RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) Examination — Eligibility, Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) conduct the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) examination to recruit candidates for various commercial and clerical posts in the Indian Railways. It is one of the largest recruitment drives in the country, attracting millions of applicants for both undergraduate (12th pass) and graduate-level positions. The selection process involves multiple stages, including two computer-based tests (CBT-1 & CBT-2), followed by a Skill Test or Aptitude Test depending on the post.
📌 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962.
Age Limit & Educational Qualification
There are two levels of posts, each with different requirements:
1. Undergraduate Level Posts (10+2)
- Posts: Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Time Keeper, Trains Clerk, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk.
- Age Limit: 18 to 30 years.
- Education: Passed 12th (+2 Stage) or its equivalent examination.
2. Graduate Level Posts
- Posts: Traffic Assistant, Goods Guard, Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Senior Time Keeper, Commercial Apprentice, Station Master.
- Age Limit: 18 to 33 years.
- Education: A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or its equivalent.
Age relaxation is available for reserved categories (OBC, SC/ST, PwBD) as per government rules.
✍️ Exam Syllabus & Pattern
1st Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1)
This is a common screening test for all posts and is qualifying in nature for CBT-2.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | 90 Minutes |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 | |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
2nd Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2)
Candidates shortlisted from CBT-1 appear for this stage. The exam has a separate paper for each pay level.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 | 90 Minutes |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 | 35 | |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Syllabus for CBT-1 & CBT-2
- Mathematics: Number System, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportions, Percentage, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Elementary Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry.
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: Analogies, Series, Coding and Decoding, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Puzzles, Data Sufficiency, Jumbling, Decision Making.
- General Awareness: Current Events, Games and Sports, Art and Culture of India, Indian Literature, History of India and Freedom Struggle, Geography of India and World, Indian Polity and Governance, General Science (up to 10th CBSE), Basics of Computers.
Skill Test / Aptitude Test
This stage is qualifying in nature and is specific to certain posts.
- Typing Skill Test (TST): Required for posts like Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist, etc. Candidates must type 30 words per minute (WPM) in English or 25 WPM in Hindi.
- Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Required for the posts of Station Master and Traffic Assistant. This test assesses cognitive abilities, perception speed, and personality.
👉 Note
- Candidates who clear the above stages are called for Document Verification and must pass a Medical Examination.
- The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the 2nd Stage CBT, provided the candidate has qualified the relevant skill test (TST or CBAT).
👉 Note
- For full official syllabus & eligibility, refer to RRB official website.
☞ Tip for Aspirants: Always refer to the latest official notification for syllabus and eligibility details as they may change year to year.