The railway recruitment board examinations happen to be the topmost choice of the aspirants for a secure government job in India. In case you are going for RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) at graduate or 12th standard levels, comprehending the syllabus and the exam pattern is the very first and the most effective step for you. This guide very clearly and practically presents the structure, subject-wise syllabus, marking scheme, stage-wise purpose, and smart preparation strategies–all in an easy-to-understand and actionable way.

What Is RRB NTPC?

In various Indian Railway sectors, the Railway Recruitment Boards organize the RRB NTPC examination for the recruitment of non-technical staff. The positions include among others, clerks, typists, traffic assistants, station masters, and commercial apprentices. The process of selection is focused on measuring the general knowledge of a candidate, their numerical skills as well as logical reasoning.

RRB NTPC Selection Process (Stage-wise)

The RRB NTPC selection procedure consists of different levels which help in maintaining the fairness and transparency of the whole process.

● CBT 1 (First Stage Computer Based Test) – The test for all the posts that is done through computers

● CBT 2 (Second Stage Computer Based Test) – Related to specific posts and more elaborate

● Typing Skill Test/Computer Based Aptitude Test – Applicable to a few selected posts only

● Document Verification (DV)

● Medical Examination

Each candidate must pass every stage for him/her to proceed in the selection process.

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern – CBT 1

CBT 1 entails a major part of the RRB NTPC exam introduction and it is termed the first and most essential screening phase. Its goal is to filter the number of candidates to be considered in further stages.

Key features of the exam pattern:

● Total Questions: 100

● Total Marks: 100

● Exam Duration: 90 minutes

● Question Type: Objective

● Negative Marking: one third mark deducted for every wrong answer

Section-wise distribution:

● General Awareness – 40 questions

● Mathematics – 30 questions

● General Intelligence & Reasoning – 30 questions

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern – CBT 2

CBT 2 being more difficult and having a great impact on the final selection mainly for graduation-level posts.

Main points of the exam pattern are as follows:

● Total Questions: 120

● Total Marks: 120

● Duration: 90 minutes

● Negative Marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer

Section-wise distribution:

● General Awareness – 50 questions

● Mathematics – 35 questions

● General Intelligence & Reasoning – 35 questions

Also Read -> How to Prepare for RRB NTPC Graduation Level CBT-1 and CBT-2 Effectively

RRB NTPC Syllabus – Subject Wise Details

General Awareness

General Awareness can be considered a section with high scores in the RRB NTPC exam, provided that a continuous preparation is applied. It is a combination of both static and current topics.

Important topics:

● Current Affairs (National & International)

● Indian History and the Nineteenth century Movement

● Indian Political System and Constitution

● Geography both India and the World

● Indian Economy

● General Science (Elementary Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

● Sports, Awards, Books & Authors

● Notable Government Schemes

● Introduction to Indian Railways

Mathematics (Arithmetic Ability)

This part is a test of numerical abilities and pace. If one practices it regularly, he/she will likely be more accurate and also manage time better.

The main subjects are:

● Number System

● LCM & HCF

● Decimals and Fractions

● Ratio and Proportion

● Percentages

● Average

● Profit and Loss

● Simple and Compound Interest

● Time and Work

● Time, Speed and Distance

● Mensuration

● Data Interpretation

● Basic Algebra and Geometry

General Intelligence & Reasoning

The reasoning part assesses the ability to reason logically and solve problems.

Key areas:

● Analogies

● Classification

● Coding-Decoding

● Number and Alphabet Series

● Direction Sense

● Blood Relations

● Syllogism

● Statement and Conclusion

● Seating Arrangement

● Non-Verbal Reasoning

Also Read -> How to Prepare for Indian Railway RRB NTPC 12th Level CBT-1 and CBT-2 Exam 2026

Difference Between Graduation and 12th Level Posts

The subjects covered in RRB NTPC syllabus are generally similar for both levels, but the degree of difficulty and requirements of the posts can be different.

● The competition for posts at the graduation level is usually tougher, and the candidates may have to go through CBT 2 and a further aptitude or typing test.

● 12th-level posts are easy in comparison and can be served with only the CBT and typing skill tests, depending on the post, even then, only in some cases.

Candidates must verify the official notification for the specific requirements for each post.

Marking Scheme and Cutoff Strategy

The accuracy factor becomes even more important in the face of negative marking in the RRB NTPC exam.

Here are the major points:

● First answer the questions you are sure about

● Negative marking should lead to no guesswork

● Cutoffs differ by zone, category, and position

● A secure score is always above the last cutoff

Smart Preparation Tips for RRB NTPC

A balanced method between concepts and practice is the key to the effective preparation process.

Preparation strategy:

● Get a clear picture of the entire syllabus first

● Prepare brief notes for formulas and static GK

● Solve last year exam questions

● Conduct mock tests frequently

● Review errors made in every mock

● Daily reading of current affairs

FAQs

1. Do you have the same syllabus in the RRB NTPC as in graduation and 12th level posts?

Yes, RRB NTPC syllabus is quite similar between graduation and 12th level posts. The level of difficulty might however be a little higher in the graduation level posts that are particularly in CBT 2 and some of the posts might have some extra skill or aptitude test.

2. What are the number of steps in the RRB NTPC selection process?

The process of RRB NTPC selection basically involves CBT 1, CBT 2, a typing skill test, or Computer Based Aptitude Test (in case of certain posts), then Document verification and a medical examination.

3. Does the RRB NTPC negatively mark the exam?

Yes, RRB NTPC is negative. CBT 1 and CBT 2 deduct one-third (1/3) of the marks attributed to a question with each false response. No negative marking to unanswered questions.

4. What should be the most important section to perform well in RRB NTPC?

General Awareness is an important factor in the RRB NTPC exam because it is weighted the most particularly in CBT 2. Preparation in current affairs on a regular basis and good knowledge of the static GK can greatly improve general scores.

5. Is it possible to pass RRB NTPC by studying by myself?

Yes, there are numerous candidates who pass in RRB NTPC without taking any kind of training. Without coaching, a clear understanding of the syllabus, regular practice, frequent mock tests, and good time management will be sufficient to help him/her succeed.

Also Read -> SSC GD Constable Recruitment 2026: Best Study Routine to Balance Written Exam and Physical Test

RRB Railway NTPC Syllabus and Exam Pattern for Graduation and 12th Level Posts: What You Must Know

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