What is the RRB NTPC exam?
NTPC stands for Non-Technical Popular Categories. Through this exam, the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) fill non-technical posts in Indian Railways, such as clerks, ticket clerks, station masters and goods train managers. Each recruitment is announced through a Centralised Employment Notice (CEN). You apply once on the common RRB application portal and choose one RRB region.
There are two separate levels. The undergraduate level is for candidates who have passed Class 12 (10+2). The graduate level is for candidates with a degree. In 2024, the two levels came as separate notices: CEN 05/2024 for graduate posts and CEN 06/2024 for undergraduate posts.
Posts and eligibility basics
| Level | Example posts | Minimum education |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Clerk cum Typist, Trains Clerk | Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent |
| Graduate | Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor, Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Traffic Assistant | Degree from a recognised university or equivalent |
Age limits, post-wise vacancies, pay levels and medical standards are printed in each CEN. The upper age limit is different for the two levels, and reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC-NCL and PwBD get age relaxation as per government rules. Read the notice for your cycle before you apply, because these details can change.
Exam stages and selection process
- CBT 1: a common screening test of 100 questions in 90 minutes on general awareness, mathematics and reasoning.
- CBT 2: 120 questions in 90 minutes on the same three areas, held separately for each level.
- Skill test: a Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for Station Master and Traffic Assistant, and a typing skill test for the typist posts.
- Document verification and medical examination: original certificates are checked, and a medical test is held as per the standard needed for the post.
Both CBTs carry negative marking of one-third mark for each wrong answer. CBT 1 only shortlists candidates for CBT 2. The merit list is prepared from CBT 2 and, for posts that have one, the skill test, in the way the notice explains. Posts are then allotted based on merit and the preference order you gave in the form.
How to apply
- Read the CEN for your level on any RRB website and note the post codes, medical standards and age rules.
- Register once on the RRB application portal with your own mobile number and email, then fill the form for the notice.
- Choose one RRB and list your post preferences with care, because allotment later follows this order.
- Upload your photo and signature in the format asked, pay the fee and save the confirmation.
Keep the same mobile number and email active until the recruitment ends. RRBs send updates about city slips, call letters and results to them, and you need them to reset a lost password.
Guides for each NTPC stage
- Downloading the exam city slip and e-call letter, and fixing login problems: see our RRB NTPC admit card guide .
- Subject-wise topics, the CBT 1 and CBT 2 pattern, and the skill tests: read the NTPC syllabus and exam pattern page.
- Hall ticket guides for other exams are collected on our admit card hub .
Related exams
If you have passed Class 10, the RRB Group D exam for Level 1 railway posts is the closest option. Class 12 pass candidates often also take SSC CHSL for clerical posts in central offices, while graduates preparing for NTPC can use the same maths and reasoning practice for SSC CGL .
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