Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) NTPC Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Introduction
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) holds the NTPC exam to select candidates for non‑technical posts such as Clerk, Typist, Goods Guard, Traffic Assistant, and Station Master. This exam runs in several stages that assess your knowledge, speed, and specific job skills. In the exam, you tackle topics in General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning, with additional tests like the Typing Skill Test or the Computer‑Based Aptitude Test for certain posts.
Exam Pattern Overview
To start, it is important to understand the exam pattern. The RRB NTPC exam proceeds through several steps. The computer-based tests (CBT‑I and CBT‑II) assess your core subjects. Later, some posts require additional testing for typing skills or aptitude.
| Exam Stage | Subjects Covered | No. of Questions / Details | Marks / Requirement | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBT Stage I | General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning | 100 questions | 100 marks | 90 minutes | Yes (0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer) |
| CBT Stage II | Same subjects (but with more challenge) | 120 questions | 120 marks | 90 minutes | Yes (0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer) |
| Typing Skill Test | Typing speed (for Commercial Clerk, Junior Clerk, Typist posts) | Not applicable | Qualifying: English – 35 WPM; Hindi – 30 WPM | Varies | No |
| Computer‑Based Aptitude Test | Visual Memory, Spatial Scanning, Number Comparison, etc. | Not applicable (post‑specific) | Qualifying (for Station Master & Traffic Assistant) | Varies | No |
| Document Verification & Medical | Verification of documents and health standards | Not applicable | Not applicable | Varies | Not applicable |
Detailed Syllabus Breakdown
In this section, you explore every part of the syllabus. The exam covers three major areas: General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. In addition, some topics appear only in post‑specific tests. The expanded details below will help you master both CBT‑I and CBT‑II.
General Awareness
This section tests your knowledge about current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, science, and art. You must study daily events as well as core concepts from textbooks.
Expanded Sub‑Areas for General Awareness
- Current Affairs
- National: Budgets, Economic Survey, Government Schemes
- International: Summits, Treaties, Global Indices
- Sports: Major Tournaments, Records, Awards
- Awards & Honors: Bharat Ratna, Nobel Prizes, Sporting Awards
- History
- Ancient India: Indus Valley, Vedic Age, Mauryan & Gupta Empires
- Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Regional Kingdoms
- Modern India: British Rule, Freedom Struggle (Key Movements & Leaders), Indian National Congress
- Geography
- Physical Geography: Mountains, Rivers, Oceans, Climate Zones
- Indian Geography: States & Capitals, Soil Types, Cropping Patterns, Mineral & Energy Resources
- World Geography: Continents, Important Countries, Their Capitals & Currencies
- Polity & Governance
- Indian Constitution (Preamble, Schedules, Fundamental Rights & Duties)
- Structure of Union & State Executives, Legislature, Judiciary
- Panchayati Raj, Municipalities; Important Committees & Commissions
- Economy
- Basic Concepts (GDP, Inflation, Fiscal Deficit)
- Indian Budget & Tax Structure
- Banking & Financial Institutions (RBI, SEBI, NABARD)
- Monetary & Fiscal Policy and Major Economic Schemes (e.g., Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana)
- Science & Technology
- Physics & Chemistry: Basic laws, formulas, periodic table (Class 6–10 level)
- Biology: Human body, diseases, nutrition
- Recent Developments: Space Missions, Biotechnology, IT Innovations
- Environment & Ecology
- Biodiversity, Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks
- Environmental Pollution, Control Measures, Climate Change, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement
- Art & Culture
- Classical Dances, Music, Handicrafts, and Handlooms (by state)
- Monuments & Architecture (especially UNESCO Sites)
- Miscellaneous
- Abbreviations (Organizations, Schemes)
- Important Days & Themes, Books & Authors
| Topic | Sub-Areas |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | National (Budgets, Economic Survey, Government Schemes); International (Summits, Treaties); Sports; Awards |
| History | Ancient India (Indus Valley, Vedic, Mauryan & Gupta); Medieval India (Delhi Sultanate, Mughal, Regional); Modern India (British Rule, Freedom Struggle, Key Leaders) |
| Geography | Physical (Mountains, Rivers, Climate Zones); Indian (States, Capitals, Soil Types); World (Continents, Major Countries) |
| Polity & Governance | Indian Constitution, Union/State Systems, Panchayati Raj, Municipalities, Committees |
| Economy | Basic Concepts, Budget & Tax, Banking & Financial Institutions, Monetary & Fiscal Policies, Economic Schemes |
| Science & Technology | Basics from Class 6–10 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology); Recent Innovations |
| Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity, Pollution, Climate Change, International Protocols |
| Art & Culture | Classical Dances, Music Forms, Handicrafts, Historical Monuments |
| Miscellaneous | Abbreviations, Important Days, Notable Books and Authors |
Mathematics
Mathematics tests your ability to solve problems quickly and accurately. The focus is on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, data interpretation, and questions on time, work, speed, and distance.
Expanded Sub‑Areas in Mathematics
- Arithmetic & Number System
- Natural Numbers, Integers, Fractions, Decimals, Surds/Indices
- LCM & HCF, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Profit & Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest, Discount
- Algebra
- Basic Identities, Linear & Quadratic Equations
- Inequalities, Progressions (AP, GP)
- Logarithms
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Lines, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles
- Properties such as Congruence & Similarity
- Area & Perimeter of 2D Shapes; Volume & Surface Area of 3D Solids
- Trigonometry
- Trigonometric Ratios, Identities, and Problems on Heights & Distances
- Data Interpretation & Statistics
- Tables, Bar/Line/Pie Charts, Graphs
- Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation
- Time & Work, Speed & Distance
- Problems involving work efficiency, relative speed, pipes & cisterns, and boats & streams
| Mathematics Area | Key Topics | Examples / Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic & Number System | Numbers, Fractions, Decimals, LCM & HCF, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Interests, Discounts | Calculations with ratios, percentages, simple arithmetic problems |
| Algebra | Linear & Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Progressions, Logarithms | Solving equations, applying formulas, and understanding identities |
| Geometry & Mensuration | Lines, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Congruence, Similarity, Areas & Volumes | Measuring shapes and using formulas for area and volume |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric Ratios and Identities, Heights & Distances | Using sin, cos, tan in practical problems |
| Data Interpretation & Statistics | Interpreting tables, charts, graphs; calculating mean, median, mode, standard deviation | Data analysis from visual and numerical sources |
| Time & Work, Speed & Distance | Problems on work efficiency, relative speed, travel, pipes, and streams | Solving questions using time and distance formulas |
General Intelligence & Reasoning
This section measures your logical thinking and problem-solving skills. You will face questions that involve verbal reasoning, non‑verbal puzzles, logical arrangements, and analytical challenges.
Expanded Sub‑Areas in General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Analogies, Classification, Series Completion (words and numbers)
- Coding‑Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense
- Syllogisms, Statements & Conclusions, Courses of Action
- Non‑Verbal Reasoning
- Mirror & Water Images, Paper Folding & Cutting
- Embedded Figures, Figure Matrix
- Spotting the Odd One Out
- Logical Reasoning & Puzzles
- Seating Arrangements (Linear, Circular, Rectangular)
- Floor Puzzles, Scheduling (Days, Months, Weeks)
- Input‑Output, Data Sufficiency
- Analytical Reasoning
- Venn Diagrams, Statement‑Argument, Statement‑Assumption
- Critical Thinking & Decision Making
Below is a table summarizing the topics in this area:
| Reasoning Section | Topics Covered | Focus / Methodology |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | Analogies, Classification, Series Completion, Coding‑Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense | Recognize patterns in words and numbers; use deduction |
| Non‑Verbal Reasoning | Mirror & Water Images, Paper Folding, Embedded Figures, Figure Matrix, Odd One Out | Understand visual puzzles, match shapes, identify the outlier |
| Logical Reasoning & Puzzles | Seating Arrangements, Floor Puzzles, Scheduling, Input‑Output, Data Sufficiency | Map sequences and apply structured logic |
| Analytical Reasoning | Venn Diagrams, Statement‑Argument, Statement‑Assumption, Critical Decision Making | Evaluate arguments and use systematic analysis |
Post‑Specific Tests
For certain posts, you must clear additional tests that check your practical skills.
Post‑Specific Tests Details
- Computer‑Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- Designed for Station Master & Traffic Assistant posts
- Tests selective attention, spatial scanning, visual memory, number comparison, and more
- Typing Skill Test
- Required for Commercial Clerk, Junior Clerk, and Typist posts
- Minimum requirements: English – 35 WPM; Hindi – 30 WPM (on a computer)
Below is a table summarizing these post‑specific tests:
| Test Type | Applicable Posts | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Computer‑Based Aptitude Test | Station Master, Traffic Assistant | Assesses visual memory, spatial scanning, number comparison, etc. |
| Typing Skill Test | Commercial Clerk, Junior Clerk, Typist | English – 35 WPM; Hindi – 30 WPM |
Preparation Strategy
A well‑structured study plan covers all the topics while incorporating daily practice, regular revision, and full‑length mock tests. Use diverse resources to build your knowledge and track your progress.
Sectional Focus & Resource Mix
- Sectional Focus:
Assign study slots to General Awareness, Mathematics, and Reasoning according to their weightage. Dedicate time to each subject. - Resource Mix:
Combine NCERT books, standard RRB guides, online test series, and current affairs magazines. Reading newspapers daily also keeps you updated.
Below is a table summarizing recommended resources and study tips:
| Resource/Tool | Description | Usage Tips |
|---|---|---|
| NCERT & Standard Guides | Build a solid foundation in core subjects | Read basic textbooks along with specialized RRB guides |
| Current Affairs Resources | Newspapers and magazines covering latest government schemes & events | Read daily, highlight key news, and maintain short notes |
| Mock Test Portals & Online Quizzes | Simulate exam conditions with timed tests and instant feedback | Use free and paid platforms; track your progress |
| Flashcards | Quick revision of important facts, dates, and formulas | Prepare and review during breaks |
| Video Tutorials | Visual explanations of difficult topics | Watch short lessons to grasp tough concepts quickly |
Daily Revision & Practice Techniques
Daily practice solidifies learning. Solve sample questions and take quizzes on all subjects. A weekly full-length mock test simulates exam conditions and highlights weak areas.
| Revision Technique | How It Works | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Practice Problems | Solve a set of questions from each subject every day | Reinforces learning; builds speed and accuracy |
| Timed Mock Tests | Take online tests under exam conditions | Enhances time management and exam temperament |
| Flashcard Revision | Review flashcards with quick facts and formulas | Aids rapid recall, especially during exam stress |
| Group Discussions | Discuss topics with peers and clear doubts | Encourages exchange of ideas and clarifies challenging concepts |
| Weekly Full-Length Tests | Complete a full practice exam each week | Builds stamina; exposes weak areas |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the exam mode?
The RRB NTPC exam is conducted as a computer‑based test (CBT) for all major sections. Additionally, some posts require a typing test or a computer‑based aptitude test based on job requirements.
What subjects appear in the exam?
The main sections include General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. Post‑specific tests are conducted for typing skills and aptitude as needed.
Is there any negative marking?
Yes, both CBT stages include a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
Do all posts require a typing test?
No, only certain posts such as Commercial Clerk, Junior Clerk, and Typist require you to take a typing test.
How do I stay updated on current events?
Read good-quality newspapers daily and reference current affairs magazines. Keeping short notes on major events and government schemes will help during revision.
How important are mock tests in preparation?
Mock tests are very important. They help you manage time, build exam temperament, and identify your weak areas so you can improve before the real exam.
