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

RRB NTPC
RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories)

What is RRB NTPC?

RRB NTPC stands for Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories. It is a prominent examination conducted by Indian Railways to recruit candidates for various non-technical posts at the 12th pass and graduate levels across different zones of Indian Railways. These posts include roles such as Traffic Assistant, Goods Guard, Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Junior Clerk cum Typist, and Station Master. The exam is organized by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) and is conducted in two phases: CBT 1 (Computer-Based Test 1) and CBT 2 (Computer-Based Test 2).

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 30

2. Graduate Level Post

  • Educational Qualification: Bachelor Degree
  • Age limit: 18 to 33

How to apply RRB NTPC?

Documents Required for RRB NTPC

  • Scanned recent passport-size photograph and signature
  • Class 10th mark sheet and certificate
  • Class 12th mark sheet and certificate
  • Graduation mark sheet and certificate (for candidates applying for Graduate Level Posts)
  • Caste certificate (if applicable)
  • Disability certificate (PwD) (if applicable)
  • EBC certificate (if applicable)
  • Aadhaar card (linked with a valid mobile number)
Note: If a candidate has previously applied for RRB, they do not need to register again. They can directly log in using their old user ID and password.

1. Account Creation

  • To apply for the RRB NTPC exam the candidate must first visit the official website of RRB.
  • After visiting the site the candidate should click on the "Apply" button and select the "Create Account" option from the given choices.
  • A registration form will open on the screen where the candidate needs to fill in their personal details, contact information, set a password and click on the "Create Account" button.

2. Login

  • After successful registration the candidate should click on the "Apply" button and select the "Already have an account" option from the given choices.
  • Next the candidate must enter their registered mobile number or email and password and click on the login button to proceed.

3. Preference Selection

After logging in successfully the candidate must select the RRB based on their preference for NTPC undergraduate or graduate posts as per the notification and click the "Next" button to proceed.

4. Application Form

After selecting preferences and RRB a form will appear on the screen where the candidate must accurately fill in the following details:

  • Personal Details: The candidate must fill in the community details, current address, permanent address, and category details correctly and click on the "Save and Next" button.
  • Other Details: In this section the candidate must fill in category details, EBC details (if applicable), and bank details and then click on the "Save and Next" button.
  • Educational Qualification: In this section the candidate must enter their educational qualifications for Class 10, Class 12, and graduation (if the candidate is a graduate or applying for a graduate post) and then click on the "Next" button.
  • Document Upload: The candidate must upload a recently scanned passport-size photograph and signature as per the specifications and then click on the "Save and Next" button.
  • Post Preference: Based on the selected RRB the candidate must choose the post (candidate can select one or more posts), region, and PU (Production Unit). After selecting the post the candidate must check the declaration checkbox and click on the "Save and Preview" button.
  • Submit: Submit: After reviewing the accuracy of the form the candidate must click on the "Submit" button to submit form.

4. Fee Payment

Once the form is submitted the candidate must pay the exam fee using any available payment mode.

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern

The RRB NTPC exam is conducted in three main stages:

  • Stage - 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT 1)
  • Stage - 2: Computer-Based Test (CBT 2)
  • Typing Skill Test (TST): This is applicable only for selected posts.

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

1. RRB NTPC Stage - 1 (CBT - 1) Exam Pattern
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 Stage - 2 (CBT - 2) Exam Pattern

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

After qualifying both Stage 1 and Stage 2 candidates become eligible for the Typing Skill Test (TST). This test is not conducted for all candidates; it is specifically for those who have applied for positions like Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, etc.
In this test candidates are given a passage in which they have to demonstrate their typing speed and accuracy by choosing either English or Hindi as their language. The typing requirements are as follows:

  • English: 30 WPM (Words Per Minute) for a total of 300 words in 10 minutes.
  • Hindi: 25 WPM (Words Per Minute) for a total of 250 words in 10 minutes.
Typing Skill Test (TST)
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

  • Stage 1 Answer Key: A some after the Stage 1 exam RRB releases the answer key for the NTPC exam.
  • Stage 1 Result: After the release of the Stage 1 answer key RRB announces the Stage 1 result on its official website.
  • Stage 2 Exam: After the Stage 1 exam and result announcement candidates who pass Stage 1 are eligible for the Stage 2 exam conducted by RRB.
  • Stage 2 Answer Key: A few days after the Stage 2 exam RRB releases the answer key for Stage 2.
  • Stage 2 Result: A few days after the answer key is released the final results for NTPC are declared.
  • Document Verification: After the RRB NTPC final result is declared all the qualified candidates from all stage are called for document verification. Candidates are sent to the next stage only if their documents are found to be valid.
  • Medical Test: After the verification of documents the candidate has to submit a normal medical report.
  • Final Selection: After passing all stages candidates receive an official joining letter from the indian railway.

RRB NTPC Post list

RRB NTPC posts are divided into two categories:

  • Undergraduate Level Post
  • Graduate Level Post

1. Undergraduate Level Post

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

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 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 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 Benifits & 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.