Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) have officially released the provisional answer key for the Computer Based Test (CBT) conducted for the recruitment of various Group D (Level 1) posts. The release on 17 February 2026 marks a significant step forward in the recruitment process, which aims to fill 32,438 vacancies across different zones of the Indian Railways.
Candidates who appeared for the extensive **RRB Group D CBT exam** can now download their answer key and calculate their expected scores. The examination, officially advertised under CEN 08/2024, was conducted over several phases from 27 November 2025 to 10 February 2026. The results of this process will determine eligibility for subsequent stages, specifically the Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
Key Details of the RRB Group D Recruitment 2024-2026
The **Railway Recruitment Boards** initiated this massive recruitment drive to fill various Level 1 posts, including Track Maintainer Grade IV, Assistant Pointsman, and other positions in different departments of the Indian Railways. The process involves multiple stages to ensure fair and rigorous selection.
The CBT phase concluded recently, and the release of the answer key allows candidates to review their performance before the final results are declared. The entire process from initial application to final selection is designed to be transparent, giving candidates the opportunity to challenge any discrepancies found in the provisional answer key.
| Recruitment Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) |
| Advertisement Number | CEN 08/2024 |
| Name of Post | Group D (Various Level 1 Posts) |
| Total Vacancies | 32,438 Posts |
| CBT Exam Dates | 27 November 2025 to 10 February 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Status | Released (17 February 2026) |
| Official Website Link | https://www.sarkariresultall.in/ |
Understanding the Importance of the RRB Group D Answer Key 2026
The provisional answer key serves several crucial purposes for both the candidates and the examination authority. For candidates, it acts as a tool to assess their performance and anticipate their results. By comparing their marked answers with the official **RRB Group D Answer Key**, candidates can accurately calculate their raw scores, taking into account the negative marking scheme applicable to the exam.
Furthermore, the release of the provisional key is part of a standard procedure designed to ensure transparency. It opens a specific window during which candidates can raise objections or challenge any answers they believe are incorrect. This mechanism allows for a re-evaluation of specific questions before the final result is published, thereby minimizing errors in the final outcome.
The **CBT exam** for **RRB Group D** (Level 1) consisted of 100 questions covering General Science, Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness/Current Affairs. The correct calculation of scores using the answer key provides candidates with a realistic expectation of whether they will qualify for the next stage of selection, which is the Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Download the RRB Group D Answer Key 2026
To access the **RRB Group D Answer Key 2026**, candidates must follow a specific procedure on the official websites of the respective **Railway Recruitment Boards**. The process requires candidates to log in using their credentials generated during the initial application phase.
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to downloading the answer key and candidate response sheet:
- Visit the Official RRB Website: Navigate to the official website of the specific Railway Recruitment Board where you applied. Alternatively, you can directly access the download link on Sarkari Result All, which aggregates official links for convenience.
- Locate the Relevant Link: Look for the notification section or a specific link titled "CEN 08/2024: Link for Viewing Question Paper, Responses, Keys and Raising Objections for CBT."
- Login Credentials: Click on the link. You will be redirected to the candidate login page. Enter your registration number and date of birth in the required fields. Ensure a stable internet connection to avoid interruptions during the download process.
- Access Answer Key and Response Sheet: Once logged in, you will typically find options to download both the provisional answer key and your individual response sheet. The response sheet displays all questions and the answers selected by the candidate during the CBT.
- Download and Review: Download both documents. Carefully review the answer key, comparing it with your responses to calculate your raw score.
Candidates are advised to download and save a copy of the answer key and response sheet for future reference. This document is essential if they wish to raise objections or compare their performance after the final result is published.
Objection Filing Process: How to Challenge the Provisional Answer Key
The release of the provisional answer key is accompanied by a window for candidates to raise objections against specific questions or answers they deem incorrect. This process is critical for ensuring the accuracy of the final results and maintaining the integrity of the selection process. The specific dates for raising objections are usually announced alongside the answer key release notification.
The procedure for filing objections involves several key steps:
- Login to the Objection Portal: Access the dedicated objection portal using the same login credentials (registration number and date of birth) used to download the answer key.
- Identify Question and Raise Objection: Candidates must carefully identify the question number(s) and option(s) they want to challenge.
- Provide Justification: For each objection, candidates must provide strong, verifiable evidence from standard textbooks, reference materials, or official sources to support their claim that the question or answer key provided is incorrect.
- Pay Objection Fee: The **RRB** typically charges a non-refundable fee per question challenged (e.g., Rs. 50 per question). This fee is generally refunded only if the objection is found valid and results in a change to the final answer key.
- Submit Objection: After completing all necessary steps and making the payment, submit the objection online. Candidates should keep a record of the transaction and objection details for future reference.
The **Railway Recruitment Boards** will then review all submitted objections. Based on the findings, the final answer key will be prepared. The final result for the CBT will be declared using this revised key, and no further objections will be entertained after the specified window closes.
Understanding Score Calculation and Negative Marking
When calculating their potential scores using the **RRB Group D Answer Key**, candidates must remember the marking scheme for the **CBT exam**. The examination has a provision for negative marking, which significantly affects the final score.
For every correct answer, candidates are awarded one mark. However, for every incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the mark is deducted. This means that a candidate must calculate their raw score using the formula: Raw Score = (Number of Correct Answers) - (Number of Incorrect Answers * 1/3).
Candidates should approach this calculation carefully. An accurate self-assessment based on the answer key provides vital information about their chances of qualifying for the next stage and helps them plan for the future, whether it involves preparing for the PET or exploring alternative opportunities.
The Next Stage: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for Group D Posts
Following the declaration of the final results based on the **RRB Group D Answer Key 2026**, candidates who successfully meet the cut-off criteria will be called for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The PET requirements vary for male and female candidates and are designed to assess physical fitness for the demanding nature of Level 1 railway jobs.
The standard PET requirements are as follows:
- For Male Candidates:
- Must be able to lift and carry 35 kg of weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down.
- Must be able to run for a distance of 1000 meters in 4 minutes and 15 seconds in one chance.
- For Female Candidates:
- Must be able to lift and carry 20 kg of weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down.
- Must be able to run for a distance of 1000 meters in 5 minutes and 40 seconds in one chance.
The number of candidates called for the PET is typically three times the total number of vacancies (i.e., 32,438 vacancies * 3 candidates per vacancy). The cut-off marks for the PET eligibility list are based on the candidate's performance in the CBT, adjusted for normalization.
Factors Affecting Cut-off Marks and Normalization Process
The final cut-off marks for the **RRB Group D recruitment** are determined by several factors, including the number of candidates who appeared for the exam, the difficulty level of the question papers across different shifts, and the total number of vacancies available in each specific **RRB** zone. Given that the CBT was conducted over a period of almost three months with multiple shifts per day, the normalization process is crucial.
Normalization ensures fairness by adjusting the scores of candidates based on the difficulty level of their specific exam shift. The process aims to bring all candidate scores to a common scale, effectively removing any bias caused by variations in paper difficulty. Candidates should keep this in mind when comparing their raw scores with previous years' cut-offs, as the final normalized score may differ from the raw calculation using the provisional **RRB Group D Answer Key**.
Candidates awaiting the results must understand that the cut-off marks for different zones (e.g., RRB Mumbai, RRB Kolkata, RRB Allahabad, RRB Chennai) vary significantly based on regional competition and vacancy distribution. Historical data from previous **RRB Group D recruitment** drives shows variations in cut-offs based on these factors. Candidates should analyze the vacancy details specific to their applied zone for a more accurate cut-off estimation.
The Role of Sarkari Result All in Providing Information
The website Sarkari Result All serves as a key resource for candidates seeking timely updates on government job recruitments. Following the release of the **RRB Group D Answer Key 2026**, the website provides direct links to the official answer key download portal, ensuring candidates can easily access the information without having to navigate multiple railway websites. This service helps streamline the information process for thousands of candidates in India.
The platform also provides detailed information regarding the subsequent stages of selection, including PET dates, document verification schedules, and final result declarations. Candidates are encouraged to check the website regularly for updates regarding the **RRB Group D recruitment** and other government job opportunities.
Document Verification and Final Selection
Following successful completion of the PET, candidates will undergo Document Verification (DV). During this stage, candidates must present original copies of all necessary documents, including academic certificates, identity proof, caste certificates (if applicable), and other required documents specified in the original notification (**CEN 08/2024**).
The final merit list for the **RRB Group D recruitment** will be based on the normalized scores of candidates in the CBT, provided they clear the PET and DV stages. This structured process ensures that only qualified and physically fit candidates are selected for the available **32,438 posts** in the Indian Railways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about RRB Group D Answer Key and Recruitment Process
Below are answers to common questions regarding the **RRB Group D Answer Key 2026** and the subsequent recruitment stages:
How do I calculate my score using the RRB Group D Answer Key?To calculate your score, compare your answers in the candidate response sheet with the answers provided in the **RRB Group D Answer Key**. Use the formula: Raw Score = (Number of Correct Answers x 1 mark) - (Number of Incorrect Answers x 1/3 negative marking). The total number of questions for the CBT was 100.
Is there negative marking in the RRB Group D exam?Yes, there is negative marking. For every incorrect answer, 1/3rd of a mark (0.33 marks) is deducted from the raw score. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
What is the next step after the provisional answer key is released?The immediate next step is the objection filing window. Candidates can challenge specific answers within a few days of the provisional answer key release. After reviewing objections, the final answer key and results will be released, followed by the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for shortlisted candidates.
How many candidates will be selected for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET)?Based on the notification, the **Railway Recruitment Boards** will short-list candidates for the PET at a ratio of three candidates per vacancy (3 times the total number of vacancies). For **32,438 posts**, approximately 97,314 candidates will be called for the PET across all zones, subject to availability and cut-off criteria.
What are the physical standards required for the PET?The PET involves specific tasks for male and female candidates. Male candidates must run 1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds and carry 35 kg of weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes. Female candidates must run 1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds and carry 20 kg of weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes.
How long do I have to submit objections to the RRB Group D Answer Key 2026?The exact dates for objection filing are specified in the official notification released by the **RRB**. Typically, the objection window remains open for a short period, such as 3 to 5 days, from the date of the provisional answer key release.
What is normalization, and how does it affect my score?Normalization is a statistical method used to adjust scores when exams are held in multiple shifts with varying difficulty levels. It helps ensure fairness by equating the scores of all candidates to account for these variations. Your final normalized score (which determines your cut-off eligibility) may be slightly different from your calculated raw score using the answer key.
Where can I find the official notification regarding the RRB Group D recruitment?All official notifications related to **Advt. No. CEN 08/2024** are available on the respective websites of the **Railway Recruitment Boards**. You can also find consolidated information and direct links on the website Sarkari Result All.