NTPC stands for Non-Technical Popular Categories, the large group of clerical, commercial and traffic posts in Indian Railways: Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk cum Typist and similar. The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) fill them through separate graduate-level and undergraduate-level notices, such as CEN 06/2025 and CEN 07/2025. Selection starts with a computer-based test, CBT-1, that every candidate takes.
ExamForge covers CBT-1 with free, timed practice sets for each of its three sections: Mathematics, Reasoning and General Awareness. Every question is in English and Hindi with an explanation after you submit. Your first three sets need no signup.
CBT-1 deducts one-third of a mark for each wrong answer. ExamForge does not, so to rehearse exam scoring, take a third of a mark off for each wrong answer yourself.
RRB NTPC CBT-1 at a glance
Conducted by
Railway Recruitment Boards
Recent notices
CEN 06/2025 (graduate level) and CEN 07/2025 (undergraduate level)
Qualification
Graduation for graduate-level posts; Class 12 for undergraduate-level posts
CBT-1
100 questions, 100 marks, 90 minutes (screening)
Apply at
rrbapply.gov.in
From published RRB NTPC exam-pattern summaries. Check rrbapply.gov.in and your RRB’s website for the current notice before you apply.
Exam pattern
CBT-1 is a single objective paper, common to graduate and undergraduate posts. Every question carries one mark, and wrong answers cost a third of a mark.
RRB NTPC CBT-1
Section
Subject
Questions
Marks
Section 1
Mathematics
30
30
Section 2
General Intelligence and Reasoning
30
30
Section 3
General Awareness
40
40
Total
90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates using a scribe) for the whole paper
100
100
Marking scheme
Marks per response
Response
Marks
Correct answer
+1
Wrong answer
−1/3
Not attempted
0
There are no sectional time limits. Because CBT-1 is held over several shifts, marks are normalised across shifts. CBT-1 only screens candidates: you must clear the qualifying cut-off to be called for CBT-2, which has its own merit marks and is not covered by ExamForge.
Syllabus
Questions are set at Class 10 level (General Awareness runs to graduate-level current affairs). Each ExamForge subject matches one CBT-1 section.
Mathematics
Arithmetic, algebra and mensuration, 30 questions.
The largest section, with 40 questions, so it often decides the cut-off.
Current affairs, sports, books and awards
Indian history and the national movement
Geography of India and the world
Indian polity and the Constitution
General science and everyday facts
Eligibility
The main conditions, in short. Each notice sets the posts, exact cut-off dates, relaxations and medical standards.
Qualification
Graduation from a recognised university for graduate-level posts (Levels 4 to 6). Class 12 pass for undergraduate-level posts (Levels 2 and 3).
Age
Recent notices have set 18 to 33 years for graduate-level posts and 18 to 30 years for undergraduate-level posts, with relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD and ex-servicemen candidates. Check the current notice, as limits can change.
Medical standard
Each post has a medical category (for example A-2 or B-2) with its own vision standard, checked before appointment.
Selection process
The stages depend on the post. Each has to be cleared before the next.
CBT-1
The 100-question screening paper above. Candidates are shortlisted for CBT-2 in order of merit, category by category.
CBT-2
A second computer-based test of General Awareness, Mathematics and Reasoning that decides merit for most posts.
Skill or aptitude test
Some posts need a typing skill test (clerk and typist posts) or a Computer Based Aptitude Test (Station Master and Traffic Assistant). These are qualifying for most posts.
Document verification and medical
Original certificates are checked and a medical examination confirms you meet the standard of the post you are offered.
How the final merit is decided
CBT-2 decides rank
The merit list is drawn up on CBT-2 marks, with the skill or aptitude test as a qualifying step. CBT-1 only has to be qualified.
Choice of post
Posts are allotted by merit, the preferences you give and the medical standard you meet.
Preparation tips
Answer with care
A wrong answer costs a third of a correct one. Answer when you can rule out at least two options; otherwise leave it.
Win General Awareness
It has 40 questions, more than any other section. Revise static GK in short rounds, plus the last six months of current affairs.
Keep arithmetic quick
Learn tables, squares and percentage-to-fraction conversions so each question takes under a minute.
Bank the Reasoning marks
Series, analogy, coding and blood-relation questions can be solved in 30 seconds with practice, which buys time for the harder ones.
Practise the full 100 on the clock
Take the three sections back to back in 90 minutes, and review every wrong answer before the next attempt.
Common questions
Is there negative marking in RRB NTPC CBT-1?
Yes. One-third of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer. ExamForge sets do not deduct marks, so take a third off for each wrong answer yourself for the exact result.
Is CBT-1 the same for graduate and undergraduate posts?
Yes. Both levels take the same 100-question CBT-1 pattern. The posts and CBT-2 differ.
How are the ExamForge sets timed?
Each set gives one minute per question. The sets are sectional, so they are shorter than the full 100-question, 90-minute paper.
Does ExamForge cover CBT-2?
Not yet. These sets cover CBT-1.
Can I practise in Hindi?
Yes. Every question, option and explanation has a Hindi version, and you can switch language during the test.
Is ExamForge free?
Yes. Your first three sets need no account; create a free account to keep practising and keep your history.