RRB NTPC Preparation 2026
RRB NTPC Preparation 2026, Study Plan, Strategy & Tips
This article explains how candidates can prepare for RRB NTPC 2026 through a structured study plan. It covers subject-wise preparation, weekly scheduling, mock test practice, revision strategy, time management, recommended resources, and mistakes that should be avoided during preparation.
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RRB NTPC Previous Year Question Papers
RRB NTPC Previous Year Question Papers, Download PYQs
This page includes RRB NTPC previous year question papers for candidates preparing for the exam. Solving these papers helps in understanding the actual question pattern, difficulty level, frequently asked topics, and the level of speed and accuracy required for CBT 1 and CBT 2.
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Preparing for the RRB NTPC 2026 exam requires a clear understanding of the syllabus, consistent practice and effective time management. The Railway Recruitment Boards conduct the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) examination for Graduate and Undergraduate posts. Candidates preparing for CBT 1 should focus on General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence and Reasoning. A structured study plan, regular mock tests and previous year question papers can help improve speed, accuracy and overall performance. This article provides a complete RRB NTPC preparation strategy for 2026, including the exam pattern, subject-wise preparation tips, a 90-day study plan and recommended study resources.
How to Prepare for RRB NTPC 2026?
Candidates preparing for RRB NTPC 2026 should begin by understanding the syllabus and exam pattern. A successful preparation strategy should combine concept-building, daily question practice, revision and mock-test analysis. The following steps can help candidates prepare effectively:
- Understand the CBT 1 and CBT 2 exam patterns.
- Identify important topics from all three subjects.
- Prepare a realistic daily and weekly study timetable.
- Strengthen basic concepts before attempting difficult questions.
- Solve previous year question papers regularly.
- Practise questions within a fixed time limit.
- Revise General Awareness and current affairs consistently.
- Attempt mock tests and analyse incorrect answers.
- Maintain a notebook of formulas, facts and recurring mistakes.
- Adjust the study plan according to mock-test performance.
What is the RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026?
Understanding the RRB NTPC exam pattern is essential before starting preparation. Both Graduate and Undergraduate candidates must prepare for the prescribed computer-based examinations.
RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Duration: 90 minutes.
Negative marking: One-third mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
Question type: Multiple-choice questions.
Purpose: CBT 1 is generally used to shortlist candidates for CBT 2.
The usual duration is 120 minutes for eligible candidates using a scribe, subject to the applicable notification.
RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
|---|
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
|---|
| Total | 120 | 120 |
|---|
- Duration: 90 minutes.
- Negative marking: One-third mark for every incorrect answer.
- Difficulty: Generally higher than CBT 1, although the broad subjects remain the same.
The recruitment process may also involve a typing skill test for applicable posts, followed by document verification and medical examination. Candidates should check the RRB NTPC Notification 2026 for the selection stages applicable to their chosen posts.
RRB NTPC Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy 2026
Candidates should prepare the three CBT subjects separately while maintaining a balanced daily schedule.
| Subject | Key Preparation Areas | Recommended Strategy |
|---|
| Mathematics | Arithmetic, number system, algebra, geometry and data interpretation | Learn formulas, practise calculations and solve timed questions |
|---|
| Reasoning | Series, coding-decoding, analogies, relationships and analytical reasoning | Focus on logical approaches, patterns and accuracy |
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| General Awareness | History, geography, polity, science, general knowledge and current affairs | Study static topics, make concise notes and revise frequently |
|---|
RRB NTPC Mathematics Preparation Strategy
Mathematics requires strong fundamentals and regular calculation practice. Candidates should start with basic arithmetic and gradually move towards other syllabus topics.
| Important Topics | Preparation Tips |
|---|
| Number System | Practise divisibility, factors, multiples and simplification |
|---|
| Percentage | Learn percentage-to-fraction conversions and applications |
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| Profit and Loss | Understand cost price, selling price and discount calculations |
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| Ratio and Proportion | Practise comparison and distribution questions |
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| Simple and Compound Interest | Learn formulas and solve application-based questions |
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| Time and Work | Practise work-efficiency methods |
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| Speed, Time and Distance | Solve train, relative speed and average speed questions |
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| Average | Understand weighted and combined averages |
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| Algebra | Practise basic equations and identities |
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| Geometry and Mensuration | Revise properties, formulas and diagrams |
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| Trigonometry | Learn basic identities and standard values |
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| Data Interpretation | Practise tables and graphs within a time limit |
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Preparation tip: Solve a manageable number of questions daily and analyse the questions that take too much time. Accuracy should improve before attempting advanced speed techniques.
RRB NTPC Reasoning Preparation Strategy
Reasoning evaluates a candidate's ability to identify relationships, recognize patterns and draw logical conclusions.
| Important Topics | Preparation Tips |
|---|
| Number and Alphabet Series | Identify changes, gaps and recurring patterns |
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| Coding-Decoding | Practise letter, number and symbol-based coding |
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| Analogy | Understand relationships between words, letters and numbers |
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| Classification | Identify the item that does not follow a common rule |
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| Blood Relations | Use family diagrams to simplify relationships |
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| Direction Sense | Draw direction diagrams while solving |
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| Order and Ranking | Use positions and simple arrangements |
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| Venn Diagrams | Practise classification and set relationships |
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| Syllogism | Apply logical rules without assuming extra information |
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| Mathematical Operations | Follow the given operation substitutions carefully |
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| Statement and Conclusion | Draw conclusions using only the supplied facts |
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| Analytical Reasoning | Improve speed through regular timed practice |
|---|
Candidates can begin with 20-30 reasoning questions daily and gradually increase the number according to their accuracy.
RRB NTPC General Awareness Preparation Strategy
General Awareness carries the highest number of questions in CBT 1. Candidates should prepare both static general knowledge and current affairs.
| Important Topics | Preparation Strategy |
|---|
| Indian History | Focus on major historical events, freedom movement and important personalities |
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| Indian Polity | Study the Constitution, Parliament, President, judiciary and fundamental rights |
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| Geography | Prepare Indian geography, physical features, rivers, climate and resources |
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| General Science | Revise Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the prescribed general level |
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| Indian Economy | Understand basic economic concepts, banking and major institutions |
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| Current Affairs | Revise national and international developments regularly |
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| Sports | Prepare important tournaments, awards and achievements |
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| Art and Culture | Study monuments, festivals, literature and heritage |
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| Important Organisations | Revise headquarters, functions and related facts |
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| Computer Basics | Cover fundamental terminology and applications |
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Preparation tip: Maintain separate short notes for static general knowledge and current affairs. Revise factual topics repeatedly instead of reading new material without revision.
RRB NTPC 90-Day Preparation Strategy 2026
A 90-day preparation plan can help candidates cover the syllabus systematically. The following schedule is suitable for candidates who can devote approximately four to six hours daily. Those with limited time can extend the plan while maintaining the same sequence.
| Preparation Phase | Days | Main Focus | Practice Target |
|---|
| Foundation | Day 1–15 | Basic Mathematics, introductory Reasoning and core General Awareness | Topic-wise questions and concept revision |
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| Syllabus Coverage | Day 16–30 | Remaining arithmetic, reasoning concepts, science and static GK | Daily practice sets and one weekly mock |
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| Previous Year Questions | Day 31–45 | Solve frequently asked question types and identify weak topics | Timed PYQ sets and sectional tests |
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| Speed Improvement | Day 46–60 | Calculation speed, reasoning accuracy and GA revision | Two to three full-length mocks per week |
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| Mock-Test Practice | Day 61–75 | Examination simulation and error analysis | Three to four full-length mocks per week |
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| Final Revision | Day 76–90 | Important formulas, short notes, mistakes and mock analysis | Full mocks, targeted practice and revision |
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Days 1–30: Build the Foundation
During the first month, candidates should focus on conceptual clarity and covering the basic syllabus.
| Subject | Topics to Prepare | Daily Activity |
|---|
| Mathematics | Number System, Percentage, Ratio, Average, Profit and Loss, Interest | Learn concepts and solve 20–30 questions |
|---|
| Reasoning | Series, Analogy, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations and Ranking | Solve 20–30 questions |
|---|
| General Awareness | History, Polity, Geography and General Science | Study and revise two or three small topics |
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| Current Affairs | Important national and international events | Spend 20–30 minutes on revision |
|---|
By the end of Day 30, candidates should have a reasonable understanding of the major syllabus topics and a list of weaker areas.
Days 31–60: Practice Previous Year Questions and Improve Speed
The second month should focus on completing the remaining syllabus and practicing questions under time constraints.
| Preparation Area | Recommended Activity |
|---|
| Mathematics | Practice arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data interpretation |
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| Reasoning | Solve timed reasoning sets and revise difficult question types |
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| General Awareness | Revise static topics and practise current affairs quizzes |
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| Previous Year Papers | Solve topic-wise and full-length previous year questions |
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| Mock Tests | Attempt two or three full-length tests weekly |
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| Analysis | Record mistakes, slow topics and accuracy levels |
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Candidates should use mock-test results to decide which topics require additional attention.
Days 61–90: Mock Tests and Final Revision
The final month should prioritize examination readiness rather than collecting additional study material.
| Activity | Recommended Strategy |
|---|
| Full-Length Mock Tests | Attempt three to five weekly, depending on preparation level |
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| Mathematics Revision | Revise formulas and practise weak arithmetic topics |
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| Reasoning Revision | Practise recurring mistakes and time-consuming questions |
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| General Awareness Revision | Review short notes, science facts and current affairs |
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| Previous Year Papers | Revisit difficult questions and important patterns |
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| Error Analysis | Review incorrect answers and questions left unattempted |
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Candidates should avoid unnecessarily increasing the number of mock tests if they are unable to analyze their performance properly.
RRB NTPC Weekly Study Plan 2026
A weekly timetable helps candidates maintain consistency across Mathematics, Reasoning and General Awareness. The following schedule assumes approximately four hours of daily preparation.
| Day | Mathematics - 1.5 Hours | Reasoning - 1 Hour | General Awareness - 1 Hour | Revision - 30 Minutes |
|---|
| Monday | Percentage | Coding-Decoding | Modern Indian History | Formula revision |
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| Tuesday | Profit and Loss | Number and Alphabet Series | Indian Geography | Revise incorrect questions |
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| Wednesday | Ratio and Proportion | Blood Relations | Indian Polity | Current affairs |
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| Thursday | Simple and Compound Interest | Order and Ranking | General Science: Physics | Short notes |
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| Friday | Time and Work | Direction Sense | General Science: Biology | Weekly facts revision |
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| Saturday | Speed, Time and Distance | Venn Diagrams and Syllogism | General Science: Chemistry | Timed practice |
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| Sunday | Mathematics sectional test | Reasoning sectional test | General Awareness quiz | Weekly mock analysis |
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The schedule can be modified according to individual strengths and weaknesses.
How many hours should you study for RRB NTPC 2026?
There is no fixed number of study hours that guarantees selection. Candidates should choose a schedule they can follow consistently.
| Candidate Type | Suggested Daily Study Time | Main Focus |
|---|
| Beginners | 4–6 hours | Complete basics and build subject knowledge |
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| Intermediate Candidates | 3–5 hours | Improve speed and practise previous year questions |
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| Working Candidates | 2–3 focused hours | Prioritise important topics and regular revision |
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| Candidates Near the Exam | 4–6 hours, where practical | Mock tests, weak areas and revision |
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Focused preparation and regular revision are generally more useful than studying for long hours without a clear plan.
What is the Role of Mock Tests in RRB NTPC Preparation?
Mock tests help candidates understand the examination format, practise time management and identify weak areas.
| Stage | Action | Purpose |
|---|
| Before the Mock | Revise formulas and set a time-management target | Enter the test with a clear strategy |
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| During the Mock | Attempt familiar questions first | Improve accuracy and manage time |
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| During the Mock | Avoid unnecessary guesses | Reduce negative marking |
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| After the Mock | Analyse incorrect answers | Identify conceptual mistakes |
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| After the Mock | Review unattempted questions | Understand time-management problems |
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| After the Mock | Track accuracy and scores | Measure preparation progress |
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| Weekly Review | Compare performance across mocks | Identify improving and declining subjects |
|---|
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How to Analyse RRB NTPC Mock Tests?
Candidates should not focus only on their mock-test scores. A proper analysis helps determine why marks were lost.
| Performance Indicator | What to Check | Corrective Action |
|---|
| Accuracy | Percentage of correct answers among attempted questions | Reduce careless mistakes |
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| Time Management | Questions taking excessive time | Practise timed question sets |
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| Subject Performance | Marks obtained in each subject | Increase practice for weak subjects |
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| Negative Marking | Incorrect attempts | Avoid unsupported guesses |
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| Question Selection | Easy questions left unattempted | Change the attempt sequence |
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| Conceptual Mistakes | Repeated errors in the same topic | Revise fundamentals |
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| Revision Gaps | Previously studied facts forgotten | Increase revision frequency |
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An error notebook should include the question type, reason for the mistake and correct solution.
How to Use RRB NTPC Previous Year Question Papers?
Previous year question papers help candidates understand question patterns, subject distribution and expected difficulty levels.
Candidates should use previous year papers in three stages:
Topic-wise practice: Solve questions after studying each chapter.
Timed practice: Attempt questions within a fixed time limit.
Full-paper simulation: Solve complete papers under examination conditions.
While previous year papers are useful for identifying recurring question types, candidates should prepare the complete syllabus rather than depending only on previously asked questions.
Download RRB NTPC Previous Year Question Papers
What Is the Toppers' Strategy for RRB NTPC Preparation?
A practical preparation approach involves identifying important syllabus areas, practising regularly and improving performance based on test results.
| Preparation Area | Recommended Approach |
|---|
| Mathematics | One core reference book, formula revision and previous year questions |
|---|
| Reasoning | Topic-wise exercises and timed practice |
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| General Awareness | Static GK notes and regular current affairs revision |
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| Mock Tests | Consistent testing with detailed analysis |
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| Revision | Weekly review of notes and mistakes |
|---|
| Time Management | Attempt manageable questions first and avoid spending too long on one question |
|---|
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What are the recommended RRB NTPC Resources?
The recommended RRB NTPC resources include books from R.S Aggarwal, Kiran Publications, and more. Check them out below:
| Resource Type | Examples | Purpose |
|---|
| Books | R.S Aggarwal, Kiran Publication Guides | Foundation & Question Practice |
| Current Affairs | Monthly PDFs & Apps | GK Updates |
| Mock Platforms | Oliveboard | Simulation & Performance |
| Formula Notes | Self-made notebook | Quick Revision |
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What is the topper's strategy for RRB NTPC Preparation?
Toppers usually start with reverse planning, practising 5-7 years question trends. Instead of randomly completing topics, toppers begin by analyzing:
- Previous 5 - 7 years' question trends
- Section-wise weightage
- High-return topics (low effort, high marks)
Resource Overload in RRB NTPC Preparation
One common mistake among average aspirants is resource overload. Toppers strictly follow:
- One book per subject
- One current affairs source
- One mock test platform
| Subject | Topper Approach |
|---|
| Mathematics | One concept book + PYQs |
| Reasoning | Topic-wise practice + timed sets |
| GK/GA | Monthly current affairs + static notes |
Time Management on the Exam Day
A disciplined approach ensures you score maximum with minimum stress. The suggested question strategy includes:
- First 15 mins: Attempt the easiest GK
- Next 30 mins: Maths (high accuracy topics)
- Last 15 - 20 mins: Reasoning puzzles
What are rules that should be followed for RRB NTPC Preparation?
There are certain guidelines, such as creating a proper study plan, solving previous year papers, that candidates must follow during the exam preparation. However, they should also be cautious about certain things. Given below is a proper RRB NTPC Preparation Guide:
| Must Follow | Should Not Follow |
|---|
| Understand the detailed RRB NTPC Syllabus and exam pattern | Never delay in starting your preparation for the exam |
| Create a proper study plan according to your convenience | Do not study for long hours without taking proper breaks |
| Practice the imporatnt topics of General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning | Try to avoid distractions and choose a quiet place while studying for the exam |
| Solve previous year papers and mock tests | Do not panic during your exam preparation |
| Follow the newspaper daily to know the current events and happenings | Never ever compare your preparation strategy and plan with other candidates |
| Develop connection with qualified students on the social media platform to know their experience and gain some tips | You must not skip your meal or exercise during this period |
| Always maintain a positive mindset | Refrain yourself from using old study materials |
Key Points for RRB NTPC Preparation 2026
- Understand the CBT 1 and CBT 2 patterns before beginning preparation.
- CBT 1 consists of 100 questions worth 100 marks and lasts 90 minutes.
- CBT 2 consists of 120 questions worth 120 marks and lasts 90 minutes.
- Both stages have negative marking of one-third mark per incorrect answer.
- General Awareness carries 40 questions in CBT 1.
- Prepare Mathematics, Reasoning and General Awareness consistently.
- Use a 90-day study plan to balance syllabus coverage, practice and revision.
- Solve previous year papers and analyse recurring question types.
- Attempt regular mock tests and maintain an error notebook.
- Revise formulas, static GK and current affairs before the examination.
Explore All RRB NTPC Courses
