RRB NTPC Syllabus 2024: A Complete Guide for CBT 1 & CBT 2

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) NTPC exam is a significant opportunity for candidates aiming to join Indian Railways’ Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC). With over 11,558 vacancies announced this year, a strategic approach toward understanding the syllabus and exam pattern is essential. This guide covers each section in detail, helping you focus on high-yield areas and adopt effective preparation techniques.

RRB NTPC 2024

The RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) exam is a competitive examination conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) to recruit candidates for non-technical roles, including Station Master, Junior Clerk, Goods Guard, and others. This year’s recruitment offers both Graduate and Undergraduate level posts, making it a prime opportunity for job seekers.

Understanding the syllabus thoroughly is key to succeeding in this exam. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the syllabus, exam patterns, preparation resources, and updated insights on the 2024 RRB NTPC exam.

RRB NTPC Selection Process Explained

The selection process for RRB NTPC 2024 is a multi-stage system designed to evaluate candidates’ aptitude, typing skills (if required), and overall suitability for various roles.

Selection Stages

1. 1st Stage – CBT 1 (Preliminary Exam): A qualifying round covering Mathematics, General Awareness, and Reasoning.
2. 2nd Stage – CBT 2 (Main Exam): An advanced stage with a higher difficulty level.
3. Typing Skill Test/Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Conducted only for specific posts like Junior Clerk and Station Master.
4. Document Verification and Medical Examination: Final stage verifying eligibility and fitness for railway positions.

Selection Process Overview

Stage	Description	Posts
CBT 1	Preliminary exam for screening	All positions
CBT 2	Main exam with more questions and depth	All positions
Typing/CBAT	Skill test for roles requiring typing or aptitude evaluation	Junior Clerk, Station Master
Verification	Document verification and medical examination	Selected candidates only

Candidates are ranked based on their scores in the respective rounds, with a merit-based progression to the next stage.

Complete Exam Pattern for RRB NTPC 2024

The RRB NTPC 2024 exam comprises two primary rounds: CBT 1 and CBT 2. Both are computer-based tests, but they vary in terms of the number of questions, difficulty, and mark distribution.

CBT 1 Exam Pattern

• Subjects: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness.
• Total Questions: 100 (Mathematics: 30, Reasoning: 30, General Awareness: 40).
• Duration: 90 minutes.
• Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each incorrect answer.

Subject	No. of Questions	Marks	Weightage
Mathematics	30	30	30%
General Intelligence	30	30	30%
General Awareness	40	40	40%
Total	100	100	100%

CBT 2 Exam Pattern

• Subjects: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness.
• Total Questions: 120 (Mathematics: 35, Reasoning: 35, General Awareness: 50).
• Duration: 90 minutes.
• Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted per incorrect response.

Subject	No. of Questions	Marks	Weightage
Mathematics	35	35	29.2%
General Intelligence	35	35	29.2%
General Awareness	50	50	41.6%
Total	120	120	100%

Each test is timed, and speed is essential to completing it successfully.

RRB NTPC 2024 Syllabus for CBT 1 and CBT 2

The syllabus for RRB NTPC 2024 is divided across Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness. Each subject requires specific preparation strategies based on topic weightage and question types.

Mathematics Syllabus

The Mathematics section assesses basic numerical ability and problem-solving skills. Key topics include:

1. Number System
2. Decimals and Fractions
3. LCM and HCF
4. Ratio and Proportions
5. Percentage, Simple & Compound Interest
6. Time, Work & Distance
7. Geometry and Trigonometry Basics
8. Algebra & Elementary Statistics

Topic	Sub-topics	Details	Types of Questions	Example Problem
Number System	Whole numbers, integers, fractions	Basic arithmetic operations and properties	Simple calculations, integer questions	Find the LCM of 12 and 15
Decimals & Fractions	Addition, subtraction, multiplication	Conversion between decimals and fractions	Fraction to decimal, vice versa	Convert 3/4 to a decimal
LCM & HCF	Least Common Multiple, Highest Common Factor	Problems involving divisibility and multiples	LCM, HCF word problems	Find HCF of 54 and 81
Ratio & Proportion	Direct and inverse ratios	Problems in real-world settings	Ratio simplification, comparison	Divide Rs. 500 in a 2:3 ratio
Percentage	Basic percentage, increase/decrease	Used in discount, profit & loss, interest	Percentage increase, discounting	Calculate 15% of 200
Simple & Compound Interest	Basic and cumulative interest	Finance-related calculations	Interest over time, cumulative interest	CI on Rs. 1000 at 10% for 2 years
Mensuration	Area, volume, perimeter	Geometry calculations for various shapes	Area of circle, volume of cylinder	Area of rectangle 5×3 cm
Algebra	Basic equations, linear/quadratic	Finding unknowns, equation simplifications	Solving for x, equation manipulation	Solve 3x + 2 = 11

Focus on the high-weightage areas like Ratio & Proportion, Interest, and Algebra, which appear frequently in exams.

General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus

The General Intelligence & Reasoning section tests logical ability and problem-solving through analytical reasoning. Key topics are:

1. Analogies and Series
2. Coding-Decoding
3. Puzzles and Seating Arrangements
4. Data Sufficiency
5. Decision Making
6. Venn Diagrams
7. Direction Sense

Topic	Sub-topics	Details	Types of Questions	Example Problem
Analogies	Word, number, image analogies	Identifying relationships between items	Find the odd one out, sequence analogy	Dog : Puppy :: Cat : ? (Kitten)
Coding-Decoding	Letter, number codes	Decoding patterns and translating codes	Letter shifting, code word patterns	A=1, B=2, then CAT=?
Puzzles	Arrangement, linear, seating	Solving for positions and logical arrangement	Seating arrangements, pattern finding	Arrange A, B, C in linear order
Series	Number, alphabetical, logical	Complete sequences by recognizing patterns	Series completion	2, 5, 8, ? (Answer: 11)
Data Sufficiency	Basic info-check	Determining if info is enough to answer	Sufficiency-based	Is the value of x even?
Decision Making	Scenarios and best-choice answers	Choose best solutions for given problems	Logical decision	Choose the shortest route to X
Venn Diagrams	Group relations, set theory	Identifying overlapping groups	Venn Diagram overlap, set theory	Represent people who like A & B
Statement & Conclusion	Logical deduction	Drawing conclusions based on statements	Deductive reasoning, logical inference	If all dogs are animals…

Concentrate on puzzles, coding-decoding, and analogies, as these are frequently tested and carry significant weight.

General Awareness Syllabus

General Awareness assesses knowledge of current events, history, culture, and science.

1. Current Events (National and International)
2. Indian History and Geography
3. Art and Culture
4. Polity and Constitution
5. General Science (Up to 10th CBSE)
6. Economy
7. Indian Government Schemes

Topic	Sub-topics	Details	Types of Questions	Example Problem
Current Affairs	National, international events	Recent important events in sports, politics, etc.	Fill-in-the-blanks, specific questions	Who won the Nobel Prize in 2023?
Indian History	Ancient, medieval, modern	Major events, freedom struggle, historical figures	Timeline, personality-based	Who was the first President of India?
Geography	Physical, economic, political	Important rivers, states, capitals, resources	Maps, direct Q&A	Capital of Madhya Pradesh?
Indian Polity	Constitution, key amendments	Basic governance, constitutional articles	Direct questions, fill-in-the-blank	What is Article 370?
General Science	Physics, Chemistry, Biology	Basic 10th-grade science principles	Conceptual, application-based questions	Chemical symbol for water?
Economy	Basics of Indian economy	Economic terms, Indian banking, inflation	Term definitions, multiple choice	Define GDP
Environmental Issues	National and global concerns	Environmental policies, climate change	Current event-based, direct Q&A	What is the cause of global warming?
Computer Applications	Basics, history, types of software	Computer parts, software types, basic operations	Direct questions, conceptual questions	Define OS

For General Awareness, keep up with daily news, government schemes, and focus on foundational subjects in history and science.

In-depth Topic Weightage Analysis

Understanding which topics carry more weight can improve study efficiency. Below is a detailed table indicating topic importance based on previous exams.

Subject	High-weightage Topics	Weightage Range
Mathematics	Algebra, Ratio & Proportion, CI & SI	25-30%
General Intelligence	Analogies, Series, Puzzle	20-25%
General Awareness	Current Affairs, Indian History	30-40%

Focusing on high-weightage topics can maximize scoring potential, particularly in areas where small improvements yield high results.

Recommended Books and Resources for Preparation

To maximize results, use top-rated study materials and resources.

Subject	Recommended Books
Mathematics	Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
General Intelligence	A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
General Awareness	Lucent’s General Knowledge, regular newspapers like The Hindu

Online platforms like Testbook, GradeUp, and Oliveboard offer practice tests, mock exams, and topic-wise question banks for effective revision.

Strategic Preparation Plan for RRB NTPC 2024

Time Slot	Activity	Subject Focus
Morning (6-8 AM)	Mathematics Practice	Focus on weak areas
Late Morning (10-12 PM)	General Awareness Revision	Read newspapers, current affairs
Afternoon (2-4 PM)	Reasoning Problem Solving	Practice high-weightage areas
Evening (6-8 PM)	Mock Test & Review	CBT 1 full-length test

This schedule balances study and revision, with ample time for mock tests.

Importance of Mock Tests and Practice Questions

Mock tests simulate exam conditions, helping candidates manage time and reduce anxiety. Here’s how to use them effectively:

• Weekly Mock Tests: Assess performance and adjust focus areas.
• Analysis of Results: Identify strong and weak topics, and allocate time accordingly.
• Question Bank Practice: Focus on high-weightage topics with additional practice from question banks.

Using mock tests from platforms like Oliveboard can provide real-time insights and familiarization with the online format.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Neglecting Weak Topics: Consistently revise areas where scores are low.
• Ignoring Time Management: Practice tests within strict time limits to improve speed.
• Skipping Regular Revision: Set aside dedicated time each week to revisit completed topics.

These common errors can be mitigated with regular practice and self-assessment.

Latest Updates and Syllabus Changes in 2024

Stay updated on any syllabus adjustments or changes in exam dates via the RRB official website. Candidates are advised to check for notifications regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)