The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts exams for various positions in Indian Railways. The exam pattern varies depending on the post you're applying for. Below is a comprehensive guide to the most commonly conducted exams by the RRB:
1. RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) Exam Pattern
This is one of the most common exams conducted by the RRB for the recruitment of candidates in various non-technical posts like Station Master, Goods Guard, Ticket Clerk, etc.
Stages of the RRB NTPC Exam:
- Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT-1)
- Stage 2: Computer-Based Test (CBT-2)
- Stage 3: Document Verification (DV) and Medical Examination
Stage 1: CBT-1
The first stage of the RRB NTPC exam is a computer-based test that consists of the following sections:
General Awareness: 40 questions
Mathematics: 30 questions
General Intelligence and Reasoning: 30 questions
Total Questions: 100 questions
Time Duration: 90 minutes
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer, 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
Stage 2: CBT-2
The second stage is also a computer-based test. The pattern for this exam is more advanced, and it is aimed at candidates who have cleared Stage 1.
General Awareness: 50 questions
Mathematics: 35 questions
General Intelligence and Reasoning: 35 questions
Total Questions: 120 questions
Time Duration: 90 minutes
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer, 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
Stage 3: Document Verification (DV) and Medical Examination
Once candidates pass the CBT-2, they are called for document verification and a medical examination. The final selection is based on the merit list derived from the CBT-2 scores.
2. RRB Group D Exam Pattern
RRB Group D exams are for posts like Track Maintainer, Helper, Assistant, and other posts.
Stages of the RRB Group D Exam:
- Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Stage 3: Document Verification and Medical Examination
Stage 1: CBT
The computer-based test for RRB Group D consists of the following sections:
General Awareness: 20 questions
Mathematics: 25 questions
General Intelligence and Reasoning: 30 questions
General Science: 25 questions
Total Questions: 100 questions
Time Duration: 90 minutes
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer, 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates who qualify in the CBT are called for the PET. The criteria are:
- Male Candidates: Should be able to lift and carry a weight of 35 kg for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes.
- Female Candidates: Should be able to lift and carry a weight of 20 kg for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes.
Stage 3: Document Verification and Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the CBT and PET are called for document verification and medical examination. The final selection depends on the merit of the CBT, PET, and medical examination results.
3. RRB JE (Junior Engineer) Exam Pattern
For the post of Junior Engineer (JE), the exam pattern is slightly different, focusing on technical knowledge.
Stages of the RRB JE Exam:
- Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT-1)
- Stage 2: Computer-Based Test (CBT-2)
- Stage 3: Document Verification and Medical Examination
Stage 1: CBT-1
The first stage for the JE post is a computer-based test with the following sections:
General Awareness: 15 questions
Mathematics: 25 questions
General Intelligence and Reasoning: 30 questions
General Science: 30 questions
Total Questions: 100 questions
Time Duration: 90 minutes
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer, 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
Stage 2: CBT-2
This stage is more technical and includes:
General Awareness: 15 questions
Mathematics: 25 questions
General Intelligence and Reasoning: 25 questions
Technical Subjects: 60 questions (related to the engineering discipline the candidate has applied for)
Total Questions: 130 questions
Time Duration: 2 hours
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer, 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
Stage 3: Document Verification and Medical Examination
Candidates qualifying in both CBT-1 and CBT-2 are called for document verification and medical examination.
4. RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) Exam Pattern
The RRB ALP recruitment is for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot and Technician.
Stages of the RRB ALP Exam:
- Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT-1)
- Stage 2: Computer-Based Test (CBT-2)
- Stage 3: Computer-Based Aptitude Test (for ALP post)
- Stage 4: Document Verification and Medical Examination
Stage 1: CBT-1
General Intelligence and Reasoning: 30 questions
General Awareness: 30 questions
Mathematics: 20 questions
General Science: 20 questions
Total Questions: 100 questions
Time Duration: 90 minutes
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer, 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
Stage 2: CBT-2
General Awareness: 15 questions
Mathematics: 20 questions
General Intelligence and Reasoning: 25 questions
Technical Subjects: 75 questions (depending on the specialization)
Total Questions: 120 questions
Time Duration: 2 hours
Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer, 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
Stage 3: Computer-Based Aptitude Test
This is applicable only for the Assistant Loco Pilot post and tests cognitive abilities related to the job.
Stage 4: Document Verification and Medical Examination
After qualifying the CBT-2 and CBT-3 (for ALP only), candidates undergo document verification and a medical test.
Additional Details:
- Negative Marking: A penalty of 1/3 marks is deducted for each wrong answer in most exams.
- Time Duration: The exam duration typically ranges from 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on the exam.
Key Tips for RRB Exam Preparation:
- Know the Syllabus: Be aware of the exact syllabus for the post you're applying for.
- Mock Tests: Regular practice with mock tests and previous year papers.
- Focus on Time Management: Since RRB exams are highly competitive, practicing time management during mock exams is essential.
- Focus on General Knowledge: Keep updated with current affairs, and focus on topics like History, Geography, Polity, Science, and Economy.
- Clear Fundamentals: Especially for posts like JE, ALP, and others that require technical knowledge, ensure strong fundamentals in your respective technical field.
The RRB exams are rigorous, but with proper preparation, time management, and focused study, candidates can successfully navigate through the selection process.