The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) exam to recruit eligible candidates for various posts in Indian Railways. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. This article provides a detailed overview of the RRB NTPC exam pattern for 2024, covering CBT 1, CBT 2, Document Verification (DV), and Medical Examination.
RRB NTPC Exam 📝
- The RRB NTPC exam is a national-level recruitment exam.
- It is conducted in multiple stages.
- The exam tests candidates’ knowledge and aptitude for various non-technical roles in Indian Railways.
- The selection process includes:
- First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT 1)
- Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT 2)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination
RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern 💻
CBT 1 is the first stage of the selection process. It is a screening test to shortlist candidates for CBT 2.
- Nature of Exam: Objective type (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates)
- Sections:
- Mathematics: 30 questions
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: 30 questions
- General Awareness: 40 questions
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern ✍️
Candidates who clear CBT 1 are eligible to appear for CBT 2. The CBT 2 exam pattern is similar to CBT 1 but with a higher difficulty level.
- Nature of Exam: Objective type (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Total Questions: 120
- Total Marks: 120
- Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates)
- Sections:
- Mathematics: 35 questions
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: 35 questions
- General Awareness: 50 questions
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.

RRB NTPC Document Verification (DV) 📁
Candidates who qualify in CBT 2 are called for Document Verification. This stage involves verifying the authenticity of the documents submitted by the candidates during the application process.
- Documents Required:
- Educational certificates (10th, 12th, Graduation, etc.)
- Identity proof (Aadhar card, Voter ID, etc.)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
- Other relevant documents as specified in the official notification.
RRB NTPC Medical Examination 🏥
The final stage of the selection process is the Medical Examination. Candidates are assessed for their physical fitness as per the standards set by the Indian Railways.
- Medical Standards:
- Different medical standards are prescribed for different posts.
- Candidates must meet the required medical criteria to be eligible for appointment.
Key Points to Remember 💡
- The CBT 1 and CBT 2 exams are conducted in multiple shifts.
- Normalization of marks is done to ensure fairness across different shifts.
- The syllabus for CBT 1 and CBT 2 is similar, but the difficulty level of questions in CBT 2 is higher.
- Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in each stage to be eligible for the next stage.
- The final selection is based on the performance in CBT 2, DV, and Medical Examination.
Preparation Tips for RRB NTPC Exam 🎯
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
- Create a study plan and stick to it.
- Practice previous year’s question papers and mock tests.
- Focus on improving your speed and accuracy.
- Stay updated on current affairs.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
FAQs 🤔
Q. Is there any interview in the RRB NTPC exam?
A. No, there is no interview in the RRB NTPC exam. The selection is based on CBT 1, CBT 2, DV, and Medical Examination.
Q. What is the negative marking in the RRB NTPC exam?
A. There is a negative marking of 1/3 mark for each wrong answer in both CBT 1 and CBT 2.
Q. Where can I find the official notification for the RRB NTPC exam?
A. The official notification for the RRB NTPC exam is released on the official website of the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB). You can visit the RRB website for the latest updates.
Conclusion ✅
The RRB NTPC exam is a competitive exam, and a thorough understanding of the exam pattern is essential for success. By following the tips and information provided in this article, candidates can enhance their preparation and increase their chances of selection.