RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 For CBT 1 & CBT 2

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025:- The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the RRB NTPC 2025 Notification for Graduate posts (Level 5 and 6) and Undergraduate posts (Level 2 and 3). Through this recruitment drive, RRB aims to fill 11,558 vacancies under the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) in various Zonal Railways and Production Units of Indian Railways. The undergraduate posts include Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Trains Clerk, and Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, while the graduate-level posts include Goods Train Manager, Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, and Station Master.
With this notification, RRB has also revised the RRB NTPC exam pattern 2025, particularly for CBT 2, which will now be common for all levels of Graduate and Undergraduate posts. The NTPC exam pattern consists of multiple stages: CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT (for applicable posts), Typing Skill Test, and Document Verification/Medical Examination.
In CBT 1, candidates will be examined on General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. The exam is conducted online, carrying 100 marks with a duration of 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates using a scribe), and a negative marking of 1/3 marks for incorrect answers.
The revised RRB NTPC pattern for CBT 2 includes 120 marks, covering the same subjects as CBT 1 but with an increased difficulty level. These changes in the RRB NTPC exam pattern 2025 aim to ensure a fair and standardised selection process for all candidates.
RRB NTPC 2025
Exam Name |
Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Category (RRB NTPC) Exam |
Conducting Authority |
Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
Exam Level |
Central-Level Competitive Exam |
Total Vacancies |
To Be Announced (TBA) |
Posts Offered |
Graduate Level (Level 5 & 6) and Undergraduate Level (Level 2 & 3) Posts |
Languages Available |
English and Other Regional Languages |
Mode of Exam |
Online (Computer-Based Test) |
Stages of Selection |
CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT (for relevant posts), Typing Skill Test, Document Verification, Medical Examination |
Exam Duration |
CBT 1 - 90 Minutes, CBT 2 - 90 Minutes (120 Minutes for PwBD candidates with a scribe) |
Subjects in CBT |
General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning |
Marking Scheme |
CBT 1 - 100 Marks, CBT 2 - 120 Marks |
Negative Marking |
1/3rd Marks Deducted for Each Wrong Answer |
Mode of Application |
Online Registration |
Application Fee (General) |
₹500 (Online Payment) |
Exam Dates (Tentative) |
To Be Announced (TBA) |
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025
The RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 includes different stages to select candidates for non-technical posts in Indian Railways. The first stage is CBT 1, which is a qualifying round. It has questions from General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning.
Those who clear CBT 1 move to CBT 2, which has more questions and is tougher. Based on the post, candidates may also have to take a Typing Skill Test (TST) or a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). The final steps include Document Verification (DV) and a Medical Examination to check if the candidate is fit for the job. The RRB NTPC Selection Process includes:-
-
CBT 1 (Computer-Based Test 1) – First qualifying test
-
CBT 2 (Computer-Based Test 2) – More detailed exam
-
Typing Skill Test (TST) / Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) – For some posts
-
Document Verification (DV) – Checking documents
-
Medical Examination – Checking fitness
Check Out: Yearly Current Affairs Magazine January to December
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 for CBT 1
The RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 is structured to recruit candidates for various Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) posts in Indian Railways. The selection process consists of multiple stages, starting with CBT 1, followed by CBT 2, and skill-based tests if required for certain posts. Understanding the NTPC exam pattern will help candidates prepare effectively for each stage of the exam.
-
CBT 1 is qualifying in nature and will not be considered for the final merit list.
-
The normalised score of CBT 1 will be used to shortlist candidates for CBT 2, approximately 20 times the total vacancies.
-
The exam consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) covering General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning.
-
Negative marking of 1/3 marks for each wrong answer. No marks will be deducted for unanswered questions.
Sections |
Number of questions |
General Awareness |
40 |
Mathematics |
30 |
General Intelligence and Reasoning |
30 |
Total |
100 |
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 for CBT 2
The RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern consists of three sections: General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. The exam includes a total of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Candidates are given 90 minutes to complete the test, while PwBD candidates receive 120 minutes. Below is the section-wise distribution of questions in the RRB NTPC exam pattern:
Serial No. |
Sections |
No. of Questions |
Total Marks |
Duration |
1 |
General Awareness |
50 |
50 |
90 minutes |
2 |
Mathematics |
35 |
35 |
|
3 |
General Intelligence and Reasoning |
35 |
35 |
|
Total |
120.00 |
120 |
Check Out: General Science Book for RRB Exams
Revised RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025
The RRB NTPC exam pattern 2025 has been updated, specifically for the 2nd stage CBT. Now, the CBT 2 is common for all graduate and undergraduate posts. However, the selection process varies depending on the post. While the exam for graduate and undergraduate posts will be held separately, the difficulty level will also differ accordingly. Check out the below tables.
Revised RRB NTPC Paper Pattern for Graduate Posts
Here is the Revised RRB NTPC Paper Pattern for Graduate Posts:-
Post Name |
7th CPC Level |
CBT 1 |
CBT 2 |
Skill Test Requirement |
Goods Train Manager |
5 |
Common for all |
Common for all |
No specific skill test required |
Senior Clerk cum Typist |
5 |
Common for all |
Common for all |
Typing Skill Test |
Junior Account Assistant cum Typist |
5 |
Common for all |
Common for all |
Typing Skill Test |
Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor |
6 |
Common for all |
Common for all |
No specific skill test required |
Station Master |
6 |
Common for all |
Common for all |
Computer-Based Aptitude Test |
Read More: RRB NTPC Syllabus for 2025 Exam
Revised RRB NTPC Exam Pattern for Undergraduate Posts
Check out the Revised RRB NTPC Exam Pattern for Undergraduate Posts below:-
Sl. No. |
Post Name |
Level in 7th CPC |
1st Stage CBT |
2nd Stage CBT |
Skill Test Requirement |
1 |
Commercial cum Ticket Clerk |
3 |
Common for all posts |
Common for all posts |
No skill test required |
2 |
Accounts Clerk cum Typist |
2 |
Common for all posts |
Common for all posts |
Typing Skill Test |
3 |
Junior Clerk cum Typist |
2 |
Common for all posts |
Common for all posts |
Typing Skill Test |
4 |
Trains Clerk |
2.00 |
Common for all posts |
Common for all posts |
No skill test required |
RRB NTPC Books
Aspirants can refer to these quality books mentioned below for their RRB NTPC 2025 preparation:
PW RRB NTPC 28 Previous Year Solved Papers CBT - I & 2 in Hindi |
|
RRB NTPC 28 Previous Year Solved Papers CBT - I & 2 in English |
|
All in one RRB NTPC 2024-2025 CBT - 1 in english |
|
All in one RRB NTPC 2024-2025 CBT - 1 in Hindi |
RRB NTPC Exam Preparation Tips
Preparing for the RRB NTPC exam requires smart planning, regular practice, and a clear understanding of the RRB NTPC exam pattern. Since the competition is high, focusing on key areas can improve your chances of success.
1. Understanding the RRB NTPC Exam Pattern
The RRB NTPC pattern consists of multiple stages, each designed to test different skills of the candidates. The first stage is RRB NTPC CBT 1, which is a qualifying round covering subjects like General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. Candidates who pass CBT 1 proceed to RRB NTPC CBT 2, which is more detailed and has a higher difficulty level.
After clearing CBT 2, candidates applying for specific posts must take a Skill Test, such as the Typing Skill Test (TST) or Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). The final stages of the selection process include Document Verification and a Medical Examination. Since all questions in the railway NTPC exam pattern are multiple-choice, candidates should also be mindful of the negative marking system, where 1/3rd of a mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
2. Focus on Important Areas
The railway NTPC exam pattern covers three major subjects:
General Awareness
This section will test your knowledge of current events and general facts. Focus on:
-
National and international current affairs
-
History, Geography, Polity, and Economics
-
Science & Technology
-
Important facts about Indian Railways
Mathematics
A strong understanding of mathematical concepts is essential for solving numerical problems quickly. Important topics include:
-
Number System, Decimals, and Fractions
-
Percentage, Ratio & Proportion
-
Time & Distance, Time & Work
-
Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Logical thinking and problem-solving skills are tested in this section. Common topics include:
-
Analogies, Coding-Decoding
-
Blood Relations, Puzzles
-
Syllogism, Statement & Conclusions
3. Prepare a Timetable as per Your Strengths & Weaknesses
A well-structured timetable will help in covering all topics systematically. Follow these steps:
-
Identify strong and weak areas – Allocate more time to subjects or topics you find difficult.
-
Divide time wisely – Spend at least 2-3 hours daily on preparation, focusing on different subjects.
-
Include revision and practice – Regularly revise formulas, concepts, and important facts.
-
Solve previous year papers – Understand the RRB NTPC paper pattern and get familiar with question types.
Read More: Railway Jobs for 12th Pass
RRB NTPC Exam FAQs
1. Is there negative marking in the RRB NTPC exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3rd marks for each incorrect answer in both CBT 1 and CBT 2. However, no marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
2. Which posts require a skill test in RRB NTPC?
Certain posts require additional skill tests:
-
Typing Skill Test (TST) – For Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, etc.
-
Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) – For Station Master and Traffic Assistant.
3. What is the RRB NTPC exam pattern?
The RRB NTPC exam pattern consists of multiple stages:
-
CBT 1 (Computer-Based Test) – Qualifying in nature
-
CBT 2 – More detailed and tougher
-
Skill Test (Typing Skill Test/Computer-Based Aptitude Test) – For specific posts
-
Document Verification & Medical Examination – Final selection stage
4. How many questions are there in the RRB NTPC CBT 2 exam?
The RRB NTPC CBT 2 exam pattern includes 120 questions, divided into:
-
General Awareness (50 marks)
-
Mathematics (35 marks)
-
General Intelligence & Reasoning (35 marks)
The exam duration is 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates).
5. What is the weightage of the skill test in the final selection?
The skill test is qualifying in nature, meaning it does not carry marks but must be cleared to proceed to document verification.


