⚠ Official Notice: CBAT Examination Postponed
As per RRB official notice dated 13 May 2026: "Vide notice dated 08 May 2026, CBAT examination date was tentatively advised as 24.05.2026. It is now informed that CBAT examination date has been postponed and new date will be advised shortly. All terms and conditions of the earlier notice shall remain unchanged."
For shortlisted candidates: Continue CBAT preparation — the postponement gives you additional time to improve your T-score and strengthen your merit position. Keep checking rrbcdg.gov.in / rrbapply.gov.in for the revised date.
Current Status
| Stage | Date | Status |
|---|
| Notification Released | 14 September 2025 | ✓ Done |
| Application Window | 15 Sep – 14 Oct 2025 | ✓ Closed |
| CBT Examination | 11–12 February 2026 | ✓ Conducted |
| CBT Answer Key | 26 February 2026 | ✓ Released |
| CBT Result & Scorecard | 08 May 2026 | ✓ Out — 2,989 shortlisted |
| CBAT Examination | Was 24 May 2026 | ⚠ POSTPONED — New Date TBA |
| Document Verification | After CBAT result | ⏳ Pending |
| Medical Examination (A2) | After DV | ⏳ Pending |
What is RRB Section Controller CEN 04/2025?
Railway Recruitment Boards released CEN-04/2025 on September 14, 2025 to recruit 368 Section Controllers — a Group B Gazetted, permanent central government post in the Railway Operational Cadre. The Section Controller is one of Indian Railways' most critical operational roles, stationed in the Divisional Control Office to oversee and coordinate all train movements across an assigned railway section.
Unlike field-level posts, a Section Controller operates from a centralised control room — simultaneously monitoring multiple trains, coordinating with Station Masters, Loco Pilots, and Guards, managing line blockages, and maintaining the control chart. The cognitive demands of this role are why the CBAT (Psycho Test) is mandatory and carries 30% of the final merit.
Key Fact
CEN 04/2025 received applications from approximately 10 lakh candidates for just 368 posts — a competition ratio of over 2,700:1. Only 2,989 candidates cleared CBT to reach the CBAT stage. If you are shortlisted, you are already in the top 0.3% — don't lose your position by underperforming the CBAT.
Vacancy Details
368
Total Section Controller Vacancies
21
RRBs Across India
2,989
Shortlisted for CBAT
8×
Shortlisting Ratio (vs vacancies)
| Detail | Information |
|---|
| Post Name | Section Controller |
| Post Group | Group B Gazetted — Railway Operational Cadre |
| CEN Number | CEN No. 04/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 368 (Regular posts) |
| UR / OBC / SC / ST / EWS | 174 / 80 / 56 / 34 / 24 |
| PwBD (horizontal) | 15 | Ex-Servicemen: 36 |
| Recruiting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways |
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Level-6, Basic ₹35,400/month |
| Top Vacancy Zones | Ajmer/NWR (30), Bilaspur/SECR (26), Kolkata/SER (25) |
| Official Portal | www.rrbapply.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
🇮🇳
Nationality
Indian Citizen
Eligible categories as per Government of India rules.
🎂
Age Limit
20–33 Years (UR)
As on 01 January 2026. OBC: 36 | SC/ST: 38 | PwBD: +10.
🎓
Education
Graduate Degree
Any stream from a recognized university. Degree completed by application close.
👁️
Medical
Standard A2
Near vision, distance vision, colour vision, and hearing as per A2 norms.
Age Relaxation Table
| Category | Maximum Age (as on 01/01/2026) | Relaxation |
|---|
| General / EWS | 33 years | Nil |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 36 years | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 38 years | 5 years |
| PwBD (UR) | 43 years | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 46 years | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 48 years | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Railway Board rules |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Notification Release | 14 September 2025 |
| Application Opens | 15 September 2025 |
| Application Closes | 14 October 2025 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 16 October 2025 |
| CBT Admit Card | 07 February 2026 |
| CBT Examination | 11–12 February 2026 |
| Answer Key Released | 26 February 2026 |
| CBT Result & Scorecard | 08 May 2026 |
| CBAT (Postponed) | Was 24 May 2026 — Postponed (notice: 13 May 2026) |
| CBAT New Date | To be announced on rrbcdg.gov.in / rrbapply.gov.in |
CBT Result & Zone-wise Cut-off
The CBT result was declared on May 8, 2026 at rrbcdg.gov.in and all regional RRB portals. Zone-wise cut-off PDFs were released simultaneously. Scores are normalized across multiple shifts — these are not raw marks.
Scorecard Download
Go to rrbapply.gov.in → Login with Registration Number + Date of Birth → Download your CBT scorecard showing marks, normalized score, and CBAT shortlist status.
~10L
Total Candidates Appeared
2,989
Shortlisted for CBAT
1:335
Pass Ratio (1 in 335)
98.35
Highest UR Cut-off (Chandigarh)
Cut-off Marks — All Zones (UR / OBC / SC / ST / EWS / ESM)
| RRB Zone |
UR |
OBC |
SC |
ST |
EWS |
ESM |
| Ahmedabad | 93.43 | 88.87 | 88.00 | 76.00 | 88.85 | 68.28 |
| Ajmer | 97.31 | 95.71 | 92.14 | 91.25 | 96.27 | 73.83 |
| Bangalore | 95.80 | 93.15 | 86.15 | 81.14 | 93.52 | 60.29 |
| Bhopal | 93.87 | 92.26 | 87.28 | — | — | — |
| Bhubaneswar | 91.67 | 89.67 | 80.62 | 79.44 | — | 70.54 |
| Bilaspur | 93.69 | 91.84 | 84.92 | 77.00 | 92.00 | 59.94 |
| Chandigarh | 98.35 | 95.73 | 92.93 | — | 96.22 | — |
| Chennai | 93.67 | 93.28 | — | 72.00 | — | — |
| Gorakhpur | 96.12 | 93.67 | 87.67 | 80.47 | 94.66 | 69.35 |
| Guwahati | 94.64 | 91.19 | 86.67 | 82.29 | 92.29 | 59.86 |
| Jammu-Srinagar | 93.87 | 89.10 | 83.74 | 83.50 | — | 65.75 |
| Kolkata | 96.30 | 94.33 | 92.21 | 75.76 | 94.88 | 66.79 |
| Malda | 94.61 | 94.28 | 90.15 | 80.47 | — | 60.94 |
| Mumbai | 94.19 | 91.45 | 87.87 | 86.02 | 92.36 | 61.95 |
| Muzaffarpur | 96.33 | 95.47 | 86.20 | 79.61 | 95.67 | 76.61 |
| Patna | 92.59 | 90.26 | 75.76 | — | — | — |
| Prayagraj | 97.31 | 95.29 | 90.98 | 81.31 | 96.34 | 74.68 |
| Ranchi | 95.55 | 94.45 | 84.86 | — | 93.33 | 73.94 |
| Secunderabad | 94.82 | 93.10 | 86.62 | 84.40 | 91.46 | 60.85 |
| Siliguri | 93.98 | 92.14 | 85.52 | — | 90.37 | 60.61 |
| Thiruvananthapuram | 96.18 | 95.67 | 88.80 | 85.22 | 93.09 | 67.77 |
Source: Official RRB zone-wise PDFs, May 8, 2026. Scores are normalized — not raw marks. Red = highest in column. — = no vacancy / no shortlisting in that category for that zone.
Selection Process
Section Controller selection has 4 stages. The CBAT is stage 2 and carries 30% of the final merit — treating it as merely a qualifying hurdle is one of the most common reasons candidates with high CBT scores lose their final rank.
✓
Computer Based Test (CBT)
100 questions · 120 minutes · Analytical & Math (60Q) + Logical (20Q) + Mental Reasoning (20Q). Negative marking: 1/3 per wrong answer. Result declared May 8, 2026. CBT marks carry 70% of final merit.
Completed2,989 Shortlisted
!
CBAT — Computer Based Aptitude Test (Psycho Test)
5 batteries · 165 questions · No negative marking. Minimum T-score 42 required in each of the 4 cognitive batteries. CBAT marks carry 30% of final merit. Was scheduled May 24, 2026 — now postponed.
POSTPONEDNew Date TBA
3
Document Verification (DV)
Merit-qualified candidates called for DV at zonal railway HQ. Original certificates verified against application. Disqualification on mismatch.
Pending
4
Medical Examination (Standard A2)
General fitness, vision, hearing as per Railway Medical Standards A2. Group B operational medical requirements apply.
Pending
CBT Exam Pattern
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| Total Questions | 100 Questions |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Duration | 120 Minutes (2 hours) |
| Negative Marking | −1/3 mark per wrong answer |
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) — Multiple Choice Questions |
| Normalization | Applied across multi-shift exams to ensure fairness |
| Language | Hindi and English |
Subject-wise Distribution
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Topics |
|---|
| Analytical & Mathematical Capability | 60 | 60 | Number systems, simplification, data interpretation, algebra, geometry, statistics |
| Logical Capability | 20 | 20 | Syllogism, analogies, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense |
| Mental Reasoning | 20 | 20 | Abstract reasoning, visual puzzles, pattern recognition, spatial ability, non-verbal |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 120 minutes · Negative marking 1/3 |
Competition Context
With UR cut-offs ranging from 91.67 to 98.35 / 100 across zones, scoring 92–98% was required just to clear the CBT. Only 2,989 of ~10 lakh candidates achieved this — making Section Controller one of the most competitive CBT examinations in recent Railway recruitment history.
CBAT — All 5 Batteries Explained
CBAT Postponement — Extra Preparation Time
The postponement from May 24 gives you additional preparation time. Every extra T-score point in CBAT directly improves your final merit rank. Since CBAT carries 30% of the merit, a candidate scoring T=60 vs T=45 gains 4.5 marks in the final list — easily enough to separate thousands of candidates.
The Section Controller CBAT has 5 batteries totalling 165 questions, administered in a single sitting in Hindi and English with no negative marking. The first 4 batteries are cognitive tests — T-score ≥ 42 required in each. Battery 5 (Personality) is a behavioral profile with no T-score gate.
| # | Battery Name | Questions | Time | T-Score Gate |
| 1 | Intelligence Test | 35 | 10 min | T ≥ 42 |
| 2 | Selective Attention Test | 30 | 8 min | T ≥ 42 |
| 3 | Spatial Scanning Test | 40 | 8 min | T ≥ 42 |
| 4 | Information Ordering Test | 25 | 8 min | T ≥ 42 |
| 5 | Personality Test | 35 | 12 min | T ≥ 42 |
| Total | 165 | ~46 min | No negative marking |
Battery 1
🧩
Intelligence Test
35 Questions · 10 Minutes · ~18 sec/question
Identify the odd figure out from sets of 4–5 visual figures or symbols (also known as Classification Test). Tests cognitive flexibility — your ability to rapidly switch classification rules and detect the odd item. Questions escalate from simple shape-matching to multi-rule patterns involving rotation, orientation, and count.
💡 Practice single-rule then multi-rule odd-one-out sets. Mirror image and rotation drills essential. Work under strict 10-minute timer from Day 1.
Battery 2
🎯
Selective Attention Test
30 Questions · 8 Minutes · ~16 sec/question
Focus on specific target stimuli while ignoring distractors in a matrix of numbers, symbols, or characters. Directly simulates monitoring multiple trains while filtering non-critical information. Distractors are visually similar to targets — deliberately designed to create interference.
💡 Daily number / letter cancellation drills. Scan rows systematically left to right. Improves rapidly — most candidates see gains within 7–10 days of consistent practice.
Battery 3
🗺️
Spatial Scanning Test
40 Questions · 8 min + 5 min map reading
Four route maps shown — find the shortest path between two labelled points without crossing circular obstacles. 10 questions per map. The 5-minute map-reading period is active prep time, not passive reading — memorise layouts before the question timer starts. Most questions answered in under 5 seconds after thorough map study.
💡 Hardest battery — start practising on Day 1. Daily maze-solving with step-counting. Use the full 5 min instruction period; candidates who treat it as passive lose significantly.
Battery 4
📋
Information Ordering Test
25 Questions · 8 Minutes · ~24 sec/question
Two reference tables given; follow multi-step instructions to add/remove "X" markers in specific cells based on table conditions. Each question asks the final cell state after all instructions are applied. One missed instruction step cascades incorrect answers for the entire figure — the most precision-dependent battery.
💡 Read every instruction completely before acting. Apply steps one at a time. Systematic always beats fast here — rushing causes cascading errors that waste the entire figure.
Battery 5
🧠
Personality Test
35 Questions · 12 min · Two score card generate
Situational judgment scenarios + personality rating statements assess stress tolerance, safety-first orientation, team coordination, rule-following, and decision-making composure. Not a right/wrong test — evaluated as a behavioral profile. Must reflect a consistent, safety-critical professional.
💡 Be consistent throughout — contradictions create profile red flags. Prioritise safety over speed in scenarios. Answer authentically; avoid extreme responses in every statement.
T-Score — What Your Score Means
<42
Disqualified
Below minimum in any battery = no merit list regardless of CBT score
42–49
Qualified
Meets cutoff but weak CBAT contribution to final merit
50–59
Good
Above average — solid CBAT contribution to final merit
60+
Excellent
Top performer — strong 30% merit advantage over borderline qualifiers
Final Merit Formula — Section Controller CEN 04/2025
Final Score = CBT Score × 70% + Average CBAT T-Score × 30%
T ≥ 42 required in each of the 4 cognitive batteries (no category relaxation). Personality Test is evaluated as a behavioral profile — not T-scored. No negative marking in CBAT.
SC CBAT vs ALP CBAT — They Are Completely Different
Section Controller CBAT (NTPC) has 5 batteries: Intelligence Test, Selective Attention Test, Spatial Scanning Test, Information Ordering Test, Personality Test. ALP CBAT (Group C) has 6 batteries: Memory Battery, Following Direction Battery, Depth Perception Battery, Concentration Battery, Perceptual Speed Battery, Mechanical Comprehension Battery. Two separate preparation tracks are required if preparing for both. Read the full battery-wise guide →
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5All Batteries
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Salary & Career Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Level-6 |
| Basic Pay | ₹35,400 per month |
| Gross Salary (with allowances) | ₹55,000 – ₹65,000+ per month |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 8% – 24% of Basic (city-class based) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per bi-annual government revision |
| Transport Allowance | As per pay level and city category |
| Running Allowance | Additional duty-based allowance |
| Medical (RELHS) | Railway Employees Liberalised Health Scheme — self & family covered |
| Railway Travel Pass | Free / concessional travel for self, spouse, dependent children |
| Pension | New Pension Scheme (NPS) |
| Career Progression | Section Controller → Senior Section Controller → Deputy Chief Controller → Chief Controller |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of RRB Section Controller CEN 04/2025?
▼
As of May 13, 2026: CBT held February 11–12, 2026. Result declared
May 8, 2026 — 2,989 candidates shortlisted for CBAT. CBAT was tentatively scheduled May 24, 2026 but has been
postponed via official RRB notice dated 13 May 2026. New CBAT date to be announced on
rrbapply.gov.in /
rrbcdg.gov.in.
Why was Section Controller CBAT 2026 postponed?
▼
As per official RRB notice dated 13 May 2026: "CBAT examination date has been postponed and new date will be advised shortly. All terms and conditions of the earlier notice shall remain unchanged." No specific reason was stated. The CBAT was tentatively set for May 24, 2026 via a notice dated May 8, 2026.
What are the 5 batteries in the Section Controller CBAT (Psycho Test)?
▼
Section Controller CBAT has 5 batteries totalling 165 questions with no negative marking:
(1) Intelligence Test (also known as Classification Test) — 35Q, 10 min — odd-one-out, pattern grouping;
(2) Selective Attention Test — 30Q, 8 min — find targets amid distractors;
(3) Spatial Scanning Test — 40Q, 8+5 min — shortest path on route maps (hardest battery);
(4) Information Ordering Test — 25Q, 10 min — multi-step instruction following;
(5) Personality Test — 35Q, profile-based (no T-score gate).
T-score ≥ 42 required in batteries 1–4. No category relaxation. Completely different from ALP CBAT.
What is the merit formula for Section Controller?
▼
Final Merit = CBT Score × 70% + Average CBAT T-Score × 30%. Candidates must score T ≥ 42 in each of the 4 cognitive batteries — failing one disqualifies entirely. A candidate with T=60 vs T=45 gains 4.5 marks in the final merit list. CBAT is not just a qualifying gate — it is a scored component.
What were the Section Controller CBT cut-offs for 2026?
▼
Cut-offs were extremely high. UR cut-offs: Chandigarh (98.35), Ajmer & Prayagraj (97.31), Muzaffarpur (96.33), Kolkata (96.30). Lowest UR: Bhubaneswar (91.67), Patna (92.59). SC range: 75.76 (Patna) to 92.93 (Chandigarh). These are normalized scores, not raw marks. Full zone-wise PDFs are on respective RRB portals.
Where can I download my Section Controller scorecard 2026?
▼
Go to
rrbapply.gov.in or your regional RRB portal (e.g., rrbcdg.gov.in, rrbajmer.gov.in). Login with Registration Number + Date of Birth. The scorecard shows CBT marks, normalized score, CBAT shortlist status, and response sheet with correct answers.
How many days are needed to prepare for Section Controller CBAT?
▼
With structured daily practice of 90–120 minutes, most candidates achieve T-score ≥ 50 across all Section Controller CBAT batteries in 25–30 days. The Spatial Scanning Test requires the most dedicated preparation — start it on Day 1. Classification and Selective Attention improve fastest (7–10 days of consistent practice). SmartOnlineExam's Section Controller CBAT Series provides all 5 battery types with full-length timed mocks and instant T-Score feedback.
What is the salary and career path of a Section Controller?
▼
Section Controller is a Group B Gazetted post at Pay Level-6 (7th CPC), basic pay ₹35,400/month. Gross salary with all allowances: ₹55,000–₹65,000+. Permanent central government employment with RELHS medical cover, railway travel pass, and NPS pension. Career path: Section Controller → Senior Section Controller → Deputy Chief Controller → Chief Controller.
Written & Verified By
Mandeep Choudhary
Founder of SmartOnlineExam — India's first online Railway Psycho Test (CBAT) preparation platform, built in 2016. Indian Army Veteran with 11+ years of railway psycho test expertise. Has personally guided over 2,00,000 students and 17,500+ Railway selections across RRB ALP, NTPC Station Master, Section Controller, Metro Rail, and GDCE examinations. All recruitment information on this page is sourced from official RRB notifications and verified before publication.
