RRB Technician Examination — Eligibility, Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) conduct the Technician examination to recruit candidates for various technical roles essential for the maintenance and operation of the Indian Railways. These posts require specific technical skills and knowledge. The selection process primarily involves two stages of computer-based tests (CBT-1 & CBT-2), which assess both general aptitude and technical trade knowledge, followed by document verification and a medical examination.
📌 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962.
Age Limit
A candidate must be between 18 and 30 years old. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories (OBC, SC/ST, PwBD) as per government rules.
Educational Qualification
The qualifications vary depending on the grade and department:
- Technician Grade III: A candidate must have passed Matriculation (10th Class) plus an ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate from a recognized institution (NCVT/SCVT) in the relevant trade.
- Technician Grade I Signal: A Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physics, Electronics, Computer Science, or Information Technology is typically required.
The exact trades and qualifications are specified in the official notification for each recruitment cycle.
✍️ Exam Syllabus & Pattern
1. First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1)
This is a screening test to shortlist candidates for the second stage and is qualifying in nature.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 | 60 Minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
| General Science | 20 | 20 | |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | |
| Total | 75 | 75 |
2. Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2)
This stage consists of two parts, conducted on the same day. The marks from Part A are used for the final merit list.
Part A (Merit Deciding)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | 90 Minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
| Basic Science & Engineering | 40 | 40 | |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Part B (Qualifying)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relevant Trade | 75 | 75 | 60 Minutes |
Part B is a qualifying test based on the trade syllabus prescribed by the DGET. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in this part.
Syllabus for Common Subjects
- Mathematics: Number System, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance.
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: Analogies, Series, Coding and Decoding, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Jumbling, Data Interpretation.
- General Science: Covers Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences of the 10th standard level.
- Basic Science & Engineering (for CBT-2 Part A): Includes Engineering Drawing, Units, Measurements, Mass, Weight, Density, Work, Power, Energy, Heat, and Basic Electricity.
👉 Note
- The final merit list for the Technician post is prepared based on the marks obtained in Part A of the CBT-2, subject to qualifying in Part B and clearing the Document Verification and Medical Examination.
- For full official syllabus & eligibility, refer to RRB official website.
☞ Tip for Aspirants: Always refer to the latest official notification for syllabus and eligibility details as they may change year to year.