RRB NTPC Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026

Selection Process

• Phase 1: Computer-Based Test 1 (CBT 1)
• Phase 2: Computer-Based Test 2 (CBT 2)
• Phase 3: Typing Skill Test (TST) or Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
• Phase 4: Document Verification (DV) & Medical Examination (ME)

• CBT 1 is qualifying in nature; its normalized score is used for shortlisting candidates (approximately 20 times the vacancies) for CBT 2.
• CBT 2 is a screening and scoring round, with its marks included in the final merit list.
• All questions in both CBTs are Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect answer in both CBTs.
• No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
• Scores are normalized to ensure fairness across different exam sessions due to varying difficulty levels.
• The Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) is mandatory only for the Station Master post, requiring a minimum T-score of 42 in each test battery.
• The Typing Skill Test (TST) requires a minimum typing speed of 30 words per minute (WPM) in English or 25 WPM in Hindi.

General Awareness

• Current Events: National and International importance.
• History of India: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History.
• Geography: Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and World.
• Indian Polity & Constitution: Political System, Constitution, Public Administration.
• Indian Economy: Basic features, Economic Reforms, Planning.
• Environmental Issues: Global warming, Pollution, Conservation.
• General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences (up to 10th CBSE standard).
• Art & Culture: Indian Art forms, Literature, Music, Dance.
• Sports: Major events, Personalities, Awards.
• General Knowledge: Important organizations, Books & Authors, Inventions & Discoveries.

Mathematics

• Number System: Integers, Rational & Irrational numbers.
• Decimals & Fractions: Operations on decimals and fractions.
• LCM & HCF: Least Common Multiple and Highest Common Factor.
• Ratio & Proportion: Direct and Inverse proportion.
• Percentage: Applications in various problems.
• Mensuration: Area, Volume of 2D and 3D shapes.
• Time & Work: Work efficiency, Pipes & Cisterns.
• Time & Distance: Speed, Distance, Trains, Boats & Streams.
• Simple & Compound Interest: Calculations and applications.
• Profit & Loss: Discount, Markup price.
• Elementary Algebra: Basic algebraic identities, Linear equations.
• Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles.
• Trigonometry: Basic trigonometric ratios, Heights & Distances.
• Elementary Statistics: Mean, Median, Mode, Data Interpretation.

General Intelligence & Reasoning

• Analogies: Word, Number, Letter analogies.
• Completion of Number and Alphabetical Series: Identifying patterns.
• Coding & Decoding: Various types of coding.
• Mathematical Operations: Arithmetic reasoning, Symbol substitution.
• Similarities & Differences: Identifying common and distinct features.
• Relationships: Blood relations, Family tree.
• Analytical Reasoning: Logical deductions.
• Syllogism: Drawing conclusions from statements.
• Jumbling: Rearranging words/sentences.
• Venn Diagrams: Representing relationships between categories.
• Puzzle: Seating arrangement, Floor-based puzzles.
• Data Sufficiency: Determining if given data is sufficient to answer.
• Statement-Conclusion: Evaluating logical conclusions.
• Statement-Courses of Action: Identifying appropriate actions.
• Decision Making: Problem-solving scenarios.
• Maps: Direction sense, Distance.
• Interpretation of Graphs: Bar graphs, Pie charts, Line graphs.

• Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the RRB NTPC syllabus for both CBT 1 and CBT 2 to identify all topics.
• Create a Study Plan: Develop a realistic daily and weekly study schedule, allocating dedicated time for each subject based on its weightage and your strengths.
• Focus on Basics: Strengthen your fundamental concepts in Mathematics and General Intelligence & Reasoning before moving to advanced problems.
• Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers, magazines, and online resources to stay updated with daily current events for the General Awareness section.
• Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve RRB NTPC Previous Year Question Papers diligently to understand exam trends, question types, and time management.
• Take Mock Tests: Regularly attempt full-length mock tests under timed conditions to improve speed, accuracy, and identify weak areas for improvement.
• Revision: Dedicate sufficient time for daily and weekly revision of all subjects and important formulas to ensure retention.
• Typing Practice: If your chosen post requires the Typing Skill Test (TST), start practicing typing early to achieve the required speed and accuracy.