Trains Clerk Exam Pattern 2025: Preparation for Trains Clerk Exam 2025, conducted through RRB NTPC recruitment, begins with understanding its exam pattern in detail. The exam pattern gives a clear idea about the structure of the test, subjects included, number of questions, marking criteria, and other important components that influence your overall preparation strategy. Here we have shared with you an extensive explanation of the Trains Clerk Exam Pattern 2025 to help you plan your study effectively.
Trains Clerk Exam Pattern 2025
The Trains Clerk exam is part of the RRB NTPC recruitment conducted for entry-level clerical positions in Indian Railways. Trains Clerk play an important role in managing records related to train movements, maintaining charts, and coordinating with other railway departments. Since it is a clerical post, the exam pattern is designed to assess a candidate's basic awareness, reasoning, and numerical skills.
Trains Clerk Exam Pattern 2025 Overview
The Trains Clerk Exam Pattern 2025 is structured to test a candidate’s aptitude across multiple subjects through two Computer-Based Test (CBTs). This is followed by Document Verification and a Medical Fitness Test. Here is a quick overview of the key components:
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Trains Clerk Exam Pattern 2025 Overview
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Criteria
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CBT 1
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CBT 2
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Objective
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Screening test
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Final merit preparation
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Number of Questions
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100
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120
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Total Marks
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100
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120
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Difficulty Level
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Easy-Moderate
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Moderate
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Selection Weightage
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Not counted in the final merit
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Considered for final selection
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Negative Marking
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1/3rd mark
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1/3rd mark
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Duration
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90 minutes
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90 minutes
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Trains Clerk Exam Pattern for CBT 1
The first stage of the recruitment process is the CBT 1, a screening-level examination that filters eligible candidates for the next round. This test evaluates a candidate’s understanding of fundamental concepts in reasoning, numerical ability, and general awareness, including current affairs. The table below outlines the number of questions and marks allotted for each subject in CBT 1:
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Trains Clerk Exam Pattern for CBT 1
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Subject Areas
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Number of Questions
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Maximum Marks
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General Awareness
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40
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40
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Mathematics
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30
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30
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General Intelligence & Reasoning
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30
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30
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Total
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100
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100
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Trains Clerk CBT 1 Exam Pattern Details
This stage is qualifying in nature and serves as a shortlisting round. The marks obtained here are not counted in the final merit list, but candidates must clear the minimum cutoff to proceed to CBT 2.
- Mode of Test: (Online) - The exam is conducted digitally. Candidates appear at designated exam centers and complete the test on a computer interface.
- Type of Questions( Multiple Choice Questions) - Each question will offer several options, with only one correct answer to be selected.
- Total Questions: The test consists of a total of 100 objective-type questions, covering all three subjects.
- Total Marks: Every correct response is awarded one mark. The entire paper carries 100 marks.
- Exam Duration: Candidates are given 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete all questions. Efficient time management is crucial to attempt the maximum number of questions accurately.
- Negative Marking: For each incorrect answer, 0.33 marks (1/3rd of a mark) will be deducted. Therefore, it is advisable to answer only those questions where candidates are confident.
Trains Clerk Exam Pattern for CBT 2
The second stage, CBT 2, is the core of the selection process. The performance in this round directly determines the candidate's position in the final merit list. The level of questions is slightly more advanced compared to CBT 1. Below is the subject-wise structure for CBT 2:
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Trains Clerk Exam Pattern for CBT 2
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Section
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Number of Questions
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Marks
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General Awareness
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50
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50
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General Intelligence & Reasoning
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35
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35
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Mathematics
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35
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35
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Total
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120
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120
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Trains Clerk CBT 2 Exam Pattern Details
Unlike CBT 1, this stage is merit-determining. The final selection list is based solely on the marks secured in this test, subject to qualification in subsequent document verification and medical fitness rounds.
- Mode of Test: Similar to CBT 1, this test is conducted on a digital platform at designated examination centers.
- Type of Questions: All questions are of the objective type. Candidates must select the most appropriate answer from the given options.
- Total Questions: The paper includes a total of 120 questions, spanning reasoning, numerical aptitude, and general knowledge.
- Total Marks: Each question carries one mark, and all sections are equally significant in the final score.
- Exam Duration: The exam must be completed within 90 minutes. Time management remains critical, especially with a greater number of questions than CBT 1.
- Negative Marking: A deduction of 1/3rd mark applies for each wrong answer. Hence, accuracy becomes essential in CBT 2, as careless guessing could impact overall performance.
Subject Wise Insight of Trains Clerk Exam Pattern
Subject-wise insight of the Trains Clerk Exam Pattern is as follows:
General Awareness
This section evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of current events, Indian history, polity, geography, economics, and general science. Since it holds the highest weightage in both tests, regular newspaper reading and monthly current affairs compilations are key to scoring well.
Mathematics (Arithmetic)
Questions in this section test the candidate’s ability to solve basic arithmetic problems, involving topics such as percentages, profit & loss, time & work, speed & distance, and algebra. Consistent practice is essential to improve speed and accuracy.
General Intelligence and Reasoning
This section assesses logical reasoning abilities. Questions typically involve series, analogies, syllogisms, puzzles, coding-decoding, and direction tests. Developing a logical approach and solving mock tests regularly is helpful.
Preparation Strategy Based on Trains Clerk Exam Pattern
Once you understand the Trains Clerk Exam Pattern, your next step is effective preparation. Here are some preparation tips:
- Focus on Strengths First: Build a strong base in subjects you are already good at to gain confidence.
- Time Management: Practice full-length mock tests under timed conditions to improve speed.
- Understand the Syllabus: Identify the topics under each subject and prepare accordingly.
- Use Authentic Study Material: Refer to NCERT textbooks and RRB-specific preparation books.
- Revision Plan: Allocate the last few weeks before the exam only for revision and mock tests.
Understanding the Trains Clerk Exam Pattern 2025, especially the structure, weightage, and objectives of CBT 1 and CBT 2 is crucial for effective exam preparation. While CBT 1 serves as a filter, CBT 2 carries the real weightage in the selection process. Stay updated with the latest notifications from RRB and regularly revise your subjects to ensure complete readiness for both stages of the Trains Clerk Exam.
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