Overview of RRB JE Exam
Recruiting Body: Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
Post Name: Junior Engineer (JE), Depot Material Superintendent (DMS), Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant (CMA)
Stages of Exam:
Computer Based Test (CBT 1)
Computer Based Test (CBT 2)
Document Verification & Medical Examination
Only those who clear CBT 1 qualify for CBT 2, and final selection depends on performance in CBT 2 plus medical fitness.
RRB JE Exam Pattern 2025 — Stage-wise
1. CBT 1: Preliminary Screening
The first stage is designed to screen candidates.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
| General Awareness | 15 | 15 | |
| General Science | 30 | 30 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
Key Points:
Each question carries 1 mark.
Negative marking: 1/3rd mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.
The qualifying cut-off varies, but candidates must aim for high accuracy to clear this stage.
Questions are of objective type, multiple choice.
2. CBT 2: Main Examination
Candidates shortlisted from CBT 1 appear for CBT 2, which tests technical and general knowledge in more detail.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 15 | 15 | |
| Physics & Chemistry | 15 | 15 | |
| Basics of Computer Applications | 10 | 10 | |
| Basics of Environment & Pollution Control | 10 | 10 | |
| Technical Abilities (Branch Specific) | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 150 | 150 | 120 minutes |
Key Points:
CBT 2 is the most crucial stage as it carries more weight.
Technical Abilities make up 2/3rd of the marks (100 out of 150), testing core engineering knowledge.
Negative marking: again, 1/3rd deduction for wrong answers.
3. Technical Abilities Paper
The Technical Abilities section is branch-specific, depending on the candidate’s discipline (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, etc.).
Some examples include:
Civil Engineering: Building Materials, Structural Engineering, Soil Mechanics, Hydraulics, Surveying.
Mechanical Engineering: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Machine Design, Production Engineering.
Electrical Engineering: Circuit Theory, Power Systems, Electrical Machines, Control Systems, Utilization of Electrical Energy.
Electronics & Communication: Digital Electronics, Microprocessors, Analog Circuits, Communication Systems, Signal Processing.
Computer Science/IT: Operating Systems, Database Management, Computer Networks, Software Engineering, Programming Concepts.
Since this section holds 100 marks, candidates should focus heavily on their core subjects.
Marking Scheme
Both CBT 1 and CBT 2 follow a uniform marking scheme:
Correct Answer: +1 mark
Wrong Answer: –0.33 marks (1/3rd negative marking)
Unanswered Questions: No penalty
This makes accuracy a crucial factor. Random guessing can significantly lower the score due to negative marking.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
Though the final cut-off depends on vacancies and competition, RRB specifies minimum qualifying marks for each category:
UR / General: 40%
OBC / SC: 30%
ST: 25%
PwBD: 25%
Candidates must score above these thresholds in both CBT 1 and CBT 2 to be considered for further stages.
Tips to Crack RRB JE Exam 2025
Prioritize Technical Abilities: Since CBT 2 has 100 marks for this section, focus on branch-specific engineering subjects.
Strengthen Basics: Revise Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and General Science from NCERT and standard reference books.
Stay Updated: Read newspapers, current affairs magazines, and government schemes for General Awareness.
Practice Mock Tests: Time management is key—practice full-length tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Avoid Guesswork: Due to negative marking, attempt only questions you are confident about.
Focus on Environment & Computer Basics: These small sections can help boost your score easily.
Final Thoughts
The RRB JE Exam Pattern 2025 is structured to test candidates’ technical knowledge, problem-solving ability, and awareness of current affairs and science fundamentals. With two rigorous computer-based tests and a strong emphasis on Technical Abilities, aspirants must plan strategically, focusing on accuracy as well as speed.
A clear understanding of the exam structure, marking scheme, and subject weightage will give candidates a competitive edge. By strengthening fundamentals, revising core engineering subjects, and practicing mock tests, candidates can maximize their chances of clearing the RRB JE 2025 exam and securing a career in the Indian Railways.
