RRB NTPC Graduate Exam Pattern 2026: Check CBT 1 and CBT 2

RRB NTPC Graduate Exam Pattern 2026 includes two Computer-Based Tests, CBT 1 and CBT 2. For CEN 06/2025, CBT 1 was held from March 16 to March 27, 2026, while the second-stage exam was scheduled for shortlisted candidates. The Railway Recruitment Board uses CBT 1 as a screening stage before CBT 2.

If you are preparing for the RRB NTPC Graduate exam, knowing the number of questions, marks, sections, exam duration and negative marking can help you plan your attempts better.

What is the RRB NTPC Graduate exam pattern 2026?

The RRB NTPC Graduate selection process starts with CBT 1. Those who meet the required shortlisting criteria move to CBT 2. The two papers test Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness.

Here is a quick look at the RRB NTPC CBT 1 and CBT 2 exam pattern:

The official CEN 06/2025 notification confirms 100 questions for CBT 1, with 40 from General Awareness and 30 each from Mathematics and Reasoning.

How many questions are asked in RRB NTPC CBT 1?

In CBT 1, you get 100 questions for 100 marks. The paper is divided into three sections, with General Awareness carrying the highest weight.

You get 90 minutes to complete the test. If you are eligible for a scribe, the duration is 120 minutes.

The questions are objective and have multiple choices. CBT 1 is mainly a screening test, and its normalized marks are used to shortlist applicants for the next stage.

What is the RRB NTPC CBT 2 exam pattern?

CBT 2 has a larger paper than CBT 1, with 120 questions carrying 120 marks. General Awareness gets 50 questions, while Mathematics and Reasoning have 35 questions each.

The CBT 2 stage carries greater weight in the selection process. Your performance here becomes important for further stages, depending on the post you have selected.

How does negative marking work in RRB NTPC 2026?

The RRB NTPC marking scheme has negative marking in both CBT stages.

• You get 1 mark for every correct answer.
• 1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
• No marks are deducted for a question left unanswered.
• Questions are objective-type multiple-choice questions.

Because of the penalty, it is better to avoid random guessing when you are not reasonably sure about an answer.

What subjects are included in RRB NTPC Graduate CBT?

The RRB NTPC syllabus for the two CBT stages covers three main areas.

Mathematics

Important areas include:

• Number System
• Decimals and Fractions
• LCM and HCF
• Ratio and Proportion
• Percentage
• Profit and Loss
• Time and Work
• Time and Distance
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Mensuration
• Elementary Statistics

General Intelligence and Reasoning

You can expect questions from:

• Analogies
• Number and Alphabetical Series
• Coding and Decoding
• Syllogism
• Venn Diagrams
• Puzzles
• Data Sufficiency
• Statement and Conclusion
• Decision Making
• Maps
• Graph Interpretation

General Awareness

This section covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Current Affairs
• Indian History
• Freedom Struggle
• Indian Polity
• Geography
• General Science
• Economy
• Computer Basics
• Government Schemes
• Sports
• Art and Culture
• Important Organisations
• Science and Technology

The official syllabus also includes General Science and Life Science topics up to the Class 10 CBSE level.

What happens after RRB NTPC CBT 2?

The next stage depends on the post you have applied for. Some graduate-level posts require an additional skill or aptitude test, while others move towards Document Verification.

For example, posts such as Station Master can have a Computer-Based Aptitude Test, while typist posts may require a Typing Skill Test. The final selection process therefore varies by post.

For CEN 06/2025, the RRB said that shortlisting for CBT 2 is based on normalized CBT 1 marks. The official notification states that candidates up to 15 times the community-wise vacancies can be shortlisted for the second-stage CBT.

How should you prepare for RRB NTPC Graduate CBT 1 and CBT 2?

A practical preparation plan can make the two stages easier to manage.

• For CBT 1: Focus on speed, basic concepts and regular mock tests.
• For CBT 2: Give more time to General Awareness along with Mathematics and Reasoning.
• For current affairs: Revise recent national and international events regularly.
• For Mathematics: Practise calculation-based questions with a timer.
• For Reasoning: Solve different question types instead of repeating one topic.
• For mocks: Review every wrong answer after completing a test.
• For accuracy: Do not make unnecessary guesses because of negative marking.

The RRB has also stated that mock or practice tests are made available through its official websites to help you become familiar with the online examination process.

Does RRB NTPC Graduate exam have any application fee?

The exam pattern itself does not include a separate examination fee. Any RRB NTPC application fee is paid during the application process according to the category and conditions mentioned in the recruitment notification.

For the exact fee applicable to your application, check the fee section of the relevant RRB NTPC notification before making payment.

RRB NTPC Graduate Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs