RRB NTPC 2026 has about 5,236 posts (about 3,548 graduate-level under CEN 06/2026 and 1,688 undergraduate-level under CEN 07/2026, as reported). CBT-1 is a screening test common in pattern for both levels. The CBT-1 date has not been announced yet. This plan gets you ready in about 10 weeks.
RRB NTPC 2026 at a glance
| Item | Graduate (CEN 06/2026) | Undergraduate (CEN 07/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Posts | Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor, Goods Train Manager, Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist | Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Clerk cum Typist, Trains Clerk |
| Age (as on 1 Jan 2027) | 18–33 years | 18–30 years |
| Qualification | Graduation | 12th pass with 50% (relaxed for some categories) |
| Stages | CBT-1 → CBT-2 → Document verification → Medical | Same |
| Typing skill test | Dispensed with in 2026 | Dispensed with in 2026 |
| CBT-1 date | – | – |
CBT-1 pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Time: 90 minutes (no sectional timing).
- Negative marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer.
- CBT-1 is for screening; CBT-2 decides the merit.
Full syllabus: RRB NTPC syllabus & exam pattern
Why General Awareness is the key
GA has 40 of the 100 questions, the largest share, and takes the least time to answer. A strong GA score gives you more time for Maths and Reasoning.
What RRB asks in GA:
- Static GK: history, geography, polity, economy, culture, important days
- General science (Class 10 level): physics, chemistry, biology
- Current affairs: the last 6–12 months
- Indian Railways facts (zones, headquarters, first trains)
- Sports, awards, books and authors
Subject-wise plan
Mathematics (30 questions)
- Number system, BODMAS, decimals, fractions, LCM & HCF
- Ratio, percentage, profit & loss, SI/CI
- Time & work, time & distance, mensuration
- Elementary algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics
Practise 40–50 questions daily; RRB maths is mostly direct and formula-based.
Reasoning (30 questions)
- Analogy, series, coding-decoding, mathematical operations
- Relationships, syllogism, Venn diagrams, puzzles
- Data sufficiency, statement-conclusion, decision making
10-week timetable
| Week | GA | Maths | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | History (ancient, medieval) | Number system, BODMAS, LCM/HCF | Analogy, classification |
| 2 | Modern history, freedom struggle | Percentage, ratio | Series, coding-decoding |
| 3 | Geography (India and world) | Profit & loss, SI/CI | Mathematical operations, blood relations |
| 4 | Polity and economy | Time & work, pipes | Syllogism, Venn diagrams |
| 5 | Physics and chemistry | Time & distance, trains | Puzzles, seating |
| 6 | Biology, environment | Mensuration | Statement-conclusion, data sufficiency |
| 7 | Current affairs (last 6 months) + Railways facts | Algebra, geometry, trigonometry | Mixed practice |
| 8 | Static GK revision | Statistics, mixed practice | Full sectional tests |
| 9 | Full mocks (4 this week) + analysis | ||
| 10 | Full mocks (4 this week) + revision of weak areas |
Handling 1/3 negative marking
With a 1/3 penalty, blind guessing loses marks on average. Attempt only when you can eliminate at least two options. Read the full maths in our guide to negative marking.
Practical tips
- Attempt GA first (about 20 minutes), then Reasoning, then Maths.
- Read the NCERT science books (Class 6–10) for general science.
- Revise static GK facts every week.
- Take full 90-minute mocks at the same time of day as your expected shift.
Related reading
Pattern and eligibility are from RRB CEN 06/2026 and 07/2026. Vacancy figures are approx (as reported). Always check the official notice on rrbapply.gov.in and your regional RRB website.