RRB NTPC Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Last verified 01 Aug 2026
The RRB NTPC exam pattern under CEN 06/2025 (Graduate) and CEN 07/2025 (Undergraduate) is set out below, with negative marking of 1/3 mark per wrong answer and normalisation of marks where the CBT runs across multiple shifts.
RRB NTPC exam pattern
| Stage / Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBT-1 | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
| CBT-2 | 120 | 120 | 90 minutes |
NTPC runs as a two-stage CBT. CBT-1 is common and used for screening; CBT-2 is post-specific and decides merit. Station Master candidates additionally sit the Computer Based Aptitude Test, while clerk-cum-typist posts require a Typing Skill Test, which is qualifying.
Both stages draw on Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness, with CBT-2 set at a higher standard and carrying more questions.
Qualifying marks
UR and EWS 40%, OBC-NCL 30%, SC 30%, ST 25%. PwBD candidates may receive a 2-mark relaxation where there is a shortage of PwBD candidates against reserved vacancies.
Common syllabus topics
Mathematics
Number system, BODMAS, decimals, fractions, LCM and HCF, ratio and proportion, percentages, mensuration, time and work, time and distance, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, elementary statistics, square root, age calculations, calendar and clock, pipes and cistern.
General Intelligence and Reasoning
Analogies, alphabetical and number series, coding and decoding, mathematical operations, relationships, syllogism, jumbling, Venn diagrams, data interpretation and sufficiency, conclusions and decision making, similarities and differences, analytical reasoning, classification, directions, statement–arguments and assumptions.
General Science
Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences at Class 10 level.
General Awareness
Current affairs in science and technology, sports, culture, personalities, economics, politics and other subjects of importance.
The CEN notes that listed topics are illustrative and not necessarily exhaustive.
Normalisation of marks
Where the CBT is held in multiple sessions on the same syllabus, shortlisting uses normalised marks rather than raw scores, so candidates who sat harder shifts are not disadvantaged.