RRB Group D Exam: Overview and Preparation

• RRB Group D is a recruitment exam by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) in India.
• It is for various posts in Level 1 of the Indian Railways.
• Posts include Track Maintainer Grade IV, Helper/Assistant in various technical departments (Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Signal & Telecom), and Assistant Pointsman.

Eligibility Criteria

• One must be a citizen of India to apply.
• The typical age range is 18 to 33 years old.
• Age relaxations are per government rules for certain categories (OBC, SC/ST).
• A 10th pass (or ITI equivalent) from a recognized board/institution is typically required.

Exam Pattern

• The RRB Group D exam includes a Computer Based Test (CBT), followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification, and a Medical Examination.
• CBT is the first stage and is an objective type test.
• The CBT tests General Science, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness & Current Affairs.
• The CBT is usually 90 minutes.
• There is negative marking for incorrect answers, with 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.

Syllabus

Mathematics

• The number system includes real numbers, LCM, HCF, fractions, ratio and proportion, percentages, mensuration.
• Algebra includes BODMAS rule, simplification, linear equations, and quadratic equations.
• Geometry and Trigonometry cover basic geometric concepts, trigonometric ratios, heights, and distances.
• Statistics includes data interpretation, graphs, mean, median, mode.

General Intelligence and Reasoning

• Analogies are relationship-based questions.
• Coding-Decoding focuses on identifying patterns in coded words/numbers.
• Mathematical Operations involve arithmetic operators.
• Relationships include blood relation problems.
• Analytical Reasoning involves problems based on statements and conclusions.
• Syllogism includes logical deduction based on given statements.

General Science

• Physics covers mechanics, optics, electricity, magnetism, heat, and thermodynamics.
• Chemistry covers chemical reactions, acids, bases, salts, metals, non-metals, carbon compounds.
• Biology covers the plant kingdom, animal kingdom, human body, diseases, and nutrition.

General Awareness and Current Affairs

• Current Events include recent happenings in India and around the world.
• One should know about major sports events.
• A basic understanding of India's past, cultural heritage, and geographical features is needed.
• Elementary knowledge of the Indian economy and political system is needed.
• One should have awareness of recent advancements in science and technology.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

• Candidates who pass the CBT are called for PET.
• PET standards are different for male and female candidates.
• Male candidates must lift and carry 35 kg of weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes in one chance AND run 1000 meters in 4 minutes and 15 seconds.
• Female candidates must lift and carry 20 kg of weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes in one chance AND run 1000 meters in 5 minutes and 40 seconds.

Document Verification

• Candidates who qualify in the PET are called for document verification.
• Original documents related to age, qualification, caste/category (if applicable) must be produced.

Medical Examination

• After document verification, candidates undergo a medical examination to meet the Railways' standards.

Key Points for Preparation

• Thoroughly understand the syllabus for each subject.
• Use standard textbooks and study guides for each subject.
• Solve previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty.
• Take regular mock tests to assess preparation and improve time management.
• Stay updated on current events via newspapers, magazines, and news channels.
• Practice solving questions within the allotted time to improve speed and accuracy.
• Start preparing for the PET early to build strength and stamina.