The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the updated RRB NTPC Graduate Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2025–26 under Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 06/2025.
This syllabus applies to all Graduate-level Non-Technical Popular Category (NTPC) posts such as Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Senior Clerk, and Junior Accounts Assistant.
Suppose you are preparing for the RRB NTPC Graduate Level Exam 2026. In that case, this article provides a complete overview of the CBT 1 and CBT 2 patterns, subject-wise syllabus, marking scheme, and minimum qualifying marks — all based on the latest official notification released on 20th October 2025.
RRB NTPC Graduate 2025-26 Selection Process: A 4-Stage Journey
The recruitment process for RRB NTPC Graduate posts (CEN 06/2025) is a 4-stage process designed to select the best candidates for prestigious railway roles like Station Master, Goods Train Manager, and Senior Clerk cum Typist.
Your path to an RRB NTPC job involves clearing the following stages:
- 1st Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT-1) – Screening test common for all posts.
- 2nd Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT-2) – Post-specific exam for shortlisted candidates.
- Skill Test:
- Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) (For Station Master and Traffic Assistant) /
- Computer-Based Typing Skill Test (CBTST) (For Jr. Accounts Assistant & Sr. Clerk)
- Document Verification (DV) / Medical Examination
Mastering the first two CBTs is your primary focus. Let’s delve into their official pattern.
RRB NTPC Graduate Exam Pattern 2025-26
The exam is conducted in two tiers. CBT-1 is a screening test, and CBT-2 is the main examination.
1st Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1) Exam Pattern 2025
The RRB NTPC CBT 1 is the preliminary screening stage and is common for all notified posts under CEN 06/2025.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Key Details for CBT-1:
- Duration: 90 Minutes (120 minutes for scribe users).
- Marking Scheme: +1 mark for each correct answer.
- Negative Marking: -⅓ mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.
- Qualifying Nature: The normalised score of CBT 1 is used only for shortlisting candidates (15 times the vacancies) for CBT 2.
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: UR – 40%, EWS – 40%, OBC (NCL) – 30%, SC – 30%, ST – 25%. These are relaxed by 2% for PwBD candidates.
2nd Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2) Exam Pattern 2025
Candidates shortlisted from CBT 1 will proceed to the RRB NTPC CBT 2. This stage is crucial as the marks obtained here will be the basis for further shortlisting.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Key Points for CBT 2:
- Exam Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for scribe users)
- Question Type: Objective (MCQs)
- Higher Standard: The standard of questions is generally higher than CBT 1.
- Negative Marking: Yes, 1/3 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
- Nature: Merit-based for shortlisting to Skill/Aptitude Test
- Final Merit: The marks from CBT 2 are a major component in the preparation of the final merit list (along with CBAT/TST performance, where applicable).
RRB NTPC Graduate Syllabus 2025-26: Topic-Wise Breakdown
The syllabus for both CBT 1 and CBT 2 remains the same, though the difficulty level and question distribution vary. Focus on these core areas for targeted preparation:
1. Mathematics Syllabus
The Mathematics section tests your quantitative aptitude and problem-solving skills.
Topics:
- Number System
- Decimals & Fractions
- LCM & HCF
- Ratio & Proportion
- Percentage
- Mensuration (2D & 3D figures)
- Time & Work, Time & Distance
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Profit & Loss
- Elementary Algebra
- Geometry & Trigonometry
- Elementary Statistics, etc.
2. General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus
This section is designed to test your logical and analytical thinking ability.
Topics:
- Analogies
- Completion of Number & Alphabet Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Mathematical Operations
- Similarities & Differences
- Relationships
- Analytical Reasoning
- Syllogism
- Jumbling
- Venn Diagrams
- Puzzle & Seating Arrangement
- Data Sufficiency
- Statement–Conclusion
- Statement–Course of Action
- Decision Making
- Interpretation of Maps & Graphs, etc.
4. General Awareness Syllabus (Current Affairs & General Knowledge)
This is the highest-weighted section in both CBTs, covering a broad spectrum of subjects.
- Current Events of National and International Importance
- Games and Sports
- Art and Culture of India
- Indian Literature
- Monuments and Places of India
- General Science and Life Science (up to 10th CBSE)
- History of India and Freedom Struggle
- Physical, Social and Economic Geography of India and World
- Indian Polity and Governance- constitution and political system
- General Scientific and Technological Developments including Space and Nuclear Program of India
- UN and Other important World Organizations
- Environmental Issues Concerning India and World at Large
- Basics of Computers and Computer Applications
- Common Abbreviations
- Transport Systems in India
- Indian Economy
- Famous Personalities of India and World
- Government Schemes & Flagship Programs
- Flora and Fauna of India
- Important Government and Public Sector Organisations of India, etc.
Skill Test & Aptitude Test (Post-Specific)
After clearing CBT-2, certain posts require an additional test:
1. Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
The CBAT is an assessment stage for candidates who have opted for the Station Master / Traffic Assistant posts.
- Conducted after qualifying CBT 2.
- Candidates shortlisted = 8 times the number of vacancies per community.
- Qualifying Marks: Minimum T-Score of 42 in each test battery — no relaxation for any category.
- Languages: English & Hindi only.
- Negative Marking: None.
- Weightage for Final Merit: 70% of CBT 2 marks + 30% of CBAT marks.
- Candidates must present a Vision Certificate (Annexure VII) at the CBAT venue.
- For official sample CBAT patterns, guidelines, and mock tests, candidates must visit the RDSO’s official website.
- Official Source: rdso.indianrailways.gov.in
- Navigate to Directorates > Psycho Technical Directorate > Guidelines for Aptitude Test (or “Candidate’s Corner”).
2. Typing Skill Test (CBTST)
Applicable for Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist and Senior Clerk cum Typist.
- Typing requirement:
- 30 words per minute in English OR
- 25 words per minute in Hindi
- Qualifying Nature – Marks not added to merit.
- Candidates called = 8 times vacancies per community.
- Conducted on PC (without editing or spell-check tools).
- Hindi Fonts: Kruti Dev & Mangal.
- PwBD Exemption: Blindness/Low Vision, Cerebral Palsy or Loco Motor Disability ≥ 40% – must upload medical certificate (Annexure V(H)).
- Merit prepared from CBT 2 scores of qualified/exempted candidates.
5 Powerful Preparation Tips for RRB NTPC 2025-26
- Prioritise General Awareness: With 40 (CBT 1) and 50 (CBT 2) questions, General Awareness is a high-impact area. Focus heavily on Current Affairs and General Science (GS).
- Practice Speed Maths: The Mathematics section covers core arithmetic. Practice daily to improve speed and accuracy, especially in Time & Work and Interest problems.
- Master Reasoning Puzzles: Dedicate time to solve complex Puzzles, Syllogism, and Data Sufficiency questions, as these are typically time-consuming in the exam.
- Mock Tests are Essential: Regularly attempt full-length RRB NTPC Mock Tests based on the updated pattern to simulate the exam environment and manage the 90-minute time constraint.
- Target Negative Marking: Since 1/3 mark is deducted for wrong answers, focus on accuracy over blind guessing. Only attempt questions you are reasonably sure about.
For the latest updates on the RRB NTPC Graduate Level Exam Date, admit cards, and more expert guidance, keep following GovtJobsNet.com.
Stay focused, study smart, and all the best!
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