RRB (Railway Recruitment Boards) releases zone-wise merit lists for various 2026 recruitments like Group D (CEN 08/2024 & 09/2025) and NTPC as PDF files on regional websites, listing roll numbers of CBT qualifiers for PET/CBT-2. These lists follow the answer key release (e.g., Feb 17, 2026, for Group D) and determine shortlisting based on normalised scores and vacancies (32,438 for Group D CEN 08/2024).
Key Recruitments
RRB Group D 2026: CBT held Nov 2025-Feb 2026; results expected April 2026 as zone-wise PDFs with cutoffs/scorecards via login.
RRB NTPC 2026: CBT-2 results out Jan 23, 2026, for 3,693 12th-level posts; merit for next stages.
RRB Group D 2026 expected cut-off marks
RRB Group D 2026 cutoffs (for CEN 08/2024 & 09/2025 CBT conducted Nov 2025-Feb 2026) are not officially released yet, as results are expected around April 2026; zone-wise expectations are based on past trends, vacancies (32,438 revised), and normalization out of 100 marks.
Expected Cutoffs (Category-Wise)
| Category | Expected Marks (Out of 100) |
|---|---|
| UR/General | 55-65 |
| OBC | 50-60 |
| SC | 40-50 |
| ST | 35-45 |
| EWS | 52-62 |
Cutoffs vary by RRB zone due to applicant numbers, exam difficulty, and vacancies (e.g., higher in Mumbai/Chandigarh ~70+ UR, lower in Patna/Guwahati ~60). Aim 10+ above expected safe score; previous 2022 UR ranged 60-77 normalized.
Check zone sites post-results for exact PDFs; qualifying minimum is 40% UR (30% reserved).
Factors affecting RRB Group D cut-off marks
Several key factors determine RRB Group D 2026 cut-off marks, as cutoffs are zone-wise, category-wise, and based on normalized scores out of 100 from CBT.
Main Factors
Number of Vacancies: Fewer posts per zone (e.g., 32,438 total revised for CEN 08/2024) raise cutoffs due to higher competition.
Candidates Appeared: More applicants (over 1 crore typically) push cutoffs up, especially in high-volume zones like Mumbai or Chennai.
Exam Difficulty: Easier shifts/papers lead to higher normalized cutoffs; tougher ones lower them after percentile adjustment.
Additional Influences
Normalization Process: Adjusts raw marks across multi-shift exams (Nov 2025-Feb 2026) for fairness, causing 5-10 mark variations.
Reservation/Category Norms: Minimum qualifying (40% UR/EWS, 30% OBC/SC, 25% ST) plus reserved seats affect final merit.
Previous Trends: Zones like Chandigarh/Mumbai see UR ~70+, while Patna/Guwahati ~55-60 based on 2022 data.
| Factor | Impact Example |
|---|---|
| High Vacancies | Lower cutoff (e.g., +5-10 marks relief) |
| Tough Paper | Reduced cutoff post-normalization |
| High Applicants | Elevated cutoff in popular zones |
Zone-wise variations in cut off due to vacancies
Zone-wise variations in RRB Group D cutoffs arise mainly from vacancy distribution, as fewer posts per zone intensify competition despite national totals like 32,438 for CEN 08/2024.
How Vacancies Drive Variations
Higher vacancies, lower cutoffs by accommodating more qualifiers; e.g., 2022’s 1,03,769 posts dropped UR cutoffs 5-12 marks vs. 2018-19 in zones like Ahmedabad/Ajmer. Low-vacancy zones see spikes, as applicant numbers exceed slots.
Zone Examples (2022 Trends)
| RRB Zone | Approx. Vacancies Impact | UR Cutoff Example (Normalised) |
|---|---|---|
| Bhopal | High vacancies → Lower cutoff | ~75 |
| Bangalore | Moderate → Stable | ~62 |
| Ahmedabad | Competitive despite vacancies | ~72 |
| Chandigarh/Mumbai | Fewer relative posts → Higher | 70-80+ |
| Patna/Bilaspur | Higher vacancies → Relief | 55-65 |
Tips to score above expected cut-offs
To score above expected RRB Group D 2026 cutoffs (aim 65-75+ normalised out of 100 for UR safety), focus on high-accuracy practice, speed, and weak area fixes during the CBT prep phase.
Preparation Tips
Master High-Weightage Topics: Prioritize 70% syllabus coverage—Maths (25Q: percentages, ratio, time/work), GK (20Q: current affairs last 6 months), Reasoning (25Q: coding, puzzles), Science (25Q: Physics/Chemistry basics).
Daily Mock Tests: Solve 2 full-length mocks (100Q, 90min) timed; analyse errors to hit 85+ attempts with 90% accuracy, targeting 80+ raw score pre-normalisation.
Previous Papers: Practice 2018-2022 Group D shifts; note pattern shifts (e.g., more quant in recent CBTs).
Scoring Strategies
| Strategy | How to Implement | Expected Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Time Management | 1min/Q avg; attempt easy 70Q first (GK/Reasoning) | +10-15 marks |
| Error Reduction | Revise formulas (Math/Science sheets); skip guesses | +5-8 marks |
| Current Affairs | Daily 30min (RRB-focused: The Hindu/Pratiyogita Darpan) | +8-12 GK marks |
| Weak Zone Focus | 2hr/day on the lowest section via topic tests | Clears 10-mark gap |
Common mistakes to avoid in the RRB Group D exam
Common mistakes in RRB Group D exams often stem from poor planning and exam-day lapses, costing 10-20 crucial marks needed to clear zone-wise cutoffs.
Preparation Mistakes
Skipping syllabus/exam pattern review, leading to wasted effort on low-weightage topics like ignoring 20Q GK current affairs.
Neglecting mock tests and previous papers (2018-2022), causing unfamiliarity with 90-min timing and normalisation.
Weak basics in Maths (e.g., ratios, percentages) or underestimating GA/Science, missing easy 40-50 marks.
Exam-Day Errors
| Mistake | Impact | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Guessing wildly (1/4 negative marking) | -0.25 per wrong → 10-mark loss | Attempt 80-85Q at 90% accuracy; skip doubts |
| Poor time allocation | Stuck on 2-3min puzzles, missing GK speed rounds | 20min GK/Reasoning first, 30min each Maths/Science |
| No revision of formulas/CA | Silly calculation errors in quant | 10min pre-exam formula sheet review |
| Panic over shift difficulty | Low attempts due to normalisation fear | Focus on personal best; normalisation balances |
Time management tips for the RRB Group D exam
Effective time management in the RRB Group D CBT (100 questions, 90 minutes) ensures 80-85 attempts at 90% accuracy to beat zone-wise cutoffs like 55-70 UR.
Section-Wise Allocation
| Section (Questions) | Time Limit | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| GK/CA (20Q) | 12-15 min | Quick reads; score easy 15+ first |
| Reasoning (25Q) | 20-22 min | Puzzles last; coding/series early |
| Maths (25Q) | 25-28 min | Formulas ready; skip 2min+ Qs |
| Science (25Q) | 20-23 min | Basics fast; diagrams skip if tough |
| Buffer | 5 min | Review/mark for revisit |
Scan paper in 2min: Attempt easiest 70Q first (GK/Math basics) for 60+ safe score.
1min/question avg; flag 5-10 tough ones for end—negative marking (-1/3) punishes guesses.
Practice 90min mocks daily; use sectional timers to build speed (e.g., Pomodoro: 25min focus bursts).
Last 10min: Revisit flagged; avoid new starts. Normalisation favours consistent attempts.
Daily routine: 2 mocks + analysis builds muscle memory for real exam pressure.
RRB Group D 2026 processes (notifications, applications, results, cutoffs) are managed through 21 regional Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) websites, with rrbapply.gov.in as the central application portal.
Zone-Wise Official RRB Websites
| RRB Zone | Official Website |
|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | rrbahmedabad.gov.in |
| Ajmer | rrbajmer.gov.in |
| Allahabad/Prayagraj | rrbald.gov.in |
| Bangalore | rrbbnc.gov.in |
| Bhopal | rrbbhopal.gov.in |
| Chandigarh | rrbcdg.gov.in |
| Chennai | rrbchennai.gov.in |
| Gorakhpur | rrbgkp.gov.in |
| Guwahati | rrbguwahati.gov.in |
| Jammu-Srinagar | rrbjammu. nic.in |
| Kolkata | rrbkolkata.gov.in |
| Malda | rrbmalda.gov.in |
| Mumbai | rrbmumbai.gov.in |
| Muzaffarpur | rrbmuzaffarpur.gov.in |
| Patna | rrbpatna.gov.in |
| Ranchi | rrbranchi.gov.in |
| Secunderabad | rrbsecunderabad.gov.in |
| Siliguri | rrbsiliguri.gov.in |
| Thiruvananthapuram | rrbthiruvananthapuram.gov.in |
Apply Online: rrbapply.gov.in – CEN 09/2025 applications (closed March 2, 2026).
Check your zone’s site daily for CBT results (expected April 2026), merit lists, and PET dates—no single national portal exists. Use Ctrl+F for roll numbers in PDFs.
RRB Group D 2026 FAQs
Q1: When will the RRB Group D 2026 results be declared?
A1: CBT results expected around April 2026 (post Feb 17 answer key); zone-wise merit PDFs on regional RRB sites.
Q2: How to check if I’m shortlisted for PET?
A2: Download zone merit PDF (Ctrl+F roll no.); scorecards via login with reg no./DOB on RRB site.
Q3: What is the expected cutoff range?
A3: UR 55-70 marks (normalised/100); varies by zone—higher in Chandigarh/Mumbai (70+), lower in Patna (~60).
Q4: Can I apply to multiple RRBs/zones?
A4: Yes, separate applications per zone (max 21); single CEN but zone-specific vacancies/merit.
Q5: What documents are needed for PET/Document Verification?
A5: Photo ID, 10th marksheet, caste/disability certificate, NOC (ex-servicemen), 4-6 passport photos.
Q6: Is there negative marking in CBT?
A6: Yes, -1/3 mark per wrong answer; no penalty for unattempted. Aim 80-85Q at 90% accuracy.
Q7: When was the CEN 09/2025 application window?
A7: Jan 31-Mar 2, 2026 via rrbapply.gov.in; fee INR 500 (refundable post-CBT appearance).
Q8: What if I miss the cutoff by a few marks?
A8: No re-exam/reval; prepare for next CEN or check scribe/railway alternatives. Normalisation final.