RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026: CBT 1, CBT 2, Typing Test and Marking Scheme

The RRB NTPC exam pattern has two computer-based tests followed, for some posts, by a typing test, and then document verification and a medical examination. CBT 1 is a 100-question screening test. CBT 2 is a 120-question test that decides your merit. Both carry negative marking.

With 5,165 vacancies announced for RRB NTPC 2026 under CEN 06/2026 (Graduate) and CEN 07/2026 (Undergraduate), understanding the pattern is the first step towards a smart preparation plan. This guide explains every stage, the marking scheme, normalisation, qualifying marks, the stages that apply to each 2026 post, and how to plan your 90 minutes in the exam hall.
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026: Overview

Each stage eliminates candidates. You must clear one stage to be considered for the next.

Selection Stages for Each RRB NTPC 2026 Post

The RRB NTPC exam pattern is not identical for every post, because not every candidate goes through every stage. The table below shows which stages apply to the eight posts announced in the 2026 short notices.

RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern

CBT 1 is common for all posts at a level. Every Graduate applicant takes the same CBT 1, and every Undergraduate applicant takes the same CBT 1.

Key rules for CBT 1:

• Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates using a scribe).

• Question type: Multiple-choice, with four options.

• Negative marking: One-third mark deducted for every wrong answer.

• Shortlisting: In previous cycles, candidates equal to 20 times the community-wise vacancies were shortlisted for CBT 2 on the basis of normalised CBT 1 scores and post choices.

• Merit: CBT 1 marks are not added to the final merit list.

RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern

CBT 2 has the same three subjects, but more questions and a higher difficulty level.

Key rules for CBT 2:

• Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates using a scribe).

• Negative marking: One-third mark deducted for every wrong answer.

• Separate paper for each pay level: In previous cycles, CBT 2 was common for all posts within the same pay level. A candidate shortlisted for posts at two pay levels could therefore appear in more than one CBT 2 paper.

• Merit: Final merit for non-typist posts is based on normalised CBT 2 scores, along with the candidate's post preferences.

What the Pay-Level Rule Means in 2026

The 2026 Graduate posts sit at Level 5 and Level 6, and the Undergraduate posts at Level 2 and Level 3. If you choose posts at both levels within a CEN and are shortlisted for both, expect separate CBT 2 papers set to each level's standard. Choose post preferences carefully, because they decide which CBT 2 papers you sit for.

CBT 1 vs CBT 2

The most important difference is time. CBT 2 gives you about nine seconds less per question, even though the questions are harder. Speed practice is essential before the second stage.

RRB NTPC Marking Scheme

How Negative Marking Affects Your Score

Suppose you attempt 95 questions in CBT 2. You get 81 right and 14 wrong. Your raw score will be 81 − (14 × 1/3) = 81 − 4.67 = 76.33.

Now suppose you attempt only 88 questions, with 80 right and 8 wrong. Your score becomes 80 − 2.67 = 77.33. Fewer attempts with better accuracy produced a higher score.

When Is Guessing Worth It?

On a four-option question, a blind guess gives you no advantage on average. The expected gain of 1/4 mark is cancelled by the expected loss of 3/4 × 1/3 = 1/4 mark. If you can confidently eliminate one option, the odds turn slightly in your favour. If you can eliminate two, an educated guess is clearly worthwhile.

Minimum Qualifying Marks in RRB NTPC

In previous cycles, candidates had to score at least the following percentage in the CBTs to be considered further.

These percentages may be reduced by 2% for PwBD candidates if there are not enough PwBD candidates to fill the vacancies reserved for them. Remember that qualifying marks only keep you in the race. Actual cut-offs are usually much higher, especially in a cycle with fewer vacancies.

How Normalisation Works in RRB NTPC

RRB NTPC CBTs are held over many shifts, and some shifts are harder than others. Normalisation adjusts raw scores so that candidates are not helped or hurt by the shift they were given.

As described in previous notifications, the RRB method compares each shift with all shifts combined, using two reference points: the average score of the top 0.1% of candidates, and the mean plus standard deviation of scores. Scores in a tougher shift are scaled up, and scores in an easier shift are scaled down.

What this means for you:

• Do not panic about a tough shift. If most candidates found your paper difficult, normalisation accounts for that.

• Your normalised score can differ from your raw score. Use the answer key to estimate your raw score, but treat it as a rough guide.

• Accuracy still matters most. Normalisation adjusts for shift difficulty, not for careless mistakes.

RRB NTPC Typing Skill Test Pattern

The Typing Skill Test applies only to the four typist posts listed above.

Preparation tip: Do not wait for the CBT 2 result to start typing practice. Fifteen to twenty minutes daily for a few months is usually enough to reach the required speed comfortably.

Is CBAT Part of the RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Pattern?

In earlier cycles, the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) was held only for Station Master and Traffic Assistant posts. It needed a minimum T-score of 42 in each test, had no negative marking, and carried 30% weightage in the final merit for those posts.

Neither Station Master nor Traffic Assistant appears in the 2026 short notices. So, unless the detailed CEN adds these posts, CBAT is not expected to be part of this cycle. Many pages still list CBAT as a 2026 stage, so check the detailed CEN before spending time on it.

Document Verification and Medical Examination

After CBT 2 (and the typing test, where applicable), candidates are called for document verification as per merit and post preference. They then undergo a medical examination.

The medical standard differs by post, and the RRB does not offer an alternative post if you fail the standard for the one you are allotted. In previous notifications, the standards were as follows.

"A" standards are the strictest and include tests for colour vision, night vision and binocular vision. Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery were not eligible for A-1, A-2 and A-3 posts in previous notifications. Check your eyesight before filling in post preferences.

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern for Graduate and Undergraduate Posts

The structure is identical for both levels. The differences lie in the standard of questions and the posts involved.

Other Exam-Day Facts

• Language options: In previous cycles, the CBT was available in 15 languages, including English and Hindi. You choose the language while applying.

• No separate sectional timing: You can move between sections within the 90 minutes.

• Online mode only: All CBTs are held at designated computer-based test centres.

How to Plan Your 90 Minutes

A time plan helps you avoid spending too long on one section.

Many candidates start with General Awareness, because the questions are either known or not, and answering them quickly saves time for calculations. Adjust the order based on your strongest section, but test your plan in mock tests before the exam.

Practise the Pattern With Mock Tests

Knowing the RRB NTPC exam pattern is useful only when you have practised it under real conditions. Full-length mocks help you test your time plan, control negative marking and build the speed CBT 2 demands.