RRB NTPC Examination Syllabus

Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) exams – such as NTPC and Group D – are conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) stages. NTPC has CBT 1 (screening), CBT 2, and a Skill/Aptitude Test for the posts that need one; Group D has a single CBT followed by PET. Negative marking of 1/3rd applies. This page covers the RRB NTPC syllabus.

Exam pattern may vary by recruitment notification. Candidates should verify the latest official RRB notification on their regional RRB website.

RRB NTPC Selection Process

1. CBT 1 – a common screening test. It is qualifying: its marks are used only to shortlist candidates for CBT 2.
2. CBT 2 – the main written test; merit is based on it.
3. Typing Skill Test or Computer Based Aptitude Test – only for the posts that require one, as specified in the notification.
4. Document Verification
5. Medical Examination – to the medical standard prescribed for the post.

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern

Both CBTs are objective, multiple-choice tests on the same three subjects. One-third of the marks for a question is deducted for each wrong answer (each question carries 1 mark).

RRB NTPC – CBT 1 (Qualifying)

RRB NTPC – CBT 2 (Merit)

Subject-wise Syllabus

Chapter names follow the subject syllabus in RRB NTPC notifications. The topics under each chapter are a study breakdown to help you plan; they are not separate official headings.

Mathematics

1. Number System
   • Natural numbers, whole numbers, integers
   • Rational and irrational numbers
   • Divisibility rules, unit digit and remainders
2. Decimals
   • Converting between fractions and decimals
   • Operations on decimals
3. Fractions
   • Types of fractions; comparing fractions
   • Simplification using BODMAS
4. LCM and HCF
   • Finding LCM and HCF
   • Word problems on LCM and HCF
5. Ratio and Proportion
   • Ratios and proportions
   • Dividing in a given ratio; partnership
6. Percentage
   • Percentage increase and decrease
   • Successive percentage change
7. Mensuration
   • Area and perimeter of plane figures
   • Volume and surface area of solids
8. Time and Work
   • Work efficiency; working together
   • Pipes and cisterns
9. Time and Distance
   • Speed, average speed and relative speed
   • Problems on trains; boats and streams
10. Simple and Compound Interest
    • Simple interest
    • Compound interest; difference between CI and SI
11. Profit and Loss
    • Cost price, selling price, profit and loss percent
    • Marked price and discount
12. Elementary Algebra
    • Linear equations
    • Algebraic identities
13. Geometry and Trigonometry
    • Lines, angles, triangles and circles
    • Trigonometric ratios and standard angles; heights and distances
14. Elementary Statistics
    • Averages (mean), median and mode
    • Reading tables and graphs (data interpretation)

Preparation tip: Focus on calculation speed, percentages, ratios, averages and arithmetic fundamentals. Practise timed questions regularly.

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General Intelligence & Reasoning

1. Analogies
   • Word, number and letter analogies
2. Completion of Number and Alphabetical Series
   • Missing term
   • Wrong term in a series
3. Coding and Decoding
   • Letter and number coding
4. Mathematical Operations
   • Symbol substitution
   • Interchanging signs and numbers
5. Similarities and Differences
   • Classification (odd one out)
6. Relationships
   • Blood relations
   • Family trees and coded relations
7. Analytical Reasoning
   • Seating and ordering
   • Ranking
8. Syllogism
   • Statements and conclusions with all, some and no
9. Jumbling
   • Arranging words or letters in a meaningful order
10. Venn Diagrams
    • Relationship between groups
    • Counting from a diagram
11. Puzzle
    • Arrangement and comparison puzzles
12. Data Sufficiency
13. Statement – Conclusion
14. Statement – Courses of Action
15. Decision Making
16. Maps
    • Direction and distance
    • Reading simple maps
17. Interpretation of Graphs
    • Reading values and trends from graphs

Preparation tip: Build accuracy first, then improve speed through timed practice of common reasoning patterns.

Practice: General Intelligence & Reasoning BITS · Reasoning Ability BITS · Reasoning mock test · Reasoning study material

General Awareness

1. Current Events of National and International Importance
   • Awards and honours, appointments, summits
2. Games and Sports
3. Art and Culture of India
   • Indian literature
   • Monuments and places of India
4. General Science and Life Science
   • Physics, chemistry and biology up to CBSE Class 10 level
5. History of India and Freedom Struggle
6. Geography
   • Physical, social and economic geography of India and the world
7. Indian Polity and Governance
   • Constitution and political system
8. Indian Economy
   • Flagship government programmes
   • Important government and public sector organisations of India
9. Science and Technology
   • Space and nuclear programmes of India
   • General scientific and technological developments
10. UN and Other Important World Organisations
11. Environmental Issues
    • Environmental issues concerning India and the world
    • Flora and fauna of India
12. Basics of Computers and Computer Applications
13. Static GK
    • Common abbreviations
    • Famous personalities of India and the world
14. Transport Systems in India
    • Indian Railways

Preparation tip: Revise static GK along with recent current affairs, with particular attention to railway and national developments.

Practice: General Awareness BITS · General Science BITS · General Awareness mock test · Current Affairs · Current Affairs Quiz

Railway Exam Preparation

• RRB NTPC Recruitment – notifications and updates for NTPC
• Railway Jobs – all RRB and railway recruitment notifications
• RRB exams – other Railway Recruitment Board exams
• Free mock tests – timed subject tests with instant results