RRB Group D Syllabus 2026: Maths, Reasoning, General Science, GK, CBT and PET Pattern
Understand the complete RRB Group D syllabus, question distribution, negative marking, qualifying marks, Physical Efficiency Test and a practical preparation plan in one simple guide.
The RRB Group D CBT contains 100 objective questions for 100 marks. Candidates normally get 90 minutes to complete the paper. The test covers General Science, Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness with Current Affairs.
One-third mark is deducted for every wrong answer. Candidates who clear the required CBT standard are shortlisted for the qualifying Physical Efficiency Test, followed by document verification and medical examination.
What Is the RRB Group D Syllabus 2026?
RRB Group D is commonly used by students for Railway Level-1 recruitment. The written examination checks whether a candidate has basic numerical ability, logical thinking, Class 10 science understanding and awareness of important national and international events.
The syllabus is not very advanced, but the competition makes the exam difficult. Students need speed, accuracy and regular question practice. Simply completing chapters is not enough because candidates must solve a large number of questions within limited time.
The latest official Level-1 notification is CEN 09/2025. Even though the recruitment notification number contains 2025, the examination and preparation cycle continues in 2026. Candidates should always check their regional RRB website for the final exam schedule, city information, e-call letter and any corrigendum.
RRB Group D Selection Process 2026
The recruitment process is completed through multiple stages. Clearing the CBT alone does not confirm final appointment because candidates must also satisfy physical, document and medical requirements.
Objective questions from Mathematics, Reasoning, General Science and General Awareness with Current Affairs.
Shortlisted candidates complete weight-carrying and running tasks. PET is qualifying in nature.
Educational, identity, category and other required certificates are checked by the recruitment authority.
Candidates must satisfy the medical standard prescribed for their selected Railway Level-1 post.
RRB Group D CBT Exam Pattern 2026
The CBT is objective and each question carries one mark. The official section-wise distribution is indicative, which means a small variation may appear in the actual question paper.
| Subject | Indicative Questions | Marks | Main Preparation Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Science | 25 | 25 | Physics, Chemistry and Life Science at Class 10 level |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | Arithmetic, basic algebra, geometry and calculation |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 | Series, analogy, coding, classification and logical reasoning |
| General Awareness and Current Affairs | 20 | 20 | Current events, science, sports, culture, economy and politics |
| Total | 100 Questions | 100 Marks | 90 Minutes |
RRB Group D Negative Marking
One Wrong Answer Costs One-Third Mark
Correct answer: 1 mark
Wrong answer: One-third mark deducted
Unattempted question: No mark added or deducted
Correct answers: 70
Wrong answers: 15
Penalty: 15 divided by 3 = 5
Final raw score: 70 minus 5 = 65 marks
Students should not attempt every question through guesswork. It is better to leave a confusing question than to lose marks because of random selection. Accuracy becomes especially important when two candidates have similar numbers of correct answers.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|
| UR | 40 percent |
| EWS | 40 percent |
| OBC-NCL | 30 percent |
| SC | 30 percent |
| ST | 30 percent |
RRB Group D Mathematics Syllabus
Indicative weight: 25 questionsMathematics becomes difficult when students understand formulas but cannot apply them quickly. RRB Group D Maths mainly needs strong basic calculation, correct question selection and repeated practice.
Students who need topic-wise free classes can also use this Railway Maths YouTube channel guide while completing the syllabus.
General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus
Indicative weight: 30 questionsReasoning carries the highest indicative number of questions in the CBT. This section can improve the total score because most topics do not need lengthy formulas. The main challenge is recognising the pattern quickly.
RRB Group D General Science Syllabus
Physics, Chemistry and Life Science at Class 10 levelThe official notification broadly defines General Science as Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences of Class 10 CBSE standard. It does not provide a long chapter-by-chapter list. Students should therefore revise the important Class 9 and Class 10 fundamentals connected with these three subjects.
Physics Preparation Areas
- Motion and force basics
- Work, energy and power
- Gravitation
- Heat and temperature
- Sound
- Light and reflection
- Electricity
- Magnetism
- Units and measurement
Chemistry Preparation Areas
- Matter and its states
- Atoms and molecules
- Chemical reactions
- Acids, bases and salts
- Metals and non-metals
- Carbon compounds
- Periodic classification
- Everyday chemistry
Life Science Preparation Areas
- Cell and tissues
- Nutrition and digestion
- Respiration
- Transportation in living beings
- Control and coordination
- Reproduction
- Heredity and evolution
- Diseases and health
- Environment and ecology
Read NCERT-level concepts first and then solve railway-focused objective questions. Students can use this Railway GK and General Science channel guide for chapter revision and question practice.
General Awareness and Current Affairs Syllabus
Indicative weight: 20 questionsGeneral Awareness is difficult to complete because it does not have one fixed textbook. The official notification mentions current affairs in Science and Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics and other important subjects.
Study current affairs for a limited daily time, revise weekly notes and solve MCQs. Do not spend the whole day watching news videos because Maths, Reasoning and Science also need regular practice.
RRB Group D PET Pattern 2026
Candidates shortlisted through CBT are called for the Physical Efficiency Test. PET is mandatory for applicable candidates and is qualifying in nature. It checks weight-carrying ability and running stamina.
Physical Efficiency Test Standards
Weight carrying is conducted first. Candidates who qualify it proceed to the running test after a recovery gap.
Male Candidates
Female Candidates
Who Is Exempted from PET?
For running, weight-carrying practice, documents and PET-day preparation, read the complete RRB Group D PET preparation guide .
Which RRB Group D Subject Should You Study First?
There is no single subject that works for every student. The better method is to start with your weak basics while continuing daily practice in your stronger subject.
| Student Situation | Start With | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Calculation is slow | Mathematics basics | Speed takes time to build and improves through daily practice |
| Maths is weak but reasoning is strong | Reasoning plus basic Maths | Reasoning can protect the score while Maths improves gradually |
| Science was not studied recently | Class 9 and 10 NCERT concepts | General Science needs concept revision before MCQ practice |
| Current affairs backlog is large | Recent monthly revision | Short daily revision is better than trying to cover everything at once |
| Exam is close | Mock tests and error revision | New chapters may give less benefit than fixing repeated mistakes |
45-Day RRB Group D Syllabus Completion Plan
This plan is suitable for students who have basic knowledge but need a structured revision routine. Beginners can extend each stage according to their available time.
Build the Foundation
Complete number system, percentages, ratio, series, analogy, coding, Physics basics and one short current affairs session every day.
Complete Core Arithmetic and Science
Study profit and loss, time and work, time and distance, Chemistry, Life Science and mixed reasoning chapters.
Move to Timed Practice
Solve sectional tests, revise weak chapters and prepare short formula, science and current affairs notes.
Attempt Full Mock Tests
Attempt full papers in exam conditions. Analyse wrong answers, skipped questions and time-consuming chapters after every test.
Final Revision and Accuracy Control
Revise formulas, science facts, reasoning patterns and current affairs notes. Avoid random guessing in the final mock tests.
Simple Daily Study Distribution
Add 30 to 45 minutes for question analysis or PET practice according to your preparation stage. Students preparing through free video classes can use this RRB Group D CBT YouTube preparation guide without following too many channels at the same time.
How to Use the RRB Group D Syllabus Correctly
Many students download the syllabus but continue watching random classes. A better method is to convert the syllabus into a chapter tracker.
Divide topics into not started, learning, practice needed and completed.
Do not wait until the full syllabus is complete before starting MCQs.
Record formulas, facts and question patterns that cause repeated mistakes.
Mixed tests help you shift quickly between Maths, Reasoning, Science and GK.
You can also check other examinations through the Government Exam Syllabus Finder .
Common Preparation Mistakes
- Watching classes without solving questions.
- Ignoring General Science because it looks memory-based.
- Studying current affairs for many hours but skipping Maths practice.
- Attempting random guesses despite negative marking.
- Starting full mock tests without completing basic chapters.
- Checking only the qualifying percentage and ignoring the expected competition.
- Waiting for the CBT result before beginning PET preparation.
- Trusting unofficial exam notices without checking the regional RRB website.
Official Verification Note
The CBT pattern, syllabus wording, negative marking, qualifying percentage, selection stages and PET standards in this guide have been prepared using the official RRB CEN 09/2025 Level-1 notification.
Read the Official CEN 09/2025 Notification
Candidates should use the official RRB website and their regional RRB or RRC portal for final notices, exam dates, call letters, corrections and recruitment instructions.
RRB Group D Syllabus 2026 FAQs
What is the RRB Group D syllabus for 2026?
The CBT syllabus covers Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness with Current Affairs. General Science is based on Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences at Class 10 CBSE level.
How many questions are asked in RRB Group D CBT?
The official indicative pattern contains 100 objective questions for 100 marks. The normal examination duration is 90 minutes.
Is there negative marking in RRB Group D?
Yes. One-third mark is deducted for every wrong answer. Candidates should avoid random guessing when they cannot eliminate options.
What is the level of RRB Group D General Science?
General Science covers Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences at Class 10 CBSE standard according to the official notification.
Is the RRB Group D PET qualifying?
Yes. PET is qualifying in nature. Applicable candidates must complete the prescribed weight-carrying and running standards.
What is the male PET standard for RRB Group D?
Male candidates must carry 35 kg for 100 metres within 2 minutes without putting the weight down, and run 1000 metres within 4 minutes and 15 seconds.
What is the female PET standard for RRB Group D?
Female candidates must carry 20 kg for 100 metres within 2 minutes without putting the weight down, and run 1000 metres within 5 minutes and 40 seconds.
Are qualifying marks and cutoff marks the same?
No. Qualifying marks are the minimum percentage required under the notification. The actual cutoff can be higher and depends on vacancies, category, normalization and candidate performance.
Can I complete the RRB Group D syllabus through YouTube?
YouTube can support preparation when students follow one reliable source, study chapter-wise, make notes, solve questions and attempt mock tests. Watching videos alone is not enough.
Conclusion
The RRB Group D syllabus is manageable when students stop preparing randomly and follow a subject-wise plan. Build calculation speed in Maths, practise Reasoning daily, revise Class 10 Science carefully and keep Current Affairs limited but consistent.
Begin PET preparation early instead of waiting for the CBT result. Regular revision, accurate attempts and proper mock-test analysis will help more than collecting too many books, PDFs or video courses.
