RRB NTPC Syllabus 2026: CBT 1, CBT 2 Subject-Wise Topics, Exam Pattern and PDF
Understand the complete RRB NTPC Graduate and Undergraduate syllabus, CBT 1 and CBT 2 marks, negative marking, qualifying marks, CBAT, typing test and official PDF in one simple guide.
This syllabus guide is based on CEN 06/2025 for NTPC Graduate posts and CEN 07/2025 for NTPC Undergraduate posts. Both recruitment routes use the same three main CBT subjects, but post-wise skill tests and qualification requirements are different.
RRB NTPC CBT 1 contains 100 questions for 100 marks: 40 General Awareness, 30 Mathematics and 30 General Intelligence and Reasoning. Candidates normally receive 90 minutes.
RRB NTPC CBT 2 contains 120 questions for 120 marks: 50 General Awareness, 35 Mathematics and 35 General Intelligence and Reasoning. The duration is also 90 minutes.
One-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for every wrong answer. Depending on the selected post, candidates may also need to clear a Computer Based Aptitude Test or Computer Based Typing Skill Test before document verification and medical examination.
What Is the RRB NTPC Syllabus 2026?
RRB NTPC stands for Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories. The examination is conducted for different railway posts that do not require a technical engineering qualification.
The syllabus mainly checks basic numerical ability, logical thinking, awareness of important subjects and the ability to solve questions accurately within limited time. The chapters are not extremely advanced, but competition makes the examination difficult.
Many students make the mistake of preparing CBT 1 and CBT 2 as completely different examinations. The subject list is broadly the same, but CBT 2 has more questions, greater pressure and a higher role in final shortlisting. This means CBT 1 preparation should build the base, while CBT 2 preparation should improve speed, revision and accuracy.
Students who prefer free video preparation can use the complete RRB NTPC YouTube preparation guide after making a topic checklist from this syllabus.
RRB NTPC Graduate and Undergraduate Level
RRB NTPC Graduate Level
Graduate posts require a recognised university degree or equivalent qualification by the notification cut-off date.
The recruitment may include posts such as Station Master, Traffic Assistant, Goods Train Manager, Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist and other notified graduate categories.
RRB NTPC Undergraduate Level
Undergraduate posts normally require Class 12 or an equivalent recognised qualification by the official cut-off date.
Posts may include Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Clerk cum Typist, Trains Clerk and other notified 12th-level categories.
RRB NTPC Selection Process 2026
The selection route depends on the post. Every candidate starts with CBT 1 and CBT 2, but only applicable candidates appear for CBAT or the typing skill test.
RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026
CBT 1 is common for all notified posts. It checks whether a candidate has the basic knowledge and speed required for the next stage.
| CBT 1 Subject | Questions | Marks | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | GK, current affairs, science, history, polity and other areas |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry and basic statistics |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 | Series, coding, logical and analytical reasoning |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
Candidates who need subject-wise classes, PYQ guidance and mock strategy can use the RRB NTPC CBT 1 YouTube preparation guide .
RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026
CBT 2 contains the same three broad subjects, but the paper has 120 questions. The extra question load makes time management more important.
| CBT 2 Subject | Questions | Marks | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | Wider revision and stronger factual recall |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 | Fast calculation and mixed topic practice |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 | 35 | Accuracy under greater time pressure |
| Total | 120 | 120 | 90 minutes |
For advanced practice, mock discussion and revision, use the RRB NTPC CBT 2 preparation guide .
CBT 1
CBT 2
CBT 1 and CBT 2 Difference
RRB NTPC Mathematics Syllabus
30 questions in CBT 1 and 35 questions in CBT 2
Mathematics becomes difficult when students understand formulas but cannot complete calculations quickly. The syllabus mainly covers arithmetic with some algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics.
Begin with percentage, ratio, average, profit and loss, time and work, speed-distance, number system and interest. These chapters improve calculation speed and support many other topics.
How to Prepare RRB NTPC Maths
Learn the basic method before using short tricks. Solve topic-wise questions without a timer first, then move to timed mixed sets. Keep a small notebook for formulas, repeated errors and calculation shortcuts.
For free concept classes and question practice, use the Railway Maths YouTube preparation guide .
General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus
30 questions in CBT 1 and 35 questions in CBT 2
Reasoning can become one of the most scoring sections when students practise regularly. The questions mainly check pattern recognition, logical relationships, decision making and interpretation.
Start with series, analogy, coding-decoding, classification, direction, blood relation, syllogism and Venn diagrams. Move to puzzles and statement-based questions after building accuracy.
How to Prepare RRB NTPC Reasoning
Solve a small reasoning set every day. Do not only watch solved questions. Write the steps yourself and check which pattern caused the mistake. In CBT 2, avoid spending too much time on one confusing puzzle.
Students can use the RRB NTPC Reasoning preparation guide for topic-wise teachers, playlists and PYQ practice.
RRB NTPC General Awareness Syllabus
40 questions in CBT 1 and 50 questions in CBT 2
General Awareness carries the highest number of questions in both stages. It is not limited to daily news. The syllabus includes current affairs, science, history, geography, polity, economy, computers, transport and many static areas.
Current and Static Awareness
- Current events of national and international importance
- Games and sports
- Art and culture of India
- Indian literature
- Monuments and important places
- Famous personalities
- Important government programmes
- Important organisations
History, Geography and Polity
- History of India
- Freedom struggle
- Physical geography
- Social and economic geography of India and the world
- Indian polity
- Constitution of India
- Political and governance system
- Indian economy
Science, Technology and Computers
- General Science up to Class 10 level
- Life Science up to Class 10 level
- General scientific developments
- Space and nuclear programme of India
- Environmental issues
- Basics of computers
- Common computer applications
- Common abbreviations
Use the RRB NTPC General Awareness guide for complete preparation, the RRB NTPC Static GK guide for fixed topics, and the RRB NTPC Current Affairs guide for daily and monthly revision.
RRB NTPC Negative Marking
How Is the Score Calculated?
Every correct answer carries one mark. For every incorrect answer, one-third mark is deducted. No mark is normally added or deducted for an unattempted question.
Example: If a candidate gives 75 correct answers and 18 wrong answers, the penalty is 18 divided by 3, which is 6 marks. The raw score becomes 75 minus 6, which is 69 marks.
Do not attempt questions through completely random guessing. Attempt doubtful questions only when you can eliminate options through logic or subject knowledge.
Minimum Qualifying Percentage
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|
| UR | 40 percent |
| EWS | 40 percent |
| OBC-NCL | 30 percent |
| SC | 30 percent |
| ST | 25 percent |
RRB NTPC CBAT and Typing Skill Test
Post-wise skill stages are qualifying or merit-linked according to the official notification. Candidates should prepare for these stages before the CBT 2 result instead of waiting until the last moment.
Computer Based Aptitude Test
CBAT is applicable to notified aptitude-based graduate posts such as Station Master and Traffic Assistant.
- Candidates must qualify every test battery.
- The official minimum T-score is 42 in each battery.
- No category-wise relaxation is normally available in this score.
- CBAT has no negative marking.
- Final merit for applicable posts uses CBT 2 and CBAT weightage.
Station Master aspirants can also read the Railway Station Master preparation guide .
Computer Based Typing Skill Test
The typing test is applicable to posts carrying a typing requirement, such as notified clerk and accounts typist categories.
- English typing standard: 30 words per minute.
- Hindi typing standard: 25 words per minute.
- The test is conducted on a computer.
- Typing is qualifying in nature.
- Editing and spell-checking support is not provided.
Download RRB NTPC Syllabus PDF
The complete syllabus is included inside the official Graduate and Undergraduate Centralised Employment Notices.
CEN 06/2025 for graduate-level Non-Technical Popular Category posts.
Open Graduate PDFCEN 07/2025 for Class 12-level Non-Technical Popular Category posts.
Open Undergraduate PDFOfficial Accuracy Note
The CBT 1 pattern, CBT 2 pattern, negative marking, qualifying percentage, subject-wise syllabus, aptitude test and typing rules in this guide are based on the official RRB NTPC notifications.
Candidates should check the official unified RRB website for future notices, results, answer keys, examination schedules and changes.
60-Day RRB NTPC Syllabus Completion Plan
This plan is useful for students who know the basics but need a proper order. Complete beginners can extend the same stages according to their available time.
Build Arithmetic and Reasoning Basics
Complete number system, percentage, ratio, average, profit and loss, series, analogy, coding-decoding, direction and blood relation. Start short daily current-affairs revision.
Complete Core Maths and Static GK
Study time and work, time and distance, interest, mensuration, algebra, history, geography, polity, economy and general science.
Finish Remaining Reasoning and Awareness
Complete syllogism, puzzles, data sufficiency, statement questions, computers, environment, transport, organisations and science and technology.
Solve Sectional Tests
Attempt separate Maths, Reasoning and General Awareness tests. Analyse slow chapters and questions that cause repeated errors.
Attempt CBT 1 and CBT 2 Mock Tests
Practise both 100-question and 120-question patterns. Learn to control time without increasing random attempts.
Final Revision and Error Control
Revise formulas, science facts, static GK, monthly current affairs and reasoning patterns. Focus on accuracy instead of collecting new study materials.
Simple Daily Study Routine
Students managing SSC, Railway or Banking preparation together can use the SSC, Banking and Railway Combined Study Plan Generator to build a routine according to available hours and weak subjects.
How to Use the RRB NTPC Syllabus Correctly
| Step | What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Convert every subject into a chapter checklist | You can track what is completed and what still needs practice |
| 2 | Solve questions immediately after learning a topic | Watching a class alone does not confirm understanding |
| 3 | Maintain an error notebook | Repeated mistakes become visible before the examination |
| 4 | Attempt timed sectional tests | Speed improves without creating full mock-test pressure |
| 5 | Move from CBT 1 mocks to CBT 2 mocks | You learn to handle more questions in the same duration |
| 6 | Revise monthly Current Affairs more than once | General Awareness needs recall, not only first-time reading |
You can also use the Government Exam Syllabus Finder to compare RRB NTPC with other Railway, SSC, Banking and government examinations.
Useful RRB NTPC Preparation Resources
Use only the pages connected with your current stage. Following too many sources together can reduce revision quality.
Common RRB NTPC Preparation Mistakes
- Preparing CBT 1 but completely ignoring the CBT 2 question load.
- Watching Mathematics classes without solving questions.
- Believing Reasoning is easy and leaving it for the final week.
- Studying only Current Affairs and ignoring Static GK and Science.
- Attempting every question despite negative marking.
- Using many teachers for the same subject and creating confusion.
- Not analysing wrong and skipped questions after a mock test.
- Waiting for the CBT 2 result before starting typing or CBAT practice.
- Checking only qualifying marks instead of preparing for the real cutoff.
- Depending on unofficial notices instead of the official RRB website.
RRB NTPC Syllabus 2026 FAQs
The RRB NTPC syllabus contains Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness. The broad subjects are common in CBT 1 and CBT 2, but the number of questions increases in CBT 2.
CBT 1 contains 100 questions for 100 marks. It includes 40 General Awareness, 30 Mathematics and 30 Reasoning questions.
CBT 2 contains 120 questions for 120 marks. It includes 50 General Awareness, 35 Mathematics and 35 Reasoning questions.
The normal duration of CBT 1 and CBT 2 is 90 minutes each. Eligible candidates using a scribe receive time according to the official notification rules.
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for every incorrect answer in CBT 1 and CBT 2.
The main CBT subjects and broad syllabus areas are common. However, post eligibility, pay level, medical standard and skill-test requirements can be different.
CBT 1 has 100 questions and mainly works as a screening stage. CBT 2 has 120 questions in the same 90-minute duration and plays a stronger role in post-wise merit and selection.
General Awareness has the highest weight. It carries 40 questions in CBT 1 and 50 questions in CBT 2.
The minimum qualifying percentage is 40 percent for UR and EWS, 30 percent for OBC-NCL and SC, and 25 percent for ST. Actual cutoffs can be higher.
No. The typing skill test is required only for notified posts that include a typing requirement, such as applicable clerk and accounts typist categories.
CBAT applies to notified aptitude-based graduate posts such as Station Master and Traffic Assistant. Candidates should verify the exact post list in the relevant notification.
The official syllabus is included in the Graduate CEN 06/2025 and Undergraduate CEN 07/2025 notifications. Direct official PDF buttons are provided in this guide.
YouTube can support preparation when students follow limited teachers, study chapter by chapter, make notes, solve PYQs and attempt mock tests. Watching videos without practice is not enough.
Conclusion
The RRB NTPC syllabus becomes manageable when students divide it into Mathematics, Reasoning and General Awareness instead of studying randomly. Start with arithmetic basics, practise Reasoning daily and revise General Awareness repeatedly.
Prepare CBT 1 as the foundation but keep the CBT 2 pattern in mind from the beginning. Candidates targeting Station Master, Traffic Assistant or typing-based posts should also start the applicable skill preparation early.
