RRB NTPC syllabus is the same for both CBT 1 and CBT 2, only the number of questions changes. Every question comes from three subjects: General Awareness, Mathematics and General Intelligence and Reasoning. This page has the exam pattern for both CBTs, the full syllabus in tables, an idea of which topics come more often and a few tips for the paper. For new Job Notifications, join our Instagram, WhatsApp and YouTube.
RRB NTPC Exam at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | RRB NTPC, computer-based tests (CBT 1 and CBT 2) |
| CBT 1 (screening) | 100 questions, 100 marks, 90 minutes |
| CBT 2 (main merit) | 120 questions, 120 marks, 90 minutes |
| Subjects | General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning |
| Marking | 1 mark for each correct answer. 1/3 mark is cut for each wrong answer in both CBTs |
| Time for scribe candidates | 120 minutes for PwBD candidates who are eligible for a scribe |
| Languages | English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu |
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern
Both papers are online and objective type, with the same three subjects. CBT 1 is the screening test and CBT 2 is the main test for merit, and it simply has more questions in each subject. Every question carries 1 mark, so the questions and the marks are the same.
| Subject | CBT 1 Questions | CBT 1 Marks | CBT 2 Questions | CBT 2 Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 120 | 120 |
| Time | 90 minutes | 90 minutes | ||
RRB NTPC Syllabus
The topics for all three subjects are given in the table below. They are the same for CBT 1 and CBT 2.
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics 30 marks in CBT 1, 35 marks in CBT 2 |
Number system, decimals, fractions, LCM, HCF, ratio and proportion, percentage, mensuration, time and work, time, speed and distance, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, elementary algebra, geometry and trigonometry, elementary statistics, average, problems on weight, height and marks, relative speed, boats and trains, linear equations (one and two variables), dishonest and successive dealings, partnerships. |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning 30 marks in CBT 1, 35 marks in CBT 2 |
Analogies, statement and conclusion, number and alphabet series, coding-decoding, puzzles, data sufficiency, mathematical operations, similarities and differences, relationships, analytical reasoning, syllogism, jumbling, Venn diagrams, statement-courses of action, decision making, maps, interpretation of graphs, classification (odd one out), blood relations, clock and calendar, ordering and ranking, directions and distances, word formation, missing number, non-verbal reasoning (pattern completion, figure analogy, cubes). |
| General Awareness 40 marks in CBT 1, 50 marks in CBT 2 |
Inventions and discoveries, neighbouring countries, current events (national and international), countries, capitals and currencies, Indian literature and important books, monuments and places of India, general and life science (up to class 10), members of Rajya Sabha, history and freedom struggle, geography of India and world, list of phobias, Indian polity and governance, science and technology, space and nuclear programme, IPL winners, UN and world organisations, environmental issues, airports of India, computer basics, sports terms, games and sports, common abbreviations, Arjuna Award winners, transport systems in India, Indian economy, famous personalities, art and culture, flagship government programmes, flora and fauna, government and public sector organisations. |
Which Topics Come More Often
The number in brackets is roughly how many questions come from that topic in past papers. It is only a rough idea and it can change in the next exam, so do not skip any topic fully.
| Subject | Comes often | Comes regularly | Comes less |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Profit and loss (3-4), data interpretation (3-4), speed, time and distance (3-4) | Simple and compound interest (2-3), number system (2-3), geometry (2-3), average (2-3), HCF and LCM (2-3), simplification (2-3), time and work (1-3), ages (1-3), pipes and cistern (1-2) | Fraction (1), percentage (1), ratio and proportion (1), algebra (1), trigonometry (1) |
| Reasoning | Coding-decoding (3-4), Venn diagram (3-4), puzzles (3), logical arrangement of words (3) | Order and rank (2-3), alphabet and figure series (2-3), distance and direction (2-3), blood relation (1-3), analogy (2), number series (2), statement and conclusions (2) | Decision making (1-2), odd pair (1-2), mathematical operators (1-2), odd one out (1) |
| General Awareness | History (7-8), geography (6) | Polity (4), biology (4), current affairs (2-4), static GK (3), physics (2), chemistry (2) | Economics (1-2), books and authors (1-2), organisations (1-2), space and defence (1-2), days and dates (1), inventions (1), computer (1), sports (1), others (1-2) |
Tips for the Exam
- I suggest you to start with General Awareness because it has the most marks and needs no calculation, so you can score easily. Do history and geography first.
- Learn tables up to 20, squares up to 30 and common percentage values like 1/8 = 12.5% and 1/6 = 16.67% so that you can calculate fast. After that practice profit and loss, data interpretation and speed, time and distance because they come most often in CBT.
- For blood relations, directions and ranking questions make a small diagram on paper, so it will save your time and you will do less silly mistakes.
- Coding-decoding, Venn diagrams and puzzles are important in reasoning, so solve 10 questions of one type at a time and then mix them.
- Read current affairs daily for 15 to 20 minutes and make a small notebook for last 6 to 12 months info. and revise it every week, dont leave it for the end.
- Science questions are up to class 10 level, so NCERT notes of class 6 to 10 are enough. Dont waste time on advanced books.
- Give mock tests and check your wrong answers so that you know where you stand. Time is less in CBT, so skip the long questions and come back to them later.
Common Questions
Is the syllabus different for CBT 1 and CBT 2?
No, the syllabus is the same. Only the number of questions is different: 100 in CBT 1 and 120 in CBT 2.
How many marks does each subject carry?
In CBT 1 it is General Awareness 40, Maths 30 and Reasoning 30. In CBT 2 it is General Awareness 50, Maths 35 and Reasoning 35.
Is there minus marking in RRB NTPC?
Yes, 1/3 mark is cut for every wrong answer in both CBTs.
How much time do we get in each CBT?
90 minutes for each CBT. PwBD candidates who are eligible for a scribe get 120 minutes.
What is the level of the science syllabus?
General science and life science are up to class 10 level.
Which subject should I start with?
General Awareness gives the most marks and needs no calculation, so many students start with it. Then do Maths and Reasoning practice daily.
Are the topic wise numbers fixed?
No. They are a rough idea from past papers, and the number of questions from a topic can change in the next exam.
In which language can I write the exam?
English, Hindi and 13 regional languages: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.
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