RRB Section Controller Exam Pattern 2026
The full RRB Section Controller exam pattern for 2026 — 4 stages, with the sections, question count, marks, duration and negative marking for each, as set by Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs). Then take a free RRB Section Controller mock in the real pattern below.
CBT 1 (Computer Based Test — Stage 1)
- Mode
- Online CBT, multiple shifts with normalisation
- Sections
- General Awareness · Mathematics · General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Questions
- 100 (GA: 40 · Maths: 30 · Reasoning: 30)
- Marks
- 100 (1 mark per question)
- Duration
- 90 minutes (120 min for PwD candidates)
- Negative marking
- 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer
Qualifying in nature — CBT 1 marks are NOT counted in the final merit. The stage is used only to shortlist candidates for CBT 2 (typically 15-20× the vacancies, category-wise). Section-wise minimum percentage applies: UR 40%, OBC/SC 30%, ST 25%.
CBT 2 (Computer Based Test — Stage 2)
- Mode
- Online CBT, multiple shifts with normalisation
- Sections
- General Awareness · Mathematics · General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Questions
- 120 (GA: 50 · Maths: 35 · Reasoning: 35)
- Marks
- 120 (1 mark per question)
- Duration
- 90 minutes (120 min for PwD candidates)
- Negative marking
- 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer
Merit-deciding stage. Normalised CBT 2 marks (combined with CBAT qualifying status) determine the final selection list. GA is heavily weighted at 50/120 — Indian Railways operational and signalling content carries significantly more weight here than in NTPC Graduate.
Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- Mode
- Online, computer-based test battery
- Sections
- Psychometric and aptitude batteries — perceptual speed, concentration, depth perception, reaction time, memory and similar cognitive traits. Same battery used for Station Master and Assistant Loco Pilot posts.
- Questions
- Multiple test batteries — exact count depends on the cycle. Each battery is timed individually.
- Marks
- Qualifying in nature — marks are NOT added to the final merit.
- Duration
- As scheduled per battery; total duration typically 60-90 minutes
- Negative marking
- Not applicable — but blind guessing hurts scoring within each battery
Minimum 42 marks in EACH test battery is required to qualify. Failing even one battery disqualifies the candidate regardless of CBT 2 score. Glasses/lenses are not permitted during the CBAT — candidates with corrected vision must declare in advance.
Document Verification and Medical Examination
- Mode
- Offline, at designated railway division
- Sections
- Document Verification (DV) followed by Medical Examination. Section Controller requires A-2 or A-3 medical category (good distant and near vision, normal colour vision, no major cardiovascular/neurological condition).
- Questions
- Not applicable
- Marks
- Not applicable
- Duration
- Scheduled by RRB after final merit list
- Negative marking
- Not applicable
Final appointment is subject to medical fitness. Colour-vision testing is strict given the post's responsibility for signal interpretation. Original documents (degree, caste certificate, photo ID, category certificate) must match the application exactly.
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