The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) NTPC exam is one of the most competitive government exams to be taken in India, and lakhs of people aspire to take it every year. As RRB NTPC 2026 is near, getting familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus in detail is the first step towards successful preparation.
This blog provides you with the entire breakup of the syllabus, exam phases, and marks allocation, so you can prepare better.
RRB NTPC Exam Stages 2026
The recruitment process of the RRB NTPC includes the following stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT) – Stage 1 (Prelims)
- Computer Based Test (CBT) – Stage 2 (Mains)
- Typing Skill Test / Computer-Based Aptitude Test (as applicable to the post)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026
Stage 1: CBT (Prelims)
Total Questions: 100
Total Marks: 100
Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for candidates with PwBD)
Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark to be deducted for every incorrect answer
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Stage 2: CBT (Mains)
Total Questions: 120
Total Marks: 120
Duration: 90 minutes
Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark to be deducted for every incorrect answer
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Detailed Syllabus of RRB NTPC 2026
1. General Awareness (GA)
It is the most heavily weighted section and is scoring if given adequate preparations.
Major topics:
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- History of India (Freedom Struggle, Medieval, Modern)
- Geography (India & World)
- Indian Economy and Budget
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics)
- Scientific & Technological Developments
- Sports & Awards
- Art, Culture & Monuments
- Railway-related knowledge
2. Mathematics
- Number System, LCM, HCF
- Decimals & Fractions
- Ratio & Proportion
- Percentages, Profit & Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Time & Work
- Mensuration (2D & 3D)
- Algebra & Geometry (basic)
- Statistics & Data Interpretation
3. General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Analogies, Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Syllogism & Venn Diagrams
- Mathematical Operations
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement
- Direction & Distance
- Data Sufficiency
- Statement-Conclusion / Assumptions
- Series (Number, Alphabetical, Logical)
- Decision Making
Typing Skill Test / Computer-Based Aptitude Test
1. Typing Test (for Clerk, Typist posts): 30 words per minute in English OR 25 words per minute in Hindi.
2. Aptitude Test (for Station Master, Traffic Assistant): Examines concentration, memory, observation, and decision-making ability.
3. Mark Split-Up & Strategy
Stage 1 (100 marks): GA (40) > Math (30) > Reasoning (30)
Stage 2 (120 marks): GA (50) > Math (35) > Reasoning (35)
- General Awareness carries maximum weightage, so focus strongly on current events, GK, and static awareness.
- For Math & Reasoning, practice regularly. Speed + accuracy will be the key to your success.
Conclusion
The RRB NTPC 2026 test requires intelligent preparation, understanding the syllabus thoroughly, attempting mock tests, and focusing on high-weightage subjects. Keep in mind, GA can turn out to be a game-changer, whereas Math and Reasoning need daily practice.
Do you want to start your prep? Explore intelligent online courses and test series at LearnOnline.co.in to maximize your preparation. All the best!
