RRB NTPC Graduate Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026

RRB NTPC Graduate Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) conduct the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) Graduate examination to recruit eligible graduates for various posts in Indian Railways. For the RRB NTPC Graduate Recruitment 2026 under CEN No. 06/2026, candidates will have to qualify through the prescribed Computer Based Tests (CBTs), followed by Document Verification and Medical Examination, as applicable.

The current recruitment includes posts such as Chief Commercial-cum-Ticket Supervisor, Goods Train Manager, Junior Accounts Assistant-cum-Typist and Senior Clerk-cum-Typist.

The RRB NTPC Graduate examination tests candidates primarily in three areas: Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness.

Candidates preparing for the recruitment should understand the examination structure before beginning preparation because the two CBT stages differ in the number of questions and their distribution.

This article provides the complete RRB NTPC Graduate Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026, including CBT 1 and CBT 2 patterns, subject-wise topics, marking scheme, qualifying marks and preparation strategy.

RRB NTPC Graduate Selection Process 2026

The selection process for the graduate-level NTPC posts can be broadly summarized as:

CBT 1 → CBT 2 → Document Verification → Medical Examination

The exact subsequent stage depends on the post and the provisions of the applicable CEN.

Candidates should note that recruitment patterns can differ between NTPC recruitment cycles. Therefore, applicants should follow the provisions of CEN No. 06/2026 rather than relying entirely on patterns from older NTPC notifications.

RRB NTPC Graduate Exam Pattern 2026: Overview

The examination consists of two Computer Based Tests.

Particular	CBT 1	CBT 2
General Awareness	40	50
Mathematics	30	35
General Intelligence & Reasoning	30	35
Total Questions	100	120
Total Marks	100	120
Duration	90 minutes	90 minutes
Negative Marking	1/3 mark	1/3 mark

The questions are objective-type multiple-choice questions.

A 1/3 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer in the CBTs.

RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The first-stage Computer Based Test is designed as a screening examination.

CBT 1 Subject-Wise Distribution

Subject	Number of Questions	Marks
General Awareness	40	40
Mathematics	30	30
General Intelligence & Reasoning	30	30
Total	100	100

Duration: 90 minutes

Total Marks: 100

Total Questions: 100

Negative Marking: 1/3 mark for every wrong answer

Candidates eligible for a scribe receive the applicable additional examination time according to the prescribed rules.

RRB NTPC CBT 1 Qualifying Marks

Candidates must obtain the prescribed minimum percentage in CBT 1 to remain eligible for subsequent stages.

The minimum percentage generally prescribed is:

Category	Minimum Percentage
UR	40%
EWS	40%
OBC-NCL	30%
SC	30%
ST	25%

The qualifying percentage may be relaxed for PwBD candidates under the applicable provisions in case of a shortage of eligible PwBD candidates.

Candidates should remember that merely achieving the minimum qualifying percentage does not guarantee shortlisting. The actual cutoff can be considerably higher depending on vacancies, competition, difficulty level and normalization.

RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates shortlisted from CBT 1 are called for the second-stage CBT according to the prescribed selection criteria.

CBT 2 contains 120 questions carrying 120 marks.

CBT 2 Subject-Wise Distribution

Subject	Number of Questions	Marks
General Awareness	50	50
Mathematics	35	35
General Intelligence & Reasoning	35	35
Total	120	120

Duration: 90 minutes

Total Questions: 120

Total Marks: 120

Negative Marking: 1/3 mark for every incorrect answer

The second-stage CBT gives greater weight to General Awareness, which contains 50 of the 120 questions.

RRB NTPC Graduate Marking Scheme 2026

The marking system is straightforward:

• Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
• 1/3 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
• No marks are awarded for unanswered questions.
• Candidates should therefore avoid random guessing.

For example, if a candidate answers 90 questions and gets 70 correct and 20 incorrect:

Score = 70 − (20 × 1/3)

Score = 63.33 marks

Because of negative marking, accuracy is just as important as speed.

RRB NTPC Graduate Syllabus 2026

The RRB NTPC syllabus is divided into three principal subjects:

1. Mathematics
2. General Intelligence and Reasoning
3. General Awareness

The same broad subject areas are tested in both CBT 1 and CBT 2, although the number of questions differs.

RRB NTPC Mathematics Syllabus 2026

Mathematics is one of the most important sections because questions can often be solved quickly with sufficient practice.

The major topics include:

Number System

• Natural numbers
• Whole numbers
• Integers
• Rational numbers
• Number properties
• Divisibility rules

Decimals and Fractions

• Decimal operations
• Fractions
• Conversion between fractions and decimals
• Simplification

LCM and HCF

• Lowest Common Multiple
• Highest Common Factor
• Applications of LCM and HCF

Ratio and Proportion

• Basic ratios
• Direct proportion
• Inverse proportion
• Compound ratios

Percentage

• Percentage conversion
• Percentage increase and decrease
• Successive percentage changes
• Applications of percentages

Profit and Loss

• Cost price
• Selling price
• Marked price
• Discount
• Profit percentage
• Loss percentage

Simple and Compound Interest

• Simple interest
• Compound interest
• Principal
• Rate
• Time
• Amount

Time and Work

• Work efficiency
• Individual work
• Combined work
• Work and wages
• Pipes and cisterns

Time and Distance

• Speed
• Distance
• Time
• Relative speed
• Trains
• Boats and streams

Mensuration

• Area
• Perimeter
• Volume
• Surface area
• Basic geometrical figures

Algebra

• Basic algebraic identities
• Linear equations
• Simplification
• Algebraic expressions

Geometry

• Lines
• Angles
• Triangles
• Quadrilaterals
• Circles
• Basic geometrical properties

Trigonometry

• Basic trigonometric ratios
• Trigonometric identities
• Heights and distances
• Elementary applications

Elementary Statistics

• Mean
• Median
• Mode
• Basic data interpretation

The official NTPC syllabus specifically includes 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, Trigonometry and Elementary Statistics.

RRB NTPC General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus 2026

The Reasoning section evaluates logical thinking, analytical ability and pattern recognition.

Important topics include:

Analogies

• Number analogy
• Alphabet analogy
• Word analogy
• Logical analogy

Number and Alphabetical Series

• Number series
• Alphabet series
• Mixed series
• Missing terms

Coding and Decoding

• Letter coding
• Number coding
• Symbol coding
• Mixed coding

Mathematical Operations

• Operator-based questions
• Symbol substitution
• Mathematical relationships

Similarities and Differences

• Classification
• Odd one out
• Grouping

Relationships

• Blood relations
• Family relationships
• Logical relationships

Analytical Reasoning

• Logical statements
• Conditions
• Conclusions
• Analytical arrangements

Syllogism

• Statements
• Conclusions
• Venn diagram-based questions

Jumbling

• Word arrangement
• Number arrangement
• Logical sequence

Venn Diagrams

• Classification
• Set relationships
• Multiple-group problems

Puzzles

• Seating arrangements
• Ranking
• Distribution
• Scheduling
• Floor-based puzzles
• Ordering

Data Sufficiency

• Statement-based information
• Determining whether information is sufficient

Statement and Conclusion

• Logical conclusions
• Inference
• Valid/invalid conclusions

Statement and Course of Action

• Identifying appropriate courses of action
• Decision-based reasoning

Decision Making

• Logical decisions
• Situation-based questions

Maps

• Direction
• Location
• Route-based questions

Interpretation of Graphs

• Bar graphs
• Line graphs
• Tables
• Basic data interpretation

These areas are consistent with the official NTPC reasoning syllabus, which includes analogies, series, coding-decoding, mathematical operations, relationships, analytical reasoning, syllogism, jumbling, Venn diagrams, puzzles, data sufficiency, statements and conclusions, decision-making, maps and graph interpretation.

RRB NTPC General Awareness Syllabus 2026

General Awareness carries the highest number of questions in both CBT 1 and CBT 2.

Candidates should prepare both static General Knowledge and current affairs.

Current Affairs

Prepare important events relating to:

• National news
• International news
• Government decisions
• Appointments
• Awards
• Sports
• Defence
• Science and technology
• Important reports
• Summits
• Government schemes
• Important personalities

Candidates should pay particular attention to current affairs from the months immediately preceding the examination.

Games and Sports

Important areas include:

• Major tournaments
• Sports awards
• Indian athletes
• International sporting events
• National sports events
• Records
• Important sports personalities

Indian Art and Culture

Prepare:

• Classical dances
• Folk dances
• Music
• Paintings
• Architecture
• Festivals
• Cultural traditions
• Heritage sites

Indian Literature

• Famous authors
• Important books
• Literary awards
• Indian languages
• Major literary works

Monuments and Places of India

• Historical monuments
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Important tourist locations
• Ancient cities
• Historical places

General Science

The General Science section broadly covers concepts up to the 10th-standard CBSE level.

Physics

• Motion
• Force
• Work
• Energy
• Power
• Heat
• Sound
• Light
• Electricity
• Magnetism

Chemistry

• Matter
• Atoms and molecules
• Chemical reactions
• Acids and bases
• Metals and non-metals
• Carbon compounds
• Periodic classification

Biology

• Cell
• Human body
• Nutrition
• Respiration
• Circulation
• Diseases
• Reproduction
• Plant biology
• Environment

Indian History

Important areas include:

• Ancient India
• Medieval India
• Modern India
• British rule
• Social and religious movements
• Indian National Movement
• Freedom struggle
• Important leaders
• Important historical events

Indian Geography

Prepare:

• Physical geography
• Rivers
• Mountains
• Plateaus
• Climate
• Agriculture
• Minerals
• Industries
• Population
• Transport
• Natural resources

World Geography

• Continents
• Oceans
• Major rivers
• Mountains
• Climate
• Important geographical features
• Countries and capitals

Indian Polity and Governance

Important topics include:

• Constitution of India
• Fundamental Rights
• Fundamental Duties
• Directive Principles
• Parliament
• President
• Prime Minister
• Supreme Court
• High Courts
• Election Commission
• Constitutional bodies
• Local government
• Panchayati Raj
• Centre-State relations

Indian Economy

Prepare:

• Basic economic concepts
• National income
• Inflation
• Banking
• Budget
• Taxation
• Monetary policy
• Fiscal policy
• Poverty
• Unemployment
• Economic planning
• Government schemes

Computer Awareness

Important areas include:

• Computer fundamentals
• Hardware
• Software
• Operating systems
• Internet
• Networking
• MS Office
• Email
• Cybersecurity
• Computer terminology
• Basic applications

Science and Technology

Prepare current developments in:

• Space
• Nuclear technology
• Defence technology
• Biotechnology
• Artificial intelligence
• Information technology
• Major scientific discoveries

Environmental Issues

Important areas include:

• Climate change
• Global warming
• Pollution
• Biodiversity
• Conservation
• Renewable energy
• Environmental agreements
• Sustainable development

Important Government Schemes

Candidates should know major Central Government schemes and their objectives, target groups and implementing ministries.

Transport Systems in India

This is particularly relevant to the NTPC examination.

Prepare:

• Indian Railways
• Railway zones
• Railway terminology
• Major railway projects
• Roads
• Ports
• Airports
• Inland waterways
• Transport infrastructure

Famous Personalities

Prepare important personalities from:

• Politics
• Science
• Sports
• Literature
• Defence
• Arts and culture
• Business
• Social work

The official syllabus also specifically includes Indian and world current events, sports, art and culture, literature, monuments, General Science and Life Science, history, geography, polity, scientific and technological developments, UN and other organizations, environmental issues, computers, transport systems, economy, government programmes and important public-sector organizations.

RRB NTPC CBT 1 vs CBT 2

Understanding the difference between the two CBT stages helps candidates organize preparation.

Feature	CBT 1	CBT 2
General Awareness	40	50
Mathematics	30	35
Reasoning	30	35
Total Questions	100	120
Total Marks	100	120
Duration	90 min	90 min
Negative Marking	1/3	1/3
Purpose	Screening	Main stage

The biggest difference is the increased number of questions in CBT 2. General Awareness also receives greater weightage.

How to Prepare for RRB NTPC Graduate Exam 2026

A successful NTPC preparation strategy should balance speed, accuracy and consistency.

Step 1: Understand the Syllabus

Before buying books or attempting hundreds of mock tests, understand what the examination actually asks.

Divide the syllabus into:

• Mathematics
• Reasoning
• General Awareness

Then identify strong and weak areas.

Step 2: Build Mathematical Fundamentals

Begin with basic arithmetic.

Prioritize:

1. Percentage
2. Ratio and Proportion
3. Profit and Loss
4. Simple and Compound Interest
5. Time and Work
6. Time, Speed and Distance
7. Algebra
8. Geometry
9. Mensuration
10. Statistics

Once the concepts are clear, move toward timed practice.

Step 3: Practice Reasoning Daily

Reasoning improves significantly through repeated exposure.

Practice:

• Series
• Coding-decoding
• Analogy
• Syllogism
• Puzzles
• Venn diagrams
• Statement-based questions
• Data sufficiency

Keep a notebook of recurring mistakes.

Step 4: Build a Current Affairs Routine

General Awareness can become the score-maker in NTPC.

Follow current affairs regularly rather than attempting to swallow an entire year’s news in one sitting.

Focus on:

• Government schemes
• Railway developments
• Appointments
• Awards
• Sports
• Defence
• Science
• Economy
• National and international events

Step 5: Study General Science

NCERT-level science is useful for building fundamentals.

Give special attention to Physics, Chemistry and Biology concepts up to approximately Class 10 level.

Step 6: Solve Previous-Year Papers

Previous-year papers reveal:

• Question difficulty
• Frequently tested topics
• Time pressure
• Question patterns
• Repeated concepts

After solving a paper, analyze every incorrect question.

A mock test without analysis is essentially a weather report without looking outside the window.

Step 7: Take Full-Length Mock Tests

Begin with topic-wise tests and gradually move to complete CBT simulations.

During each mock test, track:

• Attempted questions
• Correct answers
• Incorrect answers
• Accuracy
• Time spent
• Section-wise performance

Step 8: Improve Accuracy Before Speed

Because of 1/3 negative marking, reckless guessing can damage the score.

First develop accuracy.

Then gradually increase solving speed.

Recommended Time Distribution

A candidate preparing for RRB NTPC can consider the following daily allocation:

Subject	Suggested Daily Time
Mathematics	1.5–2 hours
Reasoning	1–1.5 hours
General Awareness	1.5–2 hours
Mock/PYQ Practice	1 hour
Revision	30 minutes

The exact schedule should be adjusted according to individual strengths and weaknesses.

RRB NTPC Exam Preparation Tips

Focus on High-Weightage Areas

General Awareness has the highest number of questions in both CBT stages, so it deserves consistent attention.

Maintain a Formula Notebook

Keep formulas for:

• Percentage
• Profit and Loss
• Interest
• Time and Work
• Speed and Distance
• Mensuration
• Algebra
• Geometry

Review them regularly.

Create Current Affairs Notes

Do not copy entire newspaper articles.

Record only exam-relevant facts.

Practice With a Timer

Solving a question correctly in five minutes is not particularly useful in a 90-minute CBT.

Train yourself to solve familiar question types quickly.

Analyze Mistakes

Maintain three categories:

• Conceptual mistake
• Calculation mistake
• Silly mistake

This makes revision far more efficient.

RRB NTPC Graduate Exam Strategy

For Mathematics

Use shortcuts only after understanding the underlying concept.

Accuracy should come first, followed by speed.

For Reasoning

Identify recurring patterns. Most reasoning questions are not difficult once the underlying structure becomes familiar.

For General Awareness

Use short revision cycles.

For example:

Learn → Revise after 1 day → Revise after 7 days → Revise before mock test

During the Examination

Do not spend several minutes fighting one stubborn question.

If a question looks time-consuming:

Mark → Move → Return later

This prevents one difficult question from eating the lunch of five easy ones.

RRB NTPC Graduate Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Quick Summary

Particular	Details
Recruitment	RRB NTPC Graduate
CEN	06/2026
Exam Stages	CBT 1 and CBT 2
Subjects	Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness
CBT 1 Questions	100
CBT 1 Marks	100
CBT 2 Questions	120
CBT 2 Marks	120
CBT Duration	90 minutes
Negative Marking	1/3 mark
Question Type	Objective Multiple Choice
Main Language	English/Hindi and other permitted regional languages
Further Stages	Document Verification and Medical Examination

FAQs on RRB NTPC Graduate Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The RRB NTPC Graduate Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026 is built around three subjects: Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness.

CBT 1 contains 100 questions for 100 marks, while CBT 2 contains 120 questions for 120 marks. Both examinations have a duration of 90 minutes and carry a 1/3-mark penalty for every incorrect answer.

For Mathematics, candidates should concentrate on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and statistics. Reasoning preparation should cover series, coding-decoding, puzzles, syllogism, analytical reasoning and data interpretation. General Awareness requires a broader preparation strategy covering current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, science, computers, sports, culture and government schemes.

The most effective preparation strategy is not simply to study more. It is to study the right topics, practice under time pressure, analyze mistakes and repeatedly revise weak areas.

Candidates preparing for RRB NTPC Graduate Recruitment 2026 should also keep checking the official RRB websites for examination schedules, city intimation slips, e-call letters and subsequent recruitment notices.