RRB NTPC Exam Pattern: A Comprehensive Guide
Achievers Team
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern: A Comprehensive Guide
The Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories (RRB NTPC) exam is one of the most sought-after competitive exams in India, conducted by the Indian Railways. It offers opportunities to candidates for various non-technical positions across different railway zones. The posts under RRB NTPC include Station Master, Traffic Assistant, Goods Guard, Commercial Apprentice, and others. This exam is held in multiple stages, and understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation.
Stages of RRB NTPC Examination
The RRB NTPC exam is conducted in four major stages:
1. Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT 1)
2. Stage 2: Computer-Based Test (CBT 2)
3. Skill Test (Typing or Computer-based Aptitude Test)
4. Document Verification and Medical Examination
Each stage is essential in filtering candidates for the final selection, with the exam pattern becoming more specific and challenging as the stages progress.
Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT 1)
This is the first stage of the RRB NTPC exam and is common to all posts under NTPC. It serves as a preliminary screening round. The score obtained in this stage is not considered in the final merit list but determines whether a candidate will proceed to the next stage.
- Exam Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for candidates with disabilities)
- Number of Questions: 100 questions
- Question Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Sections:
1. General Awareness: 40 Questions
2. Mathematics: 30 Questions
3. General Intelligence and Reasoning: 30 Questions
Marking Scheme:
- Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
- Negative marking: 1/3 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
Syllabus Highlights:
- General Awareness: Indian history, geography, current affairs, sports, economics, and railways' functioning.
- Mathematics: Topics include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation, time and work, and percentages.
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: Puzzles, seating arrangements, logical reasoning, coding-decoding, analogies, and syllogisms.
Stage 2: Computer-Based Test (CBT 2)
Candidates who qualify for CBT 1 are eligible for the CBT 2 stage. This is a more advanced and selective stage and the marks obtained here play a crucial role in the final merit list. The difficulty level of this stage is also higher compared to CBT 1.
- Exam Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for candidates with disabilities)
- Number of Questions: 120 questions
- Question Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Sections:
1. General Awareness: 50 Questions
2. Mathematics: 35 Questions
3. General Intelligence and Reasoning: 35 Questions
Marking Scheme:
- Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
- Negative marking: 1/3 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
Syllabus: The syllabus for CBT 2 is similar to that of CBT 1 but with a higher difficulty level. Candidates are expected to have a deeper understanding of concepts, particularly in reasoning and mathematics, and a broader knowledge base in general awareness.
Skill Test:
Candidates who pass CBT 2 will be called for a skill test, depending on the post they have applied for. There are two types of skill tests based on the job requirement.
1. Typing Skill Test (TST)
For posts like Junior Clerk, Senior Clerk, Accounts Clerk, and Junior Time Keeper, a typing skill test is mandatory.
- Typing Speed Requirement:
- 30 words per minute in English, or
- 25 words per minute in Hindi.
The typing test is qualifying in nature, meaning that candidates need to meet the minimum speed requirement, but the marks are not counted in the final merit list.
2. Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
For posts like Traffic Assistant and Station Master, a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) is conducted.
- CBAT consists of a series of tests designed to assess candidates' reaction times, memory, and logical thinking.
- The candidates must secure a minimum score to qualify, and this stage carries significant weight in the final selection process.
Note: There is no negative marking in the skill test stage.
Document Verification and Medical Examination
After the skill tests, selected candidates are called for document verification. This stage is mandatory for all candidates who have qualified in the previous stages.
- During document verification, candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications, age, and category.
- Candidates also undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the physical and health standards required for their chosen post.
Key Points to Remember:
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks will be deducted for each wrong answer in both CBT 1 and CBT 2.
- Normalization of Marks: RRB uses normalization in cases where the exam is conducted in multiple shifts to ensure fairness in scoring.
- Final Merit List: The merit list is based on the marks obtained in CBT 2, along with the qualifying status in the skill tests and document verification.
Preparation Strategy
To excel in the RRB NTPC exam, a candidate needs a well-rounded strategy:
1. Time Management: Practice solving questions under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
2. Strong Foundation in Mathematics: Focus on fundamental concepts, as mathematics is a scoring section.
3. Logical and Analytical Reasoning: Develop skills in solving puzzles and reasoning-based questions quickly.
4. Stay Updated: Regularly read newspapers and stay updated on current affairs, especially topics related to Indian Railways.
5. Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers: Practice with mock tests and solve previous year papers to understand the exam pattern and level of difficulty.
Conclusion
The RRB NTPC exam provides a great opportunity for candidates to secure a stable government job in the Indian Railways. The multi-stage selection process ensures that only the most qualified candidates are selected. By understanding the exam pattern and preparing strategically, candidates can improve their chances of success and secure a prestigious position within the Indian Railways.
