Check the complete RRB Section Controller Syllabus 2026 with subject-wise topics, CBT exam pattern, CBAT qualifying criteria, marks distribution, and preparation tips. 368 vacancies | 100 questions | 120 minutes.
Overview :
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the RRB Section Controller Syllabus 2026 along with the updated exam pattern as part of CEN 04/2025, notifying 368 vacancies for the Section Controller (SC) post. Candidates who wish to join Indian Railways in this operational role must thoroughly understand the syllabus, exam structure, and selection stages before starting their preparation. The CBT consists of 100 objective-type questions across three key areas Analytical & Mathematical Capability, Logical Capability, and Mental Reasoning to be completed in 120 minutes. The final merit is calculated by combining 70% CBT score and 30% CBAT score.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Post Name | Section Controller (SC) |
| Notification Number | CEN 04/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 368 |
| Age Limit (as on 01.01.2026) | 20 – 33 years |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) + CBAT |
| Total Questions (CBT) | 100 (Objective Type) |
| Total Marks (CBT) | 100 |
| Exam Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd mark per wrong answer |
| Final Merit Weightage | 70% CBT + 30% CBAT |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
Interested candidates can explore all latest govt jobs here.
RRB Section Controller Exam Pattern :
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical & Mathematical Capability | 60 | 60 | 120 Minutes (Combined) |
| Logical Capability | 20 | 20 | Â |
| Mental Reasoning | 20 | 20 | Â |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 120 Minutes |
Important points about the CBAT:
- Each question carries 1 mark.
- A penalty of 1/3rd mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
- If the exam is conducted in multiple shifts, marks will be normalised.
- The CBT score (normalised) contributes 70% to the final merit.
RRB Section Controller Selection Process :
| Stage | Name | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | 100 objective questions, 120 minutes, 1/3rd negative marking |
| 2 | Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) | Aptitude batteries; minimum T-Score 42 required in each; no negative marking |
| 3 | Document Verification (DV) | Originals of educational, community, and other certificates required |
| 4 | Medical Examination (ME) | Candidates must meet the A-2 medical fitness standard |
RRB Section Controller Syllabus – Subject Wise Syllabus :
Section 1: Analytical and Mathematical Capability (60 Marks)
This section carries the highest weightage in the exam 60 out of 100 marks. It is further divided into two parts: Mathematics and Data Analysis & Interpretation. Candidates with a strong foundation in arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation will find this section highly scoring.
Part A – Mathematics
The Mathematics sub-section tests numerical ability and problem-solving skills across a wide range of topics. Candidates should focus especially on Profit & Loss, Speed-Time-Distance, and Data Interpretation as these topics have the highest expected question frequency.
- Number System
- Ratio & Proportions
- Averages
- Percentages
- Profit, Loss & Discounts
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Power & Work
- Algebra & Linear Equations
- Arithmetic Progression
- LCM & HCF
- Geometry, Areas & Volumes
- Probability (Basic Level)
- Statistics (Basic Level)
Part B – Data Analysis & Interpretation
This sub-section tests a candidate’s ability to read, analyse, and draw conclusions from data presented in various formats. Both single-source and multi-source data sets can be tested.
- Graphical Data – Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Scatter Plots, Statistical Curve Distribution
- Venn Diagrams
- Multi-Source Data Analysis – Drawing inferences from Text and Tabular data
- Data Sufficiency
- Data Arrangement
Section 2: Logical Capability (20 Marks)
The Logical Capability section checks a candidate’s reasoning ability and reading comprehension skills. It is divided into Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. While this section carries 20 marks, it is critical because logical errors here can cost more time than in any other section.
Part A – Logical Reasoning
Logical reasoning questions test structured thinking and deductive ability. Topics such as syllogisms, binary logic, and blood relations are commonly tested.
- Binary Logic
- Syllogism
- Clocks & Calendars
- Assumptions
- Blood Relations & Family Tree
- Logic-Based Puzzles
Part B – Reading Comprehension
Passages for reading comprehension can be drawn from a wide variety of themes. Candidates are tested on their ability to understand and interpret written content.
Topics of passages may include: History, Society, Literature, Science, Environment, Abstracts, Mythology, Technology, and Culture.
Questions from passages will be based on:
- Main Idea of the passage
- Supporting Ideas
- Application-based understanding
- Logical Structure of the paragraph
- Style and tone of the writing
Section 3: Mental Reasoning (20 Marks)
The Mental Reasoning section tests pattern recognition, coding ability, and basic reasoning speed. It forms 20% of the total CBT marks. Questions in this section are generally faster to attempt compared to Mathematics, making it a strong score-booster for well-prepared candidates.
- Analogy – Identifying the relationship between a given pair of items and applying the same relationship to another pair
- Series Completion – Identifying the pattern in a sequence of numbers or letters and predicting the next term
- Coding-Decoding – Deciphering coded language or symbols
- Ranking and Arrangement – Solving problems based on position, order, and arrangement of elements
RRB Section Controller Topic-Wise Weightage & Marks Distribution
Knowing the approximate weightage of individual topics helps candidates prioritise their preparation. The tables below show the expected distribution for both the Reasoning and Mathematics sections based on the RRB Section Controller exam trend.
General Intelligence & Reasoning – Topic-Wise Weightage
| Topic | Approximate Weightage (Marks) |
|---|---|
| Coding-Decoding | 3-4 |
| Venn Diagram | 3-4 |
| Logical Arrangement of Words | 3 |
| Puzzles | 3 |
| Order and Rank | 2-3 |
| Alphabet & Figure Series | 2-3 |
| Distance & Direction | 2-3 |
| Blood Relation | 1-3 |
| Statement & Conclusions | 2 |
| Analogy | 2 |
| Number Series | 2 |
| Decision Making | 1-2 |
| Mathematical Operators | 1-2 |
| Odd Pair | 1-2 |
| Odd One Out | 1 |
Mathematics – Topic-Wise Weightage
| Topic | Approximate Weightage (Marks) |
|---|---|
| Profit and Loss | 3-4 |
| Data Interpretation (DI) | 3-4 |
| Speed, Time & Distance | 3-4 |
| Simple/Compound Interest | 2-3 |
| Number System | 2-3 |
| Geometry | 2-3 |
| Average | 2-3 |
| HCF / LCM | 2-3 |
| Simplification | 2-3 |
| Time and Work | 1-3 |
| Problem on Ages | 1-3 |
| Pipes and Cistern | 1-2 |
| Percentage | 1 |
| Fraction | 1 |
| Ratio and Proportion | 1 |
| Algebra | 1 |
| Trigonometry | 1 |
Check Full Syllabus: Latest Syllabus
FAQ:
How many questions are there in the RRB Section Controller CBT 2026?
The CBT consists of 100 objective-type (multiple choice) questions, each carrying 1 mark. The total duration of the test is 120 minutes. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each wrong answer.
