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1st Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1)

A common screening test for all notified posts. It consists of 100 objective questions (General Awareness: 40, Mathematics: 30, General Intelligence & Reasoning: 30) to be completed in 90 minutes. Normalized marks determine shortlisting for CBT-2.

Screening nature only. Marks are used to shortlist candidates for CBT-2 (usually 20 times the vacancies).
CBT-1 (Screening Test)100 marks · 90 minutes
- 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer penalty

Preparation Timeline

Suggested phase-by-phase study plan

Phase 1: Concept Building & GK Foundation Months 1-2

Master core concepts in Mathematics and Reasoning; begin deep-dive into General Science and Static GK.

  • Complete NCERT Science books (Class 8 to 10) as General Science carries heavy weightage.
  • Learn shortcut tricks for Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Time & Work).
  • Practice non-verbal reasoning and coding-decoding topics daily.
  • Read one Daily Current Affairs PDF or watch a daily summary video.
Phase 2: Speed Building & Railway Specifics Months 3-4

Increase problem-solving speed and focus on Railway-centric General Awareness.

  • Solve previous year RRB NTPC question papers (CBT-1 & CBT-2) to understand the TCS pattern.
  • Memorize Static GK (Monuments, National Parks, First in India, Headquarters, Inventions).
  • If applying for Typist posts, start practicing touch typing for 30 mins daily on a computer keyboard.
Phase 3: Mock Tests & Consolidation Months 5-6

Time management, reducing negative marking, and intensive revision.

  • Take full-length mock tests strictly within the 90-minute limit (Aim for 80+ attempts with high accuracy).
  • Analyze mocks to identify weak chapters and revise formulas/tricks.
  • Revise the last 12 months of Current Affairs and Government Schemes.
  • Take 10-minute typing tests on software that disables the backspace/delete key.

Exam Details

Concise and stable information snapshot

Overview

RRB NTPC is one of India's largest competitive exams. The Under Graduate level recruits 12th-pass candidates for crucial clerical and ticketing roles in Indian Railways. The selection process involves two stages of Computer Based Tests (CBT), followed by a Typing Skill Test for specific clerk/typist posts, and finalizing with Document Verification and Medical Examination.

Posts

  • Commercial cum Ticket Clerk (Level 3)
  • Account Clerk cum Typist (Level 2)
  • Junior Clerk cum Typist (Level 2)
  • Trains Clerk (Level 2)

Eligibility

Educational Qualification 12th (+2 Stage) or its equivalent from a recognized Board/University
Age Limit 18 to 30 years (as on the cut-off date for 2025) years
Age Relaxation OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): +3 years | SC/ST: +5 years | PwBD: +10 to +15 years | Ex-Servicemen: Extent of service + 3 years
Nationality Citizen of India, Subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated with the intention of permanently settling in India

Tags

rrbntpcrailwaysunder-graduateclerktypist

Dive Deeper into RRB NTPC UG

Explore specific sections in detail

Eligibility Criteria Exam Pattern & Stages Preparation Strategy Books & Resources Job Posts & Profiles

Recommended Resources

Curated study materials for preparation

Mathematics

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations — R.S. Aggarwal

Book

Excellent for clearing basic arithmetic concepts.

Fast Track Objective Arithmetic — Rajesh Verma

Book

Great for learning shortcut techniques for speed.

General Intelligence & Reasoning

A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning — R.S. Aggarwal

Book

Comprehensive coverage of all reasoning topics.

Railway NTPC Previous Year Solved Papers (Reasoning)

Book

Vital for understanding exact exam difficulty.

General Awareness

Lucent’s General Knowledge

Book

The ultimate resource for Static GK, History, and Polity.

Lucent’s General Science

Book

Highly recommended for the extensive science section.

Speedy Railway General Science / GK

Book

Popular specifically for Railway-focused one-liners.

Spardha / Eduteria Current Affairs

Magazine

Yearly compilations for National & International events.

Last updated: 9 Mar 2026