Dreaming of a stable career in Indian Railways? The RRB NTPC 2025 exam is your golden ticket! But before you dive in, understanding the selection process is crucial. With multiple stages—CBT 1, CBT 2, Typing Test, CBAT (for some posts), Document Verification, and Medical Exam—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This guide breaks down each step, shares insider tips, and even throws in real-life success stories to keep you motivated. Ready to crack the code? Let’s get started!
Key Highlights of RRB NTPC 2025 🏆
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Exam Name | RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) |
| Selection Stages | CBT 1 → CBT 2 → Typing Test/CBAT → Document Verification → Medical Exam |
| Total Vacancies | 11,558 (Graduate & Undergraduate Posts) |
| CBT 1 Duration | 90 minutes (100 questions) |
| CBT 2 Duration | 90 minutes (120 questions) |
| Typing Test Speed | 30 WPM (English) / 25 WPM (Hindi) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (⅓ mark deduction per wrong answer) |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
RRB NTPC Selection Process: Step-by-Step 🔍
1. CBT 1 (Computer-Based Test 1) 💻
This is your first hurdle—a screening test to filter candidates. Here’s what you’ll face:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
🔹 Key Facts:
- 90-minute test (120 mins for PwD candidates).
- Qualifying marks: 40% (UR/EWS), 30% (OBC/SC), 25% (ST) .
- Normalization of scores due to multiple shifts.
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on speed + accuracy—skip tough questions to avoid negative marking!
2. CBT 2 (Computer-Based Test 2) 🎯
Only 20x the vacancies clear CBT 1 and move to CBT 2. The difficulty level jumps here!
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
🔹 What’s Different?
- Questions are post-specific (Level 2/3/4/5/6).
- Merit-based shortlisting—scores here decide your rank!
📌 Real-Life Example: Priya, a 2023 qualifier, says, “CBT 2’s GA section had heavy current affairs—I followed monthly magazines religiously!”
3. Typing Skill Test (TST) ⌨️
Only for clerical posts like Junior Clerk, Senior Clerk, and Accounts Assistant.
| Language | Speed Required | Mistakes Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| English | 30 WPM | Up to 5% errors |
| Hindi | 25 WPM | Up to 5% errors |
🔹 Test Format:
- 10-minute test (no spell-check allowed).
- Qualifying only—no marks added to merit.
💡 Expert Insight: “Practice on Krutidev/Mangal fonts for Hindi typing—many fail due to unfamiliarity!” —Rahul Mehta, RRB Coach .
4. Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) 🧠
Only for Station Master & Traffic Assistant posts.
| Test Battery | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Intelligence Test | Logical problem-solving |
| Selective Attention Test | Focus under distraction |
| Spatial Scanning Test | Map navigation skills |
| Personality Test | Behavioral assessment |
🔹 Qualifying Criteria:
- Minimum T-score: 42 (no relaxations!).
- 70% weightage to CBT 2 + 30% to CBAT in final merit .
5. Document Verification & Medical Exam 📄🩺
The final lap!
- Documents Needed:
- 10th/12th/Graduation marksheets
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Typing test exemption proof (for PwD)
- Medical Standards:
- Vision: 6/6 or 6/9 (corrected).
- Fitness: No major disabilities for operational roles.
⚠️ Warning: Many get rejected here for document discrepancies—double-check everything!
How to Prepare for RRB NTPC 2025? 📚
1. Study Plan Breakdown
| Subject | Resources |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | Lucent GK + Monthly Current Affairs |
| Mathematics | RS Agarwal (Quantitative Aptitude) |
| Reasoning | Verbal/Non-Verbal by RS Agarwal |
| Typing Practice | Online tools like TypingMaster |
2. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
❌ Ignoring CBT 1 (“It’s just qualifying!” → But low scores ruin CBT 2 chances).
❌ Last-minute GA cramming (Current affairs need daily reading).
❌ Neglecting typing practice (Many fail despite clearing CBTs!).
🎯 Success Story: “I practiced typing 1 hour daily for 3 months—it paid off!” —Ankit, Junior Clerk (2024).
Final Thoughts
The RRB NTPC 2025 journey is tough but rewarding. With smart preparation, time management, and consistent practice, you can ace it. Bookmark this guide, track official updates, and stay disciplined. Your railway job is closer than you think! 🚄
Aarav Singh is a content strategist focusing on recruitment notifications and exam updates. He holds a degree in Economics and has 6+ years of experience. Aarav loves analyzing job market trends and playing cricket.
