The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducted the Junior Engineer (JE) CBT-1 Examination 2026 on 19 February, and early analysis based on student feedback suggests the exam was moderate in difficulty with manageable questions across sections.
Overall Difficulty and Section-Wise Review
Candidates who appeared in the Shift 1 exam reported that the paper overall was moderate, with varying difficulty levels across sections. This analysis helps aspirants gauge performance and estimate a safe score range.
Section | Difficulty Level
- Mathematics: Moderate
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Easy
- General Awareness: Moderate to Tough
- General Science: Moderate
- Overall: Moderate
Good Attempts and Expected Performance
Based on responses from test-takers, a well-prepared candidate could aim for a high number of accurate attempts. While exact numbers vary by shift, experience and preparation, estimated good attempts for the 100-question RRB JE CBT-1 paper are:
- Mathematics: 20–22
- Reasoning & Intelligence: 20–22
- General Awareness: 7–8
- General Science: 18–20
- Total Good Attempts: 66–75
This suggests that candidates who answer within this range with high accuracy may be in a safer zone to clear the cutoff.
Exam Pattern & Shift Structure
The RRB JE 2026 CBT-1 exam is conducted as a computer-based test and administered in three shifts nationwide. Each session lasts 90 minutes, covering all major sections of the engineering recruitment syllabus.
Shift reporting and start times are generally as follows:
- Shift 1: Reporting at 7:30 AM, exam from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
- Shift 2: Reporting at 11:15 AM, exam from 12:45 PM to 2:00 PM
- Shift 3: Reporting at 3:00 PM, exam from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Candidates should arrive well before reporting times with their admit card and valid photo ID to avoid entry issues on exam day.
What Next After Exam Analysis?
While this analysis focuses on the first shift of 19 February, aspirants awaiting later shifts can use the feedback to adjust their strategy. Reviewing the difficulty and pattern of questions helps in reinforcing strengths and revisiting weaker areas before future sessions. Candidates also need to ensure they follow all official exam day guidelines, including carrying required documents, reporting on time, and adhering to centre protocols.