RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 Stages, Marks and Key Details
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 is essential for aspirants who want to clear the exam in one attempt. The pattern does not change much from previous years and involves multiple phases such as CBT 1, CBT 2, Typing Skill Test or CBAT, and Document Verification. The exam this year also has a few significant updates such as a new schedule and demarcation of subject-wise weightage and difficulty levels.
With CBT 1 scheduled from 5th to 23rd June 2025, candidates will have to prepare with accuracy, particularly for weightage-high sections such as General Awareness. This article dissects the trend for each phase, gives precise mark allocations, and indicates significant 2025-related changes to enable aspirants to effectively customize their preparation.
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025
The RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 adopts a multi-phase selection procedure that aspirants need to clear step by step to proceed. The hiring process starts with CBT 1, which acts as the first phase of shortlisting. Candidates who qualify are entitled to appear for CBT 2, which counts more in the final merit list. Depending on the post to be applied for, candidates will subsequently appear for either the Typing Skill Test (TST) or the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT).
Final stages are Document Verification and Medical Examination, both of which are compulsory for validation of eligibility and fitness. Each step in the RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 is significant and needs to be cleared separately to move towards final selection.
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 for CBT 1
The CBT 1 exam is the initial stage and acts as a screening test for shortlisting candidates for CBT 2. All registered candidates must appear in this stage.
Highlights of CBT 1:
- Mode: Computer-Based Test
- Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates)
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
- Negative Marking: 1/3 marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Question Type: Objective (Multiple Choice)
Subject-wise Distribution:
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Minimum Qualifying Percentage:
| Category | Minimum Marks |
| UR & EWS | 40% |
| OBC | 30% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 for CBT 2
Candidates who qualify in CBT 1 will be eligible for CBT 2. This stage is more specific and tests deeper subject knowledge.
Highlights of CBT 2:
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates)
- Total Questions: 120
- Total Marks: 120
- Negative Marking: 1/3 marks for every wrong answer
- Question Type: Objective (MCQ)
Subject-wise Distribution:
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Minimum Qualifying Percentage:
| Category | Minimum Marks |
| UR & EWS | 40% |
| OBC | 30% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 for Typing Skill Test & CBAT
Candidates shortlisted from CBT 2 are called for either a Typing Skill Test (TST) or Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), depending on the post applied.
Typing Skill Test (TST):
This test is conducted to evaluate candidates’ typing efficiency for clerical posts.
Key Points:
- Posts Required: Clerk, Time Keeper, Accounts Clerk, etc.
- Typing Speed:
- English – 30 words per minute
- Hindi – 25 words per minute
- Mode: On computer (candidates must not look at the keyboard while typing)
Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT):
This test is for candidates who applied for traffic and station master positions.
Key Points:
- Posts Required: Station Master, Traffic Assistant
- Mode: Online
- Language: English and Hindi only
- T-score Requirement: Minimum 42 marks in each test battery
- No Negative Marking
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 for Document Verification & Medical Test
Only those who clear all earlier stages are invited for the final round, which includes document verification and medical fitness tests.
Document Verification:
This step checks whether candidates meet eligibility conditions such as age, education, and category (if applicable). Candidates failing to present required documents are disqualified.
Medical Examination:
Conducted by the Railway Medical Board to ensure candidates are physically fit for the role.
Key Details:
- Medical standards vary with the post
- Vision and physical conditions are checked
- Candidates must meet the required medical category (e.g., A-2, B-1, C-1)
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| CBT 1 Exam | 5th June – 23rd June 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | 4 days before exam date |
| City Intimation Slip | 10 days before exam date |
| CBT 2 Exam (Expected) | August 2025 (Tentative) |
| Typing Skill Test / CBAT | October 2025 (Tentative) |
| Document Verification & Medical | November – December 2025 |
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
Q1. Is there any interview in the RRB NTPC recruitment process?
No, there is no interview. The selection is purely based on written tests, typing/aptitude tests, and verification stages.
Q2. Are CBT 1 and CBT 2 marks combined for final merit?
No, only CBT 2 marks are considered for the final merit list. CBT 1 is only qualifying.
Q3. Can I choose the typing language in the Typing Skill Test?
Yes, candidates can choose between English and Hindi.
Q4. Is there any negative marking in the RRB NTPC exam?
Yes, 1/3 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in both CBT 1 and CBT 2.
Q5. What if I fail in the medical examination?
If a candidate fails to meet the required medical standard, they will not be eligible for final selection, even if they cleared all earlier stages.