Every RRB JE aspirant wonders how much CBT 1 really matters. This article covers the major question: Is RRB JE CBT 1 Qualifying in Nature?. The article covers the qualifying marks, the shortlisting rules, normalisation and the final merit calculation. Therefore, you can plan your preparation with clarity.
Are RRB JE CBT 1 Marks Counted or Not?
CBT 1 is a screening test. Its marks decide only whether you move to CBT 2. They do not add to your final score. So, if you ask “Is RRB JE CBT 1 Qualifying in Nature?”. The answer is yes. CBT 1 filters candidates and CBT 2 decides merit.
RRB JE Selection Process and Criteria
Before going deeper into the RRB JE qualifying nature. Let us check the RRB JE selection process and criteria in four stages:
| Stage | Marks | Duration | Role |
| CBT 1 | 100 | 90 minutes | Screening and shortlisting for CBT 2 |
| CBT 2 | 150 | 120 minutes | Merit-deciding stage |
| Document Verification (DV) | – | – | Qualifying |
| Medical Examination | – | – | Qualifying |
CBT 1 Pattern:
- Mathematics: 30 questions
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: 25 questions
- General Awareness: 15 questions
- General Science: 30 questions
- Each wrong answer carries a negative mark of 1/3 .
RRB JE CBT 1 Passive Marks and Qualifying Marks Category Wise
Check out the RRB JE CBT 1 qualifying marks category wise marks given below:
| Category | Min Percentage | Approx. Marks (out of 100) |
| UR | 40% | 40 |
| EWS | 40% | 40 |
| OBC-NCL | 30% | 30 |
| SC | 30% | 30 |
| ST | 25% | 25 |
PwBD candidates may get a 2-mark relaxation where the notification allows it.
These are only the minimum marks. They are not the actual cut off. Scoring exactly 40 makes you eligible. However, it rarely gets you shortlisted, because RRBs call only a limited number of candidates for CBT 2. You can check past trends in the RRB JE previous year-cut off analysis by MADE EASY.
RRB JE CBT 2 Shortlisting Criteria
The RRB JE CBT 2 shortlisting criteria looks like this:
- RRBs rank candidates by their normalised CBT 1 marks.
- Shortlisting happens community-wise and is based on the number of vacancies. The notification fixes the exact multiple, so always verify it there.
- You must also meet the minimum qualifying percentage for your category.
If you clear the minimum marks but fall below the shortlisting line, you are not qualified for CBT 2.
RRB JE Normalisation of Marks
CBT 1 is held in multiple shifts and the difficulty level can differ between them. RRB JE normalization of marks adjusts raw scores so that no candidate gains or loses because of an easy or tough shift.
- The shortlisting and qualifying decisions use normalised marks, not raw marks.
- Your normalised score can differ slightly from your raw score.
- Because of this, aim well above the expected cut-off instead of the bare minimum.
RRB JE Final Merit List Calculation
The RRB JE final merit list calculation is based on RRB JE CBT 1 Qualifying nature. Check out the RRB JE final merit list calculation given below:
- CBT 2 normalised marks form the merit score.
- CBT 1 marks are not added.
- DV and the medical examination are qualifying only.
- Ties are broken as per the rules in the official notification.
The next question is whether CBT 1 marks are not added in the final merit of RRB JE. A candidate with a lower CBT 1 score can still finish with higher rank if their CBT 2 score is stronger.
| Stage | Used for shortlisting? | Used for final merit? |
| CBT 1 | Yes | No |
| CBT 2 | – | Yes |
What Does This Mean for Your Preparation?
Understanding RRB JE CBT 1 qualifying nature helps you divide your time smartly. Check out the RRB JE preparation tips given below:
- Secure a safe CBT 1 score by practicing mock tests and avoiding wrong answers.
- Start your technical subjects early, since CBT 2 has 100 marks for Technical Abilities.
- Practice previous year papers for both stages.
MADE EASY offers RRB JE courses, test series and PYQ practice for Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics. Explore them at madeeasy.in/online .
Conclusion
CBT 1 is a screening round with 100 marks and ⅓ negative marking. It decides only your entry into CBT 2. Final merit depends entirely on normalised CBT 2 marks. In short, the question “Is CBT 1 qualifying in nature?” comes down to this: clear CBT 1 comfortably, then put your real effort into CBT 2. Always cross-check details with the official RRB notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum qualifying percentage for RRB JE CBT 1?
Ans: The minimum qualifying percentage for RRB JE CBT 1 is 40% for UR and EWS, 30% for OBC-NCL and SC and 25% for ST.
Are CBT 1 marks added to the RRB JE final merit?
Ans: No, the CBT 1 marks are used only for shortlisting. Final merit is based on normalised CBT 2 marks.
What are the minimum RRB JE CBT 1 qualifying marks?
Ans: The minimum qualifying marks for RRB JE CBT 1 are: out of 100, about 40 for UR/EWS, 30 for OBC-NCL/SC and 25 for ST.
Are CBT 1 marks normalised?
Ans: Yes, when the exam runs in multiple shifts CBT 1 marks are normalised. The marks are used for qualifying and shortlisting.
Is there negative marking for RRB JE CBT 1?
Ans: Yes, there is negative marking for RRB JE CBT 1. Each answer deducts ⅓ marks.
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