RRB NTPC

Every topic matched to the official PDF Official notice, www.rrbapply.gov.in

47 topics, each explained 3 units

Official syllabus page www.rrbapply.gov.in

RRB NTPC recruits for Non-Technical Popular Category posts across Indian Railways — Graduate-level posts like Station Master, Goods Guard/Train Manager and Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, and Undergraduate-level posts like Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist and Commercial cum Ticket Clerk — through a Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) run by the Railway Recruitment Boards. Every candidate clears two Computer Based Tests (First Stage CBT for screening, Second Stage CBT for merit) covering Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning and General Awareness, followed by a Typing Skill Test or a Computer Based Aptitude Test depending on the post. General Awareness carries the most questions in both stages, so build a daily current-affairs habit alongside steady practice on Maths and Reasoning.

Exam Pattern

Conducting body: Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), through a Centralised Employment Notice (CEN). NTPC stands for Non-Technical Popular Categories. The posts are advertised at two levels — Graduate level (for example Station Master, Goods Guard / Train Manager, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Commercial Apprentice) and Undergraduate level (for example Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Trains Clerk, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk).

Stages: First Stage CBT → Second Stage CBT → then, depending on the post, a Typing Skill Test OR a Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) → Document Verification & Medical Examination.

FIRST STAGE CBT (screening; common to all posts): 100 questions, 90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates using a scribe). Split — Mathematics 30, General Intelligence & Reasoning 30, General Awareness 40. Negative marking: one-third (1/3) mark for each wrong answer. The first-stage score is used only for shortlisting to the second stage.

SECOND STAGE CBT (merit-deciding): 120 questions, 90 minutes. Split — Mathematics 35, General Intelligence & Reasoning 35, General Awareness 50. Negative marking: one-third (1/3). Separate Second Stage papers are held for the Graduate and Undergraduate levels, but the question structure is the same.

POST-SPECIFIC TEST: a Typing Skill Test applies to typist / clerk posts, while a Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) applies to posts such as Station Master and Traffic Assistant.

This is the standard, recently-used RRB NTPC pattern; the exact split, number of stages and normalisation can change between CENs, so always confirm against the specific NTPC notification on rrbapply.gov.in.

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RRB NTPC — related updates

RRB RRB NTPC Graduate CBT 2 Result 2026 declared for CEN 27 Aug 2026 RRB RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-2 Result 2026 (CEN 06/2025) - Check Scorecard 27 Aug 2026 RRB RRB NTPC UG CBT 2 exam on September 17, check city slip 27 Aug 2026 RRB RRB NTPC UG result 2026 declared for CEN 07/2025, CBT-2 exam 25 Aug 2026 RRB RRB NTPC UG CBT 1 Result 2026 (CEN 07/2025) Out - Zone-Wise PDF 25 Aug 2026

Full Syllabus

1 Mathematics (both CBTs)

What the syllabus lists	What it means and how to prepare
Number System	Number System — properties of integers, primes, factors and divisibility rules that most other maths questions are built on.
Decimals & Fractions	Decimals & Fractions — converting between the two and simplifying them quickly is what speeds up every calculation-heavy question.
LCM & HCF	LCM & HCF — comes up in the practical questions about bells ringing together, tiles fitting a floor, and people completing laps.
Ratio & Proportion	Ratio & Proportion — comparing quantities in parts; the base method behind mixture, age and division-of-money questions.
Percentage	Percentage — expressing a part out of hundred; master this first because profit-loss, interest and data-interpretation all use it.
Mensuration	Mensuration — area, perimeter and volume of shapes like squares, circles, cylinders and cones; learn the formulas and practise substitution.
Time & Work	Time & Work — how fast people or machines finish a job together or alone; think in terms of work-done-per-day, not just total days.
Time & Distance	Time & Distance — speed, time and distance problems, including trains crossing each other and boats moving with or against a stream.
Simple & Compound Interest	Simple & Compound Interest — how money grows on a loan or deposit; know the two formulas and where compound interest overtakes simple.
Profit & Loss	Profit & Loss — cost price versus selling price; practise discount and marked-price questions until the terms stop confusing you.
Elementary Algebra	Elementary Algebra — basic equations and expressions with unknowns; solve for x quickly using simplification, not trial and error.
Geometry & Trigonometry	Geometry & Trigonometry — properties of lines, angles and triangles, plus basic trig ratios like sine and cosine for height-distance problems.
Elementary Statistics	Elementary Statistics — reading averages, mean, median and simple data sets; go slowly so you don't mix these terms up under time pressure.

2 General Intelligence & Reasoning (both CBTs)

What the syllabus lists	What it means and how to prepare
Analogies	Analogies — find the relationship in one pair of words/numbers and apply the same logic to a second pair.
Number & Alphabetical Series	Number & Alphabetical Series — spot the pattern in a sequence of numbers or letters to find the next or missing term.
Coding-Decoding	Coding-Decoding — words or numbers are hidden behind a made-up code; crack the rule the question is using, then apply it.
Mathematical Operations	Mathematical Operations — symbols like +, − and × are swapped with each other; substitute correctly and solve step by step.
Relationships	Relationships — family and blood-relation puzzles; draw a small family tree on paper instead of tracking it in your head.
Syllogism	Syllogism — draw a conclusion from given statements; solve with a Venn diagram, not by guessing in your head.
Jumbling	Jumbling — letters or words are mixed up; rearrange them by spotting the pattern rather than random trial.
Venn Diagrams	Venn Diagrams — overlapping circles show how groups relate; practise reading and drawing them so classification questions get faster.
Data Interpretation & Sufficiency	Data Interpretation & Sufficiency — read tables, graphs or given facts and judge whether they are enough to answer the question, not just calculate.
Conclusions & Decision Making	Conclusions & Decision Making — pick the most logical conclusion or action from the given information, sticking only to what is stated.
Similarities & Differences	Similarities & Differences — compare items or figures to find what matches and what doesn't; look at every feature, not just the obvious one.
Analytical Reasoning	Analytical Reasoning — multi-step puzzles like seating arrangements or ranking; note every clue on paper before you start eliminating options.
Classification	Classification — find the one item that does not belong with the rest of the group, based on a shared property.
Directions	Directions — track someone's movement north, south, east, west and turns; sketch the path on paper to avoid losing track.
Statement-Argument & Assumptions	Statement-Argument & Assumptions — judge whether a given argument is strong or weak, and identify what it silently assumes to be true.

3 General Awareness (both CBTs)

Not covered in this pack — where to find it

Marks per question / total marks	not stated in this pack — only question counts are given, not the marks weightage per section
Cut-off / qualifying percentage	not stated in this pack
Exam date / CEN schedule	not stated in this pack
Vacancy count	not stated in this pack
Age limit	not stated in this pack
Application fee	not stated in this pack
Detailed eligibility / educational qualification for each post	not stated in this pack — only that posts are split into Graduate level and Undergraduate level

Free practice — 21 questions

Work out the answer yourself first, then tap “Show answer”. Every answer shows the method, not just the letter.

In RRB NTPC's First Stage CBT, how many questions are asked in total?
- A 100
- B 80
- C 120
- D 90
Show answer

A — 100

The official notification states the First Stage CBT has 100 questions to be answered in 90 minutes.

Exam Pattern — First Stage CBT
How much time is given to attempt the RRB NTPC First Stage CBT (for a general candidate)?
- A 105 minutes
- B 90 minutes
- C 60 minutes
- D 75 minutes
Show answer

B — 90 minutes

The official notification states the First Stage CBT runs for 90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates using a scribe).

Exam Pattern — First Stage CBT
In RRB NTPC, how many marks are deducted for each wrong answer?
- A Half (1/2) mark
- B One-fourth (1/4) mark
- C One-third (1/3) mark
- D No negative marking
Show answer

C — One-third (1/3) mark

The official notification states negative marking of one-third (1/3) mark per wrong answer applies in both the First Stage and Second Stage CBT.

Exam Pattern — Negative Marking
How many Mathematics questions are there in the RRB NTPC First Stage CBT?
- A 35
- B 25
- C 40
- D 30
Show answer

D — 30

The pack's First Stage CBT split is Mathematics 30, General Intelligence & Reasoning 30, General Awareness 40, out of 100 questions.

Exam Pattern — First Stage CBT
How many General Awareness questions are there in the RRB NTPC First Stage CBT?
- A 40
- B 50
- C 35
- D 30
Show answer

A — 40

The pack's First Stage CBT split is Mathematics 30, General Intelligence & Reasoning 30, General Awareness 40.

Exam Pattern — First Stage CBT
Which subject carries the most questions in the RRB NTPC First Stage CBT?
- A All three carry equal questions
- B General Awareness
- C Mathematics
- D General Intelligence & Reasoning
Show answer

B — General Awareness

First Stage CBT split: Mathematics 30, General Intelligence & Reasoning 30, General Awareness 40 — General Awareness has the most questions.

Exam Pattern — First Stage CBT
How many questions are asked in the RRB NTPC Second Stage CBT?
- A 110
- B 150
- C 120
- D 100
Show answer

C — 120

The official notification states the Second Stage CBT has 120 questions to be answered in 90 minutes.

Exam Pattern — Second Stage CBT
How many General Awareness questions are there in the RRB NTPC Second Stage CBT?
- A 35
- B 40
- C 45
- D 50
Show answer

D — 50

The pack's Second Stage CBT split is Mathematics 35, General Intelligence & Reasoning 35, General Awareness 50, out of 120 questions.

Exam Pattern — Second Stage CBT
What does NTPC stand for in RRB NTPC?
- A New Transport Public Corporation
- B Non-Technical Popular Categories
- C National Technical Personnel Cadre
- D Non-Technical Placement Committee
Show answer

B — Non-Technical Popular Categories

The official notification states NTPC stands for Non-Technical Popular Categories, posts advertised at Graduate and Undergraduate level.

Exam Pattern — Overview
A student scored 240 marks out of 300 in a test. What percentage did the student score?
- A 78%
- B 75%
- C 80%
- D 82%
Show answer

C — 80%

Percentage = (240 / 300) x 100 = 80%.

Mathematics — Percentage
The ratio of two numbers is 3:5. If their sum is 96, what is the smaller number?
- A 32
- B 40
- C 30
- D 36
Show answer

D — 36

Total parts = 3 + 5 = 8. Each part = 96 / 8 = 12. Smaller number = 3 x 12 = 36.

Mathematics — Ratio & Proportion
What is the HCF (highest common factor) of 18 and 24?
- A 6
- B 8
- C 12
- D 4
Show answer

A — 6

18 = 2 x 3 x 3 and 24 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3. The common factors are 2 and 3, so HCF = 2 x 3 = 6.

Mathematics — LCM & HCF
A can finish a piece of work in 10 days and B can finish the same work in 15 days. Working together, in how many days will they finish the work?
- A 7 days
- B 6 days
- C 5 days
- D 8 days
Show answer

B — 6 days

A's one-day work = 1/10, B's one-day work = 1/15. Together = 1/10 + 1/15 = 3/30 + 2/30 = 5/30 = 1/6, so they finish the work in 6 days.

Mathematics — Time & Work
A train 150 metres long crosses a pole in 15 seconds. What is the speed of the train in km/h?
- A 30 km/h
- B 40 km/h
- C 36 km/h
- D 33 km/h
Show answer

C — 36 km/h

Speed = distance / time = 150 m / 15 s = 10 m/s. Converting to km/h: 10 x 18/5 = 36 km/h.

Mathematics — Time & Distance
Find the simple interest on Rs 5000 at 8% per annum for 3 years.
- A Rs 1500
- B Rs 1000
- C Rs 1100
- D Rs 1200
Show answer

D — Rs 1200

Simple Interest = (P x R x T) / 100 = (5000 x 8 x 3) / 100 = Rs 1200.

Mathematics — Simple & Compound Interest
A shopkeeper buys an article for Rs 800 and sells it for Rs 920. Find the profit percentage.
- A 15%
- B 12%
- C 10%
- D 20%
Show answer

A — 15%

Profit = 920 - 800 = Rs 120. Profit percentage = (120 / 800) x 100 = 15%.

Mathematics — Profit & Loss
If 3x + 7 = 22, what is the value of x?
- A 3
- B 5
- C 4
- D 6
Show answer

B — 5

3x + 7 = 22, so 3x = 15, so x = 5.

Mathematics — Elementary Algebra
Find the average of the numbers 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36.
- A 26
- B 20
- C 24
- D 22
Show answer

C — 24

Sum = 12 + 18 + 24 + 30 + 36 = 120. Average = 120 / 5 = 24.

Mathematics — Elementary Statistics
Find the area of a rectangle with length 12 cm and breadth 7 cm.
- A 80 sq cm
- B 72 sq cm
- C 90 sq cm
- D 84 sq cm
Show answer

D — 84 sq cm

Area of a rectangle = length x breadth = 12 x 7 = 84 sq cm.

Mathematics — Mensuration
Find the next number in the series: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?
- A 42
- B 36
- C 44
- D 40
Show answer

A — 42

The differences between consecutive terms are 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 (increasing by 2 each time), so the next term is 30 + 12 = 42.

General Intelligence & Reasoning — Number & Alphabetical Series
In a certain code, CAT is written as DBU. In the same code, how is DOG written?
- A FPH
- B EPH
- C EPI
- D EOG
Show answer

B — EPH

Each letter of the word is shifted forward by one place in the alphabet (C->D, A->B, T->U). Applying the same rule to DOG: D->E, O->P, G->H, giving EPH.

General Intelligence & Reasoning — Coding-Decoding

These questions are built from the official pattern and syllabus on this page. Every answer was independently re-solved before it was published.

This exam recruits at these levels: 12th Pass Graduate

Note — Always confirm the syllabus and pattern against that year's official notification — changes are possible.

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RRB NTPC — related updates

Official source: https://www.rrbapply.gov.in/

What the syllabus lists	What it means and how to prepare
Current Events of national & international importance	Current Events of national & international importance — daily news on politics, appointments, awards and major happenings in India and abroad.
Games & Sports	Games & Sports — major tournaments, winners, records and sportspersons; a daily sports-news habit covers most of this.
Art & Culture of India	Art & Culture of India — classical dance forms, music, festivals and handicraft traditions from different states.
Indian Literature	Indian Literature — well-known authors, their major works and literary awards like the Jnanpith; make a short list to revise.
Monuments & Places of India	Monuments & Places of India — famous forts, temples and heritage sites along with the state and dynasty they belong to.
General Science & life science (up to Class 10)	General Science & life science (up to Class 10) — basic physics, chemistry and biology at school level; revise NCERT Class 9-10 concepts.
History of India & the Freedom Struggle	History of India & the Freedom Struggle — ancient to modern Indian history, with special focus on the independence movement and its leaders.
Physical, Social & Economic Geography of India & the world	Physical, Social & Economic Geography of India & the world — rivers, mountains, climate, population patterns and resources of India and the world.
Indian Polity & Governance (Constitution & political system)	Indian Polity & Governance (Constitution & political system) — the Constitution, fundamental rights, and how the government and Parliament work.
General Scientific & Technological Developments	General Scientific & Technological Developments — recent inventions, space missions and technology news; follow science headlines regularly.
UN & other important world organisations	UN & other important world organisations — the United Nations and bodies like WHO, IMF and WTO — what each does and where it is headquartered.
Environmental issues	Environmental issues — pollution, climate change and conservation efforts; link this with current-affairs reading of the last year.
Indian Economy	Indian Economy — basic economic terms, the Budget, GDP and government financial schemes; understand the concept, not just the definition.
Famous Personalities of India & the world	Famous Personalities of India & the world — people currently in the news, plus historical figures in science, sports, arts and public life.
Flagship government programmes	Flagship government programmes — major central schemes, their aim and the year they were launched; keep a running list as you read the news.
Flora & Fauna of India	Flora & Fauna of India — plant and animal life found in India, including national parks and species unique to the country.
important government & public-sector organisations	important government & public-sector organisations — major PSUs and government bodies, what they do and when they were set up.
basic Computer & applications awareness	basic Computer & applications awareness — everyday computer terms, common shortcuts and how basic office applications are used.
current affairs of roughly the last 6–12 months	current affairs of roughly the last 6–12 months — the exam draws heavily on recent months, so keep a running revision of news from the last half-year.