RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 for CBT 1, 2 and CBAT

The first step to getting ready for the RRB NTPC Exam 2025 is to understand the RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025. Knowing the pattern gives you a clear idea of what subjects will be asked, how many questions there will be, how much each is worth, and how much time you’ll get to complete the exam. This helps you plan your studies better, focus on the most important topics, and use your time wisely. When you’re familiar with the exam pattern, your preparation becomes more organized and effective. The RRB NTPC Exam Dates 2025-26 will be released soon for both Graduate and Under-Graduate candidates.

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025

The RRB NTPC Exam Pattern for CBT 1, CBT 2 and CBAT is discussed here below Candidates preparing for the upcoming RRB NTPC Exam 2025-26 can go through the pattern of Examination based on the latest notification released by the Official authority on the RRB Portal. The RRB Exam Date 2025-26 will be announced soon. Candidates are suggested to begin their preparation in advance so as to skip last minute hassles.

RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2025-26

The RRB NTPC Stage 1 Exam includes three sections: General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. The exam consists of 100 questions, each carrying one mark, making a total of 100 marks. The duration of the exam is 90 minutes, giving candidates enough time to attempt all sections.

• The exam duration for PWD candidates is 120 Minutes.
• A negative marking of 1/3 is there.
• Stage 1 is of a screening nature.
• The candidates selected for stage 2 will be 20 times the number of vacancies for each post.
• Normalization of marks will be done

RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern

The candidates who qualify for the cutoff for the CBT exam will proceed to appear for the CBT 2 stage. The question paper of the RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam will contain 120 questions worth 120 marks. These questions will be distributed across three sections i.e. General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. and the paper will be conducted for 90 minutes. The candidates can refer to the table and points provided below for more information.

• Separate 2nd Stage CBT shall be taken for each of the 7th CPC Levels i.e. Level 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 with the graded difficulty level.
• All posts falling within the same level of the 7th CPC shall have a common 2nd-stage CBT (as mentioned in the above table).
• The exam duration for PWD candidates is 120 Minutes.
• A negative marking of 1/3 is there.
• The level of questions will be different for different levels of posts.
• Normalization of marks will be done.

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)

(Only for candidates who have opted for Traffic Assistant and Station Master)

The candidates who qualify for both the CBT 1 and CBT 2 Exams will have to go through various types of tests to assess their presence of mind and attention to detail. The candidates should go through the points below to get more details about the RRB NTPC Computer-Based Aptitude Test.

• Qualifying marks: The candidates need to secure a minimum T-Score of 42 marks in each of the test batteries to qualify.
• This applies to all candidates irrespective of community or category and no relaxation in the minimum T- Score is permissible.
• Candidates will have to qualify in each of the test batteries of CBAT for consideration for the post of SM/TA.
• The CBAT shall have question-and-answer options only in English and Hindi.
• There shall be no negative marking in CBAT.
• The merit list will be drawn only from amongst the candidates qualifying in the CBAT, with 70% weightage for the marks obtained in the 2nd Stage CBT and 30% weightage for the marks obtained in the CBAT.

RRB NTPC Typing Skill Test (TST)

This stage in the selection process is conducted to assess the candidates’ level of skills that are required to perform the roles and responsibilities that will be entrusted to them after getting selected for the various Technical Popular Category posts. To learn more about the various aspects of the Typing Skill Test, the candidates can refer to the points mentioned below and start preparing for the same as early as possible.

• Qualifying in nature
• Eight times the number of vacancies will be called for typing tests.
• The candidates should be able to type 30 words per minute (WPM) in English or 25 WPM in Hindi on Personal Computer only without editing tools and a spell check facility.

RRB NTPC Document Verification (DV)

Based on the performance of candidates in 2nd Stage CBT and based on the performance of candidates in both 2nd Stage CBT and CBAT/TST (as applicable), candidates will be called for Document Verification as per their merit and options. The official notification for RRB NTPC 2025-26 will contain the list of documents and other related details that the candidates will be required to satisfy at the time of document verification. The candidates must cross-check all their documents and eligibility before appearing for the DV stage of the selection process.

• Tips to Prepare for RRB NTPC Exam 2025

The candidates preparing for the first and second stages of the RRB NTPC Exam 2025 should have a proper strategy to prepare for each topic mentioned in the syllabus section of the official notification. To help the candidates in their preparation journey, we have provided some points below that they can incorporate into their planning process and maximize their performance in both stages.

• Go through the detailed syllabus and exam pattern to determine what are the subjects/topics you will be preparing.
• Analyze the previous year’s papers to understand the latest trend and level of questions asked in the RRB NTPC Exam.
• Make handwritten notes for every topic and practice solving as many questions as possible.
• Attempt sectional as well as full-length mock tests at regular intervals to keep assessing your preparation level and make the necessary adjustments in the strategy.
• Keep your resources limited and do multiple revisions of the concepts learned.

RRB NTPC Selection Process 2025-26

Candidates who applied for Non-Technical Popular Category (NTPC) posts in Indian Railways should know about the different stages they need to pass to get selected for their desired post. The RRB NTPC recruitment process includes the following stages of exams:

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

1. English is the default language.
2. In case the candidate wishes to choose any other language, then the same can be selected from the drop-down list of languages. The languages listed are Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.
3. In case of any difference/ discrepancy/dispute in the Questions between English and the opted language, the content of the English version shall prevail.

RRB NTPC Recommended Booklist

One of the initial and most important steps in the RRB NTPC preparation process is the selection of the appropriate resources that will help them get through each stage of the selection process smoothly. The level of preparation should be according to the level of competition that the candidates will face in the upcoming CBT 1 and CBT 2 Examination. Since the pattern of both stages is almost similar, the candidate can follow the booklist provided below to prepare in an integrated manner.

RRB NTPC Marking Scheme 2025-26

The RRB NTPC examination follows a well-defined marking structure to ensure fair assessment. Each CBT paper consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions. For every correct answer, one mark is awarded, while one-third (0.33) mark is deducted for every incorrect response. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions. This negative marking pattern encourages accuracy and discourages random guessing. Candidates’ scores are computed based on the following criteria:

• +1 mark is awarded for every correct answer.
• One-third (0.33) mark is deducted for each incorrect response as negative marking.
• The normalisation of marks is carried out since the exam is conducted in multiple shifts. This process balances out any variation in the difficulty level of different sessions, ensuring equal evaluation for all candidates.

RRB NTPC Topic-Wise Weightage 2025-26

Understanding the topic-wise distribution of marks helps candidates allocate their time efficiently during preparation. Typically, Mathematics and Reasoning carry equal weightage, while General Awareness slightly outweighs both in overall scoring importance. Topics such as Arithmetic, Current Affairs, Static GK, and Logical Puzzles consistently hold higher weight in the RRB NTPC exam. A well-balanced study schedule considering these weightages can significantly improve performance.

RRB NTPC Exam Syllabus 2025-26

The RRB NTPC syllabus is comprehensive and designed to test a candidate’s aptitude, logical reasoning, and general knowledge. It covers three broad subjects, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness. Topics include Arithmetic, Algebra, Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, History, Polity, Geography, Science, and Current Affairs. Aspirants must approach the syllabus systematically, ensuring both conceptual clarity and time management to succeed.

RRB NTPC 2025-26 Preparation Strategy

The RRB NTPC exam is highly competitive, attracting lakhs of aspirants each year. To excel, a structured and smart preparation plan is essential. Below is a proven and effective strategy for success:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus Thoroughly

The NTPC exam consists of two stages of Computer-Based Tests (CBT 1 & CBT 2) followed by skill or aptitude tests (as applicable), document verification, and medical examination. Candidates must be familiar with the exact distribution of marks and topics.

2. Build Conceptual Clarity

Focus on conceptual understanding instead of rote learning. Strengthen fundamentals in Mathematics, Reasoning, and General Awareness using NCERTs, RRB’s previous papers, and standard guidebooks.

3. Regular Mock Tests and Analysis

Take mock tests weekly to simulate real exam conditions. Analyze performance to identify weak areas. RRB exams are time-bound, so focus on accuracy and speed.

4. Prioritize Static GK and Current Affairs

A major portion of General Awareness covers static topics (Indian polity, geography, history) along with current events related to India’s economy, government schemes, and railway sector. Dedicate 30 minutes daily to reading reliable news sources.

5. Section-Wise Focus

Mathematics: Practice quantitative aptitude daily, especially arithmetic and data interpretation.

Reasoning: Strengthen puzzles, coding-decoding, and seating arrangement through continuous drills.

General Awareness: Revise previous 6 months’ current affairs, railway facts, and static GK.

6. Revise and Maintain Consistency

Revision is the backbone of retention. Prepare concise notes for last-minute review. Study consistently for 4–6 hours daily with short breaks for maximum focus.

7. Stay Calm and Healthy

Physical and mental well-being directly impact preparation efficiency. Maintain a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and light exercise to keep your concentration sharp.