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RRB NTPC

Updated On 10 May, 2025 10:42

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Overview
About
Syllabus
Exam Dates
Analysis
Preparation and Tips

RRB NTPC Overview

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) exam is a highly competitive recruitment process conducted by the RRBs across India. It aims to fill various non-technical undergraduate and graduate-level posts within the Indian Railways. These positions include roles like Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Goods Guard, Station Master, Commercial Apprentice, and Traffic Assistant, among others. The selection typically involves multiple stages, such as Computer-Based Tests (CBT-1 and CBT-2), followed by Typing Skill Tests or Computer-Based Aptitude Tests (depending on the post), Document Verification, and Medical Examination. It is one of the largest recruitment drives in the country, attracting millions of aspirants seeking stable government jobs in the railway sector.

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Exam Date

As of April 6, 2025, here’s the status of RRB NTPC exam dates:
Previous Cycle (CEN 01/2019): The examination process (CBT-1, CBT-2, Skill Tests, Document Verification) has been completed.
Next Cycle: Official dates for the next RRB NTPC recruitment examination have not yet been announced by the Railway Recruitment Boards.

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Conducting Body

Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) – different zones conduct the exam under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India (expected).

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Exam Format

RRB NTPC - First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1): Mathematics

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Important Dates

Previous Cycle (CEN 01/2019): The examination process has been completed.
Next Cycle: Official dates have not yet been announced.

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern

Feature	Details
Exam Name	RRB NTPC
Full Form	Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories
Conducting Body	Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India
Exam Level	National
Exam Frequency	Periodically based on vacancy notifications
Exam Mode	Online (Computer-Based Tests - CBTs)
Total Marks	CBT-1: 100 Marks CBT-2: 120 Marks CBAT/Typing Test: Qualifying
Total Questions	CBT-1: 100 Questions CBT-2: 120 Questions
Posts Offered	Undergraduate Level: Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Time Keeper, Trains Clerk, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk Graduate Level: Traffic Assistant, Goods Guard, Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Senior Time Keeper, Commercial Apprentice, Station Master
Exam Fees	General/OBC (Male): ₹500 (₹400 refundable upon appearing in CBT-1) SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen/Female/Transgender/Minorities/EBC: ₹250 (Fully refundable upon appearing in CBT-1)
Exam Duration	CBT-1: 90 minutes CBT-2: 90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates)
Marking Scheme	+1 for correct, -1/3 for incorrect, 0 for unanswered
Medium of Examination	English, Hindi, and multiple regional languages
Official Website	Visit respective RRB websites (e.g., rrbkolkata.gov.in, rrbmumbai.gov.in) Central notifications: Indian Railways Official Site
Contact Details	Available on the respective RRB zone’s official website

Section-wise Exam Pattern

CBT-1: First Stage Computer Based Test

Section / Subject	No. of Questions
Mathematics	30
General Intelligence and Reasoning	30
General Awareness	40
Total Questions	100
Composite Duration	90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD)

CBT-2: Second Stage Computer Based Test

Section / Subject	No. of Questions
Mathematics	35
General Intelligence and Reasoning	35
General Awareness	50
Total Questions	120
Composite Duration	90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD)

RRB NTPC Exam Syllabus

1. Mathematics

Arithmetic:

Number System
Decimals
Fractions
LCM, HCF
Ratio and Proportion
Percentage
Mensuration
Time and Work
Time and Distance
Simple and Compound Interest
Profit and Loss

Advanced Topics (Basic):

Elementary Algebra
Geometry and Trigonometry
Elementary Statistics (Data Interpretation)

Generally covers topics up to 10th Standard level.

2. General Intelligence and Reasoning

Logical Reasoning:

Analogies
Completion of Number and Alphabetical Series
Coding and Decoding
Mathematical Operations
Similarities and Differences
Relationships
Analytical Reasoning
Syllogism
Jumbling
Venn Diagrams
Puzzle

Problem Solving & Analysis:

Data Sufficiency
Statement-Conclusion
Statement-Courses of Action
Decision Making
Interpretation of Graphs/Maps

Includes both Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

3. General Awareness

Current Events:

National and International Importance (Current Affairs)

Static GK:

Games and Sports
Art and Culture of India
Indian Literature
Monuments and Places of India
Awards, Books & Authors

Social Science:

History of India (especially Freedom Struggle)
Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and World
Indian Polity and Governance (Constitution & Political System)
Basic Economics

General Science:

Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences (up to 10th Standard CBSE level)

Other Topics:

Basics of Computers and Computer Applications
Environmental Issues
Transport Systems in India
Important Government/Public Sector Organizations
UN & World Organizations
Flagship Government Programs

4. Eligibility Criteria

Prospective students need to apply through the university's online application portal or by obtaining an application form from the university.
This involves providing personal and academic details.

RRB NTPC Syllabus & Key Information

Exam Syllabus

The RRB NTPC exam consists of the following main sections:

Mathematics
General Intelligence and Reasoning
General Awareness

Key Dates

As of April 6, 2025: The examination process (CBT-1, CBT-2, Skill Tests, Document Verification) for the last major NTPC recruitment under CEN 01/2019 has been completed.
Next Cycle: Official dates for the next RRB NTPC recruitment examination have not yet been announced by the Railway Recruitment Boards.

Admit Card Download

Visit the official website of the specific RRB zone you applied to (e.g., RRB Kolkata, RRB Mumbai, etc.).
Find the link titled "Download E-call letter for RRB NTPC" (mentioning the specific exam stage like CBT-1, CBT-2, CBAT, etc., and the relevant notification number, e.g., CEN 01/2019).
This link is usually active about 4 days before your scheduled exam date.
Click the link and enter your Registration Number and Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY format).
Click the login/submit button.
Your admit card will appear on the screen.
Download the PDF and take a clear printout.
Carefully check all details on the admit card and read all instructions thoroughly.

RRB NTPC Answer Key

Step 1: Release of Provisional Answer Key & Response Sheet:

When: A few days after the conclusion of a specific CBT exam stage.
What: Provisional answer key, response sheets, and question papers are uploaded.
Purpose: Allows candidates to verify answers and estimate raw scores.

Objection Raising Window:

When: Typically open for 3–7 days from the release of the provisional key.
What: Candidates can raise objections online with justification and a nominal fee per question (refunded if upheld).
Purpose: Ensures fairness and accuracy in the answer key.

Review of Objections & Final Answer Key:

Subject experts review all objections.
If valid, corrections are made and a final answer key is issued.
Marks may be awarded to all if a question is dropped.

Result Calculation:

Raw Score: (Correct Answers × 1) - (Incorrect Answers × 1/3). Unanswered = 0 marks.
Normalization: Adjusts scores across shifts with different difficulty levels using a published formula.
Outcome: Normalized scores (used for merit listing) may differ from raw scores.

Result Declaration:

RRB publishes a list of shortlisted candidates for the next recruitment stage (e.g., CBT-2, Skill Test, Document Verification).
Individual scorecards showing raw and normalized scores are also usually released later.

Understanding the RRB NTPC Exam

RRB NTPC Exam Analysis (General Trends)

Overall Difficulty: The exams (CBT-1 and CBT-2) generally range from Easy to Moderate in terms of question difficulty. However, the competition is extremely high due to the vast number of applicants, making it challenging to secure a position.

CBT-1 vs CBT-2: CBT-2 is generally considered slightly tougher and more comprehensive than CBT-1.

Key Sections:

Mathematics: Questions are mostly based on Class 10th level concepts. Arithmetic topics (Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Time Speed & Distance, SI/CI, Ratio & Proportion) usually dominate. Data Interpretation, Mensuration, basic Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry are also important. Focus is often on conceptual understanding and calculation speed. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

General Intelligence & Reasoning: This section tests logical and analytical skills. Common topics include Series (Number, Alphabet), Coding-Decoding, Analogy, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Puzzles, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Statement-based questions (Conclusions, Assumptions). Usually a high-scoring area with adequate practice. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

General Awareness: This is the most extensive section. It includes:

Current Affairs: Significant weightage (events from the last 6-12 months prior to the exam). Focus on national/international news, government schemes, awards, sports, appointments.
Static GK: Indian History (especially Modern History/Freedom Struggle), Geography (Indian & World basics), Indian Polity & Constitution, Art & Culture, Important Days, Books & Authors.
General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics (up to Class 10th level). Often includes everyday science applications.
Miscellaneous: Basic Computer Knowledge, Environmental Issues, Important Organizations (National/International).

Difficulty: Moderate (due to the vast syllabus and need for regular updates).

Emphasis: Speed and accuracy are crucial due to the limited time per question. Normalization plays a significant role in final score calculation due to exams being held in multiple shifts.

RRB NTPC Preparation Tips

1️⃣ Know Syllabus & Pattern: Thoroughly understand the official syllabus, exam pattern (stages, number of questions, marks, duration), and negative marking scheme.

2️⃣ Create a Timetable: Design a realistic study schedule, allocating sufficient time to each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. Include slots for revision and practice.

3️⃣ Build Strong Basics: Focus on clearing fundamental concepts, especially in Mathematics and Science (using NCERTs can be helpful).

4️⃣ Practice Extensively: Solve previous year question papers (PYQs) to understand the question types, difficulty level, and important topics. Regularly practice topic-wise questions.

5️⃣ Master Time Management: Work on improving your speed and accuracy. Take timed quizzes and mock tests to simulate exam conditions.

6️⃣ Focus on General Awareness: Read newspapers daily, follow reliable current affairs websites/magazines, and make notes for Static GK and Current Affairs topics. Pay special attention to General Science basics.

7️⃣ Attempt Mock Tests: Regularly take full-length online mock tests. Analyze your performance, identify weak areas, and work on improving them. Get accustomed to the online testing interface.

8️⃣ Revise Regularly: Consistent revision of concepts, formulas, GK facts, and current affairs is vital for retention. Make short notes for quick reviews.

9️⃣ Stay Healthy & Positive: Ensure adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Maintain a positive mindset throughout your preparation.

Recommended Books for Preparation

1️⃣ Mathematics:

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma (Arihant)
NCERT Maths textbooks (Class 6-10) - For Basics
Platform/Rukmini Prakashan RRB Maths Solved Papers/Practice Books

2️⃣ General Intelligence & Reasoning:

A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
Platform/Rukmini Prakashan RRB Reasoning Books
Kiran Prakashan Reasoning Chapterwise Solved Papers

3️⃣ General Awareness:

Lucent's General Knowledge (Excellent for Static GK)
NCERT Textbooks (Class 6-10 for Science, Social Studies - History, Geography, Polity)
Newspapers: The Hindu / Indian Express (for Current Affairs)
Monthly Magazines: Pratiyogita Darpan / Competition Success Review / Chronicle or Online Compilations (GKToday, AffairsCloud, StudyIQ etc.)
Manorama Year Book (Comprehensive overview)
Platform/Rukmini Prakashan General Knowledge/Science Books for Railways

4️⃣ Overall Practice & Previous Year Papers:

Kiran Prakashan RRB NTPC Solved Papers
Platform (Rukmini Prakashan) RRB NTPC Practice Sets / Question Banks
Online Mock Test Series from reputable platforms (Testbook, Oliveboard, Adda247, Gradeup/Byju's Exam Prep etc.)

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> Exams > RRB NTPC

RRB NTPC

Updated On 10 May, 2025 10:42

Ask Us