The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts one of the most competitive exams in India – the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) examination. With lakhs of aspirants appearing for just a few thousand vacancies, every stage of the exam is crucial. The NTPC exam is conducted in multiple tiers, and the two most important phases are CBT 1 and CBT 2. While many candidates consider CBT 1 as a qualifying round, CBT 2 is where the real competition intensifies. If you are preparing for the upcoming RRB NTPC exams, understanding RRB NTPC CBT 1 vs CBT 2 in detail will give you a clear roadmap for preparation.
What is RRB NTPC CBT 1?
RRB NTPC CBT 1, also called the Preliminary Stage, is the first computer-based test that filters candidates for the next round.
- It is common for all posts under NTPC.
- Mainly tests basic aptitude, reasoning, and general awareness.
- The primary goal is screening: candidates are shortlisted 20 times the number of vacancies for CBT 2.
What is RRB NTPC CBT 2?
RRB NTPC CBT 2, also called the Mains Stage, is more detailed and post-specific.
- The syllabus is similar to CBT 1 but the difficulty level is higher.
- Marks scored here are very important for final merit list preparation.
- Different levels (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) have separate CBT 2 exams, depending on the post applied.
RRB NTPC CBT 1 and CBT 2 Exam Pattern Comparison
The RRB NTPC Exam Pattern for CBT 1 and 2 is given below for the candidates. Check out the major differences between the two:
| Feature | CBT 1 | CBT 2 |
| Purpose | Screening test for shortlisting | Final selection deciding stage |
| Number of Questions | 100 | 120 |
| Total Marks | 100 | 120 |
| Time Duration | 90 minutes (120 mins for PwBD) | 90 minutes (120 mins for PwBD) |
| Sections | – General Awareness (40) – Mathematics (30) – General Intelligence & Reasoning (30) | – General Awareness (50) – Mathematics (35) – General Intelligence & Reasoning (35) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate | Moderate to Difficult |
| Role in Selection | Qualifying only | Weightage in final merit list |
RRB NTPC CBT 1 and CBT 2 Difference Section Wise
The table below shows the section wise difference between RRB NTPC CBT 1 and CBT 2:
| Section | CBT 1 | CBT 2 |
| General Awareness | Covers static GK, current affairs, basic science, history, polity, geography. | More in-depth with higher weightage (50 marks). Focus on economics, advanced current affairs, railways-related GK. |
| Mathematics | Questions are mostly formula-based and straightforward. | More application-based problems involving speed-distance, time-work, probability, permutation & combination, DI. |
| Reasoning | Basic puzzles, coding-decoding, series, Venn diagrams. | Complex puzzles, seating arrangements, statement-assumption, syllogisms. |
RRB NTPC CBT 1 and CBT 2 Difficulty Level Analysis
The difficulty level analysis varies as per the section. Given below are the details:
| Section | CBT 1 Difficulty Level | CBT 2 Difficulty Level |
| General Awareness | Easy to Moderate | Moderate to Tough |
| Mathematics | Easy to Moderate | Moderate to Tough |
| Reasoning | Easy | Moderate |
Key RRB NTPC CBT 1 and CBT 2 Differences
The major RRB NTPC CBT 1 and CBT 2 differences are given below for the candidates:
- CBT 1 is qualifying, CBT 2 is scoring.
- More weightage in GA section in CBT 2.
- Higher standard of questions in CBT 2 (especially in maths & reasoning).
- Separate CBT 2 for each level of posts.
- Marks of CBT 2 are added to final merit list, unlike CBT 1.
Preparation Strategy of RRB NTPC CBT 1 vs CBT 2
The RRB NTPC Exam Date for CBT 2 is 13th October, 2025. Given below are the preparation strategies for CBT 1 and CBT 2:
| Exam Stage | Strategy |
| CBT 1 | Focus on speed and accuracy. Revise basic formulas and reasoning tricks. Stay updated with current affairs of the last 6–9 months. Attempt mock tests daily for time management. |
| CBT 2 | Go deeper into concepts. Practice high-level puzzles and DI sets. Study Railways awareness & advanced GK topics. Focus on strong areas to maximize marks, since CBT 2 is merit-based. Maintain accuracy under pressure, as cut-offs are usually high. |
Summary of RRB NTPC CBT 1 vs CBT 2
We have given below a summary table discussing the important points of RRB NTPC CBT 1 vs CBT 2. Check out the details:
| Aspect | CBT 1 | CBT 2 |
| Objective | Screening test | Final merit deciding |
| Marks Distribution | Equal weightage across 3 sections | GA > Maths > Reasoning |
| Question Count | 100 | 120 |
| Difficulty | Easy-Moderate | Moderate-Difficult |
| Preparation Focus | Basics + Speed | Depth + Accuracy |
| Role in Selection | Qualifying | Crucial for Merit |
When it comes to RRB NTPC CBT 1 vs CBT 2, candidates must understand that both stages are equally important but serve different purposes.
- CBT 1 ensures you clear the initial cut-off.
- CBT 2 is where you must outperform competitors to secure your dream railway job.
If you prepare strategically – building speed for CBT 1 and depth for CBT 2 – cracking RRB NTPC will not remain a distant dream.
FAQs
Yes. CBT 1 is only a screening test. Marks from CBT 1 are not considered for the final merit list. Only CBT 2 marks are counted for selection.
CBT 1 is easier, has fewer questions (100), and serves as a qualifying round, whereas CBT 2 is tougher, has more questions (120), and plays a decisive role in the final merit list.
Both CBT 1 and CBT 2 are conducted for 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates)
General Awareness (GA) carries the highest weightage (50 marks) in CBT 2, making it the most important section for scoring well.
No. While the syllabus is similar, the difficulty level in CBT 2 is higher. Candidates must prepare advanced-level mathematics, reasoning puzzles, and in-depth current affairs to clear CBT 2
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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.