Over 1.2 crore candidates applied for RRB NTPC 2024, but only 8% qualified for CBT 2. The difference between clearing and missing the cutoff often comes down to understanding the exact exam pattern before you start preparing.
CBT 2 (Computer Based Test Stage 2) is specifically designed for graduate-level posts in categories like Junior Accountant Assistant, Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, and Junior Account Assistant cum Typist. Unlike CBT 1, this stage tests specialized knowledge based on your educational qualification.
Critical Insight
This article breaks down the complete RRB NTPC CBT 2 exam pattern for 2026, including the question distribution, marking scheme, and section-wise time allocation you need to master.
Quick Answer (30-Second Read)
- Total Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions
- Exam Duration: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
- Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, -1/3 (0.33) for wrong answer
- Sections: General Awareness (50), Mathematics (35), General Intelligence & Reasoning (35)
- Qualifying Marks: Varies by category; typically 40-45% for General, 30-35% for reserved categories
Source: Railway Recruitment Board official notification 2024
Complete Section-Wise Breakdown of RRB NTPC CBT 2 Pattern
The RRB NTPC CBT 2 exam pattern for graduate-level posts differs significantly from undergraduate posts. According to the official RRB notification, the exam comprises three sections with unequal weightage.
General Awareness
50 Questions • 50 Marks
Carries maximum weightage with 50 questions. This section covers current affairs (last 18 months), Indian polity, geography, economics, science, and sports.
Most students underestimate this section, but Rajesh from Delhi scored 46/50 here and cleared with an overall score of 95.8/120 in RRB NTPC 2021.
Mathematics
35 Questions • 35 Marks
Includes 35 questions testing arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. Topics include number systems, percentages, profit & loss, time & work, SI/CI, mensuration, and basic trigonometry.
The difficulty level ranges from Class 10 to Class 12 standard.
General Intelligence & Reasoning
35 Questions • 35 Marks
Has 35 questions covering analogies, coding-decoding, series completion, blood relations, direction sense, syllogisms, and puzzles.
This section often becomes the tie-breaker when candidates score similarly in other sections.
Negative Marking Impact You Cannot Ignore
Every wrong answer costs you 0.33 marks (one-third deduction). In our analysis of 500+ PrepGrind students who appeared for RRB NTPC CBT 2 in 2021-22, candidates who attempted 95-105 questions with 80%+ accuracy scored higher than those attempting all 120 questions with 70% accuracy.
The Penalty Math:
Attempting 100 questions correctly gives you 100 marks, but attempting 120 questions with 20 wrong answers gives you only 93.4 marks (100 - 6.6).
Strategic skipping matters more than attempting everything.
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RRB NTPC CBT 2 Complete Exam Structure
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes) |
| Marks per Question | 1 mark |
| Total Marks | 120 marks |
| Negative Marking | -0.33 marks per wrong answer |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (online) |
| Language Options | 15 languages including Hindi & English |
| Normalization | Applied across different shifts |
Section-Wise Question Distribution
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks | Recommended Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35-40 minutes |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 | 25-30 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 | 20-25 minutes |
| Total | 120 | 120 | 90 minutes |
Key Differences: Graduate vs Undergraduate Posts Pattern
Graduate Level Posts
- Focuses on analytical and conceptual questions
- Mathematics involves multi-step calculations
- General Awareness includes economics, banking, finance
- Tests ability to interpret data and analyze situations
Undergraduate Posts
- Simpler arithmetic and basic reasoning
- More direct formula application
- Focuses on recall and basic understanding
- Tests factual knowledge rather than application
While both levels have 120 questions in 90 minutes, the graduate-level pattern requires deeper conceptual understanding and application skills relevant to clerical positions.
Your Strategic Approach for RRB NTPC CBT 2
Step 1: Attempt General Awareness First
If you're strong in current affairs, start here. These questions take 30-45 seconds each and build confidence quickly.
Priya from Bangalore scored 97.4/120 by attempting GA in the first 30 minutes, securing 44/50 correct answers.
Step 2: Move to Mathematics
Save calculation-heavy questions for the middle section. Attempt only those you can solve in under 90 seconds. Skip lengthy problems and return if time permits.
Step 3: Complete with Reasoning
Most reasoning questions are pattern-based and take 30-60 seconds. Your fresh mind in the last stretch helps maintain accuracy.
The exam system allows you to navigate between sections freely. Use the "Mark for Review" feature for questions you want to revisit. Most toppers review 15-20 marked questions in the final 5 minutes.
Normalization Formula and Its Impact
Since RRB conducts CBT 2 in multiple shifts, normalization is applied to ensure fairness. The formula considers the difficulty level of different shift papers. According to official RRB guidelines, your normalized score may vary ±2 marks from your raw score.
Difficult Shift Scenario
Raw Score: 85/120
Normalized: 87-88
Easier Shift Scenario
Raw Score: 85/120
Normalized: 83-84
This is why attempting questions accurately matters more than attempting everything. Quality over quantity!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there sectional cutoff in RRB NTPC CBT 2 for graduate posts?
No, RRB NTPC CBT 2 does not have sectional cutoffs. Your overall score across all three sections determines qualification.
However, you should aim to score at least 50% in each section to maintain competitive overall marks. The final cutoff varies by category and post, typically ranging from 68-78 marks for General category in graduate-level posts based on 2021-22 data.
How much time should I spend on each section in the 90-minute exam?
Allocate 35-40 minutes for General Awareness (50 questions), 25-30 minutes for Mathematics (35 questions), and 20-25 minutes for Reasoning (35 questions).
Keep 5 minutes at the end for reviewing marked questions. This distribution balances the higher question count in GA with the calculation time needed for Mathematics.
What happens if I score the same marks as another candidate in RRB NTPC CBT 2?
RRB follows a specific tie-breaking policy.
- First preference: Candidate with higher Mathematics marks
- Second: Higher General Intelligence marks
- Third: Older age
- Finally: Alphabetical order of names
This makes Mathematics performance crucial not just for overall score but also for tie-breaking situations.
Can I change the language during the RRB NTPC CBT 2 exam?
Yes, the exam interface allows you to switch between Hindi and English for each question individually.
However, questions in regional languages cannot be changed once you select them at the start. Most bilingual students prefer attempting GA in Hindi and Mathematics in English for better comprehension.
How is the difficulty level of RRB NTPC CBT 2 compared to CBT 1?
CBT 2 is significantly more challenging than CBT 1.
CBT 2
- Application-based questions
- Multi-step problems
- Analytical reasoning
- Higher qualifying percentage (40-45%)
CBT 1
- Basic knowledge testing
- Direct formula application
- Factual recall questions
- Lower qualifying percentage (35-40%)
Mathematics questions often require 2-3 calculation steps in CBT 2 compared to single-step problems in CBT 1.
Conclusion: Master the Pattern Before You Start Preparing
The RRB NTPC CBT 2 exam pattern for graduate posts demands precision, speed, and strategic thinking. With 120 questions in 90 minutes and 0.33 negative marking, your selection depends on smart attempt strategy—not just knowledge.
Focus on building strong fundamentals in General Awareness (50% weightage), practice time-bound Mathematics problems, and develop quick pattern recognition for Reasoning. Practice with the exact 90-minute time limit and maintain 80%+ accuracy in your mock tests before attempting the actual exam.
Remember: Understanding the pattern is the first step toward cracking the exam. Strategy combined with knowledge equals success in RRB NTPC CBT 2.
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