The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially published the RRB NTPC syllabus for both graduate and undergraduate-level vacancies. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the subject-wise syllabus, updated exam patterns, topic-wise weightage for CBT 1 and CBT 2, as well as essential information on the CBAT, Typing Skill Test, and expert preparation strategies.
RRB NTPC Syllabus 2026- Overview
The RRB NTPC recruitment process consists of two stages: CBT 1 and CBT 2. Both stages cover three primary subjects: General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. While the core syllabus remains consistent across stages, the question count and difficulty level increase in CBT 2. Similarly, while graduate and undergraduate exams share the same curriculum, graduate-level papers are designed with a higher complexity standard.
| Detail | Information |
| Selection Process |
|
| Exam Subjects | General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| CBT 1 Pattern | 100 Questions / 100 Marks / 90 Minutes |
| CBT 2 Pattern | 120 Questions / 120 Marks / 90 Minutes |
| Negative Marking | Yes – 1/3rd mark per wrong answer |
| Language of Exam | 15 languages including Hindi & English |
RRB NTPC Undergraduate Answer Key 2026: Download Now
RRB NTPC Syllabus 2026
Although the RRB NTPC syllabus is identical for both stages, the exam structure differs. CBT 1 features 100 objective-type MCQs, while CBT 2 increases the total to 120 questions. All questions across both exams are derived from Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness.
1. Mathematics Syllabus
- Number System
- Decimals
- Fractions
- LCM, HCF
- Ratio and Proportions
- Percentage
- Mensuration
- Time and Work
- Time and Distance
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Profit and Loss
- Elementary Algebra
- Geometry and Trigonometry
- Elementary Statistics
2. General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus
- Analogies
- Completion of Number and Alphabetical Series
- Coding and Decoding
- Mathematical Operations
- Similarities and Differences
- Relationships
- Analytical Reasoning
- Syllogism
- Jumbling
- Venn Diagrams
- Puzzle
- Data Sufficiency
- Statement- Conclusion, Statement- Courses of Action
- Decision Making
- Maps
- Interpretation of Graphs
3. General Awareness Syllabus
RRB NTPC General Knowledge and General Science questions are framed based on the core topics listed in the official curriculum.
- Current Events of National and International Importance (Current Affairs)
- Games and Sports
- Art and Culture of India
- Indian Literature
- Monuments and Places of India
- General Science and Life Science (up to 10th CBSE)
- History of India and Freedom Struggle
- Physical, Social and Economic Geography of India and the World
- Indian Polity and Governance- constitution and political system
- General Scientific and Technological Developments, including the Space and Nuclear Program of India
- UN and Other Important World Organizations
- Environmental Issues Concerning India and the World at Large
- Basics of Computers and Computer Applications
- Common Abbreviations
- Transport Systems in India
- Indian Economy
- Famous Personalities of India and the World
- Flagship Government Programs
- Flora and Fauna of India
- Important Government and Public Sector Organisations of India
- Current GK
RRB NTPC Topic-wise Weightage
Drawing from previous years' recruitment trends, the following subject-wise weightage is anticipated for the upcoming RRB NTPC examination to help you prioritize your studies effectively.
Mathematics Weightage
| Topics | Questions (CBT 1) | Questions (CBT 2) |
| Number System | 3-4 | 4-5 |
| Simplification | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Decimals & Fractions | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| LCM & HCF | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Ratio and Proportion | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Percentage | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Mensuration | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Time and Work | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Time and Distance | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Simple & Compound Interest | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Profit and Loss | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Elementary Algebra | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Geometry & Trigonometry | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Elementary Statistics | 1 | 1-2 |
| Data Interpretation (DI) | 1 | 2-3 |
Reasoning Weightage
| Topics | Questions (CBT 1) | Questions (CBT 2) |
| Analogies | 3-4 | 4-5 |
| Number & Alphabet Series | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Coding-Decoding | 3-4 | 4-5 |
| Mathematical Operations | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Similarities & Differences | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Relationships (Blood Relations) | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Analytical Reasoning | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Syllogism | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Jumbling | 1 | 1-2 |
| Venn Diagrams | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Puzzle | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Data Sufficiency | 1 | 1-2 |
| Statement-Conclusion | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Decision Making | 1 | 1-2 |
| Maps & Interpretation of Graphs | 1 | 1-2 |
General Awareness Weightage
| Topics | Questions (CBT 1) | Questions (CBT 2) |
| Current Events (National & International) | 10-12 | 12-15 |
| History of India | 5-6 | 6-8 |
| Geography (India & World) | 3-4 | 4-5 |
| Indian Polity & Governance | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Indian Economy | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 7-8 | 8-10 |
| Art & Culture of India | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Indian Literature | 1 | 1-2 |
| Monuments & Places of India | 1 | 1-2 |
| General Scientific & Technological Developments | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| UN and Other Important World Organizations | 1 | 1-2 |
| Environmental Issues | 1 | 1-2 |
| Basics of Computers & Applications | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Famous Personalities | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Static GK (various topics) | 5-7 | 7-9 |
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026
The comprehensive RRB NTPC exam pattern for both Stage I and Stage II is detailed in the sections below.
CBT 1 Exam Pattern
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Type of Questions: Objective Type MCQs
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted per wrong answer
- CBT 1 marks are NOT counted in the final merit list — it is only a screening exam.
CBT 2 Exam Pattern
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Type of Questions: Objective Type MCQs
- Total Questions: 120
- Total Marks: 120
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted per wrong answer
- CBT 2 marks determine the final merit list
RRB NTPC Syllabus PDF Download
To streamline your study plan, we have provided the official RRB NTPC Syllabus PDF covering all topics for CBT 1 and CBT 2. We recommend downloading this file to reference the syllabus as you prepare subject by subject.
Download Official RRB NTPC Syllabus PDF
Preparation Plan after Reviewing Syllabus
Success in the RRB NTPC 2026 exam requires strict adherence to the updated syllabus and exam pattern. Additionally, we encourage you to review proven RRB NTPC Preparation Tips contributed by successful candidates who have previously cleared the selection process.
- Plan a preparation study plan and follow it throughout the period to make sure you cover all the topics on time.
- Select the right online classes and study material.
- Understand the exam pattern with the right approach and prepare for the subject you are weak in first.
- Attempt mock tests and previous years' papers regularly to analyse your preparation.
- Keep yourself healthy and hydrated.
FAQs
The RRB NTPC examination consists of three core sections: General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning.
Yes, negative marking is applicable. Candidates will face a deduction of 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question for every incorrect answer provided in both Stage I and Stage II exams.
The Stage I (CBT 1) exam comprises 100 questions, whereas the Stage II (CBT 2) exam features a total of 120 questions.
Depending on the specific test shift, candidates can expect approximately 11–15 questions per sub-topic in CBT 1 and 14–18 questions in CBT 2.
CBT 1 generally features a moderate difficulty level aligned with Class 10–12 curriculum. CBT 2 is significantly more challenging, incorporating advanced topics. Furthermore, graduate-level examinations are consistently harder than undergraduate-level tests.
Yes, the subjects are identical for both levels. However, the depth and complexity of the questions are calibrated higher for graduate-level roles compared to undergraduate-level positions.
General Awareness is the highest-scoring section, comprising 40 questions in CBT 1 and 50 questions in CBT 2; it should be given high priority during your preparation.
The CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test) is mandatory for Station Master and Traffic Assistant roles. It evaluates memory, spatial visualization, and observation skills. A minimum T-score of 42 per battery is required to qualify; note that these scores do not contribute to the final merit list.
The Typing Skill Test (TST) is a qualifying requirement for clerical posts, including Junior Clerk cum Typist and Accounts Clerk cum Typist. Candidates must achieve a minimum speed of 30 w.p.m. in English or 25 w.p.m. in Hindi.
Also Read:
- RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Date 2026: Official Schedule for Graduate & UG Posts
- RRB Group D Exam Date 2026 Announced: CBT Starts August 3rd for 22,195 Vacancies
- RRB Group D PET 2026: Exam Scheduled for 4th Week of July
- RRB Group D Result 2026 Declared: Download Zone-Wise Merit List PDF & Cut-Off Marks (CEN 08/2024)
- IBPS RRB Clerk Reserve List 2026 Released: Check Provisional Allotment (CRP XIV)
- RRB Technician Recruitment 2026: 6,557 Vacancies Announced – Download Official Notification PDF