RRB NTPC 2025 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

From the official Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Government of India documents · last checked 3 October 2026

CBT-1 (1st Stage CBT)

Online computer-based test, objective multiple choice · 90 minutes (120 minutes for candidates eligible for a scribe)

SectionQuestionsMarks
General Awareness4040
Mathematics3030
General Intelligence and Reasoning3030
Total100100

Marking: +1 for each correct answer; 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer

  • Same pattern for Graduate (CEN 06/2025) and Undergraduate (CEN 07/2025) posts; one common test for all posts at each level.
  • The section split is only indicative and may vary a little in the actual paper.
  • It is a screening test. Normalized marks are used. About 15 times the community-wise vacancies of each RRB are shortlisted for CBT-2.
  • Minimum marks to be eligible: UR 40%, EWS 40%, OBC (NCL) 30%, SC 30%, ST 25%. PwBD candidates may get 2 marks relaxation if there are not enough PwBD candidates.
  • Calculators and other electronic devices are not allowed.

CBT-2 (2nd Stage CBT)

Online computer-based test, objective multiple choice · 90 minutes (120 minutes for candidates eligible for a scribe)

SectionQuestionsMarks
General Awareness5050
Mathematics3535
General Intelligence and Reasoning3535
Total120120

Marking: +1 for each correct answer; 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer

  • Same pattern for Graduate and Undergraduate posts.
  • The section split is only indicative.
  • Minimum marks to be eligible: UR 40%, EWS 40%, OBC (NCL) 30%, SC 30%, ST 25% (2 marks relaxation for PwBD if there is a shortage).
  • For posts with no skill test, normalized CBT-2 marks decide who is called for document verification. For typist posts and Station Master / Traffic Assistant, CBT-2 marks decide who is called for the typing test or aptitude test.
  • Normalization is used when a CBT is held in more than one shift.

CBAT (Computer Based Aptitude Test) - Graduate only

Computer-based aptitude test batteries · Not stated in the CEN

SectionQuestionsMarks

Marking: Must score a T-score of at least 42 in each test battery. No negative marking. No relaxation for any category.

  • Only for candidates who chose Station Master or Traffic Assistant (CEN 06/2025).
  • About 8 times the vacancies of these posts (per community) are called, based on CBT-2 marks.
  • An eye specialist's vision certificate in the format of Annexure VII must be shown in original, or the candidate cannot sit the test.
  • Questions and options are in English and Hindi only.
  • Final merit for these posts: 70% weight to CBT-2 marks and 30% weight to CBAT marks.
  • The CEN refers candidates to the RDSO website (Psycho Technical Directorate) for the test pattern.

CBTST (Computer Based Typing Skill Test)

Typing on a personal computer · Not stated in the CEN

SectionQuestionsMarks

Marking: Qualifying only. Typing marks are not added to the merit.

  • For Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist and Senior Clerk cum Typist (Graduate), and Accounts Clerk cum Typist and Junior Clerk cum Typist (Undergraduate).
  • Required speed: 30 words per minute in English or 25 words per minute in Hindi, with no editing tools or spell check.
  • Kruti Dev and Mangal fonts are given for Hindi typing.
  • About 8 times the vacancies (per community) are called, based on CBT-2 marks. Merit is made from CBT-2 marks of those who pass.
  • PwBD candidates with at least 40% permanent disability from blindness/low vision, cerebral palsy or locomotor disability can get an exemption with a certificate in the format of Annexure V(H).

Document Verification and Medical Exam

In person · Not applicable

SectionQuestionsMarks

Marking: No marks; candidates must meet all eligibility and medical rules

  • Candidates equal to the number of vacancies (1:1) are called for document verification, based on merit.
  • If two candidates have equal marks, the older one ranks higher; if age is also the same, alphabetical order of name is used.
  • Appointment depends on passing the medical standard of the post.

Practise for RRB NTPC free

Chapter tests, full mocks and previous-year papers with full solutions — no sign-up needed.

Official sources