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

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026

The RRB NTPC examination is conducted entirely online using an objective-type, multiple-choice format. As there is no descriptive component or interview stage, candidates should prioritize mastering MCQ problem-solving skills to build a strong foundation for both CBT 1 and CBT 2. Given that the difficulty level intensifies significantly from the first stage to the second, consistent practice with advanced questions is essential. Let’s dive into the detailed exam structure below.

RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026

Each correct answer contributes to your score, while incorrect responses incur a negative marking penalty. Please refer to the CBT 1 Exam Pattern outlined in the table below:

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

EXAM HIGHLIGHTS:

• 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 Graduate CBT 2 Answer Key 2026 Released – Click Here to View

RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates can review the official CBT 2 Exam Pattern in the comprehensive 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

EXAM HIGHLIGHTS:

• 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 Undergraduate Exam Date 2026 Announced – Check Schedule

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

Attempt Official RRB NTPC Mock Test 2026 Today!

RRB NTPC Computer Aptitude Test (CBAT)

Only applicants for the Station Master position are required to undergo the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) administered by the Railway Recruitment Board.

To pass, candidates must achieve a minimum T-score of 42 in each test battery. This qualifying standard is mandatory across all demographics, with no relaxation provided for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwBD, or Ex-Servicemen categories.

• 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)

For the Typing Skill Test, candidates must maintain a minimum speed of 30 words per minute (WPM) in English or 25 WPM in Hindi on a computer. The use of editing tools, spell-checkers, or additional assistive software is strictly prohibited. Proficiency in manual typing is a critical requirement for this stage of the RRB NTPC selection process.

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 and UG 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	–