The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) are recruiting for numerous Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) posts through two separate notifications: CEN 05/2024 for Graduate level posts and CEN 06/2024 for Undergraduate level posts (12th / +2).
Whether you're aiming for roles like Station Master and Goods Train Manager (Graduate) or Commercial cum Ticket Clerk and Junior Clerk cum Typist (Undergraduate), understanding the recruitment journey is crucial.
This comprehensive guide combines information from both notifications to give you a clear picture of the RRB NTPC 2025 selection process, stage-wise exam patterns, and the detailed syllabus.
RRB NTPC 2025 Selection Process: Graduate & Undergraduate
The selection process for both Graduate and Undergraduate NTPC posts follows a multi-stage structure. Candidates must qualify in each stage relevant to their chosen posts. Here’s an overview:
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1st Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1): A common screening examination for all candidates (both Graduate and Undergraduate levels).
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2nd Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2): This stage is separate based on the pay level of the posts, corresponding to the educational qualification (Level 2 & 3 for Undergraduate; Level 5 & 6 for Graduate). Performance in CBT-2 is critical.
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Skill Tests (as applicable):
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): REQUIRED ONLY for candidates opting for Station Master (Graduate Level 6 post).
- Typing Skill Test (TST): REQUIRED ONLY for candidates opting for typing-related posts:
- Undergraduate (Level 2): Accounts Clerk Cum Typist, Junior Clerk Cum Typist.
- Graduate (Level 5): Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist.
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Document Verification (DV): Candidates shortlisted based on performance in CBT-2 (and qualifying CBAT/TST where applicable) are called for DV.
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Medical Examination: Candidates clearing DV must pass the medical fitness standards required for their specific posts.
Final selection depends strictly on merit, performance in the relevant stages (primarily CBT-2, plus CBAT scores for Station Master), and successfully qualifying the skill tests and medical examination.
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern (Graduate & Undergraduate)
1st Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1) - Common for All
- Nature: Screening (Marks normalized, used only for shortlisting to CBT-2).
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Type: Objective Multiple Choice
- Subjects & Questions:
- General Awareness: 40 Questions
- Mathematics: 30 Questions
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: 30 Questions
- Total: 100 Questions
- Marks: 100 Marks (1 Mark per question)
- Duration: 90 Minutes (120 Minutes for eligible PwBD candidates with Scribe)
- Negative Marking: Yes, 1/3rd mark deducted for each incorrect answer.
- Normalization: Applied as the exam occurs in multiple sessions.
- Shortlisting: Candidates shortlisted for CBT-2 are approx. 15 times the community-wise vacancies for each pay level.
2nd Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2) - Separate based on Level
- Nature: Merit Deciding stage.
- Levels: Separate tests for Level 2, 3, 5, and 6 posts. Candidates eligible for multiple levels must take the corresponding CBT-2 for each level.
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Type: Objective Multiple Choice
- Subjects & Questions (Same structure for all levels):
- General Awareness: 50 Questions
- Mathematics: 35 Questions
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: 35 Questions
- Total: 120 Questions
- Marks: 120 Marks (1 Mark per question)
- Duration: 90 Minutes (120 Minutes for eligible PwBD candidates with Scribe)
- Negative Marking: Yes, 1/3rd mark deducted for each incorrect answer.
- Normalization: Applied.
- Minimum Qualifying % (Relaxable for PwBD): UR/EWS: 40%, OBC(NCL)/SC: 30%, ST: 25%.
Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- Applicable Post: Station Master (Graduate Level 6 - CEN 05/2024).
- Nature: Qualifying. Minimum T-Score of 42 required in each battery (no relaxation).
- Shortlisting: 8 times the SM vacancies (community-wise) based on CBT-2 merit.
- Vision Certificate: Mandatory (Annexure VI of CEN 05/2024).
- Merit: Final SM merit = 70% weightage to CBT-2 marks + 30% weightage to CBAT marks (only for those who qualify CBAT).
- Negative Marking: No.
- Language: English & Hindi only.
Typing Skill Test (TST)
- Applicable Posts:
- Undergraduate (Level 2 - CEN 06/2024): Accounts Clerk Cum Typist, Junior Clerk Cum Typist.
- Graduate (Level 5 - CEN 05/2024): Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist.
- Nature: Qualifying (Marks not added for merit).
- Requirement: 30 WPM in English OR 25 WPM in Hindi on PC (no editing/spell check tools).
- Shortlisting: 8 times the vacancies for these posts (community-wise) based on CBT-2 merit.
- Exemption: Available for specific PwBD candidates (Refer Annexure V(E) of notifications).
- Merit: Based solely on CBT-2 marks for candidates who qualify (or are exempted from) TST.
RRB NTPC 2025 Syllabus (CBT-1 & CBT-2) - Common Topics
The syllabus content is largely the same for both CBT stages and across levels, but the difficulty and emphasis might vary.
Mathematics
- Number System, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportions, Percentage, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Elementary Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics etc.
General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Analogies, Completion of Number and Alphabetical Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Similarities and Differences, Relationships, Analytical Reasoning, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagrams, Puzzle, Data Sufficiency, Statement-Conclusion, Statement- Courses of Action, Decision Making, Maps, Interpretation of Graphs etc.
General Awareness
- Current Events of National and International Importance, Games and Sports, Art and Culture of India, Indian Literature, Monuments and Places of India.
- General Science and Life Science (up to 10th CBSE).
- History of India and Freedom Struggle.
- Physical, Social and Economic Geography of India and World.
- Indian Polity and Governance - constitution and political system.
- General Scientific and Technological Developments including Space and Nuclear Program of India.
- UN and Other important World Organizations, Environmental Issues Concerning India and World at Large.
- Basics of Computers and Computer Applications.
- Common Abbreviations, Transport Systems in India, Indian Economy, Famous Personalities of India and World, Flagship Government Programs, Flora and Fauna of India, Important Government and Public Sector Organizations of India etc.
Final Selection Stages: DV and Medical Examination
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Document Verification (DV): Candidates equal to the number of vacancies are shortlisted based on merit (CBT-2 & CBAT/TST where applicable). Original documents must be produced as per the notification (Section 17.0). Any discrepancy can lead to disqualification. Ensure documents match application details exactly.
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Medical Examination: Post DV, candidates undergo a medical exam to ensure they meet the required fitness standards (A-2, A-3, B-2, C-2 as per post) detailed in the notifications. Failing the medical standard for the opted post(s) means non-appointment. Lasik surgery restrictions apply for certain medical standards (A-2, A-3).
Key Differences: Graduate (CEN 05/2024) vs. Undergraduate (CEN 06/2024)
| Feature | Graduate (CEN 05/2024) | Undergraduate (CEN 06/2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | University Degree or Equivalent | 12th (+2 Stage) or Equivalent |
| Age Limit | 18-36 Years (as on 01.01.2025 incl. relaxation) | 18-33 Years (as on 01.01.2025 incl. relaxation) |
| Pay Levels | Level 5 & Level 6 | Level 2 & Level 3 |
| Key Posts | Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Sr. Clerks, Jr. Accounts Asst. | Comm. cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk, Jr. Clerk, Trains Clerk |
| CBAT Required | Yes, for Station Master | No |
| TST Required | Yes, for Jr. Accounts Asst. & Sr. Clerk | Yes, for Accounts Clerk & Jr. Clerk |
Prepare strategically by understanding the specific requirements for the posts and levels you are targeting. Good luck!
Access All Shift-wise RRB NTPC GK Previous Year Questions Here!