RRB Group D Syllabus
The RRB Group D examination 2027 is one of the largest recruitment drives conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards for Level 1 posts in Indian Railways. Group D posts include Track Maintainer Grade IV, Helper/Assistant in various departments (Electrical, Mechanical, Signal & Telecommunication, Engineering, Operations & Business Development), Hospital Attendant, Gateman, and other similar positions that form the operational backbone of the railway network.
The minimum qualification for Group D is 10th pass (Matriculation) from a recognised board, or an ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate from a recognised institute in the relevant trade. The selection process consists of a single Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Document Verification and Medical Examination.
Quick Facts: RRB Group D 2027
Detail | Information |
Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
Post Level | Level 1 (7th CPC Pay Matrix) |
Posts Covered | Track Maintainer Gr IV, Helper/Assistant (Electrical, Mechanical, S&T, Engg., OBD), Gateman, Hospital Attendant, Porter, Pointsman |
Minimum Qualification | 10th Pass from recognised board OR ITI in relevant trade |
Age Limit | 18 to 33 years (relaxation as per GoI norms for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-Servicemen) |
CBT Questions | 100 questions, 100 marks, 90 minutes |
Negative Marking | 1/3 mark per wrong answer |
Selection Stages | CBT, Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification, Medical Exam |
Mode | Computer Based Test (Online) |
Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in / respective RRB websites |
RRB Group D Selection Process 2027
• Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT) -- 100 questions, 100 marks, 90 minutes; covers Mathematics, GI&R, General Science, and General Awareness
• Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) -- Conducted for candidates shortlisted from CBT (approx. 3 times the vacancy count); no marks awarded; qualifying in nature
• Stage 3: Document Verification (DV) -- Verification of original certificates of shortlisted candidates
• Stage 4: Medical Examination -- Candidates must meet prescribed medical standards for the applied post
Note: PET is qualifying in nature only. The merit list for final selection is prepared based on CBT marks only, subject to clearing PET, DV, and medical.
Group D CBT Exam Pattern 2027
Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Level |
Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| Class 10 |
General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Class 10 |
General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Class 10 NCERT |
General Awareness and Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| General |
Total | 100 | 100 | 90 Minutes |
|
Group D CBT Syllabus
Mathematics (25 Questions)
The Mathematics section tests numerical ability and arithmetic skills at the Class 10 level. Key topics include:
• Number System: natural numbers, integers, HCF, LCM, divisibility rules
• BODMAS and Simplification
• Decimals and Fractions
• Percentage: calculation, percentage change, successive change
• Ratio and Proportion: direct and inverse proportion, compound ratio
• Profit and Loss: SP, CP, MP, discount, profit and loss percentage
• Simple Interest and Compound Interest
• Time and Work: combined work rate, pipes and cisterns
• Time, Speed and Distance: relative speed, trains, boats and streams
• Mensuration: area and perimeter of 2D shapes; volume and surface area of 3D shapes
• Elementary Algebra: linear equations, basic identities
• Geometry: lines and angles, triangles, circles, Pythagoras theorem
• Trigonometry: standard ratios, standard angles, basic identities
• Elementary Statistics: mean, median, mode, bar graph, pie chart, histogram
General Intelligence and Reasoning (30 Questions)
The Reasoning section tests verbal and non-verbal reasoning ability. Key topics include:
• Analogies: verbal, number, and alphabetical
• Number and Alphabetical Series: finding missing or wrong terms
• Coding and Decoding: letter coding, number coding, symbol coding
• Mathematical Operations: symbol substitution
• Relationships: blood relations, family tree problems
• Syllogism: All/Some/No type conclusions; Venn diagram method
• Jumbling: word rearrangement
• Venn Diagrams: selecting correct representation; solving from given diagrams
• Data Sufficiency: two-statement problems
• Statement and Conclusion / Assumption / Courses of Action
• Directions and Distance: compass directions, total and shortest distance
• Similarities and Differences: odd one out, classification
• Non-Verbal: mirror images, water images, paper folding, figure completion
• Seating Arrangement: simple linear and circular arrangements
• Puzzles: age-based, scheduling, box-based
General Science (25 Questions)
Questions are based on Class 9 and 10 NCERT Science covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology:
• Physics: Motion, Force and Laws of Motion, Work/Energy/Power, Sound, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, Heat
• Chemistry: Matter, Atomic Structure, Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, Chemical Reactions, Acids/Bases/Salts, Carbon and its Compounds, Metals and Non-Metals
• Biology: Cell and Tissues, Life Processes (Nutrition, Respiration, Transportation, Excretion), Reproduction, Heredity and Evolution, Ecology, Human Health and Disease
• Science in daily life: everyday applications of scientific principles
General Awareness and Current Affairs (20 Questions)
• Current Affairs: national and international events (last 12 to 18 months)
• Indian Railways: history, zones, types of trains, major projects, safety systems
• Indian History: freedom struggle, major events and personalities
• Indian Geography: rivers, mountains, states, physical features
• Indian Polity: Constitution, Fundamental Rights, government structure
• Indian Economy: basic concepts, government schemes
• Art, Culture, and Sports: classical dances, important awards, major sporting events
• Science and Technology: ISRO missions, major discoveries
• Static GK: national symbols, important days, UNESCO Heritage Sites
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Standards
Category | Gender | Running | Weight Lifting / Other |
UR / OBC / EWS | Male | 1000m in 4 min 15 sec | 35 kg weight lift and carry 100m in 2 min |
UR / OBC / EWS | Female | 400m in 3 min 10 sec | 20 kg weight lift and carry 100m in 2 min |
SC / ST | Male | 1000m in 4 min 15 sec | 35 kg weight lift and carry 100m in 2 min |
SC / ST | Female | 400m in 3 min 10 sec | 20 kg weight lift and carry 100m in 2 min |
Candidates with disabilities (PwBD) exempted from PET as per norms. PwBD candidates meeting CBT merit will be considered for eligible posts.
Group D Subject Syllabus Pages
Subject Page | Questions | Key Topics |
25 | Arithmetic, Mensuration, Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics | |
30 | Series, Analogies, Coding, Syllogism, Arrangement, Non-Verbal | |
25 | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 10 NCERT) | |
20 | Current Affairs, History, Polity, Economy, Railways GK |
Preparation Tips for RRB Group D 2027
1. Focus on General Science and Reasoning
Together, General Science (25) and Reasoning (30) account for 55 out of 100 marks in Group D CBT. These are the highest-scoring sections for well-prepared candidates. General Science at Class 10 level is highly accessible to most candidates who revise NCERT Science thoroughly.
2. Start PET Preparation Alongside CBT
The Physical Efficiency Test (PET) is a physically demanding qualifying stage and must not be left until after CBT results. Begin physical training for the 1000m run (men) or 400m run (women) and the 35 kg / 20 kg weight carrying task from the beginning of your preparation.
3. Prioritise Railways GK in General Awareness
Given that Group D is a railway department post, Indian Railways GK questions appear frequently in the GA section. Prepare a dedicated Railways GK notes sheet covering zones, train types, safety systems, major projects, and railway firsts.
Frequently Asked Questions: Group D
Q1. Is Group D a technical or non-technical post?
Group D posts are generally semi-skilled or unskilled Level 1 posts, most of which do not require a technical degree. However, some posts (Helper in technical departments) may require an ITI certificate in a relevant trade. Candidates should check the specific post requirements in the official notification.
Q2. What is the pay scale for Group D posts?
Group D posts are Level 1 posts in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, with a basic pay of Rs. 18,000 per month plus applicable allowances (HRA, DA, Transport Allowance, etc.).
Q3. Is Group D CBT score used in the final merit list?
Yes. The CBT score is the sole basis for the final merit list, provided the candidate has cleared the PET, DV, and medical examination stages. PET is qualifying only and does not add marks.
