RRB Section Controller Exam Pattern 2026
The full RRB Section Controller exam pattern for 2026 — 3 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.
Single CBT (Computer Based Test)
- Mode
- Online CBT, multiple shifts with normalisation
- Sections
- Analytical & Mathematical Capability · Logical Capability · Mental Reasoning
- Questions
- 100 (Analytical & Mathematical Capability: 60 · Logical Capability: 20 · Mental Reasoning: 20)
- Marks
- 100 (1 mark per question)
- Duration
- 120 minutes (with additional time for PwD candidates as per rules)
- Negative marking
- 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer
There is a SINGLE CBT for Section Controller (Direct Recruitment) — no separate CBT 1 / CBT 2 stages. Normalised CBT marks contribute 70% to the final merit. Section-wise minimum qualifying percentage applies as per RRB norms (UR 40%, OBC/SC 30%, ST 25%). Shift-wise normalisation is applied across batches.
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
- Scored — CBAT contributes 30% to the final merit (it is NOT merely qualifying). A minimum T-score of 42 is required in EACH test battery to be considered.
- Duration
- As scheduled per battery; total duration typically 60-90 minutes
- Negative marking
- Not applicable — but blind guessing hurts scoring within each battery
A minimum T-score of 42 in EACH test battery is mandatory — failing even one battery disqualifies the candidate. Final merit = 70% normalised CBT score + 30% CBAT 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 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.
You know the pattern — now practise in it.
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