RRB NTPC Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern: Subject-Wise CBT 1 & CBT 2 Complete Guide

RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Overview

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) examination to recruit eligible candidates for both Graduate and Undergraduate level posts across Indian Railways. With notifications active for 5,236 vacancies (CEN 06/2026 & CEN 07/2026), having a thorough grasp of the RRB NTPC 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern is essential for high scores in both CBT 1 and CBT 2. Candidates can review the vacancy and eligibility breakdown at [RRB NTPC Recruitment 2026](/post/rrb-ntpc-recruitment-2026-notification-out-for-5-236-graduate-ug-posts-apply-online).

RRB NTPC 2026 Selection Stages

Stage 1: First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT 1) – Screening test common for all posts.
Stage 2: Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT 2) – Post-level specific exam with higher difficulty.
Stage 3: Skill Test / Aptitude Test – Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for Station Master/Traffic Assistant and Typing Skill Test (TST) for Clerical/Junior Accounts posts.
Stage 4: Document Verification (DV) & Medical Examination – Final verification of qualifications and medical fitness.

RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern
Section / Subject	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Exam Duration
General Awareness (GA)	40	40	90 Minutes (120 Minutes for PwBD)
Mathematics	30	30	-
General Intelligence & Reasoning	30	30	-
Total	100 Questions	100 Marks	90 Minutes

Key Rules for CBT 1
Negative Marking	1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer
Question Type	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Nature of CBT 1	Qualifying / Screening in nature (Marks not added in final merit)
Normalization	Percentile / standard RRB score normalization applied

RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern
Section / Subject	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Exam Duration
General Awareness (GA)	50	50	90 Minutes (120 Minutes for PwBD)
Mathematics	35	35	-
General Intelligence & Reasoning	35	35	-
Total	120 Questions	120 Marks	90 Minutes

Subject-Wise Syllabus: Mathematics

The syllabus for Mathematics tests numerical ability and speed across core arithmetic and basic advanced math topics:\n\n* Arithmetic: Number System, Decimals, Fractions, LCM and HCF, Ratio and Proportions, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss.\n* Algebra & Geometry: Elementary Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Heights and Distances.\n* Statistics: Elementary Statistics, Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, and Standard Deviation.\n\nStrategy Tip: Focus on calculation shortcuts and simplification exercises to save time for word problems.

Subject-Wise Syllabus: General Intelligence & Reasoning

This section evaluates problem-solving and analytical thinking skills:\n\n* Verbal Reasoning: Analogies, Completion of Number and Alphabetical Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Similarities and Differences, Relationships, Analytical Reasoning, Syllogism, Jumbling.\n* Non-Verbal & Analytical: Venn Diagrams, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Statement-Course of Action, Directions, Puzzle and Seating Arrangements.\n\nStrategy Tip: Daily practice of puzzles, syllogisms, and coding-decoding sets helps achieve high accuracy in under 20 minutes.

Subject-Wise Syllabus: General Awareness

General Awareness carries the highest weightage (40 marks in CBT 1 and 50 marks in CBT 2):\n\n* Current Affairs: National and International events, sports achievements, summits, books, and awards (past 8-12 months).\n* General Science: Basics of Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences (Class 10 CBSE curriculum).\n* Social Sciences & Static GK: Indian History, Freedom Struggle, Indian Polity and Constitution, Indian Geography, Economy, Indian Railways history and organizational setup, Environmental Issues, General Scientific and Technological developments.

Preparation Tips & Best Practices

1. Master the Previous Years' Papers: Solve actual RRB NTPC papers from previous exam cycles to identify recurring themes in Static GK and Math.\n2. Target Sectional Timing: Practice completing 100 questions in 80 minutes during mock tests to leave a 10-minute buffer for review.\n3. Railway GK Special Focus: Prepare questions regarding railway zones, divisions, track electrification, and latest rail projects.\n4. Balance Multi-Exam Preparation: If you are preparing alongside other government exams, refer to our guide on [Preparing for Multiple Sarkari Exams Without Burnout](/blog/sarkari-exam-season-2026-avoid-burnout) and track other active recruitment drives on [Sarkari Naukri 2026 Complete Guide](/blog/sarkari-naukri-2026-complete-guide).

Important Links
RRB NTPC Recruitment 2026 Post	Click Here
Sarkari Naukri 2026 Complete Guide	Click Here
RRB Official Website	Click Here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What is the difference between RRB NTPC CBT 1 and CBT 2?
Answer: CBT 1 consists of 100 questions for 100 marks (90 minutes), while CBT 2 consists of 120 questions for 120 marks (90 minutes).
Question: Is there negative marking in RRB NTPC 2026?
Answer: Yes, there is negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each incorrect response in both CBT 1 and CBT 2.
Question: Is the syllabus different for CBT 1 and CBT 2?
Answer: Yes, the subjects (Maths, Reasoning, General Awareness) are the same, but CBT 2 has 20 additional questions, a higher difficulty level, and its score counts towards the final merit.