NCERT LDC Exam Pattern 2026: CBT, Marking Scheme and Typing Test
NCERT LDC Exam Pattern: Two Stages
The NCERT LDC exam pattern has two tested stages for the Lower Division Clerk post: a Computer Based Test (CBT) and a qualifying computer typing test, followed by document verification. The pattern below is from NCERT's official marking scheme for Advertisement No. 01/2025, under which the LDC CBT was held on 15 May 2026.
The CBT has 120 one-mark questions in 2 hours, with negative marking and a qualifying mark in each section. That combination rewards accuracy and balance more than raw attempts, so how you split your time matters as much as what you know.
NCERT LDC Exam Pattern at a Glance
Stage | Format | Marks | Duration | Counted in merit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer Based Test | Objective, multiple choice | 120 | 2 hours | Yes |
Computer Typing Test | Typing on computer, English or Hindi | Qualifying | As notified | No, qualifying only |
Document Verification | Check of certificates | Not applicable | Not applicable | No |
CBT Pattern
Section | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
A | General English | 15 | 15 |
A | Comprehension | 10 | 10 |
A | General Awareness | 15 | 15 |
A | Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
B | Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Computer Knowledge | 70 | 70 |
Total | 2 hours | 120 | 120 |
NCERT does not give a topic-wise split for Section B and notes that weightage may vary slightly. The 2 hours cover the whole paper; the scheme does not set separate sectional timers.
Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
Correct answer: 1 mark in both sections.
Wrong answer: 1/4 mark deducted.
Unattempted question: The scheme does not prescribe a deduction for blanks.
Sectional qualifying marks: At least 40% in each section for UR candidates, and 35% in each section for SC, ST, OBC and PwBD candidates.
Category | Section A minimum (out of 50) | Section B minimum (out of 70) |
|---|---|---|
UR | 20 | 28 |
SC, ST, OBC, PwBD | 17.5 | 24.5 |
These minimums are worked out from the official percentages. They are a floor for qualifying, not the score you need to be shortlisted.
What the Pattern Means for You
Every question is worth the same: An easy English question earns as much as a long quant problem, so collect easy marks first.
A wrong guess costs a quarter mark: If you can rule out two options, a guess is usually worth taking; a blind guess is not.
Section B decides merit: It carries 70 marks, so speed in arithmetic and reasoning separates candidates.
Do not neglect either section: Missing the sectional minimum in one section ends your attempt even with a high total.
Computer Typing Test
Candidates who qualify the CBT are called for a computer typing test. The official requirement is 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi, equal to 10,500 or 9,000 key depressions per hour. The test is qualifying, and NCERT's FAQ says skill test venues are at NCERT Headquarters, New Delhi. Detailed instructions, including duration and passage rules, are issued with the typing test admit card for each cycle.
Final Merit
Shortlisting for the typing test is based on CBT merit, and the typing test does not add marks. In practice, your CBT score decides your rank, provided you clear both sectional minimums and the typing test. For example, a UR candidate scoring 38 in Section A and 50 in Section B has a CBT total of 88, and that total is what the merit list uses if the typing test is cleared.
Time Management and Exam-day Strategy
First 35 minutes: Section A in full. English, comprehension and awareness questions are quick to answer or skip.
Next 70 minutes: Section B. Start with computer knowledge and easy reasoning, then arithmetic.
Last 15 minutes: Return to marked questions and check you have not left a section near its minimum.
Source: NCERT marking scheme and syllabus PDF and the NCERT Vacancies page.
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