RRB NTPC Syllabus 2026: Check CBT 1 CBT 2 Pattern Topics

RRB NTPC Syllabus 2026 covers General Awareness, Mathematics and General Intelligence and Reasoning for both graduate and undergraduate posts. The first-stage CBT has 100 questions, while CBT 2 has 120 questions. You get 90 minutes for each paper, with a deduction of one-third mark for every wrong answer.

For the latest graduate-level recruitment, the Railway Recruitment Boards have notified 3,548 vacancies under CEN 06/2026. The application window is scheduled from October 8 to November 6, 2026.

What does the RRB NTPC Syllabus 2026 cover?

The syllabus is divided into three main sections. These subjects remain common across the graduate and undergraduate levels, although the selection stages and post requirements can differ.

The biggest share of questions comes from General Awareness. You should therefore give enough time to current affairs along with Maths and Reasoning instead of focusing on only one section.

How is the RRB NTPC CBT 1 exam pattern structured?

RRB NTPC CBT 1 works mainly as a screening stage. You have to solve 100 questions in 90 minutes, with each question carrying one mark.

The important points are:

• Total questions: 100
• Maximum marks: 100
• Duration: 90 minutes
• General Awareness: 40 questions
• Mathematics: 30 questions
• Reasoning: 30 questions
• Negative marking: 1/3 mark for every wrong answer

For candidates eligible for a scribe, the examination duration is 120 minutes.

What changes in the RRB NTPC CBT 2 exam pattern?

CBT 2 has a higher number of questions and is more important for the later selection process. You get 120 questions to solve within 90 minutes.

A wrong answer costs one-third mark here as well. You should avoid random guesses because even a few unnecessary attempts can affect your score.

Which topics should you study for RRB NTPC General Awareness?

General Awareness has the highest weightage in both CBTs. You should cover current affairs as well as static subjects during preparation.

Important areas include:

• National and international current affairs
• Sports and games
• Indian history
• Geography
• Indian polity and Constitution
• Indian economy
• General science and life science up to Class 10
• Art and culture
• Indian literature
• Monuments and important places
• Environmental issues
• Flora and fauna
• UN and other international organisations
• Computer applications
• Transport systems
• Common abbreviations
• Famous personalities

For current affairs, regular revision is more useful than trying to study everything at once.

Which Mathematics topics are important for RRB NTPC?

You should focus on basic arithmetic and improve your calculation speed. The syllabus includes several topics that are commonly used in competitive exams.

Practising with a timer can help you improve speed without losing accuracy.

What should you prepare for RRB NTPC Reasoning?

The Reasoning section tests your ability to find patterns, relationships and logical answers. Regular practice can make this section easier to handle.

Focus on:

• Analogy
• Classification
• Similarities and differences
• Number and alphabet series
• Coding-decoding
• Mathematical operations
• Blood relations
• Syllogism
• Venn diagrams
• Direction questions
• Analytical reasoning
• Data interpretation
• Data sufficiency
• Statement and conclusion
• Statement and arguments
• Decision making

You should solve different question types rather than repeating only the topics you already find easy.

Is the RRB NTPC syllabus different for graduate and undergraduate posts?

The three main subjects remain the same for both levels. However, the posts and later selection stages differ.

Graduate-level posts include positions such as Goods Train Manager, Chief Commercial-cum-Ticket Supervisor, Senior Clerk-cum-Typist and Junior Accounts Assistant-cum-Typist. The selection process can include CBT 1, CBT 2, a typing test or CBAT, followed by document verification and medical examination, depending on the post.

For undergraduate recruitment, posts include Commercial-cum-Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk-cum-Typist, Junior Clerk-cum-Typist and Trains Clerk. Typing tests apply to the posts where required.

How can you prepare for the RRB NTPC exam 2026?

A simple preparation plan can help you cover the wide syllabus without leaving important areas for the final weeks.

• Start with the complete syllabus.
• Divide your study time among all three subjects.
• Practise Maths calculations every day.
• Solve Reasoning questions regularly.
• Read and revise current affairs.
• Use previous-year question papers to understand the paper level.
• Attempt mock tests and check your mistakes.
• Keep separate short notes for General Awareness.
• Revise weak topics more often.
• Avoid blind guessing because of the negative marking.

You should also track your mock-test accuracy. A higher number of attempts does not always mean a better score when incorrect answers carry a penalty.

RRB NTPC Syllabus 2026 FAQs