RRB NTPC Syllabus & Exam Pattern

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) exam to recruit candidates for graduate-level posts in Indian Railways. These posts include Station Master, Traffic Assistant, Goods Guard, Senior Clerk, Junior Accounts Assistant, and more.

Being one of the most competitive railway exams, understanding the syllabus and exam pattern is critical for success. This guide provides a complete overview of the RRB NTPC Graduate Level syllabus, including subject-wise topics, preparation tips, recommended books, and strategies to maximize your score.

1. Overview of RRB NTPC Graduate Level Exam 🎯

The RRB NTPC Graduate Level Exam is conducted in multiple stages to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge, aptitude, and reasoning abilities.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university

• Age Limit: Generally 18–33 years (varies by post and category)

Note: CBT 1 is qualifying in nature and is used to shortlist candidates for CBT 2. Document verification and skill tests are post-specific and qualifying.

2. RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 📝

Understanding the exam pattern helps candidates plan their preparation efficiently.

Stage 1: CBT 1

Key Points:

• Negative marking: 1/3rd of the marks for incorrect answers

• Mode: Online

• Language: English, Hindi, and regional languages

Tip: This stage primarily tests basic aptitude, general knowledge, and reasoning, so a strong foundation is important.

Stage 2: CBT 2

Important Notes:

• CBT 2 is more advanced and detailed, focusing on both conceptual understanding and problem-solving.

• This stage is merit-based and determines eligibility for skill/typing tests.

Stage 3: Typing / Skill Test

• Applicable only for certain posts like Junior Clerk, Senior Clerk, and Accounts Assistant

• May include typing speed test or computer skill proficiency

• Marks: Qualifying

Additionally, candidates should practice typing and computer operations to clear this stage successfully.

3. Detailed RRB NTPC Graduate Level Syllabus 📖

The syllabus is broadly divided into four sections:

1. Mathematics

2. General Intelligence & Reasoning

3. General Awareness

4. General Science

3.1 Mathematics / Quantitative Aptitude 🔢

Mathematics forms a significant portion of both CBT 1 and CBT 2. Candidates should practice regularly and focus on problem-solving speed.

Topics Include:

• Number Systems: Integers, Fractions, Decimals, LCM, HCF

• Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest

• Ratio, Proportion, Average, Mixture & Allegation

• Time, Speed & Distance; Time & Work; Pipes & Cisterns

• Geometry: Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons

• Mensuration: Area, Perimeter, Volume of solids

• Algebra: Basic equations and inequalities

• Trigonometry: Basic identities, height and distance

• Data Interpretation: Tables, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs

Tips:

• Memorize formulas for quick calculations

• Practice with time-bound quizzes

• Solve previous year papers for accuracy

Transition Tip: In addition to practicing basic arithmetic, candidates should also focus on tricky word problems, as these appear frequently in CBT 2.

3.2 General Intelligence & Reasoning 🧠

This section evaluates analytical and logical abilities.

Topics Include:

• Analogies, Series, Classification

• Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations

• Syllogism, Venn Diagrams

• Direction Sense, Distance, and Logical Puzzles

• Alphabetic and Numeric Series

• Statement & Conclusion, Statement & Assumption

• Non-Verbal Reasoning

Tips:

• Solve daily puzzles and reasoning questions

• Focus on shortcuts and logical tricks

• Regular practice improves speed and accuracy

Moreover, reasoning is highly scoring if practiced consistently.

3.3 General Awareness 🌍

General Awareness is one of the most important scoring sections in RRB NTPC exams.

Topics Include:

• History: Ancient, Medieval, Modern India

• Geography: Physical, Economic, Political, Indian States

• Polity: Indian Constitution, Governance, Fundamental Rights

• Economy: Budget, Banking, Financial Awareness

• Science & Technology: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, IT Awareness

• Current Affairs: National and International Events

• Awards, Sports, Books, Authors, Important Days

• Environment & Ecology

Tips:

• Read newspapers and monthly current affairs magazines

• Make concise notes for revision

• Focus on Indian Railways-related general knowledge

Additionally, linking current affairs with historical or economic topics helps in better retention.

3.4 General Science 🔬

General Science questions are mostly from 10th-grade level, covering fundamental concepts.

Topics Include:

• Physics: Motion, Force, Work & Energy, Light, Sound, Electricity

• Chemistry: Periodic Table, Elements, Compounds, Acids & Bases, Reactions

• Biology: Human Body, Genetics, Plants, Animal Kingdom

• Environment: Pollution, Conservation, Biodiversity

Tips:

• Revise NCERT books of class 10 for basic concepts

• Solve multiple-choice quizzes for quick recall

In addition, keep updated with recent scientific discoveries, which sometimes appear in CBT 2 as current awareness questions.

4. Section-Wise Weightage ⚖️

Observation: CBT 1 focuses on basic aptitude, while CBT 2 tests conceptual clarity and problem-solving speed.

5. Recommended Books for RRB NTPC Graduate Level 📚

6. Preparation Strategy 🏆

1. Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly

2. Divide your study time between Mathematics, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Science

3. Practice mock tests and previous year papers

4. Revise formulas, general knowledge facts, and science concepts regularly

5. Focus on speed and accuracy for quantitative and reasoning sections

6. For post-specific tests, practice typing speed and computer skills

Suggested Weekly Plan:

7. Tips & Tricks 💡

• Focus on high-weightage topics first

• Solve previous year papers and mock tests regularly

• Take timed quizzes to improve speed

• Revise formulas, facts, and important dates weekly

• Practice descriptive questions if applicable for higher posts

Moreover, staying consistent and disciplined is more effective than cramming last minute.

8. Previous Year Trends 📊

• Mathematics: Moderate to difficult, arithmetic-heavy

• Reasoning: Puzzles, coding-decoding, and series

• General Awareness: Current affairs, Indian polity, history, geography

• Science: Mostly fundamental 10th-grade level

• Skill tests: Post-specific, qualifying

9. FAQs ❓

Q1: Is there negative marking in RRB NTPC?
A: Yes, 1/3rd marks are deducted for wrong answers.

Q2: How many CBT stages are there?
A: Two CBT stages – CBT 1 and CBT 2.

Q3: Is typing/skill test compulsory?
A: Only for certain posts like Junior Clerk or Accounts Assistant.

Q4: What is the minimum qualification?
A: A graduate degree from a recognized university.

Q5: Are sectional cut-offs applicable?
A: Yes, SSC releases both sectional and overall cut-offs.

Q6: How to prepare for general awareness?
A: Read newspapers, GK books, and monthly current affairs.

Q7: Recommended books for quantitative aptitude?
A: R.S. Aggarwal and Arun Sharma (advanced mathematics).

Q8: How to improve reasoning skills?
A: Solve puzzles, coding-decoding, series, and logic questions daily.

Q9: How to prepare for general science?
A: NCERT class 6–10 science books are sufficient.

Q10: How to practice typing skill?
A: Use online typing tools and practice daily for speed and accuracy.

10. Conclusion 🏁

The RRB NTPC Graduate Level syllabus covers Mathematics, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Science. Success depends on consistent practice, strategic planning, and time management.

• Start early and identify weaker areas

• Take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy

• Revise regularly and focus on high-scoring topics

• Practice typing and computer skills for post-specific tests

With dedication and the right approach, clearing RRB NTPC and securing a railway job is completely achievable.