RRB NTPC Examination: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspirants
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) examination to recruit candidates for various undergraduate and graduate-level posts in the Indian Railways. This guide provides detailed information about the exam pattern, syllabus, previous year cut-offs, and more to assist new aspirants in their preparation.
Exam Pattern
CBT 1 (Computer Based Test - Stage 1)
- Total Questions: 100
- Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PWD candidates)
- Sections:
- Mathematics: 30 questions
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: 30 questions
- General Awareness: 40 questions
- Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, -1/3 for incorrect answer
- Qualifying Marks: UR/EWS: 40%, OBC/SC: 30%, ST: 25%
CBT 2 (Computer Based Test - Stage 2)
- Total Questions: 120
- Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PWD candidates)
- Sections:
- Mathematics
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- General Awareness
- Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, -1/3 for incorrect answer
- Qualifying Marks: UR/EWS: 40%, OBC/SC: 30%, ST: 25%
Syllabus Overview
Mathematics
- Number System
- Decimals
- Fractions
- LCM & HCF
- Ratio and Proportions
- Percentage
- Mensuration
- Time and Work
- Time and Distance
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Profit and Loss
- Elementary Algebra
- Geometry and Trigonometry
- Statistics
General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Analogies
- Completion of Number and Alphabetical Series
- Coding and Decoding
- Mathematical Operations
- Similarities and Differences
- Relationships
- Analytical Reasoning
- Syllogism
- Jumbling
- Venn Diagrams
- Puzzle
- Decision Making
- Statement – Conclusion
- Maps
- Interpretation of Graphs
General Awareness
- Current Events of National and International Importance
- Games and Sports
- Art and Culture of India
- Indian Literature
- Monuments and Places of India
- General Science and Life Science (up to 10th CBSE)
- History of India and Freedom Struggle
- Physical, Social and Economic Geography of India and World
- Indian Polity and Governance
- UN and Other Important World Organizations
- Environmental Issues
- Basics of Computers and Computer Applications
- Common Abbreviations
- Transport Systems in India
- Indian Economy
- Famous Personalities of India and World
- Flagship Government Programs
- Flora and Fauna of India
- Important Government and Public Sector Organizations of India
Previous Year Cut-Offs
Here are the CBT 2 cut-off marks for Level 5 posts in various RRB regions:
| RRB Region | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chandigarh | 84.70 | 71.26 | 76.97 | 81.00 | 76.97 |
| Patna | 83.36 | 68.23 | 69.91 | 78.76 | 76.20 |
| Mumbai | 77.49 | 63.03 | 58.30 | 72.77 | 70.10 |
| Ajmer | 79.91 | 70.00 | 62.50 | 76.80 | 73.10 |
Note: Cut-offs vary by post level and zone.
Previous RRB NTPC Exams
| Year | Exam Stage | Notified Vacancies | Applicants | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Upcoming (April 22) | 11,558 | Expected ~1.2 crore | CBT 1 scheduled |
| 2019 | CBT 1, CBT 2, Typing, DV | 35,281 | 1.26 crore | Held in multiple phases till 2022 |
| 2015 | CBT, Typing, DV | 18,252 | 93 lakh | Conducted smoothly |
| 2012 | Written + Typing | >20,000 | 80+ lakh | Manual exam mode |
| 2010 | Written | Varied | 60+ lakh | Regional notifications |
Year-wise Total Vacancies (Recent)
- 2024: 11,558 posts
- 2019: 35,281 posts
- 2015: 18,252 posts
- 2012: ~20,000+ posts
- 2010: Region-specific vacancies
Posts Under RRB NTPC
| Post Name | Qualification Level | Pay Level (7th CPC) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Clerk cum Typist | 12th Pass | 2 (₹19,900) |
| Accounts Clerk cum Typist | 12th Pass | 2 (₹19,900) |
| Junior Time Keeper | 12th Pass | 2 (₹19,900) |
| Traffic Assistant | Graduate | 4 (₹25,500) |
| Goods Guard | Graduate | 5 (₹29,200) |
| Station Master | Graduate | 6 (₹35,400) |
RRB NTPC Selection Process
- 📘 Stage 1: CBT 1 (Preliminary)
- 📗 Stage 2: CBT 2 (Main)
- 🧠 Stage 3: Typing Skill Test / Computer Aptitude Test (as per post)
- 📄 Stage 4: Document Verification
- 🏥 Stage 5: Medical Examination
Typing & Aptitude Test
Posts like Junior Clerk, Accounts Clerk, etc., require a Typing Test (30 wpm in English or 25 wpm in Hindi). For Station Master & Traffic Assistant, a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) is conducted.
Medical Fitness Standards
| Post | Medical Standard | Vision Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Station Master | A-2 | 6/9, 6/9 without glasses |
| Goods Guard | A-2 | 6/9, 6/9 without glasses |
| Accounts Clerk | C-2 | 6/12, 6/18 with glasses |
Career Growth & Promotion
- Junior Clerk → Senior Clerk → Section Officer
- Goods Guard → Passenger Guard → Chief Guard
- Traffic Assistant → Station Master → Divisional Officer
Most posts offer promotions via departmental exams and seniority-based selection.
Conducting Authority
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, is the conducting body for the NTPC examination. There are 21 regional RRBs that handle recruitment processes across zones.
RRB NTPC is one of the most sought-after railway exams in India and offers stable government jobs with good career growth. It is essential for aspirants to stay updated with notifications and prepare consistently across all subjects.
Here is the complete list of official websites for each RRB (Railway Recruitment Board) region in India, where candidates can download their NTPC admit cards and check other updates:
RRB Region-wise Official Websites
| RRB Region | Official Website |
|---|---|
| RRB Ahmedabad | www.rrbahmedabad.gov.in |
| RRB Ajmer | www.rrbajmer.gov.in |
| RRB Allahabad | www.rrbald.gov.in |
| RRB Bangalore | www.rrbbnc.gov.in |
| RRB Bhopal | www.rrbbpl.nic.in |
| RRB Bhubaneswar | www.rrbbbs.gov.in |
| RRB Bilaspur | www.rrbbilaspur.gov.in |
| RRB Chandigarh | www.rrbcdg.gov.in |
| RRB Chennai | www.rrbchennai.gov.in |
| RRB Gorakhpur | www.rrbgkp.gov.in |
| RRB Guwahati | www.rrbguwahati.gov.in |
| RRB Jammu–Srinagar | www.rrbjammu.nic.in |
| RRB Kolkata | www.rrbkolkata.gov.in |
| RRB Malda | www.rrbmalda.gov.in |
| RRB Mumbai | www.rrbmumbai.gov.in |
| RRB Muzaffarpur | www.rrbmuzaffarpur.gov.in |
| RRB Patna | www.rrbpatna.gov.in |
| RRB Ranchi | www.rrbranchi.gov.in |
| RRB Secunderabad | www.rrbsecunderabad.gov.in |
| RRB Siliguri | www.rrbsiliguri.gov.in |
| RRB Thiruvananthapuram | www.rrbthiruvananthapuram.gov.in |
Note: Always refer to the official RRB website or your regional RRB portal for the latest information, admit cards, and results.
Preparation Tips
- 📕 Focus on concepts of maths and reasoning—practice daily.
- 📘 Read current affairs and static GK for general awareness.
- 🧠 Use mock tests to improve accuracy and speed.
- ⏱️ Revise weekly and analyze weak topics regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can 12th-pass candidates apply?
A: Yes, for UG-level posts. - Q: Is there negative marking?
A: Yes, 1/3rd for each wrong answer. - Q: Can I apply to multiple RRBs?
A: No, only one RRB per cycle.
Planning to crack the RRB NTPC exam this year? This is one of the most popular railway recruitment exams in India, offering lakhs of government job opportunities in various Non-Technical Popular Categories. Whether you're applying for roles like Junior Clerk, Goods Guard, or Station Master, it's crucial to stay informed about the exam pattern, important dates, and preparation resources to boost your chances of success.
The Railway Recruitment Board conducts the NTPC exam in multiple phases — from CBT 1 and CBT 2 to skill tests like typing or aptitude, depending on the post. Aspirants often ask, "When is the next RRB NTPC exam date?" or "How to check the RRB NTPC admit card?" — and we keep this page updated with the latest notifications and direct region-wise links so you never miss an update.
If you're beginning your preparation, knowing the full RRB NTPC syllabus and analyzing previous year cutoffs will give you a strong foundation. The syllabus mainly covers General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. Many candidates also look for RRB NTPC mock tests and free practice sets to improve their accuracy and speed — which we also offer right here on DiceCampus.
With thousands of RRB NTPC vacancies released over the years, this exam continues to be a golden chance for 12th pass and graduate candidates alike. By understanding the job profiles, career growth options, and exam strategy, you'll be in a better position to clear all stages of the selection process. Stay tuned for expert preparation tips, notification alerts, and much more — all designed to help you ace the RRB NTPC journey.