The RRB NTPC Syllabus 2026 covers Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness for both Computer Based Test 1 (CBT 1) and Computer Based Test 2 (CBT 2). Under the latest recruitment notifications—CEN 06/2026 (Graduate Level) and CEN 07/2026 (Undergraduate/12th Pass Level)—the exam structure tests candidates' quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and general knowledge.
The RRB NTPC CBT 1 examination comprises 100 multiple-choice questions (90 minutes), serving primarily as a screening test. CBT 2 consists of 120 questions (90 minutes), which form the basis for shortlisting candidates for Document Verification. A negative marking of 1/3rd mark applies to every incorrect answer across both stages.
Candidates preparing for posts such as Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor, Goods Train Manager, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, and Junior Clerk cum Typist can find the complete subject-wise syllabus, detailed exam pattern, and marking scheme below.
Books for RRB Exams Preparation
The RRB NTPC Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 includes a computer-based Based Test format with a duration of 90 minutes. There is a negative marking, with a penalty of -1/3 for each incorrect answer. The subjects tested in the exam include Mathematics, General Awareness, and General Intelligence and Reasoning.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Exam Name |
RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) |
|
Recruitment Notifications |
CEN 06/2026 (Graduate Posts) & CEN 07/2026 (Undergraduate Posts) |
|
Mode of Exam |
Computer Based Test (CBT) — Online |
|
Exam Stages |
CBT 1 (Screening) → CBT 2 (Merit Stage) → Document Verification & Medical Exam |
|
Core Subjects |
Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness |
|
Number of Questions |
CBT 1: 100 Questions | CBT 2: 120 Questions |
|
Exam Duration |
90 Minutes (120 Minutes for eligible PwBD candidates) |
|
Negative Marking |
1/3rd mark (0.33 marks) deducted per incorrect answer |
|
Skill Test Update |
CBTST (Typing Skill Test) dispensed with under CEN 06/2026 & CEN 07/2026 |
While the core subjects (Mathematics, Reasoning, General Awareness) are identical for both Undergraduate (10+2) and Graduate categories, the depth, complexity, and question difficulty level vary based on the educational qualification required.
|
Feature / Criteria |
Undergraduate (12th Pass) — CEN 07/2026 |
Graduate Level — CEN 06/2026 |
|
Minimum Qualification |
Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent |
University Degree / Graduation |
|
Notified Posts |
Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Clerk cum Typist, Trains Clerk |
Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor, Goods Train Manager, Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist |
|
CBT 1 Subjects & Marks |
Maths (30), Reasoning (30), GA (40) = 100 Marks |
Maths (30), Reasoning (30), GA (40) = 100 Marks |
|
CBT 2 Subjects & Marks |
Maths (35), Reasoning (35), GA (50) = 120 Marks |
Maths (35), Reasoning (35), GA (50) = 120 Marks |
|
Difficulty Level |
Standard up to Class 10th/12th level |
Standard up to Graduation level |
|
Selection Flow |
CBT 1 → CBT 2 → DV & Medical Exam |
CBT 1 → CBT 2 → DV & Medical Exam |
Important Note: Under the CEN 06/2026 and CEN 07/2026 notifications, the Computer Based Typing Skill Test (CBTST) has been dispensed with. Candidates are directly shortlisted for Document Verification based on their CBT 2 performance.
The syllabus for CBT 1 and CBT 2 remains common in scope, but CBT 2 features higher analytical depth and an increased number of questions per section.
The Mathematics section evaluates numerical ability, calculation speed, and problem-solving skills up to the 10th/12th standard level.
Number System (Integers, Real Numbers, Divisibility Rules)
Decimals & Fractions
LCM and HCF
Ratio and Proportions
Percentage
Mensuration (2D & 3D Geometry, Area, Perimeter, Volume)
Time and Work (Pipes & Cisterns, Work & Efficiency)
Time and Distance (Speed, Trains, Boats & Streams)
Simple Interest and Compound Interest
Profit and Loss (Discount, Marked Price)
Elementary Algebra (Polynomials, Linear Equations)
Geometry and Trigonometry (Basic Identities, Heights & Distances)
Elementary Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation)
This section tests analytical capability, pattern recognition, and logical deductive reasoning.
Analogies (Verbal and Non-Verbal)
Completion of Number and Alphabetical Series
Coding and Decoding
Mathematical Operations
Similarities and Differences
Relationships & Blood Relations
Analytical Reasoning
Syllogism
Jumbling & Word Formation
Venn Diagrams
Puzzles & Seating Arrangement
Data Sufficiency
Statement - Conclusion & Statement - Courses of Action
Decision Making
Maps & Interpretation of Graphs
Direction Sense Test & Alphanumeric Series
General Awareness carries the highest weightage in both CBT 1 (40 marks) and CBT 2 (50 marks).
Current Events of National & International Importance (Current Affairs, Summits, Awards)
General Science & Life Science (Up to Class 10th CBSE syllabus: Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
History of India and Freedom Struggle (Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History)
Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World
Indian Polity and Governance (Constitution, Amendments, Political System, Judiciary)
General Scientific & Technological Developments (Space Program, ISRO, DRDO, Nuclear Energy)
Games and Sports (Tournaments, Champions, Trophies)
Art and Culture of India & Indian Literature
Monuments and Places of India
UN and Other Important World Organizations (WHO, UNESCO, IMF, World Bank)
Environmental Issues (Climate Change, Biodiversity, Conservation)
Basics of Computers and Computer Applications (Hardware, Software, Internet Terminology, Shortcuts)
Common Abbreviations & Transport Systems in India
Indian Economy & Flagship Government Programs
Flora and Fauna of India & Important Public Sector Organizations (PSUs)
Below table provides a clear and concise overview of the RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern, outlining the number of questions in each section. Candidates can use this information to understand the distribution of questions and prepare accordingly for the exam.
| RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern | |
|---|---|
| Sections | Number of questions |
| General Awareness | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 |
| Total | 100 |
This table provides a clear and concise overview of the RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern, outlining the number of questions in each section. Candidates can use this information to understand the distribution of questions and prepare effectively for the exam.
| RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern | |
| Sections | Number of Questions |
| General Awareness | 50 |
| Mathematics | 35 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 |
| Total | 120 |
Correct Answer: +1+1+1 mark.
Incorrect Answer: −1/3rd mark (0.33 marks deducted).
Unanswered Questions: 0 marks.
Normalization Formula: Since CBT exams take place across multiple shifts, RRB applies a standard mathematical normalization formula to account for slight variations in difficulty level across exam sessions.
Stage 1: First Stage CBT (CBT 1) — Objective computer-based screening test (100 Marks).
Stage 2: Second Stage CBT (CBT 2) — Objective computer-based merit examination (120 Marks).
Stage 3: Document Verification (DV) — Verification of original educational, age, and community certificates in 1:1 ratio based on CBT 2 merit.
Stage 4: Medical Examination — Post-specific medical fitness test (e.g., A-2, A-3, B-2, C-2 medical standards) conducted by Railway Medical Authorities.
| Other Related Links of RRB NTPC Exam 2026 | |
| RRB NTPC Salary | RRB NTPC Syllabus |
| RRB NTPC Answer Key | RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria |
| RRB NTPC Previous Year Question Paper | RRB NTPC Apply Online |
| RRB NTPC Vacancy | RRB NTPC Selection Process |
