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The RRB Group D syllabus is the starting point of every effective preparation plan. Knowing exactly what topics the Railway Recruitment Board will test, how many questions each section carries, and which topics appear in every exam cycle versus which appear occasionally is what separates focused preparation from scattered effort. For the 2026 cycle (CEN 09/2025), with the CBT expected in June 2026, the syllabus was officially released with the notification on January 30, 2026.
This page provides the complete, official syllabus for RRB Group D CBT 2026 for all four sections, the exam pattern with marking scheme, PYQ-based topic weightage from the 2019 to 2025 cycles, a comparison of how Group D science differs from NTPC, and a structured three-phase preparation framework.
Use the RRB Group D Syllabus Tracker to map and track every topic before the exam. After studying each topic, use the RRB Group D Test Series for immediate topic-wise practice.
| Section Questions Marks Duration | |||
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | -- |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 | -- |
| General Science | 25 | 25 | -- |
| General Awareness and Current Affairs | 20 | 20 | -- |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
| Answer Type Marks | |
| Correct Answer | +1 mark |
| Wrong Answer | -1/3 mark (0.33 approx.) |
| Unattempted | 0 marks |
No sectional time limit: The full 90-minute duration applies to all 100 questions. Candidates can navigate freely between sections.
No sectional cutoff: Only the overall cutoff applies. There is no minimum marks requirement per section.
CBT marks are merit-determining: Unlike RRB NTPC where CBT 1 is qualifying only, Group D has a single CBT whose normalised marks directly form the final merit list. Every mark counts for final post allocation.
Single-stage CBT: There is no CBT 2 for Group D. RRB has confirmed RRB Group D will be a single-stage exam.
Normalisation applied: The exam is conducted in multiple shifts. All scores are normalised before cutoffs and merit lists are determined.
Language options: The exam is available in Hindi, English, and 13 other regional languages. General Science questions are also available in regional languages, unlike in some other exams.
The most distinctive feature of the RRB Group D syllabus compared to other major railway and SSC exams is the presence of a dedicated General Science section carrying 25 marks. This section does not appear in IBPS PO, SSC CGL, or RRB NTPC at this level of weight.
General Science in Group D is tested at the Class 10 standard. It covers Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences (Biology) in approximately equal distribution. For candidates with strong Class 10 science backgrounds, this section is highly scoring. For those who have not studied science since Class 10, this section requires dedicated preparation.
| Topic Sub-topics | |
| Number System | Natural numbers, integers, fractions, rational numbers, prime and composite numbers, HCF, LCM, divisibility rules |
| BODMAS | Order of operations in arithmetic expressions |
| Decimals | Conversion, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division |
| Fractions | Equivalent fractions, operations, comparison |
| LCM and HCF | Calculation methods, application problems |
| Ratio and Proportion | Simple ratio, compound ratio, direct and inverse proportion |
| Percentage | Calculation of percentage, percentage of a quantity, percentage change |
| Mensuration | Area and perimeter of triangles, rectangles, circles, parallelograms; volume and surface area of cubes, cuboids, cylinders, cones, spheres |
| Time and Work | Work efficiency, combined work, pipes and cisterns |
| Time and Distance | Speed calculations, relative speed, trains, boats and streams |
| Simple Interest | SI formula and application problems |
| Compound Interest | Annual, half-yearly compounding; difference between SI and CI |
| Profit and Loss | Cost price, selling price, profit percent, loss percent, marked price, discount |
| Elementary Algebra | Linear equations, algebraic identities, simplification of algebraic expressions |
| Geometry | Triangles (congruence, similarity, Pythagoras theorem), circles, quadrilaterals, angles, lines |
| Trigonometry | Basic trigonometric ratios (sin, cos, tan), complementary angles, heights and distances (basic) |
| Elementary Statistics | Mean, median, mode; frequency distribution (basic); reading tables and graphs |
| Topic Average Questions per Shift Priority | ||
| Arithmetic (Percentage, P/L, SI/CI, TW, TSD, Ratio) | 12 to 16 | Non-negotiable |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 4 to 6 | Very High |
| Number System and Simplification | 2 to 3 | High |
| Elementary Statistics and Basic DI | 1 to 2 | High |
| Algebra | 1 to 2 | Medium |
| Trigonometry | 1 to 2 | Medium |
Arithmetic topics collectively account for 50 to 65 percent of the Mathematics section in every Group D cycle. This is consistent across all exam years from 2019 to 2025.
Reasoning carries the highest marks (30 out of 100) in the Group D CBT, making it the most important section by weight.
| Topic Sub-types | |
| Analogies | Semantic (word-based), Symbolic, Number-based, Figural |
| Alphabetical and Number Series | Missing term, next term, wrong term |
| Coding and Decoding | Letter shifting, number coding, symbol coding |
| Mathematical Operations | Symbols replacing arithmetic operators |
| Relationships | Blood relations, family tree problems |
| Syllogism | Two-premise syllogisms; All/Some/No type |
| Jumbling | Rearrangement of words or sentences |
| Venn Diagrams | Set-based relationship identification |
| Data Interpretation and Sufficiency | Reading basic DI sets; two-statement sufficiency |
| Conclusions and Decision Making | Logical conclusions from given statements |
| Similarities and Differences | Pattern recognition in letters, numbers, or figures |
| Analytical Reasoning | Logical deduction from condition sets |
| Classification (Odd One Out) | Verbal and figural odd one out |
| Directions and Distances | Cardinal direction and distance problems |
| Non-verbal Reasoning | Mirror images, paper folding and cutting, embedded figures, figure completion |
| Statement and Conclusion | Valid conclusion from given statement |
| Statement and Assumptions | Identifying valid assumptions |
| Statement and Arguments | Strong vs weak arguments |
| Decision Making | Best action based on given conditions |
| Series Completion | Complete the pattern in figure series |
| Topic Average Questions per Shift Priority | ||
| Number and Alphabetical Series | 5 to 8 | Non-negotiable |
| Analogy | 4 to 6 | Non-negotiable |
| Non-verbal (Mirror, Paper Folding, Embedded) | 4 to 6 | Very High |
| Coding-Decoding | 3 to 5 | Very High |
| Classification / Odd One Out | 2 to 4 | High |
| Syllogism | 2 to 3 | High |
| Venn Diagrams | 1 to 3 | High |
| Mathematical Operations | 1 to 2 | Medium |
| Blood Relations | 1 to 2 | Medium |
| Direction Sense | 1 to 2 | Medium |
| Statement-based topics | 1 to 3 | Lower |
Series and Analogy together account for 30 to 45 percent of the Reasoning section across all Group D cycles. Mastering these two topic groups is the single highest-return activity for Reasoning preparation.
General Science is the section that most differentiates RRB Group D from other government exams. It tests Class 10 science across three streams in approximately equal distribution.
| Topic Coverage | |
| Laws of Motion | Newton's three laws, inertia, momentum |
| Work, Energy, and Power | Definitions, units, kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy |
| Gravitation | Gravitational force, universal law, free fall, acceleration due to gravity |
| Pressure | Atmospheric pressure, Pascal's law, Archimedes' principle |
| Sound | Wave motion, speed of sound, echo, sonar |
| Light | Reflection, refraction, lenses, mirrors, human eye, optical instruments |
| Electricity | Ohm's law, series and parallel circuits, heating effect, electric power |
| Magnetism | Magnetic field, electromagnetic induction, electric motor, generator |
| Heat and Thermodynamics | Temperature, heat transfer, states of matter, specific heat |
| Sources of Energy | Renewable and non-renewable, nuclear energy basics |
| Topic Coverage | |
| Periodic Table | Periods, groups, properties of elements, first 20 elements |
| Chemical Reactions | Types of reactions, oxidation-reduction, signs of chemical change |
| Acids, Bases, and Salts | pH scale, neutralisation, important acids and bases, common salts |
| Metals and Non-metals | Physical and chemical properties, reactivity series, corrosion |
| Carbon and Its Compounds | Organic chemistry basics, hydrocarbons, functional groups, important compounds |
| Chemical Bonding | Ionic and covalent bonding basics |
| Environmental Chemistry | Air, water, soil pollution; ozone layer; global warming |
| Topic Coverage | |
| Cell Biology | Cell structure and functions, cell theory, types of cells |
| Tissues | Plant and animal tissues, types and functions |
| Human Organ Systems | Digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, nervous, reproductive systems |
| Genetics | Heredity, DNA, chromosomes, Mendel's laws basics |
| Evolution | Theories of evolution, natural selection |
| Plant Biology | Photosynthesis, respiration, transport in plants, reproduction |
| Nutrition | Macronutrients, micronutrients, deficiency diseases |
| Diseases | Types of diseases (bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoan), common diseases and their causes |
| Ecology and Environment | Food chain, food web, ecosystem, biodiversity |
| Microorganisms | Uses and harmful effects of microorganisms |
| Sub-section Average Questions per Shift Priority | ||
| Physics | 8 to 10 | Non-negotiable |
| Chemistry | 7 to 9 | Non-negotiable |
| Life Sciences (Biology) | 7 to 9 | Non-negotiable |
Science questions are distributed almost equally across the three sub-areas. No single stream dominates. Candidates must prepare all three to score consistently in this section.
| Sub-area Topics Covered | |
| Science and Technology | Space missions (ISRO), defence technology, recent scientific discoveries, health-related news |
| Sports | Recent international cricket, Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, individual achievements |
| Culture | Indian classical arts, dance forms, UNESCO heritage sites, important festivals |
| Persons in News | Recent appointments, awards, honourees in national and international news |
| Economics | Budget highlights, GDP trends, major schemes, RBI announcements, banking news |
| Politics | Recent elections, government decisions, international relations, summits |
| National Current Affairs | New laws, infrastructure projects, major national events |
| International Current Affairs | Bilateral agreements, UN activities, global events |
| Awards and Honours | Bharat Ratna, Padma awards, Nobel Prize, sports awards (recent recipients) |
| Important Days and Events | National and international days with significance |
| Books and Authors | Recent significant publications |
| Static GK | Capitals and currencies, national symbols, important firsts, abbreviations |
| Indian Railways | Recent railway developments, new trains, projects, stations |
| Topic Average Questions per Shift Priority | ||
| Current Affairs (6-12 months) | 8 to 12 | Non-negotiable |
| Science and Technology News | 2 to 3 | High |
| Sports (recent) | 2 to 3 | High |
| Static GK (Awards, Days, Culture) | 2 to 4 | High |
| Economics and Politics | 1 to 2 | Medium |
| Indian Railways specific | 1 to 2 | Medium |
Current affairs dominate this section at 40 to 60 percent of questions in most shifts. Given the expected June 2026 exam date, events from July 2025 to June 2026 are the most relevant.
Many candidates prepare for both NTPC and Group D simultaneously. Understanding the differences prevents over-preparation in NTPC areas that are not relevant to Group D.
| Feature RRB Group D RRB NTPC (CBT 1) | ||
| Mathematics Questions | 25 | 30 |
| Reasoning Questions | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness Questions | 20 | 40 |
| General Science (dedicated section) | 25 | Not separate (within GA) |
| Total Questions | 100 | 100 |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| CBT in Merit | Direct (single CBT) | Only CBT 2 counts |
| Difficulty Level | Class 10 | Class 10 to 12 (Graduate level harder) |
The most significant structural difference is the dedicated General Science section (25 marks) in Group D versus Science embedded within General Awareness in NTPC. Group D tests science more deeply and specifically. Candidates who prepared for NTPC should specifically revise their Class 10 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for Group D.
| Priority Level Mathematics Reasoning General Science General Awareness | ||||
| Non-negotiable | Arithmetic (all topics) | Series, Analogy | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (all equal) | Current Affairs (6-12 months) |
| Very High | Geometry and Mensuration | Non-verbal, Coding-Decoding | -- | Sports, Awards |
| High | Number System, Basic Stats | Classification, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams | -- | Science and Technology news |
| Medium | Algebra, Trigonometry | Blood Relations, Directions, Math Ops | -- | Economics, Politics, Railways |
| Lower | Advanced Statistics | Statement-based | -- | Regional static GK |
Cover the entire syllabus topic by topic. Start with non-negotiable topics across all four sections simultaneously each day. After each topic, take the topic-wise test from the RRB Group D Test Series to confirm understanding.
Use the RRB Group D Syllabus Tracker to mark completion. Do not mark a topic complete unless the topic test passes with satisfactory accuracy.
Suggested weekly allocation:
Rotate sections daily to prevent fatigue and build multi-subject retention.
Attempt section-wise tests covering all topics within one section. This reveals which topics within each section are still weak and builds the rhythm needed to complete 25 to 30 questions in 22 to 25 minutes.
Attempt one full mock test daily (100 questions, 90 minutes). After each mock, spend equal time reviewing errors. Target consistently scoring 88 to 92 for competitive zone UR candidates. Review every Science and GA wrong answer specifically, as these are fact-based and the same facts may recur in the actual exam.
Is the RRB Group D syllabus the same for all posts? Yes. The CBT syllabus is identical regardless of the specific Level 1 post applied for (Track Maintainer, Pointsman, or any other). Post allocation happens based on merit rank, preference, and vacancy availability after all selection stages are cleared.
Is General Science more important than General Awareness in Group D? General Science carries 25 marks and General Awareness carries 20 marks, making Science slightly more important in raw marks terms. However, both sections must be prepared thoroughly since every mark in Group D CBT counts directly in the final merit.
Has the RRB Group D syllabus changed for 2026? No major structural changes have been announced. The four-section format and topic list for CEN 09/2025 are the same as in the CEN 08/2024 cycle. Always verify against the official notification PDF.
Stay updated with the latest news and notifications about RRB Group D Syllabus 2026: Complete Topic List, Exam Pattern and Section-wise Weightage and other exams.
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24 May 2026
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