Changes in RRB Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025: If you’re targeting Railways this year, you’ve probably noticed plenty of chatter about changes in RRB exam pattern and syllabus. The good news is that the Railways have now released the detailed, official schemes for the 2025 cycle across key recruitments like ALP and Technician, and the 2024 NTPC (UG & Graduate) notifications whose CBTs are underway in 2025. Below is a crisp, human-friendly rundown of what’s confirmed from official RRB notices, plus what that means for your preparation.
Major Updates in the RRB Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025
There are various major updates in the RRB Exam Pattern and Syllabus. Check out the table below for more details:
| Exam | Stages/Pattern | Subjects & Weightage | Duration / Questions | Other Details |
| ALP (CEN 01/2025) | Two-stage CBT + CBAT | CBT-1: Maths, Reasoning, General Science, General Awareness (10 Q). CBT-2: GA, Reasoning, Maths, General Science, Basic Science & Engineering (clear 100 Q split). | CBT-1 & CBT-2 as per standard; CBAT for shortlisted candidates. | Negative marking: 1/3 per wrong answer. |
| Technician (CEN 02/2025) | Separate patterns by pay level | Grade I Signal (Level-5): Basics of Computers & Applications, General Subjects, Basic Science & Engineering (largest weight, 35 Q). Grade III (Level-2): Maths, Reasoning, General Science, General Awareness & Current Affairs. | 90 minutes; 100 Q (both levels). | Negative marking: 1/3. Structural emphasis on BSE in Level-5. |
| NTPC 2024 (Graduate & UG) | Two CBTs + CBAT (SM/TA) + TST (for Typist posts) | CBT-1: 100 Q (Maths, Reasoning, GA). CBT-2: 120 Q across Maths, Reasoning, GA. | CBT-1: 90 min / 100 Q. CBT-2: 90 min / 120 Q. CBAT: 70:30 weighting with CBT-2. | Negative marking: 1/3. TST qualifying only. |
| Level-1 (Group D) 2024 | Single CBT → PET → DV → ME | Maths, Reasoning, General Science, General Awareness. | CBT: 100 Q (standard). | Negative marking: 1/3. Recruitment continues in 2025 (various zones). |
| Languages & Normalisation | Applies across exams | Question papers in English, Hindi + 13 regional languages (varies by CEN). | – | Normalization is used for multi-shift CBTs. |
RRB ALP 2025 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The RRB ALP Exam Pattern for CBT 1 and 2 is divided into different sections. Given below are the details:
Stages: CBT-1 → CBT-2 → CBAT (for shortlisted categories) → DV/ME. Negative marking: 1/3. Normalization: Yes.
CBT-1 (75 questions, 60 min):
- Mathematics (20), General Intelligence & Reasoning (25), General Science (20), General Awareness (10).
CBT-2 (100 questions, 90 min):
- General Awareness (10), General Intelligence & Reasoning (25), Basics of Computers & Applications (20), Mathematics (20), Basic Science & Engineering (25).
| Stage | Time | Total Questions | Sections |
| CBT-1 | 60 min | 75 | Maths (20), Reasoning (25), Gen Science (20), GA (10) |
| CBT-2 | 90 min | 100 | GA (10), Reasoning (25), Computers (20), Maths (20), BSE (25) |
CBAT remains for eligible posts; qualifying as per notified psychometric norms.
Syllabus highlights:
- Maths: Number System, BODMAS, Percentages, Mensuration, T&D, SI/CI, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry.
- Reasoning: Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, Venn, Puzzles, DI/Sufficiency, Statements & Conclusions.
- General Science: Physics/Chemistry/Life Science (10th level).
- Computers: MS Office basics, Internet, OS, hardware, networking basics.
- BSE: Engineering-basics—Units & Measurements, Electricity, Mechanics, Materials, Electronics, Workshop basics.
RRB Technician 2025 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The RRB Technician Exam Pattern involves sections like General Awareness, General Intelligence and Reasoning, Basics of Computer and Applications. Some of the details are given below:
Common rules: Single CBT (90 min, 100 Q); 1/3 negative marking; normalization; separate CBT per pay level.
| Section | Questions |
| General Awareness | 10 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 15 |
| Basics of Computers & Applications | 20 |
| Mathematics | 20 |
| Basic Science & Engineering (BSE) | 35 |
| Total | 100 |
- Duration: 90 minutes; negative marking: 1/3.
- Why it’s a change-maker: The BSE (35 Q) + Computers (20 Q) combo gives a 55% technical tilt, so plan extra hours for fundamentals in electronics, measurements, microcontrollers, and core workshop science.
Technician Grade III (Level-2)
- Pattern: 100 Q in 90 min; 1/3 negative marking.
- Syllabus blocks: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science (10th level), General Awareness & Current Affairs. (Official notice lists detailed topics for each block.)
Preparation pivot for 2025 Technicians:
- Make BSE your anchor (Units, Electricity, Mechanics, Materials, Basic Electronics).
- Build a compact Computer Applications notebook (OS basics, files, shortcuts, networking, office tools).
- Keep Reasoning speed sharp—short, repeated drills work best.
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern and Syllabus
RRBs have standardised NTPC into two CBTs, followed by CBAT (SM/TA) or TST (typist posts), then DV/ME.
CBT-1 (common to all posts): 100 Q, 90 min
- GA (40), Mathematics (30), Reasoning (30).
CBT-2: 120 Q, 90 min
- GA (50), Mathematics (35), Reasoning (35).
CBAT (for Station Master / Traffic Assistant):
- Qualify each battery with T-Score ≥ 42; no negative marking; final merit on 70% CBT-2 + 30% CBAT.
TST (for typist posts):
- 25 WPM (Hindi) or 30 WPM (English) on PC; qualifying only (not added to merit).
RRB Group D Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025
The RRB Group D Syllabus consists of important topics like Mathematics, Reasoning, General Science and General Awareness. The details are given below:
- Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, percentages, time-work, etc.
- Reasoning: Series, analogies, classification, Venn diagrams, coding/decoding, etc.
- General Science & Awareness: Basic science concepts, current affairs, culture, polity, economy.
These sections constitute the entire exam CBT pattern. The exam is conducted for 100 marks. Check out the details below:
| Section | Question | Marks |
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
RRB Paramedical Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025
Candidates must properly understand the RRB Paramedical Exam Pattern before applying for it. The details are summarized below:
| Section | Question | Marks |
| Professional Ability (post-specific) | 70 | 70 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| General Arithmetic, General Intelligence & Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| General Science | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
An overview of the RRB Paramedical Syllabus 2025 has been given below for reference. Check out the important topics and sub topics:
Professional Ability: Core post-based knowledge (e.g., Dietician, Lab Assistant, Radiographer)—candidates must refer to official notification for exact topics.
General Awareness: Current affairs, Indian geography, polity, economy, environment, sports, culture, science & tech.
Arithmetic/Reasoning: Standard topics like number systems, ratio, percentage, time/work/distance, age, profit-loss, series, syllogism, coding-decoding, etc.
General Science: Basics of Physics, Chemistry, Biology up to the 10th standard level.
RRB JE Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The RRB JE Exam Pattern for CBT 1 and 2 is divided into 4-5 sections. Check out all the details of exam pattern and syllabus given below:
Selection Stages: CBT-1 → CBT-2 → Document Verification → Medical Exam
CBT-1 (Screening; marks not counted in final merit)
- Questions: 100 MCQs, 1 mark each; Negative Marking: −⅓ per wrong.
- Breakdown:
| Section | Question | Marks |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness | 15 | 15 |
| General Science | 30 | 30 |
Minimum qualification: UR 40%, OBC/SC 30%, ST 25%
CBT-2 (Merit-deciding stage):
- Questions: 150; Marks: 150; Duration: 120 minutes; Negative Marking: −⅓.
- Sections:
| Section | Question | Marks |
| General Awareness | 15 | 15 |
| Physics & Chemistry | 15 | 15 |
| Basics of Computers & Applications | 10 | 10 |
| Basics of Environment & Pollution | 10 | 10 |
| Technical Abilities (discipline-specific) | 100 | 100 |
Summary of the Key Changes in the RRB Exam Pattern and Syllabus
We have provided a table summarizing the key changes in the RRB Exam Pattern and Syllabus. The details are given below:
| Exam Type | Notable Focus / Change | Impact on Preparation |
| Paramedical | Heavy emphasis on Professional Ability (70%) | Drill post-specific technical/discipline content with top priority |
| Group D | Stable balanced pattern across four domains (Maths, Reasoning, Science, GK) | Balanced prep across basics and current affairs |
| ALP | CBT-2 shifted to technical tilt (BSE + Computers = 45%) | Strengthen Basic Science & Engineering + Computer basics along with reasoning & maths |
| Technician | Level-5: Major weightage in BSE (35 Q) + Computers (20 Q); Level-2: Balanced basics | For Level-5, focus on technical & computer fundamentals; for Level-2, practice all-round basics |
| NTPC | General Awareness dominates (40–50% across CBT-1 & 2) | Daily GK + current affairs is crucial; maintain steady practice in maths & reasoning |
| JE | Technical-heavy CBT-2 with Computers & Environment added | Cement engineering fundamentals + discipline-specific technical skills |
The changes in RRB exam pattern and syllabus for 2025 aren’t about surprise overhauls; they’re about clearer, heavier weightage on technical foundations (notably BSE + Computers in Technician and ALP CBT-2) and explicit GA dominance in NTPC. Align your study plan with the official section-wise splits above, practice under negative marking, and keep your GK steady every day.
FAQs
The RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern consists of sections like Mathematics (20), General Intelligence & Reasoning (25), General Science (20), and General Awareness (10).
The RRB Group D Syllabus consists of important topics like Mathematics, Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness.
The total marks of the RRB Paramedical Exam is 100.
The RRB JE Syllabus for CBT 2 consists of topics like General Awareness, Physics & Chemistry, Basics of Computers & Applications, Basics of Environment & Pollution, and Technical Abilities (discipline-specific).
The total marks for the RRB Technician Exam is 100.
Hello! This is Arijit Dutta. I am a skilled Content Writer at Oliveboard with nearly 3+ years of experience in crafting engaging, informative, and exam-focused content for the Railways Domain. With a strong command of language and a keen understanding of learner needs, I contribute significantly to Oliveboard’s mission of delivering high-quality educational resources. Passionate about clear communication and continuous learning, I consistently create content that helps government job aspirants achieve their goals. Outside of work, I enjoy playing cricket and listening to music, which helps me stay balanced and creative in my professional journey.