Official Notification Summary: The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have officially declared the examination schedule for the First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1) under Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 04/2026 for the recruitment of 4,029 Junior Engineer (JE), Depot Material Superintendent (DMS), and Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant (CMA) posts. The nationwide online CBT-1 will be held on 27th, 28th, and 30th October 2026 across designated centers in 3 daily shifts. The Exam City and Date Intimation Slip along with the travel authority for eligible SC/ST candidates will be made available online 10 days prior to the exam (17th October 2026). Candidates can download their official e-Call Letter (Admit Card) exactly 4 days before their specific exam date from the official portal at rrbapply.gov.in. Read on for the full shift timetable, subject marks breakdown, reporting rules, and Aadhaar biometric guidelines.
| RRB Junior Engineer (JE) Recruitment 2026: Key Overview | |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Govt. of India |
| Centralised Employment Notice | CEN No. 04/2026 (Junior Engineer, DMS & CMA) |
| Posts Covered | Junior Engineer (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, S&T), DMS, CMA & Supervisors |
| Pay Scale | Level-6 (7th CPC), Basic Pay ₹35,400/- (Level-7 for Research Supervisors) |
| Total Revised Vacancies | 4,029 Posts across 21 Regional RRBs |
| Current Examination Stage | Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT-1) – Objective Multiple Choice |
| CBT-1 Exam Dates | 27th, 28th, and 30th October 2026 |
| City Intimation Slip Release | 17th October 2026 (10 Days Before Exam) |
| e-Call Letter (Admit Card) Release | 23rd October 2026 onwards (4 Days Prior to Exam Date) |
| Exam Duration & Shifts | 90 Minutes (1.5 Hours) | 3 Shifts Daily |
| Total Questions & Marks | 100 Questions – 100 Marks (1 Mark each) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd (0.33 Mark) deducted for each incorrect answer |
| Mandatory Biometrics | Aadhaar Biometric Authentication at Exam Venue |
| Subsequent Stage | CBT-2 (150 Marks) for candidates shortlisted at 1:15 ratio |
| Official Application Portal | rrbapply.gov.in |
| Indian Railways Official Portal | rrb.indianrailways.gov.in |
1. RRB JE CBT-1 Exam Pattern 2026 & Section-Wise Marks Distribution
As prescribed in the official notification CEN 04/2026, the First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1) serves purely as a screening stage to shortlist candidates for CBT-2. The paper consists of 100 objective multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 100 marks with a testing duration of 90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates using a scribe). The standard negative marking policy applies, deducting 1/3rd mark (0.33) for every incorrect response:
- Mathematics (30 Questions – 30 Marks): Covers Number systems, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM and HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, and Calendar & Clock.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 Questions – 25 Marks): Tests Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationships, Syllogisms, Jumbling, Venn Diagrams, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, and Statement – Arguments and Assumptions.
- General Science (30 Questions – 30 Marks): Tests fundamental concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences up to the 10th standard CBSE syllabus.
- General Awareness (15 Questions – 15 Marks): Focuses on current affairs, Indian Geography, Culture and History of India including freedom struggle, Indian Polity and Constitution, Indian Economy, Environmental issues, Sports, and General Scientific and Technological developments.
| Section / Subject | Total Questions | Maximum Marks | Marking Rule & Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | +1 Mark for correct | -1/3rd (0.33) for wrong |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | +1 Mark for correct | -1/3rd (0.33) for wrong |
| General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences) | 30 | 30 | +1 Mark for correct | -1/3rd (0.33) for wrong |
| General Awareness | 15 | 15 | +1 Mark for correct | -1/3rd (0.33) for wrong |
| Total (CBT-1 Screening Paper) | 100 Questions | 100 Marks | Duration: 90 Minutes |
2. RRB JE CBT-1 Shift Timings & Gate Closing Schedule (27, 28 & 30 Oct 2026)
The Computer Based Test for RRB JE recruitment will take place across 3 shifts per day. Candidates must arrive at the test center before the gate closing time to complete Aadhaar biometric verification. No examinee will be granted entry once gates are shut:
| Exam Shift | Candidate Reporting Time | Strict Gate Closing Time | Exam Timing & Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 (Morning Shift) | 07:30 AM | 08:30 AM | 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM (90 Mins) |
| Shift 2 (Afternoon Shift) | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 01:00 PM – 02:30 PM (90 Mins) |
| Shift 3 (Evening Shift) | 03:30 PM | 04:30 PM | 05:00 PM – 06:30 PM (90 Mins) |
3. RRB JE Exam City Intimation Slip & Free Rail Travel Pass Details
The Railway Recruitment Boards release city intimation details in advance to help candidates make travel arrangements:
- Release Timeline: The online window to check the Exam City and Date will be activated on 17th October 2026 (strictly 10 days before the exam).
- Details Displayed: Your allocated exam city, test state, date of the test, and assigned shift timing. Remember that this slip is solely for travel planning and cannot be used as an entry ticket.
- SC/ST Free Travel Pass: Eligible SC/ST candidates who chose the free travel pass during registration can download their Sleeper Class Railway Travel Authority along with the city intimation slip. Carry the printed pass and original caste certificate during your journey.
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Download RRB JE CBT-1 Admit Card 2026
The e-Call Letters for CEN 04/2026 will be available for download starting 4 days prior to your specific exam date (from 23rd October 2026 onwards). Follow these direct steps:
Step 1: Open the Official Application Portal
Visit the centralized RRB recruitment website at www.rrbapply.gov.in or visit your regional RRB portal.
Step 2: Access Candidate Login
Click on the "Login" button located at the top-right corner of the portal homepage.
Step 3: Enter Registered Credentials
Enter your Registered Mobile Number / Email Address and your secret Password, type the visual Captcha code displayed, and click "Login".
Step 4: Download and Print e-Call Letter
Click on the link "View / Download e-Call Letter for CBT-1 (CEN 04/2026)". Save the PDF file to your device and take two clear printouts on standard A4 paper.
5. Mandatory Aadhaar Biometric Verification & Exam Hall Rules
The Railway Recruitment Boards enforce strict digital identity verification at every test center. Pay careful attention to the following mandatory guidelines:
Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication will be performed prior to exam lab entry. If you have locked your biometrics through the UIDAI portal or mAadhaar app, you must unlock your biometrics at least 24 to 48 hours before the exam day. Locked biometrics will cause authentication failure at the venue, leading to cancellation of entry.
- Printed copy of the official RRB JE CBT-1 e-Call Letter.
- Original Valid Photo Identity Card (Aadhaar Card, e-Aadhaar printout with QR code, Voter Card, Driving License, PAN Card, or Passport). Photocopies, scanned images, or mobile screenshots are strictly unacceptable.
- Two recent color passport-size photographs (same as uploaded in the application form).
- Original Caste Certificate and Railway Travel Pass (if availing SC/ST travel concession).
Smartphones, Bluetooth devices, smart watches, digital wristwatches, fitness trackers, calculators, earphones, pens, loose paper, metallic items, belts, and bags are strictly forbidden. Testing centers do not provide lockers or baggage custody facilities.
6. RRB JE Selection Process & Category-Wise Qualifying Marks
The recruitment for Junior Engineer and allied posts under CEN 04/2026 is finalized across four stages:
| Recruitment Stage | Evaluation Criteria | Merit Weightage | Key Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: CBT-1 | 100 Questions – 100 Marks (90 Mins) | Screening Only | Shortlisting for CBT-2 (15 times vacancies) |
| Stage 2: CBT-2 | 150 Questions – 150 Marks (120 Mins, includes Technical Abilities) | 100% Merit Basis | Determines final merit rank for Document Verification |
| Stage 3: Document Verification (DV) | Scrutiny of engineering degrees/diplomas, caste & ID proofs | Qualifying | Called in 1:1 ratio of notified vacancies |
| Stage 4: Medical Examination (DME) | Physical and visual fitness standards as per post (A-3 to B-2) | Mandatory Clearance | Conducted at Railway Hospitals |
| Minimum Qualifying Percentage for CBT-1 & CBT-2: UR & EWS: 40% | OBC (NCL): 30% | SC: 30% | ST: 25% (2% relaxation for PwBD in case of shortage) | |||
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – RRB JE CBT-1 2026
Check RRB JE CEN 04/2026 Official Portal
Direct access to candidate login, city slip intimation, and e-call letters.
Visit Official RRB Apply Portal