Candidates gearing up for the RRB Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) exam in 2024 need to devise a solid strategy to successfully navigate the exam and secure a position within the esteemed Indian Railways. The RRB NTPC exam covers various posts, including Assistant Station Master, Traffic Assistant, Commercial Apprentice, Traffic Apprentice, and Goods Guard, making it a coveted opportunity due to its promising career progression within the Indian Railways.
The RRB NTPC Exam 2024 comprises several stages: the First Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT), the Second Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT), the Typing Skill Test/Computer-Based Aptitude Test (as applicable), and the Document Verification/Medical Examination.
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2024 for CBT 1
The initial CBT of the RRB NTPC consists of questions from General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. This stage is qualifying in nature.
| Sections | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Total of 100 questions for 100 marks.
- Each question carries 1 mark.
- Negative marking of 1/3 mark for each incorrect answer.
- Exam duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PWD candidates).
- Minimum qualifying percentage: UR – 40%, EWS – 40%, OBC – 30%, SC – 30%, ST – 25%.
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2024 for CBT 2
Candidates who pass CBT 1 will progress to the RRB NTPC CBT 2 exam. This stage also includes three sections: General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning.
| Sections | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
- Total of 120 questions for 120 marks.
- Each question carries 1 mark.
- Negative marking of 1/3 for every incorrect answer.
- Exam duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PWD candidates).
- Difficulty level varies based on the post.
- Minimum qualifying percentage: UR – 40%, EWS – 40%, OBC – 30%, SC – 30%, ST – 25%.
RRB NTPC Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
The CBAT applies only to candidates who applied for the positions of Traffic Assistant and Station Master. Candidates are shortlisted for CBAT based on their scores in the Second Stage CBT.
Typing Skill Test is conducted for:
- Senior Clerk Cum Typist
- Senior Time Keeper
- Accounts Clerk
- Junior Time Keeper
- Junior Clerk Cum Typist
| Medium of Language | Typing Speed |
|---|---|
| English | 30 words per minute |
| Hindi | 25 words per minute |
- Minimum T-score of 42 marks required to qualify.
- No negative marking in CBAT.
- The Typing Skill Test is qualifying and will be conducted in both Hindi and English without the use of editing tools.
- Candidates must score at least 70% in CBT 2 and 30% in CBAT to qualify for document verification.
Preparation Tips for RRB NTPC Exam 2024
To excel in the RRB NTPC Exam 2024, candidates need a structured study plan that covers the syllabus efficiently. Here are some effective tips and strategies:
- Understand the Exam Structure: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, marking scheme, and time management strategies. Review the syllabus on the official website and create a personalized study plan by categorizing topics based on strengths and weaknesses.
- Maintain a Balanced Timetable: Stick to a realistic study schedule until the exam date. Effective time management is crucial, so set achievable daily goals.
- Solve Previous Years’ Question Papers: Analyze past papers to gauge the exam’s difficulty and frequently asked questions. Practicing these will enhance your confidence and preparedness.
- Take Mock Tests: Regularly taking mock tests helps identify weak areas, improve time management, and build self-confidence. Simulate exam conditions to familiarize yourself with the actual test environment.
- Revise Regularly: Continuous revision reinforces key concepts, formulas, and facts. Focus on revising rather than learning new material in the final moments.
- Balance Study Subjects: Allocate more time to weaker subjects while maintaining a balanced approach across all sections to ensure comprehensive syllabus coverage.
- Monitor Your Progress: Continuously evaluate your progress and adjust your preparation strategies as necessary.
- Stay Motivated and Consistent: Motivation and consistency are essential for success. Regular self-evaluation and progress tracking will help you stay focused.
- Time Management: Practice answering questions within the allotted time frame, allowing time for review.
- Balance Speed and Accuracy: Enhance your speed without sacrificing accuracy by regularly practicing mock tests and sample papers.
RRB NTPC Subject-wise Preparation Tips for CBT Stages
Here are subject-specific strategies for the RRB NTPC Exam 2024:
Reasoning Preparation Strategy:
- Focus on scoring topics such as Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Inequalities, Alphabet Series, Ranking, and Direction.
- Understand patterns in puzzle questions to improve accuracy.
- Tackle easier questions first before progressing to more difficult ones.
- Take 2-3 mock tests weekly and consistently revise concepts.
Numerical Ability Preparation Strategy:
- Concentrate on crucial topics like LCM, HCF, Fractions, Percentages, Ratios & Proportions, Work & Time, and Averages.
- Learn shortcuts for quicker calculations.
- Practice regularly and review key formulas and concepts.
General Awareness Preparation Strategy:
- Read newspapers daily to stay updated on current affairs.
- Cover subjects related to Indian history, geography, economics, and general science.
- Create concise notes for quick last-minute revisions.
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