Level 1 Posts - Computer Based Test
Recruitment for Level 1 posts across railway zones, decided by a single computer based test followed by a mandatory physical efficiency test that carries no marks.
100 questions · 90 minutes · 100 marks · 0.33 negative marking
RRB Group D Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Science | 25 | 25 | 0.33 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | 0.33 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 | 0.33 |
| General Awareness and Current Affairs | 20 | 20 | 0.33 |
Eligibility
Class 10 pass, or an ITI qualification, or its equivalent, or a National Apprenticeship Certificate granted by the NCVT. A diploma or degree in engineering is explicitly not accepted in place of an ITI qualification or a completed Act Apprenticeship.
18 to 33 years in the normal course. The current cycle allows 18 to 36, reflecting a one-time three-year relaxation that should not be assumed to continue.
Selection Process
- Computer Based Test — 100 questions for 100 marks in 90 minutes, extended to 120 for eligible candidates using a scribe.
- Physical Efficiency Test — Mandatory and qualifying, carrying no marks. Shortlisting takes three times the community-wise vacancies.
- Document Verification — Ties are broken in favour of the older candidate, then alphabetically.
- Medical Examination — Against the standard prescribed for the post. Pointsman-B requires the stringent A-2 standard, which permits no glasses.
RRB Group D Syllabus
Mathematics
- Number system
- BODMAS
- Decimals
- Fractions
- LCM and HCF
- Ratio and proportion
- Percentages
- Mensuration
- Time and work
- Time and distance
- Simple and compound interest
- Profit and loss
- Algebra
- Geometry and trigonometry
- Elementary statistics
- Square root
- Age calculations
- Calendar and clock
- Pipes and cisterns
General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Analogies
- Alphabetical and number series
- Coding and decoding
- Mathematical operations
- Relationships
- Syllogism
- Jumbling
- Venn diagram
- Data interpretation and sufficiency
- Conclusions and decision making
- Similarities and differences
- Analytical reasoning
- Classification
- Directions
- Statement, arguments and assumptions
General Science
- Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences of class 10 standard (CBSE). This one sentence is the entire official syllabus; any finer chapter list is prep-site convention rather than published scope.
General Awareness and Current Affairs
- Current affairs in science and technology
- Sports
- Culture
- Personalities
- Economics
- Politics
- Any other subject of importance
Qualifying Marks
Minimum percentages: 40 per cent for UR and EWS, 30 per cent for OBC-NCL, SC and ST. Note that ST is 30 per cent here, whereas the NTPC and Technician examinations set it at 25. Relaxable by 2 marks for PwBD candidates where reserved vacancies fall short.
Exam Calendar
RRB cycles are irregular and often span more than a year. The most recent cycle was published in January 2025 with the computer based test held from July to September 2025. Physical test, document verification and medical dates are announced separately after the result.
RRB Group D FAQs
Is there negative marking?
Yes, one third of a mark for each wrong answer.
Is the physical efficiency test scored?
No. It is mandatory and purely qualifying; the final merit comes from the computer based test.
What happens if I fail the weight-carrying test?
You are eliminated at that stage and do not proceed to the run.
How many chances do I get in the physical test?
One chance for each of the two parts.
Who is exempt from the physical test?
Candidates with disabilities, ex-servicemen, and candidates who have completed an Act Apprenticeship.
What is the official General Science syllabus?
Only this: Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences of class 10 standard under CBSE. The detailed chapter lists circulating online are prep-site inference rather than published scope.
What are the qualifying percentages?
40 per cent for UR and EWS, and 30 per cent for OBC-NCL, SC and ST. Note that ST is 30 per cent here, unlike the NTPC and Technician examinations which set it at 25.
Can I apply after LASIK surgery?
Not for posts requiring the A-2 or A-3 medical standard. The B-1, B-2, C-1 and C-2 standards remain possible provided there are no complications and the surgery is more than a year old.
Is an engineering diploma accepted instead of an ITI qualification?
No. It is explicitly not accepted for Level 1 posts.
What happens if I am pregnant at the physical test?
You will be declared temporarily unfit regardless of duration. Your vacancy is reserved and you are re-tested six weeks after confinement on producing a fitness certificate.