What is Railway RRB NTPC Exam? - Full Form, Salary, Age limit and Qualification

Last updated: 21 May 2025
RRB NTPC
RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories)
Table of Contents
What is RRB NTPC? What is NTPC? RRB NTPC Post list RRB NTPC Exam Summary RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria RRB NTPC Exam Pattern RRB NTPC Selection Process RRB NTPC Work Profile RRB NTPC Post wise Salary RRB NTPC Perk & Allowence RRB NTPC Advantages RRB NTPC Disadvantages

What is RRB NTPC?

The full form of RRB NTPC is Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories. It is a major examination conducted to recruit candidates for various non-technical posts at 12th pass and graduate level in various zones of Indian Railways. Through RRB NTPC exam, recruitment is done for posts like Traffic Assistant, Goods Guard, Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Junior Clerk cum Typist and Station Master. This exam is conducted by Railway Recruitment Board once every year in two stages (CBT 1 and CBT 2).

What is NTPC?

The full form of NTPC is Non-Technical Popular Categories. The term NTPC is used for those posts in the railways which are not technical, that is, which do not require an engineering or technical degree.

RRB NTPC Post list

The RRB conducts the NTPC exam to recruit candidates for various posts in Indian Railways. These posts are mainly divided into two categories:

  • Undergraduate Level Post
  • Graduate Level Post

1. Undergraduate Level Post

The minimum educational qualification for these category is 12th pass. These posts fall under entry level roles in Railways.

1. Undergraduate Level Post
Sr.no Post
1 Trains Clerk
2 Accounts Clerk cum Typist
3 Commercial cum Ticket Clerk
4 Junior Time Keeper
5 Junior Clerk cum Typist

2. Graduate Level Post

It is mandatory for candidates to pass graduation for these category. These posts are important and highly responsible posts in Railways.

2. Graduate Level Post
Sr.no Post
1 Station Master
2 Senior Clerk cum Typist
3 Traffic Assistant
4 Commercial Apprentice
5 Junior Account Assistant cum Typist
6 Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk
7 Senior Time Keeper
8 Goods Guard

RRB NTPC Exam Summary

RRB NTPC Exam Summary
Detail Information
Exam Name RRB NTPC
Full Form Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories
Conducting Body Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
Purpose Recruitment for Non-Technical posts in Indian Railways
Target Candidates
  • 12th Pass Candidates
  • Graduate Candidates
Exam Level National
Frequency Once year or as per Requirement
Application Mode Online
Official Website Website

RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria

1. Undergraduate Level Post

  • Educational Qualification: 12th Pass
  • Age limit: 18 to 33

2. Graduate Level Post

  • Educational Qualification: Bachelor Degree
  • Age limit: 18 to 36

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern

RRB NTPC exam is one of the most popular government exams in India. Through this exam, candidates are appointed to various non-technical posts of railways. rrb ntpc exam is conducted in a total of three main stages:

  • Stage - 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT 1)
  • Stage - 2: Computer-Based Test (CBT 2)
  • Stage - 3: Typing Skill Test (TST) - Applicable only for select posts

1. RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern (Stage - 1)

RRB NTPC CBT 1 exam is the first stage exam conducted by Railway Recruitment Board. This stage is only a screening test, the purpose of which is to select suitable candidates from a large number of applicants and shortlist them for CBT 2. This exam is compulsory for all candidates and on the basis of marks obtained in it, candidates are selected for the next stage (CBT 2). This exam is completely computer based and 100 multiple choice questions (MCQs) are asked in it.

1. RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern (Stage - 1)
Exam mode Computer Based Test (CBT)
Question Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Section
  • Mathematics
  • General Intelligence & Reasoning
  • General Awareness
Duration 90 minutes
Total Question 100
Total Marks 100

1. Mathematics

1. Mathematics
Mode of Exam Computer Based Test (CBT)
Type of Question Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Total Question 30
Total Marks 30

2. General Intelligence and Reasoning

2. General Intelligence and Reasoning
Mode of Exam Computer Based Test (CBT)
Type of Question Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Total question 30
Total Marks 30

3. General Awareness

3. General Awareness
Mode of Exam Computer Based Test (CBT)
Type of Question Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Total question 40
Total Marks 40

2. RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern (Stage - 2)

RRB NTPC CBT 2 is the second main exam conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board. This exam is for those candidates who are successful in CBT 1. The level of CBT 2 is a little more difficult, as the final selection of candidates is done on its basis. This is also a computer based exam and 120 multiple choice questions (MCQs) of 120 marks are asked in it.

2. RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern (Stage - 2)
Exam Mode Computer Based Test (CBT)
Question type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Section
  • Mathematics
  • General Intelligence & Reasoning
  • General Awareness
Duration 90 minutes
Total Question 120
Total Marks 120

1. Mathematics

1. Mathematics
Mode of Exam Computer Based Test (CBT)
Type of Question Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Total question 35
Total Marks 35

2. General Intelligence and Reasoning

2. General Intelligence and Reasoning
Mode of Exam Computer Based Test (CBT)
Type of Question Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Total question 35
Total Marks 35

3. General Awareness

3. General Awareness
Mode of Exam Computer Based Test (CBT)
Type of Question Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Total question 50
Total Marks 50

3. RRB NTPC Typing Skill Test (TST)

RRB NTPC Typing Skill Test RRB NTPC Typing Skill Test (TST) is an important stage of the railway recruitment process. This test is not mandatory for all candidates. This test is only for those candidates who have applied for typing related posts. This test is qualifying in nature. That is, it is necessary to succeed in it, but its marks are not added to the merit.

The main purpose of this test is to check whether the candidates meet the minimum typing speed and accuracy. Candidates have to select a language either English or Hindi, and type the given paragraph in that language in 10 minutes. Failing in the typing test will disqualify the candidate for that post, even if he has performed well in CBT 1 and CBT 2.

Minimum Typing Requirements:

Minimum Typing Requirements
Language Minimum Typing Speed Time Limit Total Words
English 30 words per minute 10 minutes 300 words
Hindi 25 words per minute 10 minutes 250 words

Typing Skill Test (TST) Summary

Typing Skill Test (TST) Summary
Posts
  • Junior Clerk cum Typist
  • Accounts Clerk cum Typist
  • Senior Clerk cum Typist
  • Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist
  • Senior Time Keeper
  • Junior Time Keeper
Nature Qualifying
Language English or Hindi
Type of Question Passage
Duration 10 Minutes

RRB NTPC Selection Process

RRB NTPC selection process is a multi-stage recruitment process, which selects suitable candidates by evaluating the knowledge, skills and physical fitness of the candidates. This process is completed in several stages, which include computer based exams, typing skill test, document verification and medical test. Each step is detailed below:

  • CBT 1 Exam: First the candidates are given a Computer Based Test (CBT 1).
  • CBT 1 Result: The result of CBT 1 is declared after few days of CBT 1.
  • CBT 2 Exam: Candidates who cleared CBT 1 had to appear in CBT 2 Exam, which is the second major stage of the selection process. This exam is slightly more difficult than CBT 1 in terms of content level and number of questions.
  • Typing Skill Test (TST) (For Selected Posts Only): Candidates are called for typing skill test for the posts for which typing is required. This exam is only qualifying and its marks are not added in merit.
  • CBT 2 Result: After a few days of CBT 2, the final result is declared by RRB, in which the list of selected candidates is published.
  • Document Verification: Successful candidates in CBT and other tests are invited for Document Verification (DV). Candidates are required to appear with valid copies of all their original documents. Selection can be canceled if wrong or fake documents are found.
  • Medical Test: After document verification candidates have to submit general medical report.

RRB NTPC Work Profile

1. Undergraduate Post

  • Commercial cum Ticket Clerk: The Commercial cum Ticket Clerk is the highest paying post in RRB NTPC Undergraduate Post. The role of Commercial cum Ticket Clerk involves managing ticketing and commercial services at railway stations. This includes issuing tickets to passengers, handling reservations and resolving inquiries related to ticketing services.
  • Junior Clerk cum Typist: The Junior Clerk cum Typist assists Senior Clerk cum Typists in performing clerical and typing duties in railway offices. Tasks include maintaining documents and records, data entry and typing official letters or reports.
  • Accounts Clerk cum Typist: An Accounts Clerk cum Typist is responsible for managing railway financial records and accounting functions. Duties include maintaining records of invoices, bills and payments, entering data, performing typing tasks and verifying financial transactions. Accurate record keeping and documentation are primary responsibilities for this post.
  • Junior Time Keeper: The Junior Time Keeper assists the Senior Time Keeper in managing timekeeping and scheduling in railway operations. This role includes reporting any delays or issues that may arise during operations.
  • Trains Clerk: The role of a Trains Clerk involves maintaining railway operations and train records. Responsibilities include noting the number of coaches and wagons in presented trains at railway yards and junctions, tracking train movements, maintaining freight details, monitoring loading/unloading processes and feeding train related information into the railways computer network.

2. Graduate Post

  • Commercial Apprentice: The Commercial Apprentice is a trainee and highest paying position in RRB NTPC graduate post where candidates receive training in various aspects of railway commercial operations. This role includes learning about ticketing, reservations, freight operations, parcel management and railway revenue collection. During the training period, Commercial Apprentices rotate through different departments at the station.
  • Traffic Assistant: The Traffic Assistant is responsible for monitoring signals and regulating the movement of trains at railway stations.
  • Goods Guard: This post is related to traveling and train safety. The Goods Guard travels in the last compartment of the goods train, monitoring its movement and ensuring that the goods train reaches its destination safely.
  • Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk: This role is a senior version of the Commercial cum Ticket Clerk. A Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk provides ticketing and commercial services to passengers at railway stations. Responsibilities include issuing tickets at booking counters, handling reservations, resolving inquiries, managing ticket cancellations, processing refunds and maintaining revenue records.
  • Senior Clerk cum Typist: The Senior Clerk cum Typist manages clerical and typing-related duties. They maintain important documents, files and records in railway offices and complete typing work timely and accurately. This role involves significant paperwork and data entry, including preparing and updating reports, official letters and office records.
  • Junior Account Assistant cum Typist: The primary responsibility of a Junior Account Assistant cum Typist is to maintain the railways financial records and accounts. This includes keeping records of bills, invoices and payments, preparing accounting reports and official documents through typing and verifying financial transactions.
  • Senior Time Keeper: The Senior Time Keeper manages time schedules and staff shifts in railway operations ensuring that trains arrive and depart on schedule. Responsibilities include maintaining time records, coordinating shifts and duties and keeping track of staff attendance.
  • Station Master: The Station Master is the head (senior) of a specific station and is responsible for managing and supervising all station operations. Key duties include ensuring that trains arrive and depart on time, maintaining passenger safety, ensuring station cleanliness and overseeing staff duties.

RRB NTPC Post wise Salary

1. Undergraduate Post Salary

The salary for RRB NTPC Undergraduate level posts ranges from ₹19,900/- to ₹21,700/-.

1. Undergraduate Post Salary
Sr.no Post Pay level (7th) Salary
1 Trains Clerk 2 ₹19,900/-
2 Accounts Clerk cum Typist 2 ₹19,900/-
3 Commercial cum Ticket Clerk 2 ₹21,700/-
4 Junior Time Keeper 2 ₹19,900/-
5 Junior Clerk cum Typist 2 ₹19,900/-

2. Graduate Post Salary

The salary for RRB NTPC Graduate level posts ranges from ₹25,500/- to ₹35,400/-.

2. Graduate Post Salary
Sr.no Post Pay level (7th) Salary
1 Station Master 6 ₹35,400/-
2 Senior Clerk cum Typist 5 ₹29,200/-
3 Traffic Assistant 4 ₹25,500/-
4 Commercial Apprentice 6 ₹35,400/-
5 Junior Account Assistant cum Typist 5 ₹29,200/-
6 Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk 5 ₹29,200/-
7 Senior Time Keeper 5 ₹29,200/-
8 Goods Guard 5 ₹29,200/-

RRB NTPC Perk & Allowence

  • Dearness Allowance (DA)
  • House Rent Allowance (HRA)
  • Transport Allowance (TA)
  • Medical Allowance
  • Work Shift Allowance (Night or extra)
  • Child Education Allowance
  • Insurence
  • Pension
  • Retirement Benefits (Gratuity)
  • Leave Benefits (Casual Leave, 30 days LAP, Sick Leave, Study Leave, Child Care Leave, Paternity Leave)
  • Maternity and Child Care Leave (for female employees)
  • Fixed working hour
  • Training and Development

RRB NTPC Advantages

  • Diverse Job Profile: Candidates can choose jobs based on their interests across various roles available in the RRB NTPC exam.
  • Computer-Based Work: Most posts in RRB NTPC involve computer based tasks offering flexibility in working conditions. This reduces physical stress and provides a comfortable working environment.
  • Direct Exam Based Selection: The selection process for all RRB NTPC posts is purely based on exam performance. Candidates need to clear the Computer Based Test (CBT) with no personal interview involved.

RRB NTPC Disadvantages

  • High Competition: Every year over 1 crore candidates apply for the RRB NTPC exam making it a highly competitive environment.
  • Long Selection Process: The selection process for NTPC is quite lengthy, involving multiple stages such as CBT exams, gaps between exams, typing tests and document verification.
  • Crowd Management: For certain roles like Ticket Clerk and Station Clerk, managing large crowds can be challenging, especially during festivals or peak seasons, when thousands of passengers require ticketing and inquiries.
  • High Work Pressure: Managing ticketing services and operations for thousands or even millions of passengers daily can be stressful. This includes resolving complaints and inquiries, maintaining records and handling data entry.
  • Rigid Work Hours: Candidates in some RRB NTPC posts may face rigid work hours making it difficult to maintain a work life balance during busy seasons or festivals.
  • Job Nature: While the job roles in NTPC are diverse, some positions involve monotonous or repetitive tasks especially in clerical roles, which can lead to boredom.
  • Less Scope for Creativity: Many tasks in RRB NTPC posts are predefined and procedural limiting opportunities for personal innovation and creativity. Work must adhere to specific guidelines and standard operating procedures.
  • High Responsibility: Positions such as Station Master, Commercial Apprentice or Traffic Assistant come with significant responsibilities. Any mistakes can directly impact passenger safety, railway services and public trust.

Read Also:

Related Articles

Station Master

Station Master

Central Excise Inspector

Central Excise Inspector

Quick Links