The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) examination to recruit eligible candidates for various graduate-level and undergraduate-level posts in Indian Railways. Candidates preparing for RRB NTPC should understand the exam pattern, subject-wise syllabus, negative marking and selection stages before starting their preparation.
The RRB NTPC examination generally includes Computer-Based Test 1 (CBT 1) and Computer-Based Test 2 (CBT 2). Depending on the post, candidates may also need to qualify for a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) or a Typing Skill Test (TST), followed by document verification and a medical examination.
This guide explains the exam pattern and syllabus using the official RRB NTPC notifications as the primary reference.
RRB NTPC Exam 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RRB Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) |
| Conducting Authority | Railway Recruitment Boards |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Recruitment Categories | Graduate and Undergraduate |
| CBT 1 Questions | 100 |
| CBT 1 Marks | 100 |
| CBT 1 Duration | 90 minutes |
| CBT 2 Questions | 120 |
| CBT 2 Marks | 120 |
| CBT 2 Duration | 90 minutes |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple-Choice Questions |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark for each incorrect answer |
| Main Subjects | General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning |
| Official Website | https://www.rrbcdg.gov.in/ |
The section-wise question distribution is indicative and may vary slightly in the actual examination. Candidates should check the notification applicable to their recruitment cycle.
RRB NTPC Selection Process 2026
The selection stages depend on the post applied for.
- CBT 1: The first computer-based examination is primarily used to screen candidates for the next stage.
- CBT 2: Shortlisted candidates appear for the second computer-based examination.
- Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Required for applicable posts, such as Station Master.
- Typing Skill Test (TST): Required for applicable typist posts, such as Junior Accounts Assistant-cum-Typist and Senior Clerk-cum-Typist.
- Document Verification: Educational, identity, category and other required documents are checked.
- Medical Examination: Candidates must meet the medical standards prescribed for their post.
Not every candidate has to take both CBAT and TST. The additional skill or aptitude test depends on the post.
RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026
CBT 1 consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying 100 marks. Candidates normally receive 90 minutes to complete the examination.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Important CBT 1 Details
- Examination mode: Computer-based
- Total questions: 100
- Maximum marks: 100
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Question type: Multiple-choice questions
- Negative marking: 1/3 mark for each wrong answer
- Purpose: Screening and shortlisting for CBT 2
Candidates eligible to use a scribe receive the additional examination time prescribed in the official notification.
RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026
CBT 2 contains 120 questions carrying 120 marks. The standard duration is 90 minutes.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Important CBT 2 Details
- Examination mode: Computer-based
- Total questions: 120
- Maximum marks: 120
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Question type: Multiple-choice questions
- Negative marking: 1/3 mark for each incorrect answer
- Purpose: Shortlisting candidates for the next stage applicable to their post
CBT 2 is important for determining merit and shortlisting candidates for subsequent selection stages.
RRB NTPC Mathematics Syllabus 2026
The Mathematics section evaluates numerical ability, calculation skills and the application of mathematical concepts. Candidates should practise basic arithmetic as well as algebra, geometry and other quantitative topics.
Topic-Wise Mathematics Syllabus
- Number System
- Decimals and Fractions
- LCM and HCF
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentage
- Profit and Loss
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Pipes and Cisterns
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Mensuration
- Elementary Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Elementary Statistics
- Average
- Age-Related Problems
- Partnership
- Data Interpretation
- Simplification
- Square Roots
- Problems on Boats and Streams
- Calendar and Clock
Mathematics Preparation Tips
- Revise multiplication tables, squares, cubes and basic calculations.
- Practise percentage, ratio, profit and loss, and interest questions regularly.
- Learn short calculation methods without sacrificing accuracy.
- Solve previous-year questions to understand question styles.
- Take timed mock tests to improve speed and time management.
RRB NTPC General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus 2026
This section assesses logical thinking, analytical ability, pattern recognition and problem-solving skills.
Topic-Wise Reasoning Syllabus
- Analogies
- Number Series
- Alphabetical Series
- Coding and Decoding
- Mathematical Operations
- Similarities and Differences
- Relationships
- Syllogism
- Venn Diagrams
- Puzzles
- Statement and Conclusion
- Statement and Assumption
- Analytical Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency
- Decision Making
- Classification
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Ranking and Ordering
- Missing Numbers
- Jumbling
- Maps
- Interpretation of Graphs
- Conclusions and Inferences
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
Reasoning Preparation Tips
- Start with series, analogy, classification and coding-decoding.
- Practise direction, blood-relation and ranking questions.
- Learn the basic rules of syllogism and Venn diagrams.
- Solve puzzles regularly to improve analytical ability.
- Review incorrect answers and understand why the correct option works.
RRB NTPC General Awareness Syllabus 2026
General Awareness has the highest number of questions in both CBT 1 and CBT 2. Candidates should prepare static general knowledge, general science and current affairs.
Current Affairs
- National and International Current Affairs
- Important Government Schemes
- Sports News and Tournaments
- Awards and Honours
- Books and Authors
- Important Appointments
- Important Days
- Science and Technology Developments
- Defence News
- Railway-Related Current Affairs
- Major National and International Events
History
- Ancient Indian History
- Medieval Indian History
- Modern Indian History
- Indian Freedom Struggle
- Important Historical Events
- Historical Personalities
- Major Movements and Reformers
Geography
- Indian Geography
- World Geography
- Physical Geography
- Rivers, Mountains and Plateaus
- Climate and Weather
- Natural Resources
- Agriculture
- Transport and Communication
- Important Geographical Locations
Indian Polity and Constitution
- Indian Constitution
- Fundamental Rights
- Fundamental Duties
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Parliament
- President and Vice-President
- Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
- Supreme Court and High Courts
- Constitutional Bodies
- Elections
- Panchayati Raj
- Local Government
Indian Economy
- Basic Economics
- Indian Economic System
- Banking and Financial System
- Union Budget
- Taxation
- Inflation
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
- Economic Planning
- Government Economic Schemes
- Important Economic Terms
General Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Basic Scientific Principles
- Everyday Applications of Science
- Important Scientific Developments
Art, Culture and Miscellaneous General Knowledge
- Indian Art and Culture
- Indian Literature
- Famous Personalities
- Historical Monuments and Places
- Important National and International Organisations
- United Nations and International Organisations
- Environmental Issues
- Flora and Fauna
- Famous Inventions and Inventors
- Transport Systems in India
Computer Awareness
Basic computer knowledge may be useful for general preparation, but candidates should prioritise the topics explicitly mentioned in the official RRB NTPC syllabus. The core CBT syllabus is centred on General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence and Reasoning.
General Awareness Preparation Tips
- Read current affairs consistently and revise important events.
- Cover Indian history, geography, polity and economics systematically.
- Revise basic Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- Practise static GK through topic-wise quizzes.
- Maintain short notes for important facts and frequently forgotten topics.
RRB NTPC CBT 1 vs CBT 2
| Particulars | CBT 1 | CBT 2 |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 questions | 50 questions |
| Mathematics | 30 questions | 35 questions |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 questions | 35 questions |
| Total Questions | 100 | 120 |
| Total Marks | 100 | 120 |
| Standard Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark | 1/3 mark |
| Main Purpose | Screening | Further shortlisting and merit |
The syllabus areas are broadly similar, but CBT 2 has more questions and requires candidates to prepare thoroughly across all three subjects.
RRB NTPC Typing Skill Test
A Typing Skill Test is applicable to certain typist posts.
For posts covered by the relevant notification, the standard typing requirements are generally:
- English: 30 words per minute
- Hindi: 25 words per minute
The typing test is qualifying in nature under the applicable recruitment rules. Candidates should check the exact post-specific instructions, software requirements and permitted typing methods in their official notification.
RRB NTPC Computer-Based Aptitude Test
CBAT applies to designated posts, including Station Master, as prescribed in the relevant notification.
Candidates should consult the official notification for:
- The posts requiring CBAT
- Minimum qualifying requirements
- Test structure and assessment rules
- The applicable weightage in the final merit calculation
Candidates should not assume that every NTPC post requires an aptitude test.
Best Preparation Strategy for RRB NTPC 2026
Daily Study Plan
| Subject | Suggested Daily Time |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 60 minutes |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 45 minutes |
| General Awareness and Science | 60 minutes |
| Current Affairs Revision | 20 minutes |
| Previous-Year Questions or Mock Test | 35 minutes |
| Total | 3 hours 40 minutes |
This is a suggested study schedule, not an official requirement. Adjust it according to your current preparation level and available time.
Weekly Preparation Plan
- Monday: Arithmetic, number system and current affairs
- Tuesday: Reasoning series, analogy and Indian history
- Wednesday: Percentage, ratio and Indian geography
- Thursday: Coding-decoding, puzzles and Indian polity
- Friday: Time and work, profit and loss, and general science
- Saturday: Mixed subject practice and previous-year questions
- Sunday: Full-length mock test, revision and error analysis
Mock Test Strategy
- Begin with topic-wise tests.
- Move to full-length CBT 1 mock tests.
- Practise CBT 2 question sets after strengthening the basics.
- Track accuracy, speed and repeated mistakes.
- Review every incorrect answer before attempting another mock test.
Important Official Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official RRB Chandigarh Website | Visit RRB Chandigarh |
| RRB NTPC Graduate Recruitment – CEN 06/2025 | Official Recruitment Notices |
| RRB NTPC Undergraduate Recruitment – CEN 07/2025 | Official Recruitment Notices |
| Official Graduate Notification PDF | Download CEN 06/2025 |
| Official Undergraduate Notification PDF | Download CEN 07/2025 |
Important: The links above relate to the specified 2025 recruitment notifications. If you are preparing for another RRB NTPC recruitment cycle, confirm the applicable CEN and syllabus before relying on these details.
.png)
