RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Pattern, Marks and Selection Process
Understand the RRB NTPC 2026 exam pattern, marking scheme, post-wise skill tests, CBT stages, aptitude test and document verification process.
AC Team
The Railway Recruitment Board has announced 11,558 vacancies for Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) posts in Indian Railways. The recruitment covers both graduate and undergraduate posts. Knowing the RRB NTPC 2026 exam pattern can help you plan your study time and avoid surprises on exam day.
The selection process has several stages. Some posts need a typing test, while others need a computer-based aptitude test. The final appointment also depends on document verification and medical fitness.
RRB NTPC 2026 Selection Process
The recruitment process includes these stages:
- Computer-Based Test 1, also called CBT 1
- Computer-Based Test 2, also called CBT 2
- Typing Skill Test or Computer-Based Aptitude Test, where required
- Document Verification and Medical Examination
CBT 1 acts as a screening test. The Railway Recruitment Board uses the normalised CBT 1 score to shortlist candidates for CBT 2. Up to 20 times the number of vacancies may be shortlisted, based on merit, community category and post preferences.
Post-Wise Skill Test Requirements
Graduate-level posts
| Post | Pay Level | Test after CBT 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Supervisor | 6 | None |
| Station Master | 6 | Computer-Based Aptitude Test |
| Traffic Assistant | 4 | Computer-Based Aptitude Test |
Undergraduate-level posts
| Post | Pay Level | Test after CBT 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Clerk cum Typist | 2 | Typing Skill Test |
| Accounts Clerk cum Typist | 2 | Typing Skill Test |
| Trains Clerk | 2 | None |
| Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | 3 | None |
RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026
CBT 1 has 100 questions for 100 marks. You get 90 minutes to complete the test. Candidates with eligible disabilities who use a scribe get 120 minutes.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
The questions match the general level of the posts. The exam has negative marking. One-third of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer, so random guessing can hurt your score.
The minimum qualifying percentages are 40% for the unreserved and EWS categories, 30% for OBC non-creamy layer and SC candidates, and 25% for ST candidates. These marks may be lowered by 2% for PwBD candidates if there is a shortage of candidates in reserved vacancies.
RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026
CBT 2 carries more questions and has a stronger role in the final merit list. It includes 120 questions for 120 marks, with a time limit of 90 minutes. Eligible candidates who use a scribe get 120 minutes.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
CBT 2 also has one-third negative marking for every wrong answer. The difficulty level may vary by the pay level of the post. Candidates who use reservation benefits must continue under the same category in the later stages.
Computer-Based Aptitude Test
The Computer-Based Aptitude Test is required for Station Master and Traffic Assistant posts. Candidates must score at least a T-score of 42 in each test battery. This rule applies to every category, and there is no relaxation.
You must qualify in every test battery to remain eligible. There is no negative marking in the CBAT. Questions and answer choices are available in English and Hindi.
For the merit list, CBT 2 carries 70% weightage and CBAT carries 30% weightage. Only candidates who qualify in the CBAT are considered for the merit list.
Typing Skill Test
The Typing Skill Test applies to typist posts such as Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Junior Clerk cum Typist and Accounts Clerk cum Typist. The test is qualifying in nature, which means its marks are not added to the merit score.
About eight times the number of vacancies may be called for this test. You must type at least 30 words per minute in English or 25 words per minute in Hindi on a personal computer. Editing tools and spell-check features are not allowed. Your keyboard will not accept excuses, so regular practice matters.
Document Verification and Medical Examination
Candidates who qualify in CBT 2 and the required skill or aptitude test are called for Document Verification. The number of candidates called is based on the vacancies, merit and post preferences.
Keep original documents and valid copies of your educational certificates, identity proof, category certificate, disability certificate, photographs and other required records. The medical examination checks whether you meet the fitness standards for the post selected.
How to Use the Pattern for Preparation
- Give extra study time to General Awareness because it has the highest weight in both CBT stages.
- Practise timed maths and reasoning sets to improve speed without losing accuracy.
- Take mock tests with the same time limit as the real exam.
- Keep an error notebook and review it each week.
- Start typing practice early if you have chosen a typist post.
- Read the official notification before applying and check the medical rules for your preferred post.
