RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026
Stage-wise RRB NTPC exam pattern: number of questions, marks, duration and negative marking for each stage.
CBT 1
Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT, Online)
Marks
100
Duration
90 minutes
Negative marking
-1/3 mark per wrong answer
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
Shortlisting stage for CBT 2, applied as a screening test (normalized across shifts). Same syllabus as CBT 2 but considered easier. Minimum qualifying: 40% (UR/EWS), 30% (OBC/SC), 25% (ST).
CBT 2
Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT, Online)
Marks
120
Duration
90 minutes
Negative marking
-1/3 mark per wrong answer
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
Merit-deciding stage. Same syllabus as CBT 1 but a noticeably higher difficulty level. Same qualifying marks thresholds as CBT 1.
Typing Skill Test / CBAT (post-dependent)
Mode
Skill/Aptitude Test
Marks
—
Duration
Varies by post
Negative marking
Not applicable, qualifying only
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Typing Skill Test (clerical/typist posts) | — | — |
| Computer Based Aptitude Test, CBAT (Station Master / Traffic Assistant-type posts) | — | — |
Applies only to specific posts that require it, not all NTPC posts. Qualifying only, does not add to merit score.