Exam pattern at a glance
RRB NTPC (Graduate) 2026 has two online computer-based tests, followed by document verification and a medical examination. Both CBTs test the same three subjects with one-mark questions.
CBT-1 exam pattern
100 questions in 90 minutes across three sections. RRB calls the section-wise split “only indicative”, so the real paper may vary slightly. CBT-1 is a screening test: its normalised marks are used only to shortlist candidates for CBT-2.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Per question |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 1 mark |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | 1 mark |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 | 1 mark |
| Total | 100 | 100 | −1/3 each wrong |
CBT-2 exam pattern
CBT-2 is the deciding stage. It has 120 questions in the same 90 minutes, and its normalised marks are used to shortlist candidates for document verification.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Per question |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 1 mark |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 | 1 mark |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 | 1 mark |
| Total | 120 | 120 | −1/3 each wrong |
From CBT-1 to joining — stage by stage
Who moves forward at each step, as set out in para 13.0–13.3 of CEN 06/2026.
| Stage | Shortlisted on | How many |
|---|---|---|
| CBT-2 | Normalised CBT-1 marks | 15× the community-wise vacancies of your RRB |
| Document verification | Normalised CBT-2 marks | Equal to the number of vacancies (1:1) |
| Medical examination | Medical standard of the post (A-2, B-2 or C-2) | Candidates called for DV |
| Typing skill test | — | Dispensed with for CEN 06/2026 |
Minimum marks, normalisation & what’s not in 2026
Clearing a CBT and being shortlisted are two different things: you need the minimum qualifying percentage for your community, and then enough marks to fall within your RRB’s shortlist.
Minimum qualifying marks
The same percentages apply in both CBTs. PwBD candidates may get a 2-mark relaxation if there is a shortage against PwBD vacancies.
Normalisation & ties
Marks are normalised whenever a CBT runs in more than one session. On equal marks the older candidate ranks higher; if age is also the same, the given name in A–Z order decides.
No typing test this cycle
The typing skill test for Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist and Senior Clerk cum Typist is dispensed with for CEN 06/2026. Typing proficiency is assessed after joining and may affect confirmation or promotion.
No aptitude test this cycle
CEN 06/2026 has no Station Master or Traffic Assistant posts, and its recruitment stages are CBT-1, CBT-2 and DV/medical only. In the 2025 cycle (CEN 06/2025) RRB held a typing test (CBTST) on 24.09.2026 and a CBAT for those two posts on 30.09.2026.
Negative marking, stage by stage
One-third of a mark is deducted for every wrong answer in both CBTs — so three wrong answers wipe out one correct one. The CEN prescribes the deduction for wrong answers only.
| Exam stage | Penalty per wrong answer |
|---|---|
| CBT-1 (all sections) | −1/3 |
| CBT-2 (all sections) | −1/3 |
| Document verification & medical | Not a marked test |
CBT-1 marks are used only to shortlist for CBT-2. The document-verification list is drawn up on normalised CBT-2 marks, subject to the minimum qualifying percentage for your community.
Prep for RRB NTPC with your own daily plan
Daily targets for Maths, Reasoning & General Awareness, plus RRB NTPC mock tests & PYQ practice sets.
Rehearse before the real CBT
Knowing the pattern is step one. With negative marking at one-third, accuracy matters as much as speed — JobSafal gives you timed RRB NTPC practice so exam day feels familiar.
RRB NTPC mock tests
Timed practice mocks for RRB NTPC, so a full sitting against the clock becomes routine.
PYQ practice sets
Shorter practice sets in the app’s PYQ section, attempted separately from the mocks.
Section-wise daily targets
Maths, Reasoning and General Awareness broken into daily targets from the official syllabus.
Daily current affairs
General Awareness is the biggest section in both CBTs — keep current events up to date.
