The Railway Group D Exam (officially known as the RRC/RRB Level 1 examination) is one of the most significant entry-level recruitment tests conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) to fill a large number of vacancies in the Indian Railways. It recruits for various Level 1 (erstwhile Group D) non-technical, supportive posts across the different departments of the Indian Railways.
Railway Group D EXAM
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Railway Group D Exam
The Railway Group D (RRC/RRB Level 1) exam is a major national recruitment drive conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) to fill numerous entry-level non-technical support posts (like Track Maintainer, Helper, and Pointsman) across the vast network of Indian Railways. The selection process is a multi-stage process that begins with a crucial Computer-Based Test (CBT), which serves as the foundation for the merit list.
Eligibility:
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Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
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Educational Qualification: Must have passed 10th Class (Matriculation) OR ITI OR an equivalent qualification/NAC.
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Age Limit: Must be between 18 and 36 years (with age relaxation applicable for reserved categories like OBC, SC/ST).
Exam Pattern
The Railway Group D (RRC/RRB Level 1) selection process is conducted in multiple stages, with the score from the Computer-Based Test (CBT) being the key determinant of merit.
1. Computer-Based Test (CBT) – Merit Based
This is the initial screening and the only stage whose marks count towards the final merit list.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Science (10th Standard) | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
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Duration: 90 Minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates).
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Marking: 1 mark for every correct answer.
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Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the allotted mark (approx. 0.33 marks) is deducted for every incorrect answer.
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Normalization: Since the exam is held in multiple shifts, marks are adjusted using Percentile-Based Normalization to ensure fairness.
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Qualifying Only
Candidates shortlisted from the CBT based on merit are called for the PET, which is mandatory but does not carry any marks.
| Candidate Category | Weight Carrying (One Chance) | Running (One Chance) |
| Male | Lift and carry 35 kg for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes (without putting it down). | Run 1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds. |
| Female | Lift and carry 20 kg for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes (without putting it down). | Run 1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds. |
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Note: PwBD candidates are generally exempted from the PET.
3. Document Verification & Medical Examination
Candidates who qualify both the CBT and the PET are called for the final stages, where their documents are verified and they undergo a comprehensive medical examination at a Railway Hospital to ensure they meet the specific physical and visual standards for the posts.
