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RRB Group D Exam Pattern Explained – Sections, Marks & Time Limit

The RRB Group D examination is one of the most popular government recruitment exams in India, conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB). Every year, lakhs of aspirants apply for Group D posts such as Track Maintainer, Helper, Assistant Pointsman, and other Level-1 positions in Indian Railways.

To crack this exam, understanding the RRB Group D exam pattern is as important as studying the syllabus. Many candidates fail not because they lack knowledge, but because they do not manage time, sections, and marking scheme properly.

In this detailed guide, we will explain the RRB Group D exam pattern, including:

  • Mode of examination

  • Sections and subjects

  • Number of questions

  • Marks distribution

  • Time limit

  • Negative marking

  • Normalization process

  • PET (Physical Efficiency Test) details

This post is specially designed for aspirants preparing through RRB Group D mock tests and practice papers on eliveclass.com.

Overview of RRB Group D Exam

The RRB Group D recruitment process is conducted in multiple stages. Candidates must clear each stage to move to the next level.

Stages of RRB Group D Exam

  1. Computer Based Test (CBT)

  2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

  3. Document Verification (DV)

  4. Medical Examination

The CBT is the most crucial stage, as it determines eligibility for PET.

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

The CBT is an objective-type online examination. It tests a candidate’s basic aptitude, reasoning ability, science knowledge, and awareness of current affairs.

Key Highlights of CBT

  • Mode: Online (Computer Based Test)

  • Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

  • Total Questions: 100

  • Total Marks: 100

  • Time Duration: 90 minutes

  • Negative Marking: Yes (1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer)

RRB Group D CBT – Section-wise Exam Pattern

The CBT is divided into four sections, each carrying equal importance. Let’s understand them one by one.

1. Mathematics

Mathematics Section Overview

  • Number of Questions: 25

  • Marks: 25

  • Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Topics Asked in Mathematics

The Mathematics section focuses on basic numerical ability and speed calculation.

Important topics include:

  • Number System

  • BODMAS

  • LCM & HCF

  • Ratio and Proportion

  • Percentages

  • Profit and Loss

  • Simple and Compound Interest

  • Time and Work

  • Time, Speed and Distance

  • Mensuration (2D & 3D)

  • Algebra (basic)

  • Data Interpretation

Preparation Tip

Most questions are calculation-based. Regular practice through RRB Group D mock tests helps improve speed and accuracy.

2. General Intelligence & Reasoning

Reasoning Section Overview

  • Number of Questions: 30

  • Marks: 30

  • Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Topics Asked in Reasoning

This section tests logical thinking and analytical ability.

Important topics include:

  • Analogies

  • Coding-Decoding

  • Series (Number & Alphabet)

  • Blood Relations

  • Direction Sense

  • Venn Diagrams

  • Syllogism

  • Statement & Conclusion

  • Mathematical Operations

  • Puzzles

  • Mirror & Water Images

Preparation Tip

Reasoning is a scoring section. Practice different question types regularly to reduce solving time.

3. General Science

General Science Section Overview

  • Number of Questions: 25

  • Marks: 25

  • Difficulty Level: Easy (10th standard level)

Subjects Covered in General Science

Questions are based on Class 10 CBSE syllabus.

Topics include:

  • Physics: Motion, Force, Work & Energy, Electricity

  • Chemistry: Acids, Bases, Metals & Non-Metals, Chemical Reactions

  • Biology: Cell, Human Body Systems, Nutrition, Diseases

Preparation Tip

NCERT textbooks are the best source. Avoid advanced theory—questions are concept-based and factual.

4. General Awareness & Current Affairs

GA & Current Affairs Overview

  • Number of Questions: 20

  • Marks: 20

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate

Topics Asked in GA & Current Affairs

This section tests awareness of national and international events.

Important topics include:

  • Current Affairs (Last 1–2 years)

  • Indian History

  • Geography (India & World)

  • Indian Polity

  • Indian Economy

  • Sports

  • Awards & Honors

  • Important Days

  • Science & Technology

  • Government Schemes

Preparation Tip

Read daily current affairs and revise static GK repeatedly. Mock tests help identify weak areas quickly.

RRB Group D CBT – Marking Scheme

Understanding the marking scheme is essential for exam strategy.

Marking Details

  • Correct Answer: +1 mark

  • Wrong Answer: –1/3 mark

  • Unattempted Question: 0 mark

Negative Marking Impact

Due to negative marking, guesswork can reduce your score significantly. Attempt only those questions where you are reasonably confident.

Time Limit for RRB Group D CBT

  • Total Time: 90 minutes

  • PwBD Candidates: 120 minutes (with scribe)

Time Management Strategy

A recommended time distribution:

  • Mathematics: 20–25 minutes

  • Reasoning: 25–30 minutes

  • General Science: 20 minutes

  • GA & Current Affairs: 15–20 minutes

Practicing full-length mock tests on eliveclass.com helps you follow this time plan effectively.

Normalization of Marks in RRB Group D

Since the CBT is conducted in multiple shifts, RRB uses a normalization method to ensure fairness.

What is Normalization?

Normalization adjusts scores to balance the difficulty level of different shifts so that no candidate is disadvantaged.

Important Points

  • Raw marks are converted into normalized scores

  • Final merit is based on normalized marks

  • Candidates cannot challenge the normalization process

Qualifying Marks for RRB Group D

Minimum qualifying marks are category-wise.

Category-wise Qualifying Marks

  • UR / EWS: 40%

  • OBC / SC: 30%

  • ST: 25%

Note: Clearing qualifying marks does not guarantee selection. Final cut-off depends on vacancies and competition.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Exam Pattern

Candidates shortlisted from CBT are called for the Physical Efficiency Test.

PET Criteria for Male Candidates

  • Lift and carry 35 kg weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes

  • Run 1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds

PET Criteria for Female Candidates

  • Lift and carry 20 kg weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes

  • Run 1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds

Important Note

  • PET is qualifying in nature

  • No marks are awarded

  • Failure leads to disqualification

Document Verification & Medical Test

After PET, candidates are called for:

  • Document Verification

  • Medical Examination

Medical fitness is checked as per Indian Railways standards for the applied post.

Why Understanding the Exam Pattern is Crucial

Knowing the RRB Group D exam pattern helps candidates:

  • Plan section-wise preparation

  • Avoid negative marking

  • Improve time management

  • Focus on high-weightage topics

  • Perform better in mock tests

Many successful candidates attribute their selection to exam pattern awareness and regular practice.

Final Words

The RRB Group D exam pattern is simple but competitive. With 100 questions in 90 minutes, speed and accuracy matter the most. A balanced preparation covering all four sections, combined with regular mock tests and previous year practice, is the key to success.

At eliveclass.com, we provide RRB Group D mock tests, section-wise practice questions, and full-length tests designed strictly as per the latest exam pattern. Practicing in a real exam-like environment will give you the confidence needed to clear the exam in your first attempt.

Stay consistent, follow the exam pattern, and success will follow.

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