RRB Group D Exam Preparation 2026
RRB Group D Exam Preparation 2026 is all about disciplined consistency, not last‑minute heroics. If you can respect the pattern, know the syllabus, and follow a realistic day plan, this exam becomes much more manageable than it looks at first glance.
Many candidates who finally cleared in their second attempt say the big difference wasn’t some magical book, but that they stopped “studying everything” and started studying purposefully, with a timetable, mocks, and a clear idea of what the exam really asks.
RRB Group D Syllabus overview
The RRB Group D exam recruits candidates for entry-level (Level-1) positions in Indian Railways. It's organised by various Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under the Ministry of Railways.
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What it is: A recruitment drive for Group D/Level-1 roles involving manual and operational work.
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Selection stages: Computer-Based Test (CBT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification (DV), and Medical Examination.
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Exam mode: CBT is fully objective (MCQs); no subjective questions.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 |
| Level | Level-1 (Group D) posts |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Subsequent Stages | PET, Document Verification, Medical |
Apply Now: RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 22195 Posts
RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026 (CBT + PET)
The CBT is the main screening stage, followed by qualifying PET for shortlisted candidates.
RRB Group D CBT Exam Pattern 2026
It's a single-stage CBT with 100 objective questions worth 100 marks. Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates using a scribe). Negative marking applies: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Science | 25 | 25 | 90 minutes total (120 for PwBD with scribe) |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | - |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 | - |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 | - |
| Total | 100 | 100 | - |
RRB Group D PET 2026: Physical Test Requirements
PET is qualifying in nature and is conducted only for CBT qualifiers. Standards differ for males and females, focusing on physical fitness like running, lifting/carrying weights. (Exact metrics follow official norms from the notification; PwBD candidates are generally exempted from PET but must meet medical standards.)
RRB Group D Syllabus 2026 (Subject-Wise)
The syllabus is based on Class 10 level standards. Focus on high-weightage areas: Reasoning (30 marks) and then Maths/Science (25 each).
RRB Group D Mathematics Syllabus 2026
Questions test basic arithmetic and Class 10 concepts.
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Number system, BODMAS, decimals & fractions, LCM & HCF
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Percentage, ratio & proportion, profit & loss, simple & compound interest
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Time & work, time & distance, mensuration (area/volume basics)
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Algebra (simple equations), geometry basics, elementary statistics (mean, median, mode)
RRB Group D General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus 2026
This section emphasises logical thinking and problem-solving.
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Analogies, classification, similarities/differences
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Coding-decoding, number/alphabet series
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Puzzles, seating arrangements
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Blood relations, direction sense, Venn diagrams, syllogism
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Statement-argument, assumptions, data sufficiency/interpretation
RRB Group D General Science Syllabus 2026
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Covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at the 10th standard level (NCERT-based).
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Physics: Motion, force, work/energy/power, heat, light, sound, electricity basics
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Chemistry: Matter structure, acids/bases/salts, metals/non-metals, carbon compounds, reactions
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Biology: Cell/tissues, human body systems, nutrition, diseases, plant/animal kingdom, environment/ecology
RRB Group D General Awareness & Current Affairs Syllabus 2026
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Mix of static GK and recent events.
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Current affairs: Last 6-8 months' national/international news, government schemes, economy, sports
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Static GK: Indian history, geography, polity, constitution basics, culture, important days/personalities
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Science & technology developments
RRB Group D Important Topics
Some topics tend to appear more frequently and are easier to score if you practise them well.
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Mathematics: percentages, ratio & proportion, time & work, time & distance, simple and compound interest, profit & loss, averages, number system, BODMAS, LCM & HCF, mensuration basics.
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Reasoning: coding–decoding, analogies, series (number/alphabet), syllogisms, blood relations, directions, Venn diagrams, classification, puzzles and seating arrangements, clocks and calendars.
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General Science: motion and force, work and energy, heat and electricity, metals and non‑metals, acids and bases, human body systems, nutrition and health, reproduction, ecology and environment.
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General Awareness: Indian constitution basics, history highlights, important government schemes, major sports events and awards, recent budgets, and the last 6 months’ national–international news.
You don’t have to chase everything, but ignoring these high‑yield zones is like leaving marks on the table.
How to Start RRB Group D Exam Preparation 2026 from Zero
Begin with basics:
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Spend the first 2-3 days reviewing the official pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme.
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Identify high-weightage sections (Reasoning 30 marks, Maths & Science 25 each).
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Assess your strengths/weaknesses through a diagnostic test.
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Commit to 3-4 focused hours daily, with specific goals per subject.
30-Day / 60-Day RRB Group D Study Plan (Sample)
Adapt this based on your timeline.
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Weeks 1-2: Build foundations in Maths and Reasoning, clear concepts + 30-40 practice questions daily per subject.
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Weeks 3-4: Tackle General Science and General Awareness; mix in daily current affairs and continue mixed practice.
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Final 1-2 weeks: Shift to full-length mocks (3-5 per week), solve previous year questions, analyse errors, and revise formulas/notes.
A compact weekly focus:
| Week | Focus Area | Key Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Maths + Reasoning basics | Concepts + 30–40 questions daily |
| Week 2 | Advanced practice | Timed quizzes + topic-wise PYQs |
| Week 3 | General Science + GA | NCERT-level science + daily current affairs |
| Week 4 | Revision + mocks | 3–5 full mocks + detailed analysis |
Daily Routine for RRB Group D Aspirants
A balanced routine might look like:
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1-1.5 hours: Maths (concepts + problems)
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1 hour: Reasoning (puzzles, series, etc.)
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45 minutes: General Science (topic revision + MCQs)
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30-45 minutes: GA & current affairs (news + static notes)
RRB Group D Study Plan 2026
A sensible RRB Group D Study Plan 2026 should move from basics to mocks in layers, foundation, strengthening, integration, and then exam‑like practice. Think of it like building a house: you don’t start with paint, you start with the base.
Basics and Foundation
In the first phase, your goal is to rebuild core concepts in every subject without rushing.
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For Maths, re‑learn the number system, percentages, ratio, proportion, simple interest, time & work, time & distance, and basic mensuration.
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For Reasoning, pick a few topics daily, series, coding–decoding, analogies, directions, and solve 20–30 questions of each.
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For Science, read Class 9–10 level summaries of Physics, Chemistry, Biology topics and make tiny one‑line notes.
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For GA, start a daily current affairs habit (even 20 minutes) and revise static topics like history and polity on alternate days.
Many candidates who work full‑time study 2–3 hours on weekdays in this phase and 5–6 hours on weekends; that’s perfectly fine as long as you stay consistent.
Intermediate Level
This is where you start solving topic‑wise tests and slightly tricky questions.
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Take short quizzes on individual topics (e.g., only percentages, only coding–decoding) and analyse mistakes the same day.
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Introduce data interpretation, mensuration 3D, seating arrangements, statement–assumption, and moderate puzzles gradually.
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For Science, move from reading to solving chapter‑wise MCQs, especially for frequently asked themes like electricity or human physiology.
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In GA, mix static GK (history, geography) with weekly revision of current affairs; Sunday can be a “revision plus quiz” day.
One aspirant shared that she printed her weak‑topic list and stuck it near her study table, seeing “Time & Work, Clocks, Magnetism” daily kept her honest.
Advanced Practice
Now the focus shifts to exam‑like difficulty and time management.
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Attempt mixed‑section practice sets: 25 Maths + 30 Reasoning + 25 Science + 20 GA in one sitting, timing yourself to 90 minutes.
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Include higher‑level DI caselets, trickier puzzles, and approximation questions to simulate pressure.
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For Science, revise notes and focus on application‑type MCQs instead of fresh theory.
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In GA, narrow down to the last 4–6 months and “top 100” type lists for schemes, awards, sports, and appointments.
This stage is when candidates realise their real problem is not knowledge but “which questions to leave”, learning to skip time‑killer questions is a skill, not a weakness.
Final Preparation
In the last 7–10 days, you should live in revision and full mocks, not in new topics.
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Attempt a full mock every 1–2 days, in actual exam timings, and seriously analyse errors.
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Revise your own short notes, important formulas, science facts, and “tricky but important” reasoning patterns.
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Lighten the load in the final 1–2 days, just revise key points and maybe a small GA quiz; don’t try to become a different person 24 hours before the exam.
Many successful candidates say their best mock wasn’t always their last one, but they walked into the exam calm because they had seen the pattern enough times.
RRB Group D Mock Tests, Previous Year Papers & Cut-Off Strategy
Start with 1-2 full mocks weekly, ramp up to 3-4 near the exam. Analyse every mock: check accuracy, section timing, and recurring errors. Use previous year papers to understand difficulty and trends (aim realistically based on past cut-offs).
Last 10 Days Strategy for RRB Group D Exam 2026
Avoid new topics. Revise notes, formulas, key facts. Take 1 daily full mock in exam-like conditions. Prioritise accuracy; negative marking hurts guesses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in RRB Group D Exam
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Neglecting PET fitness while only prepping CBT.
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Jumping between too many books instead of mastering a few.
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Delaying General Science/GA (45 marks combined) until the end.
Best Books for RRB Group D Exam Preparation 2026
Stick to 1-2 reliable books per subject rather than overloading.
Mathematics
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Focus on Class 10-level arithmetic books aligned with competitive exams (e.g., RS Aggarwal Quantitative Aptitude or similar complete arithmetic guides), great for practice on percentages, ratios, and mensuration.
Reasoning
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"A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal, covers series, puzzles, coding-decoding, well.
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"Test of Reasoning" (Pearson) or analytical reasoning books like MK Pandey for deeper practice.
General Science & General Awareness
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Lucent’s General Knowledge (especially the science portion) for quick Physics/Chemistry/Biology coverage.
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Objective General Science books for MCQs.
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Monthly current affairs magazines or yearly compilations for updates + static GK.
| Subject | Recommended Type | Why Useful |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Complete arithmetic book (Class 10 level) | Syllabus-aligned + plenty of questions |
| Reasoning | Verbal/non-verbal + puzzle-focused | Covers high-weightage puzzles/series |
| General Science | Objective GS + Lucent GK science section | Builds 10th-level foundation |
| General Awareness | Monthly current affairs + static GK book | Keeps you updated on news & basics |
RRB Group D Selection Process 2026
The RRB Group D selection process 2026 has three main stages: Computer‑Based Test (CBT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and Document Verification with Medical examination.
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Stage 1 – CBT: Screening based on written exam (100 marks).
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Stage 2 – PET: Qualifying physical test to check endurance and fitness for track, maintenance, and field roles.
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Stage 3 – DV & Medical: Verification of documents, category, eligibility, and medical fitness as per post requirements.
Only candidates who clear each stage move ahead, so planning for PET and medical from day one is smarter than waiting for the CBT result.
RRB Group D Exam Pattern for 2nd Stage
The PET for RRB Group D is qualifying in nature and tests whether you can handle the physical demands of railway ground jobs.
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Male candidates: lift and carry 35 kg for 100 metres in 2 minutes without putting it down, and run 1000 metres in 4 minutes 15 seconds, in a single attempt.
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Female candidates: lift and carry 20 kg for 100 metres in 2 minutes without putting it down, and run 1000 metres in 5 minutes 40 seconds, in one attempt.
A lot of candidates who were strong on paper have missed out here, so even if you’re a “book nerd,” please walk, jog, and build stamina a few months before PET; your future self will thank you.
RRB Group D Exam Pattern for 3rd Stage
In the third stage, candidates who clear the PET are called for document verification and medical examination.
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Document Verification: You must produce original certificates for educational qualification, category, identity, and any other claimed eligibility; signatures should be consistent across documents.
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Medical Examination: checks visual standards, general fitness, and suitability for the specific Level‑1 posts.
Plenty of aspirants keep scanned copies ready and maintain a simple file at home so they’re not panicking when the DV date finally comes.
Tips for RRB Group D Exam
Strong RRB Group D preparation isn’t only about what you study, but also how you behave in the final stretch.
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Don’t start big new topics in the last week; revise what you already know well.
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Use your short notes and formula sheets daily; they’re your last‑minute lifeline.
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Take 3–4 full mocks under exam conditions and focus on accuracy first, then speed, remember the 1/3 negative marking.
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Stick to reliable study material; don’t keep changing sources once you enter the revision phase.
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Sleep properly, eat light, and keep a balanced mindset; a calm brain recalls better than a tired one.
In the end, this exam rewards regular effort and honest self‑analysis more than raw “talent.” If you show up every day, even with little progress, you’re already ahead of a huge chunk of the crowd.
