RRB NTPC (10+2 Level) Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025 (CEN 07/2025)
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the selection process, exam patterns, detailed syllabus, and strategic tips for the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) 10+2 (Intermediate) level posts.
1. Selection Process Overview and Posts
The selection process for 10+2 level posts involves multiple stages, beginning with two compulsory Computer-Based Tests (CBTs). Final selection is determined by CBT-2 marks and qualifying skill tests.
- First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1): Common for all candidates, qualifying in nature.
- Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2): Separate exam based on post type; marks determine merit.
- Typing Skill Test (TST): Mandatory for clerical and time-keeping posts.
- Document Verification & Medical Examination.
Major 10+2 Level Posts:
- Junior Clerk cum Typist (JCTT): Requires Typing Skill Test (TST).
- Accounts Clerk cum Typist (ACT): Requires Typing Skill Test (TST).
- Junior Time Keeper (JTK): Requires Typing Skill Test (TST).
- Trains Clerk (TC): Does NOT require TST.
- Commercial cum Ticket Clerk (CCTC): Does NOT require TST.
2. CBT-1 Exam Pattern (Screening/Qualifying Stage)
CBT-1 is common for all posts and serves as a screening test. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each wrong answer. Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks to proceed (UR/EWS: 40%, OBC/SC: 30%, ST: 25%).
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness (GA) | 40 | 40 | 90 Minutes (Total) | 1/3rd Mark |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | ||
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 | ||
| Total | 100 | 100 |
3. CBT-2 Exam Pattern (Merit Stage)
Candidates shortlisted from CBT-1 appear for CBT-2. The questions are asked at a higher difficulty level than CBT-1. The marks obtained in this stage are the sole factor for merit listing (before skill tests).
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness (GA) | 50 | 50 | 90 Minutes (Total) | 1/3rd Mark |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 | ||
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 | ||
| Total | 120 | 120 |
4. Detailed Syllabus (CBT-1 and CBT-2 Combined)
The syllabus for both CBTs is broadly the same, but the difficulty and depth increase significantly in CBT-2.
A. Mathematics
Number System, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportions, Percentage, Mensuration (Area and Volume of 2D/3D shapes), Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Elementary Algebra (Linear equations, Polynomials), Geometry and Trigonometry (Basic Identities), Elementary Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation), and BODMAS.
B. General Intelligence & Reasoning
Analogies, Completion of Number and Alphabetical Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Similarities and Differences, Relationships (Blood Relations), Analytical Reasoning, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagrams, Puzzle, Data Sufficiency, Statement-Conclusion, Statement-Courses of Action, Decision Making, Maps, and Interpretation of Graphs.
C. General Awareness (GA)
- Current Events: National and International importance, Sports, Art and Culture of India, Indian Literature, Monuments and Places of India (Emphasis on Railway-related developments).
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences (up to 10th CBSE/NCERT level). [attachment_0](attachment)
- History and Polity: Indian History (especially Freedom Struggle), Indian Polity and Constitution, General Scientific and Technological Developments (Space, Nuclear Program).
- Geography and Environment: India and World Geography, Environmental Issues, Basic Computer and Computer Applications.
- Indian Economy: Basic financial terms, Budgetary components, and Flagship Government Programs related to transport, health, and welfare.
5. Third Stage: Typing Skill Test (TST) Requirements
The TST is mandatory and qualifying for posts like Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, and Junior Time Keeper. Candidates must have achieved the required typing speed to be considered for these posts, regardless of their CBT-2 score.
Requirement: Candidates must be able to type 30 words per minute (WPM) in English or 25 WPM in Hindi on a Personal Computer. Editing tools and spell check will be disabled during the test. No relaxation is given for mistakes beyond the permissible limit.
6. Strategic Study Guide
Success in RRB NTPC is about balanced preparation across all three sections in CBT-2.
- CBT-1 Strategy: Treat CBT-1 as a speed test. Aim to finish General Awareness and Reasoning within 40 minutes to allocate the remaining 50 minutes to Mathematics, ensuring high accuracy.
- CBT-2 Focus: The difficulty is significantly higher. Dedicate time to Advanced Math topics like Mensuration, Trignometry, and high-level Data Interpretation, as well as complex analytical puzzles in Reasoning.
- General Awareness: Given its 50-question weightage in CBT-2, focus on in-depth study of Static GK and consistent, detailed coverage of Current Affairs for the last 6-8 months prior to the exam.
- Typing Test Preparation: If aiming for TST posts, start practicing **30 WPM (English) or 25 WPM (Hindi)** daily immediately after CBT-1. Accuracy is as critical as speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there separate CBT-2 exams for different 10+2 posts?
No, there is only one CBT-2 exam for all candidates applying for 10+2 level posts. The difficulty level for this single exam is uniform, and candidates are shortlisted based on their performance and preference for posts in the final merit stage.
Do I need to qualify in every section of CBT-1?
No, there are no specific sectional cutoffs in CBT-1 or CBT-2. You only need to clear the overall minimum qualifying marks (40% for UR/EWS, 30% for OBC/SC, 25% for ST) and the final cutoff score decided by the RRB to be shortlisted for the next stage.
Which posts do not require a Typing Skill Test?
The non-typing posts at the 10+2 level are typically Trains Clerk (TC) and Commercial cum Ticket Clerk (CCTC). Selection for these posts is purely based on the merit achieved in the CBT-2 examination.
Is there a Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for 10+2 posts?
No, the CBAT is mandatory only for specific graduate-level posts such as Station Master and Traffic Apprentice. The 10+2 level posts only require a Typing Skill Test (TST) for clerical roles.
How many candidates are shortlisted from CBT-1 to CBT-2?
The RRB typically shortlists candidates for CBT-2 at a rate of 20 times the number of vacancies announced for a particular post and community group. This means that a large number of candidates proceed to the merit-deciding stage.
What is the final merit weightage?
The final merit list for 10+2 posts (after clearing the mandatory TST, if applicable) is based entirely on the marks secured by the candidate in the Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2) out of 120 marks.