The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released the Detailed Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 08/2024 for recruiting numerous Posts in Level-1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, commonly known as RRB Group D. With a massive 32,438 vacancies announced (provisional), understanding the latest RRB Group D Exam Pattern is absolutely critical for aspirants aiming to secure a job in the Indian Railways.
This guide breaks down the complete selection procedure as outlined in the official CEN 08/2024 notification, covering the Computer Based Test (CBT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification (DV), and Medical Examination (ME) stages. Knowing the structure, syllabus outline, marking scheme, and physical requirements will help you tailor your preparation strategy effectively.
RRB Group D Selection Process (Based on CEN 08/2024)
The recruitment process for RRB Group D Level 1 posts under CEN 08/2024 will consist of the following stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT) - Single Stage
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination (ME)
Candidates must qualify in each stage to be considered for final selection. Let's explore each stage in detail.
Stage 1: RRB Group D Computer Based Test (CBT) Pattern - CEN 08/2024
As per CEN 08/2024, the first stage is a Single Stage Computer Based Test (CBT). Performance in this test is crucial as merit for subsequent stages is based primarily on CBT scores.
- Mode: Online (Computer Based Test)
- Number of Stages: Single Stage CBT (However, Railways reserve the right to conduct CBT in multiple stages if needed).
- Question Type: Objective Type with Multiple Choices (MCQs)
- Negative Marking: Yes. 1/3rd mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
- Normalization: Marks will be normalized if the CBT is conducted in multiple sessions/shifts.
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Minimum Qualifying Percentage:
- UR & EWS: 40%
- OBC (Non-creamy layer): 30%
- SC & ST: 30% (These percentages may be relaxed by 2% for PwBD candidates if there's a shortage against vacancies reserved for them).
- Total Duration: 90 Minutes (120 Minutes for eligible PwBD candidates using a Scribe)
RRB Group D CBT Structure (CEN 08/2024):
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
RRB Group D CBT Syllabus Outline (Standard: 10th Level):
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Mathematics: Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, 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 & Clock, Pipes & Cistern etc.
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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 etc.
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General Science: Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences of the 10th standard level (CBSE).
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General Awareness and Current Affairs: Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics and any other subject of importance.
(Note: The topics listed are taken from the official CEN 08/2024).
Stage 2: RRB Group D Physical Efficiency Test (PET) - CEN 08/2024
Candidates shortlisted based on their merit in the CBT (approximately three times the community-wise vacancies, subject to change by RRB) will be called for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
- Nature: PET is Mandatory and Qualifying in nature. Marks are not added to the final merit. Passing PET is essential to proceed.
- Criteria: Different standards apply for male, female, and transgender candidates.
PET Criteria for Male Candidates:
- Lift and carry 35 Kg of weight for 100 metres in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down.
- Run for a distance of 1000 metres (1 Km) in 4 minutes and 15 seconds in one chance.
PET Criteria for Female / Transgender Candidates: (Transgender candidates follow female standards as per CEN 08/2024)
- Lift and carry 20 Kg of weight for 100 metres in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down.
- Run for a distance of 1000 metres (1 Km) in 5 minutes and 40 seconds in one chance.
PET Exemptions (CEN 08/2024):
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Exempted from PET, but must pass the prescribed medical examination.
- Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAA): Candidates trained in Railway Establishments are exempted from PET.
- Ex-Servicemen: Exempted from PET.
Note: Pregnant female candidates declared temporarily unfit during PET will be given a chance post-confinement, subject to conditions.
Stage 3: Document Verification (DV) - CEN 08/2024
Candidates who qualify in the CBT and clear the PET (or are exempted) will be shortlisted for Document Verification (DV).
- Shortlisting: Based on CBT performance and PET qualification. Candidates equal to the number of vacancies (Ratio 1:1) are usually called, though RRBs may call additional candidates.
- Purpose: To verify original documents regarding eligibility criteria (Age, Qualification, Caste (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS), PwBD status, ExSM status, CCAA details, Photo ID, etc.).
- Requirement: Candidates MUST produce all specified original documents. Failure can lead to disqualification. Scanned copies need to be uploaded beforehand via a portal.
- Tie-Breaking: If two or more candidates score the same normalized marks, merit is decided by age (older candidate placed higher). If age is also the same, alphabetical order (A to Z) of names is used.
Stage 4: Medical Examination (ME) - CEN 08/2024
Candidates clearing DV will undergo a mandatory Medical Examination conducted by the Railway Administration at Railway Hospitals.
- Purpose: To ensure the candidate is medically fit to perform the duties of the post(s) they opted for, as per standards defined in the Indian Railway Medical Manual.
- Requirement: Passing the requisite medical standard is essential for appointment. Different posts have different medical standards (e.g., A-2, B-1, C-1 - detailed in Annexure A of CEN 08/2024). Candidates found medically unsuitable for their opted post(s) will not be given alternative appointments.
Special Provision for CCAA Candidates (CEN 08/2024)
Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs) trained in Railway Establishments and possessing the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) have special provisions:
- PET Exemption: They are exempted from the Physical Efficiency Test.
- Weightage in Merit: Due weightage will be given to their NCVT marks. For final merit list preparation after CBT, 1/3rd of their NCVT exam marks will be considered alongside CBT marks (normalized). The notification implies the higher of the two calculations (CBT alone vs. weighted score) might be considered, but clarity suggests weightage is applied.
Important Dates RRB Group D Exam (CEN 08/2024)
| Event | Date/Time |
|---|---|
| Date of Indicative Notice | 28.12.2024 |
| Date of Publication | 22.01.2025 |
| Online Application Opening Date & Time | 23.01.2025 (00:00 Hrs) |
| Online Application Closing Date & Time | 22.02.2025 (23:59 Hrs) |
| Fee Payment Closing Date & Time | 24.02.2025 (23:59 Hrs) |
| Modification Window (with fee) Date & Time | 25.02.2025 to 06.03.2025 (23:59 Hrs) |
| CBT Date | To be Notified |
| PET, DV, ME Dates | To be Notified |
(Dates are as per CEN 08/2024 and subject to change. Always check official RRB websites.)
Key Highlights: RRB Group D Exam Pattern (CEN 08/2024)
- Recruitment Authority: Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) / Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs).
- Notification: CEN No. 08/2024.
- Vacancies: 32,438 (Provisional).
- Post Level: Level 1 (7th CPC Pay Matrix), Initial Pay Rs. 18,000.
- Age Limit: 18-36 years (as on 01.01.2025), includes 3-year COVID relaxation. Relaxations apply for reserved categories.
- Selection Stages: Single CBT -> PET -> DV -> ME.
- CBT: 100 Questions, 100 Marks, 90 Mins, 1/3rd Negative Marking.
- PET: Qualifying stage, mandatory unless exempted (PwBD, CCAA, ExSM).
- Merit Basis: Primarily based on normalized CBT scores (subject to qualifying other stages). CCAA candidates get weightage for NCVT marks.