RRB JE Exam Pattern 2026 Updated – Check New Mixed Question Rule Here

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has introduced a significant last-minute change to the exam structure for RRB JE (CEN 05/2025). Based on the official mock test link released on February 12, 2026, on regional websites like RRB Kolkata, the board has altered the presentation of questions for the upcoming Computer-Based Test (CBT-I).

Here is an analysis of the key changes and what they mean for candidates appearing for the Junior Engineer (JE), DMS, and CMA posts.

1. Removal of Section-Wise Question Segregation

The most critical update found in the official mock test is the disappearance of the section-wise partition.

• Previous Pattern: Questions were grouped into distinct sections (e.g., a dedicated section for Mathematics, another for General Science).

• New Update: All 100 questions are now presented in a single continuous series. There is no specific button or tab to jump between the "Mathematics" or "Reasoning" sections.

• Mixed Questions: Candidates may encounter a "Mixed Question" format where a Science question could be immediately followed by a Reasoning or Math question.

2. Uncertainty in Subject Weightage

While the original notification specified a 100-mark distribution (Math-30, Science-30, Reasoning-25, GA-15), recent RRB exams like the ALP 2026 have shown that the board may not strictly adhere to these numbers.

• Example from ALP Exam: In a 75-question paper, nearly 69 questions were from Math and Reasoning alone, leaving very few for Science and GK.

• Strategy Tip: Do not rely solely on one subject. Be prepared for the possibility that certain subjects might dominate the 100-question series more than others.

3. Revised Exam Schedule for February 2026

The RRB has also streamlined the exam window. If you were prepared for a March date, take note of the revised February schedule:

• Revised Dates: February 19, 20, and 25, 2026.

• City Intimation: The link to check your exam city and shift is already live on the regional RRB websites.

• Admit Cards: Official e-call letters will be available for download exactly 4 days before your scheduled exam date.

How the New Pattern Changes Strategy

1. Sequential Solving Over Section Strategy

Old approach:

Finish maths → move to reasoning → then science

New approach:

Decide within 3–5 seconds whether to attempt or skip

2. Time Management Becomes Question-Based

You must now judge:

• Difficulty

• Length

• Calculation load

instead of subject priority.

3. Mental Switching Ability Matters

The exam now measures:

• Cognitive flexibility

• Attention reset speed

• Decision accuracy under interruption

This is closer to real engineering troubleshooting tasks.

Strategy Shift Required for Candidates

Because questions are mixed, the exam now rewards decision-making speed rather than subject-completion order. Candidates should evaluate each question within a few seconds and decide whether to attempt or skip. Time management becomes question-based rather than section-based. The ability to reset focus repeatedly — from calculations to theory to logic — becomes essential for scoring well.

Why RRB Introduced This Change

The updated format is designed to evaluate candidates beyond memorised preparation. By mixing questions from different subjects, RRB aims to test real problem-solving ability, adaptability during unexpected sequences, and genuine technical competence under time pressure — skills required in actual railway job roles.

Final Advice for Candidates

With questions now appearing in a mixed format, your time management strategy must shift. Avoid getting stuck on a single difficult math problem; instead, quickly skip to the next question, as it might be an easier Science or GK fact that takes only seconds to answer. Use the official mock test link on rrbkolkata.gov.in to familiarize yourself with this new interface before your actual exam day.