The RRB JE syllabus 2026 for Civil Engineering covers the complete examination structure for the Railway Recruitment Board Junior Engineer recruitment under CEN No. 04/2026. The selection process includes two Computer-Based Tests—CBT-I and CBT-II—followed by Document Verification and a Medical Examination.
CBT-I is a screening examination common to all candidates, while CBT-II contains a dedicated Civil and Allied Engineering section carrying 100 marks. Civil Engineering candidates should understand the section-wise marks, negative marking, qualifying requirements and technical topics before beginning their preparation.
This article explains the complete RRB JE Civil Engineering syllabus 2026 and examination pattern based on the official notification.
RRB JE Selection Process 2026
The RRB JE recruitment process consists of the following stages:
- First Stage Computer-Based Test—CBT-I
- Second Stage Computer-Based Test—CBT-II
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
CBT-I is used to shortlist candidates for CBT-II. Candidates are shortlisted for Document Verification based on their CBT-II marks, merit position, selected RRB and post preferences.
RRB JE Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
| Particulars | CBT-I | CBT-II |
|---|---|---|
| Type of examination | Computer-Based Test | Computer-Based Test |
| Questions | 100 | 150 |
| Maximum marks | 100 | 150 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Duration for eligible candidates using a scribe | 120 minutes | 160 minutes |
| Question type | Objective MCQs | Objective MCQs |
| Marks per question | 1 mark | 1 mark |
| Negative marking | 1/3 mark | 1/3 mark |
| Technical questions | Not included | 100 questions |
| Purpose | Screening for CBT-II | Shortlisting for Document Verification |
The section-wise distribution published by the Railway Recruitment Board is indicative. The actual question paper may contain some variation in the number of questions asked from individual topics.
RRB JE CBT-I Exam Pattern 2026
CBT-I is common for all candidates applying for the posts notified under RRB JE recruitment. It evaluates basic Mathematics, Reasoning, General Awareness and General Science.
| CBT-I Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness | 15 | 15 |
| General Science | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Candidates receive 90 minutes to complete CBT-I. Candidates eligible to use a scribe receive 120 minutes.
Important Points About CBT-I
- CBT-I contains 100 objective multiple-choice questions.
- Every question carries one mark.
- One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
- The marks may be normalized when the examination is conducted in multiple sessions.
- CBT-I is a screening examination.
- The normalized CBT-I score is used to shortlist candidates for CBT-II.
- Candidates may be shortlisted for CBT-II up to 15 times the community-wise vacancies notified against the respective RRB.
- CBT-I marks are not added to CBT-II marks for preparing the final merit list.
RRB JE CBT-I Syllabus 2026
Mathematics
The Mathematics section contains questions based on arithmetic, algebra, geometry and basic numerical ability. The official topics are:
- Number systems
- BODMAS
- Decimals
- Fractions
- Least Common Multiple
- Highest Common Factor
- Ratio and proportion
- Percentages
- Mensuration
- Time and work
- Time and distance
- Simple interest
- Compound interest
- Profit and loss
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Elementary statistics
- Square root
- Age calculations
- Calendar and clock
- Pipes and cisterns
Candidates should practise numerical problems regularly because this section contains 30 questions and requires both accuracy and speed.
General Intelligence and Reasoning
This section evaluates logical thinking, analytical ability and problem-solving skills. The syllabus includes:
- Analogies
- Alphabetical series
- Number series
- Coding and decoding
- Mathematical operations
- Relationships
- Syllogism
- Jumbling
- Venn diagrams
- Data interpretation
- Data sufficiency
- Conclusions
- Decision-making
- Similarities and differences
- Analytical reasoning
- Classification
- Directions
- Statement and arguments
- Statement and assumptions
General Awareness
The General Awareness section tests candidates’ knowledge of current events and important national and international subjects. Topics include:
- Current affairs
- Indian geography
- Indian culture
- History of India
- Indian freedom struggle
- Indian polity
- Constitution of India
- Indian economy
- Environmental issues concerning India and the world
- Sports
- General scientific developments
- Technological developments
General Science
The General Science syllabus includes:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Life Sciences
Questions are generally based on the Class 10 CBSE level.
RRB JE CBT-II Exam Pattern 2026
CBT-II is the most important stage for Civil Engineering candidates because it contains 100 questions from technical subjects.
| CBT-II Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 15 | 15 |
| Physics and Chemistry | 15 | 15 |
| Basics of Computers and Applications | 10 | 10 |
| Basics of Environment and Pollution Control | 10 | 10 |
| Civil and Allied Engineering | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Candidates receive 120 minutes to complete CBT-II. Candidates eligible to use a scribe receive 160 minutes.
Important Points About CBT-II
- CBT-II contains 150 objective multiple-choice questions.
- The Civil and Allied Engineering section carries 100 marks.
- Technical questions account for approximately 66.67% of the total CBT-II marks.
- One-third mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
- A virtual calculator will be available on the computer screen during CBT-II.
- Physical calculators, mobile phones and other electronic devices are not permitted.
- Candidates are shortlisted for Document Verification based on CBT-II merit and their selected post preferences.
- The section-wise question distribution is indicative and may vary slightly.
RRB JE CBT-II Common Syllabus
Apart from the Civil Engineering technical section, CBT-II contains 50 questions from four common subjects.
General Awareness
The General Awareness syllabus covers:
- Current affairs
- Indian geography
- Indian history and culture
- Indian freedom struggle
- Indian polity
- Constitution of India
- Indian economy
- Environmental issues
- Sports
- Scientific developments
- Technological developments
Physics and Chemistry
Physics and Chemistry questions are based on the Class 10 CBSE syllabus. Candidates should revise fundamental definitions, laws, formulas, chemical reactions and their everyday applications.
Basics of Computers and Applications
The Computer Awareness syllabus includes:
- Computer architecture
- Input devices
- Output devices
- Storage devices
- Computer networking
- Operating systems
- Windows
- Unix
- Linux
- Microsoft Office
- Data representation
- Internet
- Websites
- Web browsers
- Computer viruses
Basics of Environment and Pollution Control
Topics covered under Environment and Pollution Control include:
- Basics of environment
- Environmental pollution
- Adverse effects of pollution
- Pollution-control strategies
- Air pollution and its control
- Water pollution and its control
- Noise pollution and its control
- Waste management
- Global warming
- Acid rain
- Ozone depletion
Detailed RRB JE Civil Engineering Syllabus 2026
Civil Engineering candidates appearing for CBT-II will be assigned the Civil and Allied Engineering Exam Group. The technical syllabus contains topics from core diploma and degree-level Civil Engineering subjects.
The detailed RRB JE syllabus 2026 for Civil Engineering is provided below.
1. Engineering Mechanics
Engineering Mechanics covers the basic principles used to analyse forces and the equilibrium of structures.
Important topics include:
- Resolution of forces
- Moment of a force
- Force systems
- Composition of forces
- Equilibrium of forces
- Friction
- Centroid
- Centre of gravity
- Simple machines
Candidates should understand free-body diagrams, equilibrium conditions, moments and mechanical advantage.
2. Building Construction
This subject covers the fundamental components and structural systems used in buildings.
Topics include:
- Components of buildings
- Substructure
- Superstructure
- Load-bearing structures
- Framed structures
- Composite structures
- Functions of different building components
- Selection of appropriate structural systems
3. Building Materials
The Building Materials syllabus covers the properties, uses, selection and suitability of commonly used construction materials.
Topics include:
- Stones
- Bricks
- Mortars
- Timber
- Glass
- Plastics
- Fibres
- Aluminium
- Steel
- Galvanized iron
- Bitumen
- PVC
- CPVC
- PPF
- Materials used for masonry work
- Properties and applications of construction materials
Candidates should study the physical and engineering properties of materials along with their common construction applications.
4. Construction of Substructure
This portion covers activities carried out below ground level before the superstructure is constructed.
Topics include:
- Job layout
- Earthwork
- Excavation
- Types of foundations
- Shallow foundations
- Deep foundations
- Dewatering
- Cofferdams
- Bearing capacity of soil
- Selection of foundations
- Foundation construction procedures
5. Construction of Superstructure
The superstructure syllabus covers building elements constructed above the foundation level.
Topics include:
- Stone masonry
- Brick masonry
- Hollow-block masonry
- Composite masonry
- Cavity walls
- Doors
- Windows
- Stairs
- Lifts
- Escalators
- Scaffolding
- Shoring
- Construction procedures for structural components
6. Building Finishes
This subject deals with finishing operations that protect a building and improve its appearance.
Topics include:
- Types of floors
- Floor-laying methods
- Wall finishes
- Plastering
- Pointing
- Painting
- Roofs
- Roofing materials
- RCC roofs
- Finishing materials
- Methods of applying different finishes
7. Building Maintenance
Building Maintenance covers common structural and non-structural defects and their repair methods.
Topics include:
- Cracks in buildings
- Causes of cracks
- Types of cracks
- Repair of cracks
- Grouting
- Guniting
- Epoxy treatment
- Building settlement
- Causes of settlement
- Remedies for settlement
- Re-baring techniques
- Maintenance of building components
8. Building Drawing
This subject evaluates the candidate’s ability to understand and prepare Civil Engineering drawings.
Topics include:
- Types of lines
- Conventional symbols
- Principles of planning
- Planning of residential buildings
- Planning of public buildings
- Building rules
- Building by-laws
- Building plans
- Elevations
- Sections
- Site plans
- Location plans
- Foundation plans
- Working drawings
- Perspective drawing
Candidates should understand drawing conventions, scale, dimensions and the relationship between plans, sections and elevations.
9. Concrete Technology
Concrete Technology is an important area of the RRB JE Civil syllabus 2026.
Topics include:
- Cement
- Grades of cement
- Properties of cement
- Coarse aggregates
- Fine aggregates
- Properties of aggregates
- Water-cement ratio
- Fresh concrete
- Hardened concrete
- Concrete mix design
- Testing of concrete
- Quality control
- Batching
- Formwork
- Transportation of concrete
- Placing of concrete
- Compaction
- Curing
- Waterproofing
- Concreting in extreme weather
- Admixtures
- Ready-mixed concrete
- Reinforced cement concrete
- Prestressed concrete
- Fibre-reinforced concrete
- Precast concrete
- High-performance concrete
Candidates should focus on concrete properties, workability, strength, durability, mix design and quality-control procedures.
10. Surveying
Surveying covers the measurement, mapping and positioning techniques used in Civil Engineering projects.
Topics include:
- Types of surveying
- Chain surveying
- Cross-staff surveying
- Compass surveying
- Levelling
- Contouring
- Calculation of areas
- Calculation of volumes
- Plane-table surveying
- Theodolite surveying
- Tacheometry
- Setting out curves
- Advanced surveying equipment
- Aerial surveying
- Remote sensing
Candidates should understand the working principles, field procedures, errors and applications of surveying instruments.
11. Computer-Aided Design
The Computer-Aided Design portion covers basic drafting and modelling tools used for Civil Engineering drawings.
Topics include:
- AutoCAD
- Auto Civil
- 3D Max
- Drawing commands
- Editing commands
- Preparation of building plans
- Elevation drawings
- Section drawings
- Site plans
- Area statements
- Three-dimensional views
12. Geotechnical Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering deals with the engineering behaviour of soil and its application to Civil Engineering structures.
Topics include:
- Applications of geotechnical engineering
- Foundations
- Pavements
- Retaining structures
- Earthen dams
- Physical properties of soil
- Engineering properties of soil
- Permeability
- Seepage
- Shear strength of soil
- Bearing capacity
- Soil compaction
- Soil stabilization
- Site investigation
- Subsoil exploration
Candidates should revise soil classification, index properties, effective stress, compaction, shear strength and foundation behaviour.
13. Hydraulics
Hydraulics covers the behaviour of fluids at rest and in motion.
Topics include:
- Properties of fluids
- Hydrostatic pressure
- Measurement of pressure in pipes
- Fluid flow
- Flow through pipes
- Flow through open channels
- Flow-measuring devices
- Hydraulic machines
- Basic fluid mechanics principles
Important numerical areas include pressure, discharge, velocity, head loss and open-channel flow.
14. Irrigation Engineering
Irrigation Engineering covers water-resource development and irrigation structures.
Topics include:
- Hydrology
- Irrigation investigation
- Reservoir planning
- Percolation tanks
- Diversion headworks
- Water-resource planning
- Basic irrigation structures
15. Mechanics of Structures
Mechanics of Structures explains how structural members behave under different types of loading.
Topics include:
- Stress
- Strain
- Stress-strain relationship
- Shear Force Diagram
- Bending Moment Diagram
- Moment of inertia
- Stresses in beams
- Analysis of trusses
- Strain energy
Candidates should practise drawing SFDs and BMDs and calculating bending, shear and axial stresses.
16. Theory of Structures
Theory of Structures covers the analysis of beams, columns and indeterminate structural systems.
Topics include:
- Direct stresses
- Bending stresses
- Slope of beams
- Deflection of beams
- Fixed beams
- Continuous beams
- Moment-distribution method
- Columns
- Structural analysis methods
17. Design of Concrete Structures
This subject covers the principles used to design reinforced concrete structural elements.
Topics include:
- Working Stress Method
- Limit State Method
- Singly reinforced sections
- Doubly reinforced sections
- Shear
- Bond
- Development length
- T-beams
- Reinforced concrete slabs
- Axially loaded columns
- Reinforced concrete footings
Candidates should understand the assumptions, design steps and relevant concepts associated with reinforced concrete design.
18. Design of Steel Structures
The Steel Structures syllabus covers the design and behaviour of structural steel members and connections.
Topics include:
- Steel sections
- Grades of steel
- Strength characteristics
- Relevant IS Code provisions
- Steel connections
- Tension members
- Compression members
- Roof trusses
- Steel beams
- Column bases
19. Transportation Engineering
Transportation Engineering in the RRB JE syllabus includes Railway Engineering, Bridge Engineering and Tunnel Engineering.
Railway Engineering
- Railway alignment
- Railway gauges
- Permanent way
- Components of permanent way
- Track geometrics
- Track branching
- Railway stations
- Railway yards
- Maintenance of railway tracks
Railway Engineering is particularly relevant for Junior Engineer posts associated with Permanent Way, Works and Bridges.
Bridge Engineering
- Selection of bridge sites
- Bridge investigation
- Components of bridges
- Permanent bridges
- Temporary bridges
- Bridge inspection
- Bridge maintenance
Tunnel Engineering
- Classification of tunnels
- Shapes of tunnels
- Sizes of tunnels
- Tunnel investigation
- Tunnel surveying
- Tunnelling through different strata
- Safety precautions
- Tunnelling equipment
- Explosives
- Tunnel lining
- Tunnel ventilation
20. Highway Engineering
Highway Engineering covers the planning, construction and maintenance of roads.
Topics include:
- Fundamentals of road engineering
- Highway investigation
- Geometric design
- Pavement construction
- Highway materials
- Traffic engineering
- Hill roads
- Road drainage
- Highway maintenance
- Road repair
Candidates should study both flexible and rigid pavement concepts along with road materials and geometric design.
21. Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering covers water supply, sanitation and pollution-control systems.
Topics include:
- Environmental pollution
- Pollution-control measures
- Public water supply
- Sources of water
- Water treatment
- Distribution of water
- Domestic sewage
- Sewerage
- Sewage treatment
- Solid-waste management
- Sanitation
- Plumbing
22. Advanced Construction Techniques and Equipment
This section covers modern construction materials, specialised construction methods and machinery.
Topics include:
- Fibres
- Plastics
- Artificial timber
- Underwater concrete
- Ready-mixed concrete
- Tremix concrete
- Special concrete
- Formwork
- Prefabrication
- Soil reinforcement
- Hoisting equipment
- Conveying equipment
- Earthmoving equipment
- Excavation equipment
- Compaction equipment
- Concrete mixers
- Crushers
- Pile-driving equipment
- Hot-mix plants
- Bitumen pavers
- Floor-polishing equipment
23. Estimating and Costing
Estimating and Costing covers the calculation of project quantities, costs and rates.
Topics include:
- Approximate estimates
- Detailed estimates
- Methods of measurement
- Modes of measurement
- Quantity calculation
- Rate analysis
- Preparation of estimates
- Cost calculations
Candidates should understand units of measurement, quantity take-off and the calculation of rates for common construction items.
24. Contracts and Accounts
This subject covers basic construction contracts, tenders, specifications and payment procedures.
Topics include:
- Types of contracts
- Tender
- Tendering process
- Tender documents
- Payment to contractors
- Specifications
- Contract conditions
- Basic construction accounts
RRB JE Negative Marking
Negative marking applies to both Computer-Based Tests.
- Every correct answer carries one mark.
- One-third mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
- No mark is awarded or deducted for an unanswered question.
For example, three incorrect answers will result in a deduction of one mark. Candidates should avoid unnecessary guessing, particularly when they cannot eliminate any answer choices.
RRB JE Syllabus 2026 FAQs
How many questions are asked in RRB JE CBT-I?
RRB JE CBT-I contains 100 questions carrying 100 marks. Candidates receive 90 minutes to complete the examination.
How many questions are asked in RRB JE CBT-II?
CBT-II contains 150 questions carrying 150 marks. The examination duration is 120 minutes.
How many Civil Engineering questions are asked in CBT-II?
The Civil and Allied Engineering section contains 100 questions carrying 100 marks.
Is there negative marking in the RRB JE examination?
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer in both CBT-I and CBT-II.
Is CBT-I included in the final merit list?
CBT-I is a screening examination used to shortlist candidates for CBT-II. Candidates are shortlisted for Document Verification based on their CBT-II marks, merit and post preferences.
What is the level of General Science in CBT-I?
The General Science questions covering Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences are based on the Class 10 CBSE level.
Is a calculator allowed in CBT-II?
A virtual calculator will be available on the computer screen during CBT-II. Candidates cannot carry a physical calculator or other electronic device into the examination centre.
What is the Civil Engineering exam group for RRB JE?
Civil Engineering candidates are placed under the Civil and Allied Engineering Exam Group for the 100-mark technical section of CBT-II.
Conclusion
The RRB JE syllabus 2026 includes a 100-mark screening test followed by a 150-mark CBT-II examination. For Civil Engineering candidates, the technical section is the most important component because it carries 100 out of 150 CBT-II marks.
The syllabus covers all major Civil Engineering areas, including construction, surveying, concrete technology, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics, irrigation, structural engineering, RCC and steel design, railway engineering, highways, environmental engineering, estimating and contracts.
Candidates should complete the entire syllabus, practice numerical problems and take mock tests while maintaining accuracy because of the one-third negative marking.
