RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026: Detailed Guide to CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT & Typing Test

Overview of the RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026

The RRB NTPC recruitment is conducted entirely through a computer-based, objective-type format. With no descriptive writing or interview rounds, success relies on mastering multiple-choice questions (MCQs). A strategic preparation approach for both CBT 1 and CBT 2 is essential. Since CBT 2 demands a higher level of analytical proficiency, candidates should focus on high-yield topics and consistent mock test analysis. Below is the detailed breakdown of the RRB NTPC exam structure.

RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The RRB NTPC selection process includes a negative marking system where incorrect answers lead to mark deductions. Refer to the table below for the specific CBT 1 exam pattern guidelines:

Sl No.	Sections	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Duration
1.	General Awareness	40	40	90 minutes
2.	Mathematics	30	30
3.	General Intelligence and Reasoning	30	30
Total		100	100

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• CBT 1 is just qualifying in nature.
• The normalised score of CBT 1 shall be used for shortlisting of candidates for CBT 2, which will be around 20 times the vacancies.
• Questions will be objective, i.e. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• There will be a negative marking of 1/3 Marks for every question wrongly attempted.
• No marks will be deducted for a question left unanswered.

RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026

To progress in the selection process, candidates must perform well in the second stage. Review the CBT 2 exam pattern details in the table provided below.

Sr. No.	Sections	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Duration
1.	General Awareness	50	50	90 minutes
2.	Mathematics	35	35
3.	General Intelligence and Reasoning	35	35
Total		120	120

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This is both a screening and scoring round, i.e. the marks of CBT 2 will be included in the final merit list.
• It is the merit-deciding round.
• Candidates must secure more marks to meet the required RRB NTPC Cut-Off.
• The normalised Marks of CBT 2 will be considered for shortlisting candidates for the Skill Test/ Aptitude Test.
• RRB NTPC Phase-II will also have MCQs.
• Negative marking of 1/3 Marks for every question attempted incorrectly.
• No marks will be deducted for a question left unanswered.

RRB NTPC Marking Scheme

• Candidates receive 1 mark for every correct answer.
• One-third of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
• RRB NTPC CBT 1 and CBT 2 are conducted in multiple shifts.
• Scores are normalised to account for variations in difficulty levels across different shifts.
• The normalisation process ensures a fair evaluation for all candidates

RRB NTPC Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)

The Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) is a mandatory stage exclusively for candidates applying for the Station Master position.

To qualify, candidates must achieve a minimum T-score of 42 across all test batteries. This requirement is universal and mandatory; no score relaxations are permitted for any category, including SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwBD, or Ex-Servicemen.

• The CBAT is conducted only in English and Hindi
• There is no negative marking.
• Candidates are also required to produce an original Vision Certificate (mandatory).
• The final merit list for CBAT-based posts is prepared by giving 70% weightage to the CBT 2 marks and 30% weightage to the CBAT score.

RRB NTPC Typing Skill Test (TST)

The Typing Skill Test requires a minimum proficiency of 30 words per minute (WPM) in English or 25 WPM in Hindi. Candidates must type on a personal computer without the aid of spell-check, editing tools, or other automated features. Maintaining speed and accuracy is critical to clearing this stage.

RRB NTPC 2026 Typing Skill Test (TST)
Medium of Language	Typing Speed
English	30 words per minute (w.p.m.)
Hindi	25 words per minute (w.p.m.)

Important Note:

• Candidates must type on a personal computer without editing tools or spell-checking.
• For Hindi typing, Kruti Dev and Mangal fonts are provided.
• PwBD candidates with at least 40% disability due to blindness/low vision, cerebral palsy, or locomotor disability may be exempt from the typing test.
• They must upload the Typing Skill Test Exemption Certificate from the Competent Medical Board on the RRBs’ website before the test.
• Only those who pass the typing test or are exempted will be considered for merit, based on their 2nd Stage CBT performance.

RRB NTPC Exam Stages: Graduate & Undergraduate Posts

RRB NTPC Exam Stages 2026 (Graduate Level)
Sr. No.	Name of the post	Level in 7th CPC	1st stage CBT	2nd stage CBT	Skill Test Requirement
1	Goods Train Manager	5	Common for all posts	Common For all posts	–
2	Senior Clerk cum Typist	5			Typing Skill Test
3	Junior Account Assistant cum Typist	5			Typing Skill Test
4	Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor	6			–
5	Station Master	6			Computer-Based Aptitude Test

RRB NTPC Exam Stages 2026 (Undergraduate Level)
Sr. No.	Name of the post	Level in 7th CPC	1st stage CBT	2nd stage CBT	Skill Test Requirement
1	Junior Clerk cum Typist	2	Common for all posts	Common For all posts	Typing Skill Test
2	Accounts Clerk cum Typist	2			Typing Skill Test
3	Trains Clerk	2			Typing Skill Test
4	Commercial cum Ticket Clerk	3		Separate for the Level 3 post	–