The RRB NTPC (Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories) 2026 exam is a golden opportunity for job seekers who wish to secure a position in the Indian Railways. With the exam just around the corner, it’s important for candidates to understand the RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Pattern thoroughly. 🚂
In this article, we’ll dive into the exam structure, its stages, marking scheme, and all the need-to-know details that will help aspirants prepare better. So, buckle up for a fun and insightful journey through the RRB NTPC exam pattern. Let’s get started!
The RRB NTPC 2026 exam is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board to recruit candidates for various non-technical posts in Indian Railways. These positions include clerk, station master, ticket collector, and others. The exam is divided into multiple stages, and understanding these stages is crucial for candidates to strategize their preparation effectively. 📚
The Three Stages of the RRB NTPC 2026 Exam
The RRB NTPC 2026 exam is structured into three stages:
- Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT) 1
- Stage 2: Computer Based Test (CBT) 2
- Stage 3: Skill Test / Document Verification
Let’s break them down and see how they work:
Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT) 1 🖥️
The first stage of the RRB NTPC exam is a screening test that aims to shortlist candidates for the second stage. In this stage, candidates will have to answer questions based on four major subjects:
| Subject | No. of Questions | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Total Duration: 90 minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3 for each incorrect answer
Stage 1 aims to test the general knowledge and reasoning abilities of candidates. It’s all about speed and accuracy! 📈
Stage 2: Computer Based Test (CBT) 2 💻
Once you clear CBT 1, it’s time to take on Stage 2. This test is more detailed and designed to assess the depth of your knowledge and subject-specific skills. Here’s what you can expect:
| Subject | No. of Questions | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
- Total Duration: 90 minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3 for each incorrect answer
Stage 2 is more about your accuracy and understanding of specific topics. Get ready for some serious brain work here! 🧠
Stage 3: Skill Test / Document Verification 📑
After passing CBT 2, candidates who qualify are called for the final stage, which may vary depending on the post. Some candidates might need to appear for a skill test (like typing or stenography) or simply undergo document verification to ensure that all their qualifications are in order.
- Typing Test: For posts like Junior Accounts Assistant, Typing Test is conducted.
- Document Verification: All the documents related to qualifications, age, etc., will be verified at this stage.
RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Pattern: Key Highlights 📝
Here’s a summary of the RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Pattern in a neat table format for quick reference:
| Stage | Test Type | Subjects | Total Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 (CBT 1) | Objective Multiple Choice | General Awareness, Math, Reasoning | 100 | 100 | 90 mins |
| Stage 2 (CBT 2) | Objective Multiple Choice | General Awareness, Math, Reasoning | 120 | 120 | 90 mins |
| Stage 3 | Skill Test/Document Verification | Typing, Shorthand (if applicable) | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Marking Scheme and Negative Marking 📉
In both CBT 1 and CBT 2, candidates will face negative marking. For each wrong answer, 1/3 of the total marks for that question will be deducted. So, while it’s important to answer as many questions as possible, accuracy is just as important!
Tips to Tackle the RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Pattern
Now that we’ve laid out the RRB NTPC 2026 exam pattern, it’s time to get ready for the test. Here are some fun (yet insightful) tips to help you crush the exam:
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Stay Cool Under Pressure: With negative marking in play, it’s important to not panic when you’re unsure of an answer. Guessing might not be your best friend here, but don’t freeze either! 👀
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Focus on Speed and Accuracy: Since you’ve got a limited time in both CBT 1 and CBT 2, practice solving questions quickly and accurately. The clock is ticking! ⏰
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Revise Regularly: Relying on last-minute cramming is not going to help you here. A steady and regular revision schedule is key to mastering this exam.
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Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions with mock tests to get a feel for the real thing. Plus, they’ll help you iron out any kinks in your preparation. 📝
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Be Document-Ready: When you clear Stage 2, don’t forget the importance of keeping your documents ready for verification. One less thing to worry about! 🗂️
