RRB Group D Selection Process
Last verified 31 Jul 2026
RRB Group D selection has four stages — Computer Based Test, Physical Efficiency Test, Document Verification and Medical Examination. The CBT decides merit; the PET is purely qualifying; DV and the medical confirm eligibility and fitness for the specific post.
Stage 1: Computer Based Test
100 questions, 100 marks, 90 minutes, with 1/3 negative marking. Candidates must reach the minimum qualifying percentage for their category (UR/EWS 40%, OBC-NCL/SC/ST 30%) and then clear their zone-and-category cut off on normalised marks.
Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates are called for PET at three times the community-wise vacancy count based on CBT merit. Passing is mandatory and qualifying in nature — no marks are awarded, so a strong CBT score cannot offset a PET failure.
| Test | Male candidates | Female candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Weight carrying | Lift and carry 35 kg for 100 m in 2 minutes, in one chance, without putting the weight down | Lift and carry 20 kg for 100 m in 2 minutes, in one chance, without putting the weight down |
| Running | 1000 m in 4 minutes 15 seconds, in one chance | 1000 m in 5 minutes 40 seconds, in one chance |
The order of the PET matters
The weight-carrying test is conducted first. Failing it means elimination at that stage — you do not get to attempt the run. The weight is a sand bag without handles, lifted from a bench at roughly waist height, and you may carry it in whichever manner you choose. There is a recovery gap before the running test.
Two practical consequences: practise with an unhandled bag rather than a gym weight, and note that each test is one chance only.
PwBD exemption
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities are exempt from the PET. After qualifying in the CBT they must instead pass the medical examination prescribed for PwBD candidates.
The notification also makes clear that candidates are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to attempt the PET, and the Railways is not liable for injury sustained during it.
Stage 3: Document Verification
Original certificates are checked against what was declared in the application — educational qualification, category, age and any concession claimed. Certificates in the prescribed Annexure formats are required, and a mismatch or a certificate issued after the closing date can end the candidature.
Stage 4: Medical Examination
Each Level 1 post carries its own medical standard, listed in Annexure A. Vision requirements in particular differ between posts, so a candidate can be fit for one Level 1 post and unfit for another.
Normalisation of marks
Where the CBT runs in multiple sessions on the same syllabus, shortlisting for every stage uses normalised marks rather than raw scores, so candidates who sat harder shifts are not penalised.