The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the official RRB NTPC Exam Pattern and Syllabus at its official website. It has been updated in form of an online PDF along with the official notice for candidates appearing in the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) recruitment examination.

As per the revised RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026, the selection process includes two Computer-Based Tests (CBT 1 and CBT 2) followed by a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) and a Typing Skill Test for specific posts. In this article, we will provide the complete RRB NTPC 2026 exam pattern, including details about the marking scheme, negative marking and other essential RRB NTPC exam details to help you plan your preparation efficiently.

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026 OUT

For the year 2026, a total of 11558 Vacancies for the post of Non Technical Popular Categories in Indian Railways have been announced. All those candidates who are willing to take the upcoming examination and fight for these vacancies must carefully go through the detailed exam pattern before appearing for the examination.

To be eligible for the document verification process candidates are required to qualify in all other stages. It is to be noted that the RRB NTPC Paper Pattern 2026 differs for CBT 1 and CBT 2, depending on the level of the post—Undergraduate or Graduate level. Aspirants should carefully understand the RRB NTPC exam pattern and syllabus to prepare effectively for each stage.

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026: Overview

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern for CBT 1

The RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam 2026 is the first stage of the Railway NTPC recruitment process conducted online as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Candidates often get confused about What is RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern? To help them we have provided the same here.

Understanding the RRB NTPC exam pattern 2026 is important as it helps candidates plan their strategy and manage time effectively. The test evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in Mathematics, General Awareness and General Intelligence & Reasoning. Here is the detailed RRB NTPC paper pattern for CBT 1 -

Note – 

Candidates appearing for the RRB NTPC CBT 1 examination must also check the following pointers before starting their preparation:

• There will be a total of 100 questions in RRB NTPC CBT 1 for a total of 100 marks.
• Each question carries 1 mark.
• There will be a negative marking of ⅓ marks for every wrong answer. 
• The duration of the RRB NTPC 1st Stage CBT Exam is 90 minutes, and for PWD candidates, the duration will be 120 minutes.
• The minimum percentage of marks to qualify in the examination is: UR-40%, EWS- 40% OBC-30%, SC- 30%, ST- 25%

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RRB NTPC Exam Pattern for CBT 2

The candidates will be shortlisted in the ratio of 1:20 times the vacancies of the category. The shortlisting is based on the performance of the candidates in the 1st stage of the CBT exam in RRB NTPC Undergraduate 2026. The normalized score of 1st Stage CBT will be used for shortlisting of candidates for CBT 2 as per their merit. The detailed subject wise exam pattern is as follows – 

Note –

Along with the table shared above candidates must also check the important pointers shared below before appearing for the coming RRB NTPC CBT 2 examination, and start their examination accordingly.

• A total of 120 questions will be asked in the RRB NTPC 2nd Stage CBT Exam.
• The RRB NTPC Exam will be conducted for 120 marks.
• Each question carries 1 mark.
• There will be a negative marking of ⅓ for every wrong answer. 
• The duration of the RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam is 90 Minutes, while the duration of the RRB NTPC 2nd Stage CBT for the PWD candidates is 120 minutes.
• The minimum percentage of marks to qualify in the examination is : UR-40%, EWS- 40% OBC-30%, SC- 30%, ST- 25%.

Attempt RRB NTPC Important Questions to check your exam readiness.

Marking Scheme as per RRB NTPC Paper Pattern

The RRB NTPC marking scheme is prescribed by the RRB and is used in calculating the final scores of candidates in both CBT 1 and CBT 2. The following is the marking scheme –

• For each correct answer, a candidate will get +1 mark.
• There will be a negative marking of ⅓ marks for incorrect answers in both CBTs.
• The marks of each session of the test will be normalized since the exam is conducted in multiple shifts.

RRB NTPC Computer Based Aptitude Test CBAT

(Only for Candidates Who Opted for the Post of Traffic Assistant & Station Master) 

Candidates who applied for the post of Traffic Assistant & Station Master will have to appear for an additional Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). For this CBAT, candidates 8 times the number of vacancies of the category will be shortlisted. Candidates are shortlisted for CBAT on the basis of marks obtained in the 2nd Stage of the CBT Exam. 

• Candidates require a minimum T-score of 42 marks to qualify this test. 
• In the CBAT, candidates are provided different test batteries consisting of five to six tests as per the posts. 
• There will be no negative marking in CBAT. 
• The candidates scoring at least 70% of marks in the 2nd Stage and 30% of marks in the CBAT examination will be considered in the final merit list. 

The RRB NTPC CBAT consists of the following tests –

Intelligence Test

This test consists of 5 figures with 4 similar figures and 1 different figure. Candidates need to identify the odd one out. It evaluates the ability to logically solve problems and think differently to choose the correct answer.

Selective Attention Test

This test measures the capacity to focus only on relevant details while ignoring distractions. Candidates have to concentrate and match whether 2 numbers are the same or different. It checks one's power of concentration and ability to focus.

Spatial Scanning Test

This test analyzes how accurately one can observe and match objects spatially. Candidates need to identify the shortest route between 2 stations on a map in minimum time. It evaluates the spatial reasoning and scanning ability to find solutions quickly.

Information Ordering

This test checks the power to logically arrange items in a sequence as per given rules. Candidates are required to follow instructions and serially place information in correct order using reasoning.

Personality Test

This test understands individual traits, attitudes and preferences through multiple choice questions with no correct answers. Responses help assess personality on two factors and scores are calculated accordingly. It provides insights into one's behavior and thought process.

RRB NTPC Typing Skill Test (TST) 

This is the third stage of the RRB NTPC selection process. Candidates 8 times the number of vacancies and only those who qualify the CBT 1 and CBT 2 will be shortlisted to appear for this Typing Test. The typing skill test is conducted for candidates who have applied for roles including – 

• Senior Clerk Cum Typist
• Senior Time Keeper 
• Accounts Clerk
• Junior Time Keeper 
• Junior Clerk Cum Typist. 

The RRB NTPC Typing Skill Test is Qualifying in nature. Candidates can attempt this test in both Hindi and English languages and do so without using any editing tools. Below is the pattern for the Typing Skill Test –

Note – 

To clear the RRB NTPC skill test round candidates are required to follow all the following criteria:  

• Candidates are required to type at least 300 words in English or 250 words in Hindi. 
• The exam session will be divided into 3 parts – Typing practice for one minute to warm up & familiarize with keyboard, Break of 30 seconds and Typing Test for 10 minutes which will be taken for evaluation. 
• Candidates will have to type in English or Hindi, as per option exercised by them. 
• Candidates who have opted Hindi for Typing Test must be familiar with the usage of Krutidev or Mangal font. 
• The duration of the Typing Test is 10 minutes.

Post Wise RRB NTPC Revised Exam Pattern 2026

The RRB NTPC Exam Pattern is different for the different NTPC posts. Candidates must go through the official exam stages for the post which they are applying for. Check the revised RRB NTPC exam pattern for different posts below –

Exam Pattern for Graduate Level Posts

The RRB NTPC Graduate Level Exam Pattern 2026 varies depending on the post applied for. Candidates must qualify in each stage of the selection process to move forward. The detailed post-wise exam pattern for Graduate Level posts is given below -

Exam Pattern for Undergraduate Level Posts

The RRB NTPC Undergraduate Exam Pattern 2026 is structured for candidates who have completed their 12th standard. The selection process includes multiple stages and post-wise exam pattern for Undergraduate Level posts is given below -

RRB NTPC 20 Days Study Plan

To prepare effectively for the RRB NTPC Exam 2026 candidates should focus on a smart and intensive revision strategy. Following a structured RRB NTPC Study Plan will help you cover all important topics, improve accuracy and boost confidence. The plan below integrates previous year papers, chapter-wise tests, sectional tests and full mock tests based on the latest RRB NTPC exam pattern 2026 -