RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025: CBT 1, CBT 2, Skill Test & Marking Scheme

If you are dreaming of a job in the Indian Railways through the RRB NTPC exam, the first thing you need to know is the RRB NTPC Exam Pattern. The RRB NTPC selection process is divided into simple stages. First, you have to clear CBT 1 (Prelims), which is just a screening or qualifying round. If you pass the CBT 1 exam, you move to CBT 2 (Mains), which is merit-based and responsible to decide your job. After that, depending on your post, you might have a Typing Test or an Aptitude Test. In this article, we have broken down the complete RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 in very simple words, so you know section involved, the total and section-wise marks, total exam timings, etc.

RRB NTPC Selection Process

RRB NTPC exam consists of several stages. For getting selection, you are required to qualify at each stage. Below, we have mentioned the systematic selection process for the RRB NTPC recruitment.

• 1st Stage: Computer-Based Test (CBT-1)
• 2nd Stage: Computer-Based Test (CBT-2)
• 3rd Stage: Typing Skill Test/Computer-Based Aptitude Test (as applicable)
• Document Verification/Medical Examination

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025

The exam is conducted in two main written stages. Let's look at them one by one.

RRB NTPC Stage 1 (CBT 1) Pattern

CBT 1 is just a qualifying exam whose main purpose is to shortlist the candidates for the CBT 2 exam. The marks will not be added to your final result. You just need to clear the cut-off.

• Total Questions: 100
• Time Allowed: 90 Minutes (1.5 Hours)
• Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Note: Even though it is qualifying, the competition is high, so you need a good score to pass the cutoff.

RRB NTPC Stage 2 (CBT 2) Pattern

This is the most important stage of the recruitment process. The marks you score in CBT 2 will determine your rank. The syllabus is the same as CBT 1, but the difficulty level is higher, and you have to solve more questions in the same amount of time.

• Total Questions: 120 (20 more than CBT 1)
• Time Allowed: 90 Minutes (Same as CBT 1)
• Challenge: Speed is the key here because you have less than 1 minute per question.

RRB NTPC Skill Tests (Stage 3)

After clearing CBT 2, some candidates will have to face a Skill Test based on the post they applied for.

1. Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)

RRB NTPC CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test) will be conducted only for candidates who have opted for Station Master. To qualify for the test, candidates are required to secure a minimum T-score of 42 in each of the tests. This applies to all candidates irrespective of community or category, and no relaxation in the minimum T- Score is permissible.

2. Typing Skill Test

• Who takes it? Candidates applying for Clerk and Typist posts (like Junior Clerk, Senior Clerk, Accounts Clerk).
• Speed Required:
  • English: 30 words per minute (WPM).
  • Hindi: 25 words per minute (WPM).
• Note: This test is qualifying in nature (you just need to pass).

RRB NTPC Negative Marking 2025

In both CBT 1 and CBT 2, there is a strict penalty for guessing wrong answers.

• Penalty: 1/3rd mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
• Example: If you get 3 questions wrong, you will lose 1 full mark from your correct score.
• Unattempted Questions: No marks are deducted if you leave a question blank.