Goods Guard Exam Pattern 2026: RRB CBT-1 and CBT-2 Structure, Marks and Duration

Candidates preparing for the Railway Goods Guard post must have a clear understanding of the Goods Guard exam pattern before starting their preparation. The selection process for this post is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs). It involves two stages of Computer-Based Tests (CBT), followed by document verification and a medical examination. 

Knowing the RRB Goods Guard exam pattern in advance helps candidates plan their study schedule, understand the weightage of each subject, and prepare accordingly. Here, you will know the complete Goods Guard CBT exam pattern, including the number of questions, marks, duration, and negative marking rules, as per the official notification.

Also Read:  RRB Goods Guard Salary

RRB Goods Guard Exam Pattern 2026 Overview

The RRB Goods Guard Exam follows an objective, multiple-choice pattern conducted across two CBT stages. Here is a quick overview of the Goods Guard exam pattern:

Goods Guard Exam Pattern: Stage-Wise Details

The two stages of the Goods Guard exam pattern differ in the number of questions and total marks. The subjects covered remain the same in both stages. The stage-wise breakdown is given below.

CBT-1 Exam Pattern

The 1st Stage CBT is of a screening nature, and the standard of questions is as per the educational standards prescribed for the post. The table below shows the Goods Guard exam pattern for CBT-1:

Candidates eligible for a scribe are provided 120 minutes to complete the CBT-1 examination, as per the official notification. The normalised score of CBT-1 is used for shortlisting candidates for CBT-2 based on merit.

CBT-2 Exam Pattern

Candidates who qualify CBT-1 become eligible to appear for CBT-2. The structure of CBT-2 in the Goods Guard exam pattern is as follows:

Similar to CBT-1, the duration for CBT-2 is extended to 120 minutes for candidates eligible for a scribe. The normalised CBT-2 score is used for preparing the merit list and shortlisting candidates for document verification.

Goods Guard Exam Marking Scheme & Qualifying Criteria 

Apart from the number of questions and duration, the Goods Guard exam pattern also defines how marks are calculated and the minimum score required to qualify. These rules are explained below.

1. Negative Marking in the Goods Guard Exam Pattern

The Goods Guard CBT exam pattern follows an objective-type, multiple-choice format for both CBT-1 and CBT-2. For every incorrect answer, one-third (1/3) of the marks allotted to that question will be deducted. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.

2. Minimum Qualifying Marks

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying percentage of marks in the CBT. The category-wise minimum percentage is as follows: 

These percentages may be relaxed by 2 marks for PwBD candidates in case of a shortage of PwBD candidates against reserved vacancies.

3. Normalisation of Marks

As the CBT may be conducted in multiple shifts, the Railway Recruitment Boards use a normalisation process to ensure fairness. The normalised scores are used while preparing the merit list and shortlisting candidates.

Knowing the CBT-1 and CBT-2 structure, subject-wise weightage, marking scheme, and qualifying criteria helps candidates focus on the right topics and manage their time efficiently. Before starting your preparation, refer to the official RRB notification for the latest exam pattern and selection guidelines to ensure you are following the most updated information.