First-stage CBT patterns at a glance
The table below describes the first computer-based test for RRB NTPC (CBT-1) and the CBT for RRB Group D. The NTPC pattern is from RRB notifications (for example on rrbcdg.gov.in); the Group D pattern is as reported for CEN 09/2025. Each CEN is the authority for its own recruitment.
| Parameter | NTPC CBT-1 | Group D CBT |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-based | Computer-based |
| Total questions | 100 | 100 |
| Marks per question | 1 | 1 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes (extended for eligible candidates) |
| General Awareness | 40 questions | 20 questions (with Current Affairs) |
| Mathematics | 30 questions | 25 questions |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 questions | 30 questions |
| General Science | Not a separate section | 25 questions |
| Negative marking | One-third of a mark per wrong answer | One-third of a mark per wrong answer |
Candidates eligible for extended time (for example persons with benchmark disabilities who use a scribe) have additional minutes as set out in the CEN. There is generally no sectional timer in these CBTs: you have one clock of 90 minutes and can move between sections, which makes the order and time plan your own decision.
Later stages (summary)
The stages after the first CBT differ by recruitment and post. The summary below reflects recent patterns and may change, so confirm it in the CEN.
| Recruitment | Typical later stages |
|---|---|
| NTPC (graduate and undergraduate posts) | A second-stage CBT (CBT-2) for shortlisted candidates, then, depending on the post, a typing skill test or a computer-based aptitude test, followed by document verification and a medical examination |
| Group D | A physical efficiency test for shortlisted candidates, then document verification and a medical examination |
Because the first CBT is a screening test in NTPC, its scores decide who goes forward in a ratio set by the number of vacancies, so the cut-off is relative and varies by region and category.
Section-wise structure and implications
General Awareness (40 in NTPC CBT-1; 20 in Group D)
Mostly recall. A prepared candidate can answer in 20 to 40 seconds. In NTPC it is the largest section, which makes it the cheapest place to gain marks. See the General Awareness page.
Mathematics (30 in NTPC; 25 in Group D)
Direct school-level questions: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration and number system. A speed section. See the Mathematics page.
General Intelligence and Reasoning (30)
Analogies, series, coding, relations, directions and Venn diagrams. A section where practice converts to marks reliably. See the Reasoning page.
General Science (25, Group D)
School-level physics, chemistry and biology, set from the Class 10 level. A full section that candidates with a science background find quick.
Marking scheme and worked examples
| Scenario (100-question CBT) | Calculation | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 90 attempted, 75 correct, 15 wrong | 75 − 15 × ⅓ | 70.0 |
| 100 attempted, 72 correct, 28 wrong | 72 − 28 × ⅓ | 62.7 |
| 80 attempted, 72 correct, 8 wrong | 72 − 8 × ⅓ | 69.3 |
| 70 attempted, 62 correct, 8 wrong | 62 − 8 × ⅓ | 59.3 |
The second and third rows have the same number of correct answers (72) but different attempts: the candidate who attempted all 100 lost almost seven marks more to wrong answers than the one who attempted 80. The break-even accuracy is 25%, so attempts that you can eliminate to one-in-three or better are worthwhile, but blind guesses at the end do not help.
Question styles in the CBT, with worked examples
Mathematics: percentage. A price rises from 80 to 92. What is the percentage increase? 12 ÷ 80 = 15%.
Mathematics: HCF and LCM. Find the HCF and LCM of 36 and 48. 36 = 2² × 3² and 48 = 2⁴ × 3, so HCF = 12 and LCM = 144.
Mathematics: mensuration. The sides of a rectangle are 24 m and 15 m. What are its area and perimeter? Area 360 sq m; perimeter 78 m.
Reasoning: series. 2, 5, 10, 17, 26, ? The differences are 3, 5, 7, 9, so the next is 26 + 11 = 37.
Reasoning: direction. A person walks 5 km north, 3 km east and 5 km south. How far is she from the start? 3 km (east).
General Science. What is the SI unit of force? The newton. Which gas is released during photosynthesis? Oxygen.
General Awareness. The first passenger train in India ran between which two places? Bombay (Bori Bunder) and Thane, in 1853.
All are answered in under 45 seconds by a prepared candidate.
What the pattern means for your mocks
- Use 100-question, 90-minute mocks with a single clock and the one-third penalty.
- Check the section split matches your target recruitment (NTPC or Group D).
- Practise on a computer, since the exam is computer-based.
- Test the order of sections and the time per section.
- Add sectional tests and quizzes, especially for General Awareness and General Science.
Checklist: is this mock faithful to the CBT pattern?
| Check | Faithful mock | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 100 questions in 90 minutes | Much shorter or longer |
| Section split | Matches NTPC (40/30/30) or Group D (30/25/25/20) | Unrelated split |
| Marking | +1, −⅓ | No negative marking or a different ratio |
| Style | Direct questions at school level | Very hard or very obscure questions |
| Currency | Recent current affairs | Old facts only |
Use the railway mock test strategy to plan your tests and the railway hub for available papers.
Disclaimer and sources: the patterns above were checked in October 2026 against RRB notifications on the RRB websites and published summaries of CEN 09/2025. Later stages are summarised and may change. TestMint is independent of the Railway Recruitment Boards; please confirm the pattern in the CEN for your post.
