RRB NTPC Syllabus & Exam Pattern
RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) is run by the Railway Recruitment Boards as two computer-based tests, with one notification for graduate-level posts and another for 12th-level posts. Here’s the stable shape of it — what gets tested at each stage — with a link to the official RRB website for the current notification’s exact marks, timing and negative-marking details.
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The stages
CBT-1
A computer-based screening test, common to every post in the notification, on Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning and General Awareness. Its marks are used to shortlist candidates for CBT-2.
CBT-2
A second computer-based test on the same three subjects. Its marks decide who is called for document verification.
Document verification and medical examination
Candidates shortlisted on CBT-2 are called for document verification, and appointment depends on passing the medical standard of the post they are allotted.
Typing skill test
Earlier NTPC notifications used a computer-based typing skill test for typist posts. The October 2026 notifications (CEN 06/2026 and CEN 07/2026) have dispensed with it and say typing proficiency will be assessed after joining, so check each notification.
What’s tested
Mathematics
Number system, decimals, fractions, LCM and HCF, ratio and proportion, percentage, mensuration, time and work, time and distance, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, elementary algebra, geometry and trigonometry, and elementary statistics.
General Intelligence and Reasoning
Analogies, number and alphabetical series, coding and decoding, mathematical operations, similarities and differences, relationships, analytical reasoning, syllogism, jumbling, Venn diagrams, puzzles, data sufficiency, statement-conclusion, statement-courses of action, decision making, maps, and interpretation of graphs.
General Awareness
Current events of national and international importance, games and sports, art and culture, Indian literature, monuments and places, general science and life science up to 10th (CBSE) level, history and the freedom struggle, physical, social and economic geography, Indian polity and governance, science and technology including space and nuclear programmes, the UN and other world organisations, environmental issues, basics of computers, common abbreviations, transport systems in India, the Indian economy, famous personalities, flagship government programmes, flora and fauna, and important government and public sector organisations.
The number of questions, marks, timing and negative-marking fraction are set by each cycle’s own notification and can change between cycles. Treat the subjects above as the stable shape to study toward, and check the official RRB website.
See the exact marks, timing, negative marking, age limit and cut-offs for this exam →
What NTPC recruits for
The October 2026 notifications cover graduate-level posts (Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor, Goods Train Manager, Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist) in CEN 06/2026, and 12th-level posts (Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Clerk cum Typist, Trains Clerk) in CEN 07/2026.
What Pariksha Saathi offers for RRB NTPC
Free topic-wise lessons and practice for the subjects above, sectional tests by subject, full-length mock tests, a Mistake Notebook that tracks your weak topics automatically, and dated current-affairs capsules.
Official source & latest updates
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