Candidates preparing for the RRB Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) exam 2024 must develop a robust strategy to successfully clear the exam and secure a position in the prestigious Indian Railways. The RRB NTPC exam includes posts such as Assistant Station Master, Traffic Assistant, Commercial Apprentice, Traffic Apprentice, Goods Guard, and others. This exam is highly sought after because of the promising career growth opportunities it offers within the Indian Railways.
The RRB NTPC Exam 2024 consists of multiple stages: the First Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT), the Second Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT), the Typing Skill Test/Computer-Based Aptitude Test (as applicable), and the Document Verification/Medical Examination.
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2024 for CBT 1
The first stage CBT of RRB NTPC includes questions from General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. This stage is qualifying in nature.
- Total of 100 questions for 100 marks.
- Each question carries 1 mark.
- Negative marking of 1/3 mark for each wrong answer.
- Exam duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PWD candidates).
- Minimum percentage of marks to qualify: UR – 40%, EWS – 40%, OBC – 30%, SC – 30%, ST – 25%.
Sections | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
---|---|---|
Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
Total | 100 | 100 |
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2024 for CBT 2
Candidates who qualify for CBT 1 will advance to the RRB NTPC CBT 2 exam. This stage is also divided into three sections: General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning.
- Total of 120 questions for 120 marks.
- Each question carries 1 mark.
- Negative marking of 1/3 for every wrong answer.
- Exam duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PWD candidates).
- The difficulty level of questions varies based on the post.
- Minimum percentage of marks to qualify: UR – 40%, EWS – 40%, OBC – 30%, SC – 30%, ST – 25%.
Sections | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
---|---|---|
Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
Total | 120 | 120 |
RRB NTPC Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) (Only for Traffic Assistant and Station Master)
The CBAT is only for candidates who applied for the posts of Traffic Assistant and Station Master. Candidates are shortlisted for CBAT based on their marks in the Second Stage CBT.
Typing Skill Test is conducted for:
- Senior Clerk Cum Typist
- Senior Time Keeper
- Accounts Clerk
- Junior Time Keeper
- Junior Clerk Cum Typist.
RRB NTPC Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) Typing Skill Test Pattern 2024
Medium of Language | Typing Speed |
---|---|
English | 30 words per minute |
Hindi | 25 words per minute |
- Minimum T-score of 42 marks required to qualify.
- Candidates are given different test batteries consisting of five to six tests based on the post applied for.
- No negative marking in CBAT.
- Typing Skill Test is qualifying in nature and will be conducted in both Hindi and English without using any editing tools.
- Candidates need to score 70% in CBT 2 and 30% in CBAT to be eligible for document verification.
Preparation Tips to Crack RRB NTPC
To perform well in the RRB NTPC Exam 2024, candidates need a well-structured study plan to cover the syllabus in time. Below are some valuable tips and strategies:
- Understand the Exam Structure: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, marking scheme, and time management strategies. Review the syllabus thoroughly by visiting the official website. Divide topics based on your strengths and weaknesses to create a personalized study plan.
- Maintain a Balanced Timetable: Stick to a realistic timetable until the exam date. Time management is crucial, so set achievable goals each day.
- Solve Previous Years’ Question Papers: Analyze previous papers to understand the exam’s difficulty level and frequently asked questions. Solving these will boost your confidence and preparedness.
- Take Mock Tests: Regular mock tests help identify weak areas, improve time management, and enhance self-confidence. Simulate exam conditions to gain familiarity with the actual test.
- Revise Regularly: Continuous revision will reinforce key concepts, formulas, and facts. Focus on revising instead of learning new material at the last minute.
- Balance Study Subjects: Focus more on your weak subjects while maintaining a balance across all sections. Allocate time wisely to ensure comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.
- Monitor Your Progress: Continuously evaluate your progress and adjust your preparation strategy as needed.
- Stay Motivated and Consistent: Motivation and consistency are the pillars of success. Regular self-evaluation and progress tracking will keep you focused.
- Time Management: Practice solving the question paper within the allotted time, leaving room to review your answers.
- Balance Speed and Accuracy: Improve your speed without compromising on accuracy by regularly practicing with mock tests and sample papers.
RRB NTPC Subject-wise Preparation Tips for CBT Stages
Here’s a subject-wise strategy for RRB NTPC Exam 2024:
Reasoning Preparation Strategy:
- Focus on scoring topics such as Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Inequalities, Alphabets, Ranking, and Direction.
- Understand patterns in puzzle questions to improve accuracy.
- Prioritize easy questions and then move on to difficult ones.
- Take 2-3 mock tests weekly and revise concepts consistently.
Numerical Ability Preparation Strategy:
- Focus on important topics like LCM, HCF, Fractions, Percentages, Ratio-Proportions, Work & Time, and Averages.
- Learn shortcuts for faster calculations.
- Practice regularly and review key formulas and concepts.
General Awareness Preparation Strategy:
- Read newspapers daily to stay updated on current affairs.
- Cover topics on Indian history, geography, economics, and general science.
- Make short notes for last-minute revisions.