Table of Contents
Overview & Exam Pattern
The RRB Section Controller exam is expected to be conducted in multiple stages: CBT 1 (screening) and CBT 2 (mains) followed by document verification and medical fitness. Both CBTs focus on objective-type questions and usually include negative marking for wrong answers. Time management and strong basics in arithmetic and general awareness are key to clearing this exam.
| Stage | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBT 1 | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
| CBT 2 | 120 | 120 | 120 minutes |
Mathematics (Quantitative Aptitude)
Focus on speed and accuracy for arithmetic. Important topics include:
- Number System, HCF & LCM, Fractions and Decimals
- Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Profit & Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns
- Speed, Time & Distance, Trains, Boats & Streams
- Algebra (linear equations), Mensuration, Geometry, Trigonometry basics
- Data Interpretation (tables, charts, graphs)
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Reasoning tests analytical and logical ability. Practice these topics:
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement
- Syllogism, Blood Relations, Directions
- Order & Ranking, Series (Number & Alphabet)
- Coding-Decoding, Inequalities, Input-Output
- Data Sufficiency & Logical Reasoning sets
General Awareness (Current Affairs & Static GK)
GK covers national and international current affairs, Indian geography, history, polity, economy, science & technology and basic railway-related awareness. Prioritise the last 12 months of current affairs, government schemes, budgets, and major policy updates.
Important areas:
- Budget highlights, economic indicators (GDP, CPI)
- Important appointments, awards, sports events
- Geography — rivers, mountains, states & capitals
- Science — recent inventions, space missions
8-Week Study Plan
- Weeks 1–2: Basics & shortcuts for arithmetic (tables, percentages, ratio).
- Weeks 3–4: Reasoning puzzles, seating and series practice.
- Week 5: Intensive DI practice and moderate geometry revision.
- Week 6: GK weekly current affairs and static revision.
- Week 7: Full-length mocks & time management drills.
- Week 8: Revision, error log fixes and light mocks.
Best Books & Resources
- Quantitative Aptitude: R.S. Aggarwal (select chapters), Arun Sharma for DI
- Reasoning: M.K. Pandey, R.S. Aggarwal
- General Awareness: Lucent GK, Monthly current affairs PDFs
- Practice previous year papers and official PDFs available on coaching portals.
Mock Tests & Strategy
Attempt sectional mocks first, then shift to full-length tests. Maintain an error log, tag weak topics and practice them with mixed problem sets. In exam, attempt easy DI and arithmetic first, then move to reasoning and GK.
FAQs
Q: What subjects are in RRB Section Controller syllabus?
A: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness.
Q: How to prepare for Section Controller in 2 months?
A: Follow the 8-week plan above, prioritise weak areas, and practice mocks daily.