RRB NTPC Typing vs Non – Typing Post: When preparing for the RRB NTPC examination, one of the most common questions candidates face is whether to choose typing posts or non-typing posts. Each category offers unique benefits, challenges, and opportunities for career growth. In this detailed article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about RRB NTPC Typing vs Non-Typing Post – from job roles and pay levels to pros, cons, and suitability – so you can make an informed decision.
Understanding the Two Categories
It is essential to understand the fundamental distinction between typing and non-typing posts as outlined in the RRB NTPC Notification PDF. Check out the details:
What are Typing Posts?
Typing posts in RRB NTPC include roles like Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist, and Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist.
Candidates applying for these posts must clear not only CBT-1 and CBT-2 but also a Typing Skill Test (TST).
In this test, candidates must type a given passage on a computer – 30 words per minute (WPM) in English or 25 WPM in Hindi – within 10 minutes. The test does not allow any auto-correction or spell-check tools, so accuracy and speed both matter.
What are Non-Typing Posts?
Non-typing posts are positions that do not require a typing skill test. Examples include Goods Guard, Traffic Assistant, Station Master, Commercial Apprentice, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, and others.
These posts usually involve either operational or field responsibilities and follow the regular selection stages: CBT-1 → CBT-2 → Document Verification (and CBAT for some posts).
Key Differences Between Typing vs Non-Typing Posts
Given below are the important differences between typing and non-typing posts. Candidates must check out these before applying:
1. Skill Test Requirement
- Typing Posts: Require a qualifying typing skill test after CBT-2. If you don’t achieve the minimum typing speed, you’re disqualified from that post – even if your CBT scores are excellent.
- Non-Typing Posts: Have no typing test. Selection depends entirely on your CBT performance (and CBAT for select posts).
2. Merit and Qualification
The Typing Skill Test is qualifying in nature – its marks are not added to the merit list. However, it’s mandatory to clear it.
Non-typing posts skip this stage altogether, meaning your final merit depends directly on CBT scores and document verification.
3. Work Profile and Job Nature
- Typing Posts: Generally clerical or administrative in nature. The work mostly involves computer-based data entry, maintaining records, financial documentation, and handling office correspondence.
- Non-Typing Posts: These are more operational or supervisory roles. For example, a Goods Guard manages train movement, a Station Master oversees operations at stations, and a Traffic Assistant helps control train schedules.
4. Salary and Pay Level
Under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), RRB NTPC posts are divided into various levels.
- Typing Posts: Usually fall under Level-2, Level-3, or Level-5, depending on the position.
- Non-Typing Posts: Often range from Level-3 to Level-6, and some posts like Station Master or Commercial Apprentice are at Level-6, offering higher initial pay.
5. Nature of Work Environment
Typing posts generally involve desk-based work, fixed office timings, and less field activity.
Non-typing posts may involve shift duties, fieldwork, and responsibility for passenger or train operations. Some candidates prefer the structured nature of clerical jobs, while others enjoy the dynamic and on-ground exposure of operational roles.
6. Promotion and Career Growth
Both categories offer promotion opportunities, but the pace and nature differ.
Typing posts usually progress within the clerical hierarchy, moving from junior to senior clerical levels and supervisory positions over time.
Non-typing posts, especially those in operations, can lead to higher administrative roles depending on performance and departmental exams.
Advantages of Typing Posts
Some of the important advantages of typing posts are as follows:
- Extra Edge for Good Typists:
If you are already good at typing in English or Hindi, clearing the skill test becomes easy, giving you an advantage. - Stable and Predictable Work:
Typing or clerical jobs are mostly office-based, with fixed hours and fewer shifts, making them ideal for those who prefer routine work. - Less Field Stress:
These posts are usually not field-intensive. You’ll spend more time working on a computer in a controlled environment. - Balanced Lifestyle:
Most typing post employees enjoy a better work-life balance since they rarely work in night shifts or outdoor conditions.
Advantages of Non-Typing Posts
There are numerous advantages of non-typing posts that candidates must consider. Some of them are given below:
- No Extra Skill Test:
Non-typing posts save you from the additional typing skill stage, allowing you to focus purely on CBT performance. - Higher Pay Scale Options:
Many non-typing roles fall under higher levels like Level-5 or Level-6, offering better initial pay and perks. - Greater Variety and Exposure:
The work profile involves interaction with passengers, operations, and logistics, giving a dynamic career experience. - Scope for Rapid Promotion:
In some departments, operational posts have quicker career progression opportunities compared to clerical posts.
Challenges in RRB NTPC Typing Posts
Besides the advantages, there are also certain challenges in the typing posts. These are as follows:
- Typing Skill Barrier:
The typing test acts as an elimination stage. Even with excellent CBT marks, you’ll be rejected if you fail to meet the required speed. - Practice Requirement:
Regular typing practice is essential to maintain accuracy and speed. Candidates often underestimate this stage and lose their chance despite scoring well. - Limited Field Experience:
If you prefer active or outdoor jobs, you might find typing posts too desk-bound and monotonous.
Challenges in RRB NTPC Non-Typing Posts
The important challenges faced in the non-typing posts are as follows:
- Shift Work:
Many non-typing roles, especially in operations, require working in shifts, including nights and weekends. - Workload and Responsibility:
Operational roles like Station Master or Goods Guard come with higher accountability and stress, especially during emergencies. - Posting Locations:
Non-typing employees may be posted in remote or less accessible areas depending on operational needs.
Which One Should You Choose?
When deciding between RRB NTPC Typing vs Non-Typing Post, consider these factors:
- Typing Proficiency:
If you can type 30 WPM (English) or 25 WPM (Hindi) accurately, typing posts are a good option. - Job Preference:
Choose typing posts if you prefer desk work, routine, and stable timings. Choose non-typing posts if you like fieldwork and operational challenges. - Career Growth and Salary:
Non-typing roles may offer faster growth and slightly better pay. - Work Environment:
Typing posts are office-based, while non-typing posts may involve shifts and travel. - Risk Tolerance:
Typing posts carry the risk of elimination due to the skill test; non-typing posts do not.
Summary
The summary of important points between RRB NTPC Typing vs Non-Typing Posts are given below:
- Typing posts include clerical and administrative roles that require a typing skill test (30 WPM in English or 25 WPM in Hindi).
- Non-typing posts involve operational or field roles that do not require a skill test.
- Typing test is qualifying in nature – marks are not added to merit, but failing disqualifies the candidate.
- Typing posts offer stability, regular hours, and less field stress.
- Non-typing posts may involve shift work but often provide better pay and faster promotions.
- Choosing between the two depends on your skills, interests, and lifestyle preferences.
- If you enjoy desk jobs and are good at typing, go for typing posts. If you prefer dynamic, on-field roles with responsibility, non-typing posts may suit you better.
In the debate of “RRB NTPC Typing vs Non-Typing Post”, there is no absolute winner. Both categories have distinct advantages and are equally respected within Indian Railways. Typing posts are ideal for candidates who enjoy clerical work, prefer fixed schedules, and have good typing speed. On the other hand, non-typing posts are perfect for those seeking higher pay levels, dynamic responsibilities, and field exposure.
FAQs
The main difference is that Typing posts require a Typing Skill Test (TST) after CBT-2, while Non-Typing posts do not. Typing posts include clerical or administrative jobs, whereas Non-Typing posts involve operational, field, or supervisory duties like Goods Guard and Station Master
Yes. The Typing Skill Test is mandatory and qualifying in nature for all Typing posts. Candidates must type 30 words per minute in English or 25 words per minute in Hindi within 10 minutes to qualify. Failing this test disqualifies the candidate from Typing posts, even if CBT scores are high.
Generally, Non-Typing posts offer a higher salary as they often belong to higher pay levels such as Level-5 or Level-6 (e.g., Station Master, Commercial Apprentice). Typing posts usually fall under lower or intermediate pay levels such as Level-2 to Level-5.
Both have good promotion prospects, but Non-Typing posts usually offer faster promotions and higher responsibilities due to the nature of operational and supervisory work. Typing posts offer steady growth within the clerical or administrative hierarchy.
Choose Typing posts if you are comfortable with computer-based clerical work and confident in your typing speed. Choose Non-Typing posts if you prefer operational or field roles, are looking for higher pay levels, and want to avoid the extra skill test stage.
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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.