The RRB NTPC (Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories) exam is one of the most sought-after recruitment drives in India. With 11,558 vacancies for graduate and undergraduate posts, competition is fierce. To crack this exam, understanding the RRB NTPC exam pattern 2024 is crucial. This guide breaks down CBT 1 & 2, marking schemes, negative marking, and skill tests in a simple, engaging way. Whether you’re aiming for Station Master, Clerk, or Goods Guard, this article will help you strategize effectively.
Key Highlights of RRB NTPC 2024 📌
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Exam Name | RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) |
| Vacancies | 11,558 (8,113 Graduate + 3,445 Undergraduate) |
| Selection Stages | CBT 1, CBT 2, Skill Test (TST/CBAT), Document Verification |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test – CBT) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (⅓ mark deduction per wrong answer) |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates) |
| Language Options | 15 languages (Hindi, English, regional languages) |
| Official Website | https://www.rrbcdg.gov.in/ |
RRB NTPC Selection Process 2024 🔍
The RRB NTPC recruitment happens in four stages:
- CBT 1 (Computer-Based Test 1) – Screening test.
- CBT 2 (Computer-Based Test 2) – Merit-based selection.
- Skill Test (TST/CBAT) – Typing or aptitude test (post-specific).
- Document Verification & Medical Exam – Final eligibility check.
Example: If you apply for Station Master, you’ll face CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test), and Document Verification.
RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2024 📝
The first stage is a qualifying round—your score here won’t affect the final merit but decides if you move to CBT 2.
Exam Structure
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | 90 mins |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 | |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Key Features
✔ Negative Marking: ⅓ deduction for wrong answers.
✔ Qualifying Marks: 40% (UR/EWS), 30% (OBC/SC), 25% (ST).
✔ Normalization: Scores adjusted for multiple shifts.
Expert Tip: “Focus on speed & accuracy—General Awareness carries the highest weight!” – Career Power
RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2024 🎯
This is the main scoring stage—your performance here decides your rank.
Exam Structure
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 | 90 mins |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 | |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Key Differences from CBT 1
✔ More questions (120 vs. 100).
✔ Higher difficulty (especially for graduate-level posts).
✔ Merit-based shortlisting for next rounds.
Real-Life Example: “Last year, over 1.2 crore candidates applied—only 20x vacancies cleared CBT 1!” – Adda247
Skill Tests: TST & CBAT ⌨️
Depending on your post, you’ll face either:
1. Typing Skill Test (TST)
- For: Clerk, Accountant posts.
- Speed Required: 30 WPM (English) / 25 WPM (Hindi).
- No editing tools allowed.
2. Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- For: Station Master & Traffic Assistant.
- Minimum T-Score: 42 (no relaxation for any category).
Pro Tip: “Practice typing daily—accuracy matters more than speed!” – Shiksha
RRB NTPC Syllabus 2024 (Topic-Wise Breakdown) 📚
The syllabus is similar for CBT 1 & 2, but CBT 2 has deeper questions.
Mathematics Syllabus
| Topic | Expected Weightage (CBT 1) | Expected Weightage (CBT 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 3-4 Qs | 4-5 Qs |
| Percentage | 2-3 Qs | 3-4 Qs |
| Time & Work | 1-2 Qs | 2-3 Qs |
| Profit & Loss | 2-3 Qs | 3-4 Qs |
(Full table in official syllabus PDF)
General Awareness Syllabus
✔ Current Affairs (National/International).
✔ Indian History, Polity, Economy.
✔ Science (Class 10 level).
Research Insight: “Static GK contributes 30% of GA questions—revise flags, capitals, and awards!” – Jagran Josh
Final Preparation Tips for RRB NTPC 2024 🚀
- Mock Tests: Solve previous year papers (Adda247 has free tests).
- Time Management: Allocate 30 sec/question in CBT 1.
- Weak Areas First: Strengthen Maths/Reasoning early.
- Daily GK Updates: Follow newspapers & monthly magazines.
Fun Fact: “Candidates who revise daily GK score 20% higher in GA!” – Times of India
Rishabh Singh is a content creator focusing on recruitment notifications and admit cards. He holds a degree in Business Administration and has 4+ years of experience. Rishabh enjoys simplifying job application processes and is a fitness enthusiast.
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