Non-Technical Popular Categories - First Stage Computer Based Test
Recruitment for Non-Technical Popular Categories at graduate level. The first computer based test is a screening stage: its normalised score decides who sits the second test and does not itself count toward the final merit.
100 questions · 90 minutes · 100 marks · 0.33 negative marking
RRB NTPC (Graduate) CBT-1 Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 0.33 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | 0.33 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 | 0.33 |
Eligibility
A degree from a recognised University.
18 to 33 years in the normal course. The current cycle allows 18 to 36, reflecting a one-time three-year relaxation that should not be assumed to continue.
Selection Process
- First Computer Based Test — 100 questions for 100 marks in 90 minutes, extended to 120 for eligible candidates using a scribe. Shortlisting for the second test takes 15 times the community-wise vacancies.
- Second Computer Based Test — 120 questions for 120 marks in 90 minutes, covering the same syllabus.
- Computer Based Aptitude Test — Taken only by Station Master applicants. It carries no negative marking, requires an original vision certificate, and demands a T-score of at least 42 in every test battery with no category relaxation. Station Master merit is 70 per cent second test and 30 per cent aptitude test.
- Typing Skill Test — For typist posts only. 30 words per minute in English or 25 in Hindi, without editing tools or spell check.
- Document Verification — Called at the number of vacancies, on merit and post preference. Ties are broken in favour of the older candidate, then alphabetically.
- Medical Examination — Held for all posts, against the standard prescribed for the post.
RRB NTPC (Graduate) CBT-1 Syllabus
Mathematics
- Number system
- Decimals
- 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
- Analogies
- Completion of number and alphabetical series
- Coding and decoding
- Mathematical operations
- Similarities and differences
- Relationships
- Analytical reasoning
- Syllogism
- Jumbling
- Venn diagrams
- Puzzle
- Data sufficiency
- Statement and conclusion
- Statement and courses of action
- Decision making
- Maps
- Interpretation of graphs
General Awareness
- 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 class 10
- History of India and the freedom struggle
- Physical, social and economic geography of India and the world
- Indian polity and governance, constitution and political system
- General scientific and technological developments including the space and nuclear programme of India
- United Nations and other important world organisations
- Environmental issues concerning India and the world
- Basics of computers and computer applications
- Common abbreviations
- Transport systems in India
- Indian economy
- Famous personalities of India and the world
- Flagship government programmes
- Flora and fauna of India
- Important government and public sector organisations of India
Qualifying Marks
Minimum percentages for both computer based tests: 40 per cent for UR and EWS, 30 per cent for OBC-NCL and SC, and 25 per cent for ST. Relaxable by 2 marks for PwBD candidates where reserved vacancies fall short.
Exam Calendar
RRB cycles are irregular and often span more than a year, so no reliable annual pattern exists. The most recent cycle was notified in September 2024 with the first computer based test held in mid-2025.
RRB NTPC (Graduate) CBT-1 FAQs
Does the first computer based test count toward the final merit?
No. It is a screening stage that decides who is shortlisted for the second test, at 15 times the community-wise vacancies.
Is there negative marking?
Yes, one third of a mark for each wrong answer. This is harsher than the quarter-mark deduction used by IBPS.
What is normalisation?
Where a test runs across several sessions covering the same syllabus, shortlisting uses normalised rather than raw marks.
Which posts require a typing test?
The typist posts. It requires 30 words per minute in English or 25 in Hindi, without editing tools or spell check, and is purely qualifying.
Is there a physical efficiency test?
No. There is no physical test for these categories.
What are the qualifying percentages?
40 per cent for UR and EWS, 30 per cent for OBC-NCL and SC, and 25 per cent for ST, relaxable by 2 marks for PwBD candidates where reserved vacancies fall short.
How are ties broken?
The older candidate ranks higher; if ages are equal, names are ordered alphabetically.
Is General Science a separate section?
No. For this examination it sits inside General Awareness as general science and life science up to class 10. It is a standalone section only in the Group D and Technician examinations.
What is the Computer Based Aptitude Test?
An aptitude test taken only by Station Master applicants after the second computer based test. It has no negative marking, is available only in English and Hindi, and requires a T-score of at least 42 in every test battery with no relaxation for any category. It contributes 30 per cent to the Station Master merit.
Do I need a vision certificate for the aptitude test?
Yes, in the prescribed format and in original, or you will not be permitted to sit the test.