The RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories Syllabus 2026 is designed to assess candidates for specialized posts such as Junior Stenographer, Junior Translator, Staff & Welfare Inspector, Librarian, Lab Assistant, and other isolated roles in Indian Railways. The syllabus focuses on both general aptitude and post-specific professional knowledge, ensuring role-based evaluation. Key sections include General Awareness, General Intelligence & Reasoning, Mathematics, English/Hindi Language, and specialized subject knowledge relevant to the post. Understanding the syllabus thoroughly helps aspirants plan a targeted preparation strategy, improve accuracy, and maximize their chances of qualifying for the Computer-Based Test and skill assessments.
RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories Syllabus 2026: Overview
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Conducting Body: Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
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Selection Stages: Computer-Based Test (CBT) + Skill/Translation/Performance Test (post-specific) + Document Verification + Medical Test
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Total Marks (CBT): 100
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Duration: 90 minutes (120 mins for PwBD candidates)
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Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deduction for each wrong answer
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Languages: English, Hindi, and regional languages (as applicable)
RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories Exam Pattern 2026
The RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories Recruitment 2026 exam pattern will give the candidates an idea of the marking scheme and the type of questions to expect in the exam. To excel in the RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories exam, candidates must have knowledge about the Exam Pattern 2026.
- The examination will be of the objective type, consist of 100 MCQs, and hold a total of 100 marks.
- The time allocated will be 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Each question will carry 1 mark.
- Negative marking is applicable for wrong answers, and 1/3 marks will be deducted for the same.
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Professional Ability | 50 | 50 | 90 Minutes
120 Minutes (PwD Candidates) |
| General Awareness | 15 | 15 | |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 15 | 15 | |
| Mathematics | 10 | 10 | |
| General Science | 10 | 10 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Ministerial and Isolated Categories Syllabus 2026
Before starting to prepare for the RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories Examination, candidates should go through the detailed syllabus to understand every topic and strategize their preparations in a well-defined manner. The Ministerial and Isolated Categories syllabus is divided into four subjects: general awareness, general intelligence and reasoning, general science, and mathematics. Candidates who qualify for the written test will be called for the further selection process, which is the skill test.
General Awareness
The RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories general awareness syllabus aims to evaluate the candidates’ general understanding and awareness of what is happening around the world. These include topics from Current Affairs, History, Geography, Economics, Polity, and General Science. The following topics will be asked under general awareness.
| Subjects | Topics |
| Current Affairs | National and international events, sports, important days, and awards |
| Indian History and Culture | Ancient, medieval, and modern history; freedom struggle; and post-independence India |
| Geography | Physical features of India, world geography, important geographical terms |
| Economics | Basic economic principles, Indian economy, budget, and five-year plans |
| Polity | Indian Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public administration |
| General Science | Basic concepts in physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science |
General Intelligence and Reasoning
A total of 15 MCQ-type questions for a total of 15 marks will be asked in the General Intelligence and Reasoning section. In this section, questions were asked on the topics of Analogies, Classification, Coding-Decoding, Puzzles, Venn Diagrams and etc.
| Subject | Topics |
| Analogies | Finding relationships between pairs of words or numbers |
| Classification | Grouping based on common properties |
| Series | Number series, alphabet series, and pattern recognition |
| Coding-Decoding | Understanding coded language and deciphering codes |
| Puzzles | Solving various types of puzzles, including seating arrangement and logical puzzles |
| Syllogism | Logical reasoning involving all, some, or no statements. |
| Venn Diagrams | Analyzing logical relations using Venn diagrams. |
| Data Interpretation | Interpreting data from charts, graphs, and tables. |
General Science
The topics asked in general science questions are Physical, Chemistry, and Biology. The question asked in 10 level standards.
| Physics |
| Chemistry |
| Biology |
Mathematics
The RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories syllabus for Maths comprises topics from the number system, algebra, geometry, ratio and proportion etc. Candidates must be thoroughly familiar with basic topics to ace this section.
| Subject | Topics |
| Number System | Whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals. |
| Algebra | Simplification, factorization, linear equations |
| Geometry | Basic concepts of lines, angles, triangles, circles, and quadrilaterals |
| Geometry | Calculation of area, volume, and perimeter of different shapes |
| Trigonometry: | Basic trigonometric ratios and their applications |
| Statistics and Probability | Mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and basic probability |
| Ratio and Proportion | Concepts and applications |
| Percentages and Averages | Calculation and applications |
| Profit and Loss | Basic problems on profit, loss, and discount |
| Simple and Compound Interest | Calculation of interest over time |
Skill Test
The skill test will be held based on their job position. Tests include skills like stenography, translation, performance, & teaching skills.
Stenography Skill Test
Candidates who pass the computer-based written test are eligible to take part in the stenographer skill test. The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) will shortlist 10 times the number of applicants for the Shorthand Exam, or SST. To pass the Stenography Skill Test, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- The stenographer skill test, totaling 300 marks, will be conducted by regional railway recruitment boards (RRBs) via computer-based evaluation
- To participate in Hindi typing tests, ensure KrutiDev and Mangal fonts are installed on your computer
- Spell-checking and editing skills will be tested
- Marking scheme:
- 1 point deducted for major mistakes
- 0.5 deduction for minor mistakes
- Error limit: 10% of total dictated words (full and half errors combined)
| Type of Stenographer | Words Per Minute (WPM) | Transcription Time |
| English | 80 WPM | 50 minutes |
| Hindi | 80 WPM | 65 minutes |
Translation Test
Junior Hindi Translator selection process:
- Eligible candidates will undergo a translation test
- 10 times more candidates shortlisted
- The test will assess translation skills, similar to the shorthand exam
- The Translation Test score will be evaluated separately from the main examination results
- Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 60% to qualify in the Translation Test
Performance Test/ Teacher Skill Test
Eligible candidates for teaching positions include TGTs, PGTs, PTIs, PRTs, music and dance teachers, and art masters, selected through performance and teaching skill evaluation.
- Performance Test: Teachers of music and dance are judged on their skills, performance, and other factors.
- Teacher Skill Test: The TST will evaluate applicants based on their teaching expertise, methodology, and other qualities. A few topics are chosen by the committee on the spot for the candidates to teach.
RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories Syllabus 2026 in detail
RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories Syllabus General Awareness
The General Awareness section checks a candidate’s knowledge of current events and overall awareness of history, geography, polity, economics, and scientific developments. Staying updated with daily news, government schemes, and national achievements plays a key role in scoring well. Check the RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories syllabus in the table below:
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Subject |
Topics |
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Current Affairs |
National & International events, Sports, Awards & Honours, Important Dates |
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Indian History & Culture |
Ancient, Medieval & Modern History, Indian Freedom Movement, Cultural Heritage |
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Geography |
Indian & World Geography, Physical features, Environmental Geography |
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Economics |
Indian Economy, Budget, Economic Policies, Basic concepts of economics |
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Polity |
Indian Constitution, Governance System, Panchayati Raj, Public Administration |
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General Science |
Basic Physics, Chemistry, Biology & Environmental Science concepts |
RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories Syllabus for General Intelligence & Reasoning
The General Intelligence and Reasoning section includes 15 Multiple Choice Questions for 15 marks. It evaluates logical thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving ability. Check the important topics in the table below:
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Subject |
Topics |
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Analogies |
Identify relations between words, numbers & figures |
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Classification |
Identifying similar & different elements |
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Series |
Number series, Alphabet series, Pattern recognition |
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Coding-Decoding |
Interpretation of coded language |
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Puzzles |
Seating arrangement, Logical puzzles |
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Syllogism |
Deductive reasoning with statements (All/Some/None) |
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Venn Diagrams |
Establish relationship between different sets |
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Data Interpretation |
Read and analyze charts, tables, and graphs |
RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories Syllabus for General Science
The questions are based on Class 10 level concepts from the three core branches of science:
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Biology
A strong understanding of everyday scientific principles is essential for this section.
RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories Syllabus for Mathematics
The Mathematics syllabus includes basic arithmetic and quantitative topics that test numerical skills and calculation accuracy. Candidates can check the RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories syllabus in the table below:
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Subject |
Topics |
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Number System |
Whole numbers, Integers, Fractions, Decimals |
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Algebr |
Linear equations, Simplification, Factorization |
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Geometry |
Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals |
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Mensuration |
Area, Volume, Perimeter of shapes |
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Trigonometry |
Basic ratios and applications |
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Statistics & Probability |
Mean, Median, Mode, Probability basics |
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Ratio & Proportion |
Applications in different scenarios |
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Percentages & Averages |
Calculation and usage |
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Profit & Loss |
Discount, cost price, selling price concepts |
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Simple & Compound Interest |
Time-based interest calculations |
RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories Exam Pattern 2026 in Detail
The RRB Ministerial & Isolated Categories Exam Pattern 2026 explains the marking system, duration, and number of questions asked in the Computer-Based Test (CBT). Candidates must understand the pattern thoroughly to create a strong preparation strategy. Below is the detailed exam structure for both Non-Translator and Translator posts.
RRB Ministerial & Isolated Categories Exam Pattern 2026 (For Posts Other Than Translator)
The CBT includes 100 questions for 100 marks. Every incorrect answer carries a penalty of 1/3rd mark deduction. Candidates can check exam pattern in the table below:
|
Section |
No. of Questions |
Maximum Marks |
Exam Duration |
|
Professional Ability |
50 |
50 |
90 Minutes (120 Minutes for PwBD Candidates) |
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General Awareness |
15 |
15 |
|
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General Intelligence & Reasoning |
15 |
15 |
|
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Mathematics |
10 |
10 |
|
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General Science |
10 |
10 |
|
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Total |
100 |
100 |
RRB Ministerial & Isolated Categories Exam Pattern 2026 (Translator Posts)
This CBT consists of 100 questions, each worth 1 mark, and focuses mainly on language skills. Check the table below for exam pattern details:
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Subject |
Marks |
No. of Questions |
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Hindi |
30 |
30 |
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English |
20 |
20 |
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General Knowledge, General Intelligence, Simple Arithmetic & Computer Knowledge |
50 |
50 |
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Total |
100 |
100 |
RRB Skill Test Syllabus 2026
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts skill tests based on the specific job profile of candidates. These tests assess abilities in stenography, translation, performance, and teaching skills.
Stenography Skill Test
Candidates who clear the computer-based written exam are eligible for the stenography skill test. The RRB shortlists ten times the total applications for the Shorthand Exam (SST).
The test is conducted by regional railway boards using computer-based evaluation and carries 300 marks. Candidates must ensure KrutiDev and Mangal fonts are installed for Hindi typing tests. The test evaluates spell-checking and editing skills.
Marking Scheme: 1 mark deducted for major mistakes. 0.5 marks deducted for minor errors. 10% of total dictated words (including full and half errors).
Candidates can check the stenography speed and transcription time:
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Type of Stenographer |
Words Per Minute (WPM) |
Transcription Time |
|
English |
80 WPM |
50 minutes |
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Hindi |
80 WPM |
65 minutes |
Translation Test
The Translation Test is mainly for Junior Hindi Translator posts. Candidates are shortlisted 10 times the number of vacancies. The exam assesses translation skills similar to shorthand tests. Scores from the Translation Test are included in the final selection results. The minimum passing marks was 60%.
Performance & Teacher Skill Test
Candidates applying for teaching roles such as TGT, PGT, PTI, PRT, music and dance teachers, and art masters are evaluated through performance and teaching skill tests.
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Performance Test: Evaluates talents, performance quality, and related skills for music and dance teachers.
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Teacher Skill Test: Assesses teaching approach, experience, and overall effectiveness in the classroom.
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Minimum qualifying marks: 60%
FAQs
1. What subjects are included in the RRB Ministerial and Isolated Categories syllabus?
The main subjects in the syllabus are:
Professional Ability (post-specific topics)
General Awareness
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Mathematics
General Science (Class 10 level)
2. How many stages are there in the selection process?
The selection typically includes:
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Computer Based Test (CBT)
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Skill/Translation/Performance/Teaching Test (post-specific)
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Document Verification
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Medical Examination
3. What is the pattern of the Computer-Based Test (CBT)?
For most posts:
100 MCQs
Total Marks: 100
Duration: 90 minutes
Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark for every wrong answer
For Translator posts:
Hindi – 30 Qs
English – 20 Qs
GK, Reasoning, Arithmetic & Computer – 50 Qs
Total – 100 Qs / 100 Marks
4. What topics are covered under General Awareness?
General Awareness includes:
• Current national & international events
• Indian History & Culture
• Geography (India & World)
• Polity & Constitution
• Indian Economy
• Science & Technology developments
• Environmental issues & important dates
5. What type of questions are asked in the Reasoning section?
The reasoning section consists of topics like:
• Analogies
• Number/Alphabet Series
• Coding-Decoding
• Syllogism
• Venn Diagrams
• Puzzles & Data Interpretation
• Classification & Directions
6. What mathematics topics should candidates prepare?
Basic arithmetic and quantitative topics such as:
• Number System, Fractions, Decimals
• Ratio & Proportion, Percentages
• Simple & Compound Interest
• Mensuration, Geometry, Trigonometry
• Statistics & Probability
7. Is there negative marking in the CBT?
Yes. For every incorrect answer in the CBT, 1/3rd mark is deducted.
8. Are the questions bilingual?
Yes. The CBT question paper is usually available in English, Hindi, and regional languages of the recruiting state.
9. How is the Professional Ability section defined?
Professional Ability is post-specific knowledge related to the job you’ve applied for (e.g., teaching methods for TGT/PGT, law subjects for Chief Law Assistant, etc.).
10. What happens after qualifying the CBT?
After clearing the CBT, candidates undergo:
Skill Test (e.g., stenography for stenographer posts)
Translation Test (for translator posts)
Performance/Teaching Skill Test (for teacher/music/dance roles)
Document Verification & Medical Test
11. Where can I download the official syllabus and exam pattern?
The syllabus and pattern are released with the official RRB notification and are available on the RRB website of your region once published.
12. Is studying only General Awareness enough?
No. Candidates must cover all sections (GA, Reasoning, Maths, Science, and Professional Ability) to score qualifying marks in the CBT.
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