The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) exam to recruit graduates for various posts such as Station Master, Goods Guard, Senior Clerk, Typist, Junior Account Assistant, and Traffic Assistant.
The RRB NTPC Graduate Level Exam 2025 follows a well-structured selection process that ensures fairness and transparency.
Let’s look at the exam pattern and syllabus in detail.
Exam Stages Overview
The selection process for RRB NTPC Graduate Level includes five main stages:
| Stage | Name of the Test | Mode | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| ① | 1st Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT-1) | Online | Screening test for shortlisting candidates for CBT-2 |
| ② | 2nd Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT-2) | Online | Main test for merit-based selection |
| ③ | Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)* | Online | For Station Master & Traffic Assistant posts |
| ④ | Computer Based Typing Skill Test (CBTST)* | Online | For Clerk and Typist posts |
| ⑤ | Document Verification & Medical Examination | Offline | Final verification before appointment |
CBAT and Typing Skill Tests apply only to specific posts.
Exam Pattern: 1st Stage CBT
The 1st Stage CBT acts as a preliminary test and is common for all graduate-level posts.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 90 minutes (120 for PwBD) |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
- Each question carries 1 mark, and ⅓ mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
- The exam is objective (multiple-choice) and conducted online.
- The normalized score of this stage is used for shortlisting candidates for CBT-2.
Syllabus for 1st Stage CBT
1. Mathematics
Includes questions from:
Number System, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Mensuration, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, and Basic Data Interpretation.
2. General Intelligence & Reasoning
Includes topics such as:
Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Series Completion, Mathematical Operations, Syllogism, Puzzle, Venn Diagram, Data Sufficiency, Statement & Conclusion, Decision Making, and Analytical Reasoning.
3. General Awareness
Includes questions on:
Current Events (National & International), Indian History & Geography, Indian Polity & Constitution, Economy, General Science (up to 10th level), Computer Basics, Sports, Awards, Books, Environmental Issues, Important Government Schemes, and Famous Personalities.
Exam Pattern: 2nd Stage CBT
The 2nd Stage CBT is more detailed and plays a key role in final merit preparation.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 90 minutes (120 for PwBD) |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 | |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 | |
| Total | 120 | 120 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
- Each question carries 1 mark with ⅓ negative marking for wrong answers.
- Difficulty level is higher than CBT-1.
- The normalized marks of CBT-2 decide eligibility for further stages (Typing or Aptitude Test).
Additional Stages (Depending on Post)
| Stage | Post(s) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) | Station Master, Traffic Assistant | Tests mental and logical ability; no negative marking; minimum T-score of 42 in each test is required. |
| Computer Based Typing Skill Test (CBTST) | Senior Clerk, Junior Account Assistant, Typist | Candidates must type 30 words per minute in English or 25 words per minute in Hindi without errors. |
| Document Verification & Medical Test | All Posts | Verification of certificates, eligibility, and medical fitness. |
Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Percentage (CBT-1 & CBT-2) |
|---|---|
| UR (General) | 40% |
| EWS | 40% |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 30% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
| PwBD | Relaxation of 2% in eligibility marks (if required) |
Key Points to Remember
- Both CBTs are objective-type online exams.
- Normalization of marks is applied if exams are held in multiple shifts.
- Mock tests are made available on official RRB websites to help candidates practice.
- Use of calculators, mobile phones, and electronic devices is strictly prohibited.
Conclusion
The RRB NTPC Graduate Level Exam 2025 is a well-organized, multi-stage recruitment process designed to select deserving candidates for various railway posts.
By understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, candidates can plan their preparation efficiently and increase their chances of success in India’s one of the most competitive government exams.
Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)RRB NTPC Graduate-Level Jobs 2025-2026Useful Links |
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Interested & Eligible Candidates can go through the full notification before making the registration. Below are some important links |
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| Join Channels | |||||||||||||
| Registration | Article | ||||||||||||
| Full Notification | English |
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| Exam Body | Railway Recruitment Board | ||||||||||||
| Official Website | RRB Official Website | ||||||||||||
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| Check Your Age | Age Calculator | ||||||||||||
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