The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the RRB NTPC Notification 2025, announcing 11,558 vacancies under Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC). These posts are open for both graduate and undergraduate candidates. If you’re aiming for a stable government job in Indian Railways, this recruitment offers an incredible chance. To succeed, it’s crucial to know the RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 inside and out. So let’s break it down stage by stage.
Stages
The selection process is split into multiple steps. Every candidate starts with CBT 1, which is qualifying in nature. Then comes CBT 2, the main scoring round. After that, depending on the post applied for, you’ll have to appear for a Typing Skill Test (TST) or a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). Finally, there’s Document Verification followed by a Medical Test.
Here’s how the exam journey looks:
- Computer Based Test 1 (CBT 1)
- Computer Based Test 2 (CBT 2)
- Typing Skill Test (TST) or Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
CBT1
The CBT 1 is the first stage and only acts as a screening test. Your score here won’t count in the final merit list, but it’s your ticket to CBT 2. Here’s what the exam format looks like:
Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
---|---|---|---|
General Awareness | 40 | 40 | |
Mathematics | 30 | 30 | |
General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 | 90 minutes |
Total | 100 | 100 |
Important notes:
- All questions are multiple choice.
- There is negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every wrong answer.
- No deduction for unattempted questions.
- Around 20 times the number of vacancies will be shortlisted for CBT 2.
CBT2
CBT 2 is where the real competition begins. This is both a screening and scoring round. Your marks here directly impact your final merit position. It has a slightly tougher pattern than CBT 1.
Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
---|---|---|---|
General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
Mathematics | 35 | 35 | |
General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 | 90 minutes |
Total | 120 | 120 |
This round also includes negative marking of 1/3rd mark per incorrect answer. Scores are normalized to ensure fairness across shifts.
Typing
Certain posts require a Typing Skill Test. This test checks your typing speed and accuracy without using editing tools or spell check. Here’s the requirement:
Language | Typing Speed Requirement |
---|---|
English | 30 words per minute |
Hindi | 25 words per minute |
Candidates must use Kruti Dev or Mangal font for Hindi. No relaxation in speed is provided, except for PwBD candidates with valid exemption certificates.
CBAT
If you’re applying for the post of Station Master, you’ll face the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). To qualify, you must score a minimum T-score of 42 in each test battery. This cut-off applies equally to all categories—no exceptions.
Posts
Here’s a quick breakdown of which tests are required for each post:
Graduate Level:
Post | Level | Skill Test |
---|---|---|
Goods Train Manager | 5 | None |
Senior Clerk cum Typist | 5 | Typing Skill Test |
Junior Account Assistant cum Typist | 5 | Typing Skill Test |
Chief Commercial cum Ticket Sup. | 6 | None |
Station Master | 6 | CBAT |
Undergraduate Level:
Post | Level | Skill Test |
---|---|---|
Junior Clerk cum Typist | 2 | Typing Skill Test |
Accounts Clerk cum Typist | 2 | Typing Skill Test |
Trains Clerk | 2 | Typing Skill Test |
Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | 3 | None |
Marking
The marking system is straightforward:
- +1 for every correct answer
- -1/3 for every wrong answer
- No penalty for unattempted questions
- Normalization applies to all stages conducted in multiple shifts
This standardization ensures fairness for every candidate, no matter which shift they appear in.
Getting through RRB NTPC 2025 isn’t just about studying hard—it’s about knowing the exam inside out. Each stage filters candidates more strictly, so plan your preparation according to the post you’re targeting. Stay updated, stick to the syllabus, and practice mock tests. Your journey to Indian Railways starts with mastering this exam pattern.
FAQs
How many stages are in RRB NTPC exam?
There are 5 stages including CBT 1, CBT 2, skill tests, DV, and medical.
What is the RRB NTPC CBT 1 duration?
The total duration of CBT 1 is 90 minutes.
Is CBT 1 score used for final merit?
No, CBT 1 is only qualifying and doesn’t count for final merit.
What is the typing speed for RRB NTPC?
30 wpm in English or 25 wpm in Hindi is required.
Is there negative marking in CBT exams?
Yes, 1/3 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.