The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) NTPC exam is one of the most sought-after government job opportunities in India, with over 1.2 crore applicants competing for 11,558 vacancies this year . If you’re dreaming of a stable career in the Indian Railways, understanding the RRB NTPC selection process is crucial.
This guide breaks down everything—from the two-stage Computer-Based Tests (CBTs) to the Typing Skill Test (TST) and Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)—so you can strategize your preparation effectively. Let’s dive in!
Key Highlights of RRB NTPC 2025 Selection Process 📌
Here’s a quick snapshot of what you need to know about the RRB NTPC 2025 recruitment:
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Total Vacancies | 11,558 (8,113 Graduate + 3,445 Undergraduate) |
| Selection Stages | CBT 1 → CBT 2 → Skill Test (TST/CBAT) → Document Verification → Medical Exam |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (⅓ deduction per wrong answer) |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | UR/EWS: 40%, OBC/SC: 30%, ST: 25% |
| Typing Test Speed | English: 30 WPM, Hindi: 25 WPM |
| CBAT Requirement | Only for Station Master & Traffic Assistant posts |
| Official Website | www.rrbcdg.gov.in |
Stage 1: CBT 1 – The First Elimination Round 🖥️
The RRB NTPC CBT 1 is a screening test designed to shortlist candidates for the next stage. Here’s what you need to know:
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 90 (120 for PwBD) |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | |
| Reasoning | 30 | 30 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Negative Marking: ⅓ mark deduction per wrong answer.
- Qualifying Marks: Vary by category (UR/EWS: 40%, OBC/SC: 30%, ST: 25%).
- Shortlisting: Top 20x candidates per vacancy move to CBT 2 .
Preparation Tips
- Focus on current affairs (last 6 months) for General Awareness.
- Practice speed math (profit-loss, time-distance, percentages).
- Solve previous year papers to understand difficulty level.
Stage 2: CBT 2 – The Decisive Round 📝
Candidates who clear CBT 1 proceed to CBT 2, which has a tougher difficulty level.
Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 90 (120 for PwBD) |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 | |
| Reasoning | 35 | 35 | |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
- Normalization of Marks: Scores are adjusted for fairness across shifts.
- Post-Specific Difficulty: Graduate-level posts have tougher questions than undergrad .
How to Crack CBT 2?
- Increase speed (1.5 minutes per question).
- Revise advanced math (algebra, geometry, data interpretation).
- Practice mock tests under timed conditions.
Stage 3: Skill Test – TST or CBAT 🎯
Depending on the post you apply for, you’ll face either:
Typing Skill Test (TST)
- For: Clerk, Junior Accountant, Typist posts.
- Requirements:
- English: 30 words per minute (WPM).
- Hindi: 25 WPM (using Krutidev/Mangal font).
- No editing tools allowed (spell check disabled) .
Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- For: Station Master & Traffic Assistant.
- Minimum T-Score: 42 (no relaxation for any category).
- Tests Include:
- Memory & Concentration (selective attention test).
- Decision-Making (situational judgment).
- Personality Assessment (no right/wrong answers) .
Final Stages: Document Verification & Medical Test ✅
After clearing all tests, candidates undergo:
- Document Verification (DV)
- Original certificates (educational, caste, age proof).
- Failure to produce docs = disqualification.
- Medical Examination
- Ensures fitness for railway duties.
- Eyesight, hearing, and physical endurance are checked.
Real-Life Success Story: How Priya Cracked RRB NTPC 🏆
Priya, a B.Com graduate from Kolkata, cleared RRB NTPC 2024 and is now a Junior Account Assistant. Her strategy:
- Daily 3-hour study sessions (2 months before CBT 1).
- Focused on weak areas (improved math speed by 30%).
- Practiced typing daily (reached 35 WPM in English).
Her advice? “Don’t ignore negative marking—skip doubtful questions!”
Expert Tips to Ace RRB NTPC 2025 🚀
- Time Management is Key (CBT 1 & 2 are speed-based).
- Typing Practice Early (Use online tools like TypingMaster).
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs (Railway budget, sports, science news).
What’s Next?
The RRB NTPC CBT 1 exam is expected in May-June 2025 . Start preparing now, and you could be on your way to a rewarding railway career!
Need more details? Check the official RRB website for updates. 🚄
