (20 questions)
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)	Tasks: Running, Weight Lifting Male Candidates: 35 kg weight lifting for 100 meters in 2 minutes, 1000 meters running in 4 minutes and 15 seconds Female Candidates: 20 kg weight lifting for 100 meters in 2 minutes, 800 meters running in 5 minutes and 40 seconds
Document Verification	Candidates who qualify the CBT and PET will have their documents verified to ensure eligibility.
Medical Examination	Candidates must meet the required medical standards for the position.

Also Read:RRB Group D 2026 Notification

RRB Group D Exam Pattern for Computer Based Test (CBT)

First stage of RRB Group D Exam is Computer Based Test (CBT). A total number of 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are asked in the CBT Exam. Each question carries 1 mark that makes a total of 100 marks paper. RRB Group D CBT Exam is compulsory for all the aspiring candidates. Candidates will progress for PET/Document Verification based on the performance of the candidates in the Computer Based Test (CBT). Complete details about CBT Exam Pattern in given in the table below;

Subjects	No. Of Questions	Marks	Duration
General Science	25	25	90 Minutes
Mathematics	25	25
General Intelligence & Reasoning	30	30
General Awareness and Current Affairs	20	20
Total	100	100

Also Read:RRB Group D Syllabus 2026

Important Points to Remember for RRB Group D CBT Exam:

• Extra 20 minutes are allowed for PwBD candidates to attempt the exam.

• Where Second Stage CBT is considered necessary, it will be conducted. But the Railway Administration reserves the right to treat the First Stage CBT as a qualifying examination for the purpose of shortlisting appropriate number of candidates for the Second Stage.
• There will be negative marking and 1/3 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.

RRB Group D Exam Pattern: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Candidates who qualify for RRB Group D CBT exam will have to appear for Physical Efficiency Test or PET. The board generally calls three times more candidates than the vacancy for various posts. However, Railway Board reserves the right to increase or decrease the proportion of eligible candidates to ensure sufficient candidates for the vacant posts.

To pass, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Male candidates	Female candidates
Must be able to lift and carry 35 kg weight at a time for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes without dropping the weight;	Must be able to lift and carry 20 kg weight up to a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes at a time without dropping the weight;
Must be able to run a distance of 1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds at a time.	Must be able to run a distance of 1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds at a time.

Also Read:RRB Group D Physical Efficiency Test (PET) 2026

Minimum Qualifying Marks in RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates who wish to secure to the next level have to attain the minimum qualifying marks determined by the Railway Recruitment Board. The qualifying marks may be relaxed by 2% for PwBD candidates if there is a shortage of eligible candidates.

Category	Minimum Qualifying Percentage
UR (Unreserved)	40%
EWS (Economically Weaker Section)	40%
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	30%
SC (Scheduled Caste)	30%
ST (Scheduled Tribe)	30%

Also Read:RRB Group D Salary 2026

Document Verification for RRB Group D Exam

Based on the performance of candidates in CBT 1 and provided they qualify in PET, candidates equal to 1.1 times the number of available vacancies are called for document verification according to their merit and choices. Previously, this ratio was 1.05, meaning that five percent more candidates than the number of notified vacancies were invited for document verification based on their merit and preferences. The appointment of selected candidates depends on their passing the required medical fitness exam conducted by the railway administration, the final verification of educational and community certificates, and the verification of antecedents and character certificates. Candidates who pass the document verification are then sent for a medical examination.

Also Read:RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria 2026

Medical Examination for RRB Group D Exam 2026

Candidates who pass the Computer Based Test (CBT) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and are Document Verified (DV) have to clear the medical examination. This is the last step of the RRB Group D selection process so that only physically fit candidates who are good and capable enough to work in the railway sector that asks you to work for long hours, perform laborious work and keep your fitness up are selected.

Medical Standards

Medical Examination refers to the examination of the candidate in all aspects in respect of his/her health and fitness. The railway authorities focus on the following key criteria:

• Vision: A distant vision of 6/9 in one eye and 6/12 in the other is required of candidates. One eye should be near vision N/5, the other N/8. In some cases, corrective lenses will be allowed.
• Hearing: Hearing ability should be normal in both ears. Your doctor will give you a hearing test to see if you have impairment.
• Physical Fitness: Candidates must be of height and weight and have a chest expansion as per the role they are applying for.
• General Health: Apart from that, a candidate with conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses could be disqualify. Railway authorities will prove that the candidates are healthy, without the risk of any harm during the performance of their duties.

The most important part of the RRB Group D Exam 2026 is the Medical Examination that helps to make sure that only physically fit candidates are chosen for railway jobs. If you follow proper preparation and attend to your health you can pass this stage smoothly. To improve your chance of selection, stay fit, be honest about your medical history and follow all guidelines.

Also Read: RRB Group D Preparation Tips & Books

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