The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released the detailed notification under CEN No. 09/2025 for Level-1 (Group D) recruitment. While many candidates rush to apply, most rejections and failures happen due to poor understanding of the syllabus, exam pattern, PET standards, and medical rules.
This article gives you a complete, exam-focused breakdown of the RRB Group D Level 1 Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026, including:
- CBT structure and subjects
- Topic-wise syllabus you must study
- PET (Physical Efficiency Test) details for men & women
- Negative marking and normalization
- Common mistakes candidates make—and how to avoid them
If your goal is to clear CBT + PET in one attempt, read this till the end.
✅ You can Check Full Vacancy Details, Eligibility and Apply Process Here
⚡ Quick Review – RRB Group D Exam 2026
- 🧾 Notification: CEN 09/2025
- 🧠 Written Exam: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- ➖ Negative Marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer
- 🏃 Physical Test: PET (Qualifying)
- 📄 Next Stages: Document Verification & Medical
- 🎯 Final Merit: CBT score + PET qualification
🧠 RRB Group D Selection Process Explained (Step-by-Step)
Before jumping into the syllabus, it’s important to understand how selection actually works:
- CBT (Computer Based Test)
- PET (Physical Efficiency Test) – qualifying only
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination
⚠️ Clearing CBT does NOT guarantee selection unless you also qualify PET and medical standards
🖥️ RRB Group D CBT Exam Pattern 2026
The CBT is the most important stage because:
- Shortlisting for PET is based on CBT merit
- Normalisation applies if CBT is conducted in multiple shifts
- 1/3 negative marking can drastically affect rank
🔹 CBT Key Highlights
- Mode: Online (Computer Based)
- Questions: Objective type (MCQs)
- Language: As per RRB choice
- Negative Marking: Yes (⅓ mark deducted)
📚 RRB Group D CBT Syllabus 2026 – Subject-Wise
The CBT syllabus is divided into four major sections. Candidates must prepare all four, as there is no sectional cutoff officially mentioned, but overall merit matters.
🔢 Mathematics Syllabus for RRB Group D
This section tests basic arithmetic skills, not advanced maths.
Important Topics:
- Number System
- BODMAS
- Decimals & Fractions
- LCM & HCF
- Ratio & Proportion
- Percentages
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time & Work
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Profit & Loss
- Mensuration (Area & Volume)
- Algebra (basic)
- Geometry & Trigonometry (basic)
⚠️ Common Problem:
Many candidates waste time on advanced formulas.
👉 Focus only on Class 8–10 level maths, speed and accuracy.
🧩 General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus
This section checks logical thinking, not memorization.
Important Topics:
- Analogies
- Alphabetical & Number Series
- Coding–Decoding
- Mathematical Operations
- Relationships
- Syllogism
- Venn Diagrams
- Statement & Conclusion
- Decision Making
- Data Interpretation
- Similarities & Differences
- Visual Reasoning (figures)
⚠️ Common Problem:
Candidates overthink reasoning questions.
👉 Practice previous RRB-level questions, not banking PO level.
🔬 General Science Syllabus (High-Scoring Section)
This is one of the most scoring sections if prepared smartly.
Covered Subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Life Sciences (Biology)
Level:
- Based on Class 10 CBSE syllabus
Important Topics:
- Motion & Laws of Motion
- Work, Energy & Power
- Heat & Temperature
- Electricity & Magnetism
- Basic Chemistry reactions
- Acids, Bases & Salts
- Metals & Non-Metals
- Human Body systems
- Plants & Nutrition
- Environment & Ecology
⚠️ Common Problem:
Students try to study graduation-level science.
👉 Stick strictly to Class 9–10 NCERT concepts.
🌍 General Awareness & Current Affairs Syllabus
This section separates average candidates from top rankers.
Important Areas:
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Indian History & Freedom Movement
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Geography (India & World – basics)
- Indian Economy (basic concepts)
- Science & Technology developments
- Sports, Awards & Honors
- Important Days & Events
- Culture & Heritage
⚠️ Common Problem:
Candidates read daily news randomly.
👉 Focus on last 6–8 months current affairs + static GK.
➖ Negative Marking & Normalisation (Very Important)
- ❌ 1/3 mark deducted for every wrong answer
- ✔️ No deduction for unanswered questions
- 🔄 Normalisation applied if exam held in multiple shifts
👉 Attempt only those questions where you are reasonably confident.
🏃 RRB Group D PET Details 2026 (Qualifying Stage)
PET is mandatory and purely qualifying.
🔹 PET for Male Candidates
- Lift & carry 35 kg weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes
- Run 1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds
🔹 PET for Female Candidates
- Lift & carry 20 kg weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes
- Run 1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds
⚠️ Failure in PET = out of recruitment, even with high CBT marks
🩺 Medical Standards – Don’t Ignore This
After DV, candidates must pass Railway medical examination.
Key Medical Alerts:
- Vision standards vary (A-2, A-3, B-1, C-1)
- LASIK / corrective eye surgery NOT allowed for A-2 & A-3 posts
- No alternative post if found medically unfit
👉 Many candidates lose final selection only at medical stage.
🚫 Common Mistakes Candidates Make (Problem-Solving Section)
This section is crucial for end-user help:
❌ Studying advanced syllabus beyond requirement
❌ Ignoring PET preparation until last moment
❌ Attempting too many questions despite negative marking
❌ Not checking vision eligibility early
❌ Depending only on mock tests without concept clarity
✔️ Smart preparation beats hard preparation in RRB Group D.
📌 Smart Preparation Strategy (Short)
- 📅 Divide time equally across 4 subjects
- 🧠 Strengthen basics (Class 9–10 level)
- 📝 Practice RRB-level previous questions
- 🏃 Start PET running practice early
- 👁️ Get eye test done before DV
❓ FAQs – RRB Group D Syllabus 2026
Q. Is the RRB Group D syllabus same for all zones?
Yes, CBT syllabus and PET standards are uniform across all RRBs.
Q. Is PET marks added to final merit?
No, PET is qualifying only. Final merit is based on CBT score.
Q. Is there sectional cutoff in CBT?
Officially no sectional cutoff is mentioned, but overall merit matters.
🌐 Important Links
- Official Notification pdf download
- Official Website: indianrailways.gov.in
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✅ Final Words
The RRB Group D Level 1 Exam 2026 is not difficult—but it is competitive. Candidates who clearly understand the syllabus, exam pattern, PET rules, and medical standards always have an edge.
👉 Prepare exactly what is required, avoid common mistakes, and stay consistent.