The RRB NTPC Syllabus 2026 includes Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness for both CBT 1 and CBT 2. CBT 1 consists of 100 questions, while CBT 2 consists of 120 questions. Candidates receive 90 minutes in each stage, and one-third of a mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
The Railway Recruitment Board conducts the RRB Non-Technical Popular Categories examination to recruit candidates for graduate-level and undergraduate-level railway posts. Although the subjects remain the same in CBT 1 and CBT 2, the second-stage examination includes more questions and generally requires deeper conceptual understanding.
Candidates should use the syllabus as a preparation checklist and cover every prescribed topic before moving to full-length RRB NTPC mock tests.
The RRB NTPC syllabus 2026 is the subject-wise list of topics prescribed by the Railway Recruitment Board for the NTPC computer-based examinations. It tests candidates in numerical ability, logical reasoning, current affairs, general knowledge, science, history, geography, polity, economics, and computer awareness.
The three subjects included in the RRB NTPC syllabus are:
The same broad subjects apply to CBT 1 and CBT 2. However, CBT 2 contains 120 questions instead of 100 and may include questions requiring greater speed and conceptual application.
The following table summarizes the main features of the RRB NTPC exam.
| Particular | Details |
| Exam name | RRB Non-Technical Popular Categories Examination |
| Conducting authority | Railway Recruitment Board |
| Graduate-level posts | Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor, Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist and Senior Clerk cum Typist |
| Undergraduate-level posts | Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Clerk cum Typist and Trains Clerk |
| Selection stages | CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT or Typing Skill Test where applicable, Document Verification and Medical Examination |
| Subjects | Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness |
| CBT 1 pattern | 100 questions for 100 marks |
| CBT 2 pattern | 120 questions for 120 marks |
| Examination mode | Online computer-based test |
| Duration | 90 minutes for each CBT |
| Negative marking | One-third mark for each incorrect answer |
| Question type | Objective multiple-choice questions |
| Examination languages | English, Hindi and other regional languages notified by RRB |
The RRB NTPC exam pattern consists of two computer-based tests followed by post-specific skill or aptitude tests. Both CBT 1 and CBT 2 include the same three subjects, but their question distribution differs.
CBT 1 is the first-stage screening examination. It contains 100 objective questions carrying one mark each.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Duration: 90 minutes
Negative marking: One-third mark for every incorrect answer
CBT 1 scores are used to shortlist candidates for CBT 2. Therefore, candidates must achieve the applicable normalized cut-off prescribed for their category and RRB zone.
CBT 2 contains 120 questions for 120 marks. General Awareness continues to carry the highest weightage.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Duration: 90 minutes
Negative marking: One-third mark for every incorrect answer
CBT 2 performance is important because candidates are shortlisted for post-specific tests and subsequent selection stages based on their marks, preferences and eligibility.
Know about RRB NTPC salary structure, in-hand, career growth, etc.
Yes, the broad RRB NTPC syllabus for CBT 1 and CBT 2 is the same. Both stages cover Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness.
However, the examination pattern differs:
| Feature | CBT 1 | CBT 2 |
| Total questions | 100 | 120 |
| Total marks | 100 | 120 |
| General Awareness questions | 40 | 50 |
| Mathematics questions | 30 | 35 |
| Reasoning questions | 30 | 35 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Negative marking | One-third mark | One-third mark |
Because CBT 2 contains more questions within the same duration, candidates need stronger calculation speed, accuracy and time management.
Candidates can download the RRB NTPC Syllabus PDF from the detailed recruitment notification published on an official regional RRB website. The notification includes the exam pattern, subject-wise syllabus, post details, eligibility conditions and selection process.
Candidates should download the notification applicable to their level:
Keep the syllabus PDF saved on your phone or computer and mark each topic after completing concept study, practice questions and revision.
The subject-wise RRB NTPC syllabus includes arithmetic and basic advanced mathematics, verbal and analytical reasoning, and a wide range of general awareness topics.
The RRB NTPC General Awareness syllabus covers current affairs, history, geography, polity, economics, general science, computer awareness and static general knowledge.
General Awareness has the highest weightage, with 40 questions in CBT 1 and 50 questions in CBT 2.
Candidates should prepare:
Important areas include:
Prepare the following topics:
This area includes:
General Science questions are generally based on school-level concepts, particularly:
Candidates should study:
The static GK portion may cover:
Important computer topics include:
The RRB NTPC Mathematics syllabus tests arithmetic ability, calculation speed and the application of basic mathematical concepts.
Candidates should prepare:
This part covers:
Important topics include:
Candidates should prepare:
This portion may include:
The RRB NTPC General Intelligence and Reasoning syllabus evaluates logical thinking, pattern recognition, analytical ability and decision-making.
Important topics include:
Candidates should prepare:
This portion includes:
Important areas include:
| Related Articles | |
| RRB NTPC Practice Questions | Top 10 Mistakes RRB NTPC Aspirants Make |
| RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria | RRB NTPC Salary |
| RRB NTPC Cut Off | RRB NTPC Preparation Resources |
RRB does not guarantee a fixed chapter-wise distribution in every shift. However, previous examination trends can help candidates estimate which topics may require more preparation.
The ranges below are indicative and may vary by exam shift.
| Topic | Expected Questions in CBT 1 | Expected Questions in CBT 2 |
| Number System | 3–4 | 4–5 |
| Simplification | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Decimals and Fractions | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| LCM and HCF | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Ratio and Proportion | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Percentage | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Mensuration | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Time and Work/Pipes and Cisterns | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Time, Speed and Distance | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Simple and Compound Interest | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Profit and Loss | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Elementary Algebra | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Geometry and Trigonometry | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Statistics and Ages | Around 1 | 1–2 |
| Data Interpretation | Around 1 | 2–3 |
| Topic | Expected Questions in CBT 1 | Expected Questions in CBT 2 |
| Analogies | 3–4 | 4–5 |
| Number and Alphabet Series | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Coding-Decoding | 3–4 | 4–5 |
| Mathematical Operations | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Similarities and Differences | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Blood Relations | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Analytical Reasoning | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Syllogism | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Jumbling | Around 1 | 1–2 |
| Venn Diagrams | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Puzzles and Seating Arrangements | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Data Sufficiency | Around 1 | 1–2 |
| Statement and Conclusion | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Decision Making | Around 1 | 1–2 |
| Maps and Graph Interpretation | Around 1 | 1–2 |
| Topic | Expected Questions in CBT 1 | Expected Questions in CBT 2 |
| National and International Current Affairs | 10–12 | 12–15 |
| History of India | 5–6 | 6–8 |
| Geography of India and the World | 3–4 | 4–5 |
| Indian Polity and Governance | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Indian Economy | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| General Science | 7–8 | 8–10 |
| Art and Culture | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Indian Literature | Around 1 | 1–2 |
| Monuments and Important Places | Around 1 | 1–2 |
| Science and Technology Developments | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| UN and International Organizations | Around 1 | 1–2 |
| Environmental Issues | Around 1 | 1–2 |
| Computer Basics and Applications | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Famous Personalities | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Other Static GK Topics | 5–7 | 7–9 |
Candidates should not treat these ranges as an official question distribution. Instead, use them to prioritize revision while completing the entire official syllabus.
The RRB NTPC graduate-level syllabus includes Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness. It applies to posts such as Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor, Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist and Senior Clerk cum Typist.
The written syllabus remains broadly common across these posts. However, the post-selection stage differs:
| Graduate-level post | Post-specific test |
| Station Master | Computer-Based Aptitude Test |
| Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist | Typing Skill Test |
| Senior Clerk cum Typist | Typing Skill Test |
| Goods Train Manager | No typing test or CBAT under the standard process |
| Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor | No typing test or CBAT under the standard process |
Candidates should verify post-specific requirements in the applicable official RRB NTPC notification.
The RRB NTPC undergraduate-level syllabus also covers Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness.
It applies to posts such as:
Candidates applying for Accounts Clerk cum Typist and Junior Clerk cum Typist must also qualify for the prescribed Typing Skill Test.
The RRB NTPC Computer-Based Aptitude Test, commonly called CBAT or the Psycho Test, is a post-specific aptitude examination for candidates shortlisted for the Station Master post.
Unlike CBT 1 and CBT 2, CBAT does not primarily test Mathematics, General Awareness or conventional reasoning topics. It evaluates abilities relevant to operational railway responsibilities, including:
Candidates must qualify in each prescribed test battery according to the applicable RRB rules. Negative marking is generally not applied in CBAT, but candidates should confirm the conditions given in their recruitment notification and call letter.
The RRB NTPC Typing Skill Test is a qualifying examination for candidates applying for specified clerical and accounts posts.
Candidates must achieve:
The test is conducted on a computer. Its marks are not normally added to the final merit score, but qualifying is compulsory for the applicable posts.
The Typing Skill Test generally applies to:
Candidates should practice typing regularly without relying on editing tools, autocorrect or typing assistance.
Remember the following points while preparing:
Candidates should divide the syllabus into concept building, topic-wise practice, revision and mock-test analysis.
Use standard school-level books and reliable exam resources to understand arithmetic, algebra, geometry and general science. Avoid beginning with difficult mock tests before learning the underlying concepts.
Divide the syllabus into daily targets. A sample schedule may include:
| Subject | Suggested Daily Time |
| Mathematics | 2 hours |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 1.5 hours |
| General Awareness and Current Affairs | 2 hours |
| Revision and error analysis | 30–60 minutes |
Candidates may adjust this timetable according to their strengths, available time and examination stage.
Previous-year papers help candidates understand:
Full-length mock tests help improve:
After each test, review incorrect answers, skipped questions and questions that consumed excessive time.
Set aside at least 30 minutes each day for current affairs. Prepare concise notes for:
Record formulas, misunderstood concepts and repeated mistakes in one notebook. Revise it before every sectional or full-length mock test.
Because one-third mark is deducted for a wrong answer, random guessing can reduce the final score. Attempt questions after eliminating incorrect options and monitoring accuracy.
Use the following completion sequence:
This method ensures that candidates do not merely read the syllabus but also practice and revise every important area.
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The RRB NTPC syllabus 2026 includes Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness. The same subjects are tested in CBT 1 and CBT 2.
The RRB NTPC syllabus 2026 is the prescribed list of topics used to test candidates for graduate-level and undergraduate-level Non-Technical Popular Categories posts in Indian Railways.
Yes. One-third of a mark is deducted for every incorrect answer in CBT 1 and CBT 2.
RRB NTPC CBT 1 contains 100 questions for 100 marks. General Awareness has 40 questions, while Mathematics and Reasoning have 30 questions each.
RRB NTPC CBT 2 contains 120 questions for 120 marks. It includes 50 General Awareness questions, 35 Mathematics questions and 35 Reasoning questions.
The Mathematics syllabus covers Number System, Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Profit and Loss, Interest, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration and Statistics.
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