RRB Paramedical Exam Pattern 2026 — CEN 05/2026
The notified selection process uses a single-stage Computer Based Test followed by document verification and the prescribed medical examination. Understand the questions, marks, time limit and qualifying rules before preparing.
RRB Paramedical Selection Stages
Stage 1: Computer Based Test
- Objective multiple-choice examination.
- CBT performance determines merit for shortlisting.
- Marks are normalised when the examination is held in multiple shifts.
Stage 2: Document Verification
- Candidates equal to the number of vacancies are ordinarily shortlisted.
- Original certificates are checked against application details.
- Meeting the qualifying marks alone does not guarantee shortlisting.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
- Candidates must meet the medical standard prescribed for their post.
- Final empanelment is subject to successful DV and medical fitness.
- Appointment also requires verification of certificates and antecedents.
The notification describes a single-stage CBT. RRB reserves the right to conduct additional CBTs when considered necessary. No interview stage is listed in the notified recruitment process.
CBT Pattern at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Question format | Objective MCQs: four options, one correct answer |
| Total questions | 100 |
| Maximum marks | 100 |
| Regular duration | 90 minutes |
| Duration for eligible PwBD/PwD candidates entitled to the scribe facility | 120 minutes, subject to the notification’s eligibility conditions |
| Correct answer | 1 mark |
| Wrong answer | Deduction of one-third mark |
| Standard of professional questions | Generally aligned with the educational and professional/technical qualifications prescribed for the post |
Subject-wise Questions and Marks
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Ability | 70 | 70 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| General Arithmetic, General Intelligence and Reasoning — combined | 10 | 10 |
| General Science | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
The section-wise distribution is indicative and the actual question paper may vary. Arithmetic, Intelligence and Reasoning together form one 10-question section; they do not receive 10 questions each. Professional Ability is specific to the candidate’s post.
Marking Scheme and Score Example
Each question carries one mark. A wrong answer costs one-third of that mark. Unattempted questions do not attract the wrong-answer penalty.
Raw score = Correct answers − (Wrong answers ÷ 3)
| Example | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Correct answers | 70 × 1 = 70 marks |
| Wrong answers | 21 ÷ 3 = 7 marks deducted |
| Unattempted questions | 9 |
| Raw score | 70 − 7 = 63 marks out of 100 |
This example explains the marking scheme before any normalisation. When CBT is conducted in multiple shifts, the notification provides for normalisation of marks.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Community | Minimum qualifying percentage |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 40% |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 30% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
The relevant community’s minimum also applies to Ex-servicemen and PwBD candidates. A relaxation of two marks may be allowed for PwBD candidates if there is a shortage against vacancies reserved for them. This is conditional, not an automatic relaxation for every candidate.
Qualifying marks and selection cut-offs are different. The listed minimum is the eligibility threshold. The score needed for shortlisting depends on merit, vacancies and the applicable selection rules.
Merit, Tie-breaking and Document Verification
Shortlisting and empanelment are based on CBT merit, subject to the required qualifying marks, eligibility, DV and medical fitness. If candidates obtain the same marks, the older candidate ranks higher. If age is also the same, alphabetical order of the given name, excluding the surname, is used.
Candidates called for DV must produce original certificates on the specified date. Missing documents or a mismatch between eligibility claims and supporting records can result in cancellation of candidature.
Post-wise Medical Standards
| Post | Required standard |
|---|---|
| Nursing Superintendent | C1 |
| Dialysis Technician | B1 |
| Health & Malaria Inspector Grade II | C1 |
| Audiologist & Speech Therapist | B1 |
| Pharmacist (Entry Grade) | C2 |
| Radiographer X-Ray Technician | B1 |
| ECG Technician | C1 |
| Optometrist | B1 |
| Lab Assistant Grade II | B1 |
The codes above identify the prescribed railway medical categories. Check paragraph 3 and Annexure A for the complete medical and disability-suitability conditions. Candidates found medically unsuitable for the opted posts are not entitled to an alternative appointment.
Important Exam-day Points
Download the city/date intimation and e-call letter through official RRB links. Follow the reporting time, identification requirements and instructions printed on the e-call letter. Calculators, mobile phones and other prohibited electronic devices are not permitted.
The CBT date is to be communicated separately through official RRB notices. Use the official practice test when released to become familiar with the computer-based interface.
Official Notification
Download CEN 05/2026 — Official English Notification | Official RRB updates
Source: Railway Recruitment Boards, CEN 05/2026. Information checked on 17 October 2026. Read the detailed notification and subsequent RRB notices for applicable conditions and updates.
