RRB JE syllabus 2026: CBT 1 and CBT 2 subject-wise, with the reasoning syllabus
The RRB JE exam has two computer-based tests. CBT 1 is a common screening test of 100 questions: Mathematics 30, General Intelligence and Reasoning 25, General Awareness 15 and General Science 30. CBT 2 decides the merit: 150 questions, of which 100 are Technical Abilities in your own engineering group. This article sets out the syllabus of both, subject by subject, from the RRBs' notice CEN 04/2026 (paras 13.0 to 13.4 and Annexure VIII), with the reasoning syllabus in full because candidates search for it most. Checked on 26 October 2026. CBT 1 of this cycle is on 27 and 28 October 2026.
RRB JE exam pattern at a glance
| CBT 1 | CBT 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions and marks | 100 questions, 100 marks | 150 questions, 150 marks |
| Time | 90 minutes (120 with a scribe) | 120 minutes (160 with a scribe) |
| Negative marking | One-third of a mark | One-third of a mark |
| Calculator | Not allowed | Virtual calculator on screen |
| Counts for | Shortlisting for CBT 2 only | Document verification and merit |
| Languages | Hindi and English | Hindi and English |
CBT 1 marks are not used in the final panel. Candidates are shortlisted for CBT 2 at 15 times the community-wise vacancies of each RRB, on normalised marks. To be eligible at all you need 40% (UR and EWS), 30% (OBC-NCL and SC) or 25% (ST).
RRB JE CBT 1 syllabus
| Subject | Questions (indicative) |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 |
| General Awareness | 15 |
| General Science | 30 |
| Total | 100 |
Mathematics (30)
Number systems, BODMAS, decimals, fractions, LCM and HCF, square roots; ratio and proportion, percentages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest; time and work, pipes and cisterns, time and distance; mensuration, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, elementary statistics; ages, calendar and clock.
General Intelligence and Reasoning (25): the RRB JE reasoning syllabus
The notice lists these topics:
| Topic group | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Analogies and classification | Analogies, classification (odd one out), similarities and differences |
| Series | Alphabetical and number series |
| Coding | Coding and decoding, jumbling |
| Relationships and directions | Relationships (such as blood relations), directions |
| Logic | Syllogism, Venn diagrams |
| Mathematical operations | Questions built on symbols and operations |
| Data | Data interpretation and data sufficiency |
| Verbal reasoning | Conclusions and decision making, statement and arguments, assumptions |
Reasoning is 25 questions, a quarter of the paper, and is the section where speed improves fastest with practice: series, coding and analogies follow a small number of patterns that become quick once you have seen them.
General Awareness (15)
Current affairs; Indian geography, culture and history, including the freedom struggle; Indian polity and the Constitution; the Indian economy; environmental issues; sports; and general scientific and technological developments.
General Science (30)
Physics, chemistry and life sciences up to the Class 10 (CBSE) level. At 30 questions, it is as large as Mathematics, and for engineering candidates the biology part is often the weakest: read the Class 9 and 10 NCERT life-science chapters once.
RRB JE CBT 2 syllabus
| Part | Questions |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | 15 |
| Physics and Chemistry (up to Class 10, CBSE) | 15 |
| Basics of Computers and Applications | 10 |
| Basics of Environment and Pollution Control | 10 |
| Technical Abilities (your exam group) | 100 |
| Total | 150 |
- Basics of Computers and Applications: architecture, input and output devices, storage, networking; operating systems (Windows, Unix, Linux); MS Office; data representation; internet and email; websites and browsers; computer viruses.
- Basics of Environment and Pollution Control: basics of the environment, air, water and noise pollution and their control, waste management, global warming, acid rain and ozone depletion.
Technical Abilities (100): syllabus by exam group
You answer only your own group's questions, at the level of the prescribed diploma or degree (Annexure VIII of the notice):
| Exam group | Main topics |
|---|---|
| Civil and Allied (VIII-A) | Engineering mechanics, building construction and materials, surveying, concrete technology, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics, irrigation, theory of structures, design of concrete and steel structures, transportation and environmental engineering, estimating and contracts |
| Electrical and Allied (VIII-B) | Circuit laws, magnetic circuits, AC fundamentals, measurements, electrical machines, synchronous machines, generation, transmission and distribution, estimation, utilisation, basic electronics |
| Electronics and Allied (VIII-C) | Components, devices and circuits, digital electronics, integrated circuits, microprocessors and microcontrollers, measurements, communication, networks, basic electrical engineering |
| Mechanical and Allied (VIII-D) | Engineering mechanics, material science, strength of materials, machining, welding, grinding, metrology, fluid mechanics, thermal engineering, industrial engineering and manufacturing processes |
A Depot Material Superintendent candidate whose diploma is not in the notice's mapping table chooses one of these four groups when applying.
How to use this syllabus
- Before CBT 1: the four subjects are school-level, so the gain is in speed. Take a full RRB JE CBT 1 mock test at 90 minutes, then see which section cost you the most time.
- No calculator in CBT 1: our article on the RRB JE calculator rules has six habits that replace one.
- After CBT 1: move straight to your group's technical syllabus. 100 of the 150 CBT 2 marks are technical, so that is where the merit is decided.
- Review every mock. How to analyse a mock test shows how to find the topics that cost you marks.
Useful links
- RRB JE 2026: exam date, pattern and how to apply
- RRB JE syllabus page
- Free RRB JE mock tests
- RRB JE exam dates
- RRB official website
Frequently asked questions
What is the RRB JE reasoning syllabus?
Analogies, classification, similarities and differences, alphabetical and number series, coding and decoding, jumbling, relationships, directions, syllogism, mathematical operations, Venn diagrams, data interpretation and sufficiency, conclusions and decision making, and statement-arguments and assumptions. It carries about 25 of the 100 CBT 1 questions.
Is the technical syllabus in RRB JE CBT 1?
No. CBT 1 is common to all posts and has no technical questions. The technical syllabus is in CBT 2, where it carries 100 of the 150 questions.
How many questions are there in RRB JE CBT 1?
100 questions in 90 minutes: Mathematics 30, Reasoning 25, General Awareness 15 and General Science 30. The notice says the subject-wise numbers are indicative.
Are CBT 1 marks counted in the RRB JE final merit?
No. CBT 1 only shortlists candidates for CBT 2. Shortlisting for document verification uses the normalised CBT 2 marks.
What level is the General Science in RRB JE?
Physics, chemistry and life sciences up to Class 10 (CBSE) in CBT 1. CBT 2 has Physics and Chemistry up to Class 10.