RRB NTPC 2026 · Syllabus & exam pattern
RRB NTPC Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern: Subject-wise Topics
Subjects, number of questions, marks, duration and negative marking for every stage, as printed in the official notice.
RRB NTPC exam pattern 2026
Stages of selection
- 11st stage CBT (screening)
- 22nd stage CBT (15 times community-wise vacancies shortlisted per RRB)
- 3Document verification and medical examination
- 4Typing Skill Test: dropped for graduate Cum Typist posts per CEN 06/2026; for undergraduate posts see the official notice
1st stage CBT (Graduate)
90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD with scribe)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
Negative marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer. Qualifying: UR/EWS 40%, OBC-NCL 30%, SC 30%, ST 25%.
2nd stage CBT (Graduate)
90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD with scribe)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
Negative marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer. Undergraduate CBT pattern: see the official notice.
Source: CEN No. 06/2026 (NTPC Graduate) and CEN No. 07/2026 (NTPC Undergraduate) (published 26 September 2026 (indicative notice in Employment News)). Confirm in the official notice before applying.
CBT pattern, negative marking and qualifying marks
The first-stage CBT is 90 minutes with 100 questions: General Awareness 40, Mathematics 30, and General Intelligence and Reasoning 30. It is a screening test, and its normalised score is used to shortlist candidates for the second stage — 15 times the community-wise vacancies of the posts notified for each RRB.
The second-stage CBT is also 90 minutes, with 120 questions: General Awareness 50, Mathematics 35, and General Intelligence and Reasoning 35. In both stages one third of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer. PwBD candidates eligible for a scribe get 120 minutes.
The minimum qualifying marks are 40% for UR and EWS, 30% for OBC (non-creamy layer) and SC, and 25% for ST; these apply to ex-servicemen and PwBD candidates by their community, and may be relaxed by 2 marks for PwBD candidates if there is a shortage.
The typing skill test has been dispensed with in this cycle for Senior Clerk, Junior Accounts Assistant, Junior Clerk and Accounts Clerk typist posts. Candidates are still expected to have basic computer and typing proficiency, which is assessed after joining and may affect confirmation or promotion.
RRB NTPC syllabus (both CBT stages)
Topics listed in the CEN
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Number system, decimals, fractions, LCM, HCF, ratio and proportion, percentage, mensuration, time and work, time and distance, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, elementary algebra, geometry and trigonometry, elementary statistics |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | Analogies, number and alphabetical series, coding and decoding, mathematical operations, similarities and differences, relationships, analytical reasoning, syllogism, jumbling, Venn diagrams, puzzles, data sufficiency, statement–conclusion, statement–courses of action, decision making, maps, interpretation of graphs |
| General Awareness | Current events, games and sports, art and culture of India, Indian literature, monuments and places, general science and life science (up to 10th CBSE), history of India and the freedom struggle, geography of India and the world, Indian polity and governance, science and technology including India's space and nuclear programmes, UN and world organisations, environment, computers, abbreviations, transport systems, Indian economy, famous personalities, flagship government programmes, flora and fauna, important government and public sector organisations |
Frequently asked questions
What is the RRB NTPC exam pattern?
1st stage CBT (Graduate): General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning (90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD with scribe)). Negative marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer. Qualifying: UR/EWS 40%, OBC-NCL 30%, SC 30%, ST 25%. 2nd stage CBT (Graduate): General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning (90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD with scribe)). Negative marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer. Undergraduate CBT pattern: see the official notice.
Is there a typing test in RRB NTPC 2026?
No. The typing skill test has been dispensed with in this cycle for all typist posts; typing proficiency is assessed after joining.
What is the negative marking in RRB NTPC?
One third of a mark for each wrong answer in both CBT stages.
What are the qualifying marks in RRB NTPC?
40% for UR and EWS, 30% for OBC-NCL and SC, and 25% for ST.