The RRB NTPC syllabus is short to list but wide to study. Both computer-based tests ask questions from three areas: mathematics, general intelligence and reasoning, and general awareness. The topic list is the same for CBT 1 and CBT 2. What changes is the number of questions and the difficulty, which matches the education level of the post.
NTPC stands for Non-Technical Popular Categories, so there is no technical or engineering paper. The official syllabus is printed in the Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) on RRB websites. The sections below follow the 2024 notices for graduate (CEN 05/2024) and undergraduate (CEN 06/2024) posts.
RRB NTPC exam pattern
CBT 1 (screening test)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 (90 minutes) |
CBT 2 (merit test)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 120 | 120 (90 minutes) |
One-third of a mark is cut for every wrong answer in both tests. CBT 1 marks are used only to shortlist for CBT 2. Scores from different shifts are normalised as described in the notice. Candidates eligible for extra time as PwBD get it as per the rules.
Mathematics syllabus
- Number system, decimals and fractions
- LCM and HCF, ratio and proportion, percentage
- Mensuration
- Time and work, time and distance
- Simple and compound interest, profit and loss
- Elementary algebra, geometry and trigonometry
- Elementary statistics
General Intelligence and Reasoning syllabus
- Analogies, number and alphabet series, coding and decoding
- Mathematical operations, similarities and differences, relationships
- Analytical reasoning, syllogism, jumbling, Venn diagrams, puzzles
- Data sufficiency, statement and conclusion, statement and courses of action
- Decision making, maps, interpretation of graphs
General Awareness syllabus
- Current events of national and international importance; games and sports
- Art and culture of India, Indian literature, monuments and places of India
- General science and life science up to CBSE Class 10 level
- History of India and the freedom struggle
- Physical, social and economic geography of India and the world
- Indian polity and governance: the Constitution and political system
- Scientific and technological developments, including India's space and nuclear programmes
- United Nations and other important world organisations; environmental issues
- Basics of computers and computer applications; common abbreviations
- Transport systems in India, the Indian economy, famous personalities, flagship government programmes
- Flora and fauna of India; important government and public sector organisations
Weightage of subjects at a glance
General awareness has the largest share in both tests: 40 of 100 questions in CBT 1 and 50 of 120 in CBT 2. Mathematics and reasoning split the rest equally. A strong GA score can lift your total, but maths and reasoning are where steady practice gives the most reliable marks, because the question types repeat.
Graduate level vs undergraduate syllabus
There is no separate topic list for the NTPC graduate level syllabus. Graduate CBT 2 questions are set at a higher standard than the under graduate syllabus questions, because the posts carry more responsibility. Prepare the same chapters for both levels, and if you applied for graduate posts, practise with harder question sets.
Skill tests after CBT 2
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): for Station Master and Traffic Assistant. It checks aptitude through a set of test batteries, and its score counts towards merit along with CBT 2 in the way the notice explains.
- Typing Skill Test: for typist posts such as Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist and Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist. It is done on a computer and is qualifying only.
Candidates applying for posts with different skill tests may need to take both. The speeds, rules and exemptions are set in each CEN.
How to download the RRB NTPC syllabus PDF
- Open your RRB regional website, such as rrbcdg.gov.in.
- Go to the employment notices section and open the CEN for your level.
- Download the notice PDF. The syllabus and exam pattern are in the annexure near the end.
- Save it with your registration details so you can check post codes and medical standards later.
Be careful with "syllabus PDF" files shared on messaging apps. Some still carry old patterns. The CEN on an RRB website is the only reliable version.
Mistakes to avoid
- Practising only easy CBT 1 level questions and then facing a tougher CBT 2.
- Skipping the computer basics and abbreviations in general awareness, which are easy marks.
- Leaving post preferences and medical standards unchecked until the result, when it is too late to change them.
- Guessing blindly. With a one-third penalty, three wrong guesses wipe out one correct answer.
A simple study plan
- Start with maths basics: percentages, ratios and averages make up a large part of later chapters.
- Do 20 to 30 reasoning questions daily, mixing series, coding and puzzles.
- For general awareness, revise Class 6 to 10 NCERT science and social science, and read the news daily for current events.
- Take full-length timed mocks to practise the 90-minute limit and avoid guessing, since wrong answers cost marks.
Where to go next
When your exam nears, follow the NTPC e-call letter download steps . For posts, eligibility and stages, open the railway NTPC overview . The maths and reasoning here overlap with the SSC CGL syllabus and the SSC CHSL syllabus , so one study plan can cover two exams. More topic guides are on our syllabus section .
HindiScope is not an official site; confirm the syllabus in the CEN on your RRB website.