The RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026 helps candidates understand the stages of the Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories examination. It explains the number of questions, total marks, exam duration, subjects, and negative marking for CBT 1 and CBT 2. Candidates applying for specific posts may also need to qualify for the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) or Typing Skill Test (TST). In this blog, you will find the complete exam pattern, marking scheme, selection process, qualifying marks, and preparation tips for RRB NTPC 2026.
The Railway Recruitment Board conducts the Non-Technical Popular Categories examination to recruit candidates for different graduate-level and undergraduate-level posts in Indian Railways.
The RRB NTPC exam pattern explains how the examination is organised and how candidates are assessed. Before starting preparation, check the following details.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | RRB NTPC 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Full Form | Non-Technical Popular Categories |
| Exam Mode | Online Computer-Based Test |
| First Stage | CBT 1 |
| Second Stage | CBT 2 |
| Additional Tests | CBAT or TST, depending on the post |
| Final Stages | Document Verification and Medical Examination |
| Subjects | General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning |
| CBT 1 Questions | 100 |
| CBT 2 Questions | 120 |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark for each wrong answer |
RRB NTPC CBT 1 is the first stage of the examination. Its main purpose is to shortlist candidates for CBT 2. The questions test basic knowledge of General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence and Reasoning.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Important Details of RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern
Start by learning the basic concepts of all three subjects. Then practise questions from each topic and gradually move to timed tests. For General Awareness, revise important events and basic facts regularly. For Mathematics, practise calculations and learn formulas. For Reasoning, solve different question types and focus on accuracy.
You can also practise using RRB NTPC Previous Year Question Papers to understand the style of questions asked in earlier examinations.
RRB NTPC CBT 2 is the second stage of the selection process. It includes more questions than CBT 1 and plays an important role in shortlisting candidates for the next stage.
The question level and recruitment requirements may vary according to the level of the post. Candidates should therefore check the notification for their chosen graduate or undergraduate post.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern for CBT 2
Once you have covered the basics for CBT 1, increase the level of your practice. Solve questions with a timer and review every mistake.
Give regular attention to General Awareness because it has the highest number of questions in both CBT stages. At the same time, practise Mathematics and Reasoning to improve your speed and accuracy. Attempt full-length mock tests to understand how well you manage all three subjects within the available time.
The main difference between the two computer-based examinations under the RRB NTPC Exam Pattern is the number of questions and marks. Both stages require good subject knowledge, careful question selection, and regular timed practice. Do not prepare only for CBT 1 and leave CBT 2 preparation until the results are announced.
| Particulars | CBT 1 | CBT 2 |
| Total Questions | 100 | 120 |
| Total Marks | 100 | 120 |
| General Awareness | 40 questions | 50 questions |
| Mathematics | 30 questions | 35 questions |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 questions | 35 questions |
| Standard Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark | 1/3 mark |
| Main Purpose | Screening | Further assessment and shortlisting |
The RRB NTPC marking scheme tells you how marks are awarded and deducted for correct and incorrect answers. Understanding it can help you avoid unnecessary guesses. The same basic marking rule applies to CBT 1 and CBT 2.
| Type of Response | Marks |
| Correct Answer | +1 |
| Incorrect Answer | -1/3 |
| Unattempted Question | 0 |
Your final score may be subject to the official evaluation and normalization process where applicable. Suppose you answer 60 questions correctly and 10 questions incorrectly.
The examination may be conducted in multiple shifts. Normalization is a method used to account for differences in the difficulty level of different shifts. Candidates should rely on the official rules for how normalized scores are used in shortlisting and merit preparation.
The minimum qualifying percentage is the basic score requirement prescribed for a category. Meeting this percentage does not guarantee selection because shortlisting also depends on merit, vacancies, and the applicable recruitment rules.
The qualifying percentages stated in the available exam-pattern references are:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage |
| Unreserved (UR) | 40% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 40% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 30% |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 30% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 25% |
Relaxation may apply to eligible PwBD candidates in specific circumstances, as prescribed by the Railway Recruitment Board.
These are qualifying percentages, not expected cut-off marks. The actual shortlisting score can be higher and may vary by RRB, category, post, and recruitment cycle. For updates, check the RRB NTPC Cut-Off.
The Computer-Based Aptitude Test is an additional stage under the RRB NTPC Exam Pattern for candidates applying for posts such as Station Master and Traffic Assistant, where specified in the recruitment notification. This test checks whether candidates have the aptitude needed for the relevant job. It is different from the regular computer-based examinations.
Important Details of CBAT
For the recruitment rules described in the available references, the merit calculation for relevant posts gives 70% weightage to CBT 2 and 30% to CBAT. Candidates should confirm this requirement in their specific notification.
The aptitude test may assess different abilities through test batteries. Practise following instructions carefully and working accurately under time pressure. These can include:
The Typing Skill Test is required for specific posts that involve typing duties, such as Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Junior Clerk cum Typist, and Accounts Clerk cum Typist, according to the applicable recruitment notification.
As per the RRB NTPC exam pattern, the test is qualifying in nature. This means candidates must meet the required typing standard to continue in the recruitment process.
Typing Skill Test Requirements
| Language | Required Typing Speed |
| English | 30 words per minute |
| Hindi | 25 words per minute |
Important Points About TST
Practise typing every day for a short, fixed period. Focus on accuracy before trying to increase your speed. Use practice passages in your chosen language and check how many words you type correctly in one minute. As you improve, practise for the required duration without stopping.
After the required computer-based and skill or aptitude tests, shortlisted candidates are called for Document Verification and the Medical Examination, as applicable. During Document Verification, the authorities check the details and certificates submitted by candidates. Make sure that your name, date of birth, educational qualifications, category details, and other information match your official records.
The Medical Examination checks whether candidates meet the medical standards prescribed for their posts. These standards may differ according to the nature of the job. Passing the written examinations alone does not complete the recruitment process. Candidates must meet all applicable eligibility and selection requirements.
The recruitment includes graduate-level and undergraduate-level posts. The examination structure has common computer-based stages, but later requirements may differ by post.
Depending on the post, candidates may need to qualify for a Typing Skill Test or CBAT after the computer-based examinations.
Graduate-level recruitment may include posts such as:
Typing requirements apply to the relevant clerk and accounts posts. Other posts follow the stages specified in the official notification.
Undergraduate-level recruitment may include posts such as:
The same stages under the RRB NTPC Exam Pattern do not apply to every post in exactly the same way. Checking the post-wise requirements helps you prepare for the correct additional test and avoid missing an important qualifying stage.
Before applying, review the official notification for the post’s educational requirements, typing or aptitude test, medical standards, and document requirements.
A simple preparation plan can help you cover the syllabus without feeling overwhelmed. The RRB NTPC Exam Pattern can guide you in dividing your time between General Awareness, Mathematics, and Reasoning. Practise topic-wise questions, take timed mock tests, and analyse your mistakes regularly to improve your speed and accuracy.
Step 1: Understand the Exam Structure – Start by learning the number of questions, marks, time limit, and subjects in CBT 1 and CBT 2. Also check whether your chosen post requires CBAT or TST.
Step 2: Complete the Basic Concepts – Study Mathematics, General Awareness, and Reasoning topic by topic. Do not rush through the basics just to finish the syllabus quickly.
Step 3: Practise Topic-Wise Questions – After completing each topic, solve related questions. This helps you check whether you understand the concept and can apply it correctly.
Step 4: Solve Previous Year Papers – Attempt previous year papers to understand the style and difficulty of questions asked in earlier recruitment cycles. Use a timer when you are ready for exam-like practice.
Step 5: Take Mock Tests – Mock tests help you practise the full examination and understand how well you manage time across subjects.
Step 6: Analyse Your Mistakes – After every test, check your incorrect answers, slow questions, and unattempted questions. Identify whether the problem was a weak concept, a calculation error, or poor time management.
Step 7: Revise Regularly – Set aside time to revise formulas, General Awareness notes, and important reasoning methods. Regular revision helps you remember what you have studied. A useful preparation cycle is: Learn → Practise → Attempt a Mock Test → Analyse → Revise → Repeat.
The selection process includes different stages depending on the post you choose. Candidates must qualify for the stages applicable to their post to move forward in the recruitment process.
The main stages are:
Not every candidate needs to take both CBAT and TST. The applicable test depends on the post mentioned in the official notification. For complete recruitment details, read the RRB NTPC Notification 2026.
The RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026 explains the structure of CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, and the Typing Skill Test for applicable posts. CBT 1 contains 100 questions for 100 marks, while CBT 2 contains 120 questions for 120 marks. Both computer-based examinations have a standard duration of 90 minutes and a negative marking of one-third of a mark for each incorrect answer.
To prepare effectively, understand the exam structure, build strong basics in General Awareness, Mathematics, and Reasoning, and practise with previous year papers and mock tests. Also check the requirements for your chosen post, as some candidates must qualify for an additional aptitude or typing test. Visit PracticeMock for additional exam preparation resources.
The examination includes CBT 1 and CBT 2, followed by CBAT or a Typing Skill Test for applicable posts. Document Verification and a Medical Examination are conducted at the relevant stage. The exact requirements depend on the post and official notification.
CBT 1 has 100 objective-type questions for 100 marks. It includes General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence and Reasoning.
CBT 2 has 120 objective-type questions for 120 marks. The paper includes 50 General Awareness questions, 35 Mathematics questions, and 35 General Intelligence and Reasoning questions.
The standard duration of CBT 1 and CBT 2 is 90 minutes each. Eligible PwBD candidates may receive 120 minutes, subject to the applicable rules.
Yes. One-third of a mark is deducted for each incorrect answer in CBT 1 and CBT 2. No negative marking applies to CBAT under the stated rules.
The three main subjects are General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence and Reasoning. Their question distribution differs between CBT 1 and CBT 2.
The qualifying percentages stated in the available references are 40% for UR and EWS, 30% for OBC and SC, and 25% for ST. Applicable relaxations and the current notification should be checked before relying on these figures.
CBT 1 is primarily a screening stage used to shortlist candidates for CBT 2. The normalized scores are used according to the prescribed recruitment rules.
No. CBAT is required only for the posts specified in the official notification, such as Station Master and Traffic Assistant where applicable.
The prescribed speed is 30 words per minute in English or 25 words per minute in Hindi for applicable posts. Candidates must follow the official typing test instructions.
CBT 1 is mainly used for screening and shortlisting candidates for CBT 2. The final merit calculation depends on the post and the applicable recruitment rules, including any required aptitude test.
Understand the question distribution and time limit, cover all three subjects, practise previous year papers, and take regular mock tests. Analyse your mistakes and revise weak areas.
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