Nearly 35% of RRB NTPC aspirants waste 2-3 months studying irrelevant topics because they don't have a clear, topic-wise syllabus breakdown. The difference between scoring 75 and 90 in CBT 1 often comes down to knowing exactly what's asked and what's not.
CBT 1 is the preliminary screening stage with 100 questions covering three major sections. The official RRB NTPC syllabus 2026 for CBT 1 remains consistent with previous years, but knowing the topic-wise weightage helps you prioritize high-scoring areas.
Syllabus Purpose
This article provides the complete RRB NTPC CBT 1 syllabus with every topic listed under Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness (including General Science) so you can build a focused study plan.
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Quick Answer (30-Second Read)
Number systems, percentages, ratios, time & work, algebra, geometry
Analogies, series, coding-decoding, puzzles, directions, syllogisms
Current affairs, history, geography, economics, polity, sports
Within General Awareness - physics, chemistry, biology basics
Mathematics: 30 Questions Topic-Wise Breakdown
The Mathematics section in RRB NTPC CBT 1 syllabus tests Class 10 level concepts with application-based questions. According to official RRB guidelines, this section carries maximum calculation load but offers easy scoring if you know formulas well.
Number Systems 4-5 Q
Includes simplification, BODMAS, fractions, decimals, LCM & HCF, divisibility rules, prime numbers, squares and cubes.
These form the foundation and typically contribute 4-5 questions.
Arithmetic Topics 15-18 Q
Percentages, profit & loss, simple and compound interest, ratio & proportion, time & work, time & distance, averages, and mixtures & alligations.
Each sub-topic appears 2-3 times per exam.
Algebra 2-3 Q
Covers basic equations, linear equations in two variables, quadratic equations, and polynomials.
Expect 2-3 questions requiring quick solving without lengthy calculations.
Geometry & Mensuration 4-5 Q
Includes lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, area and perimeter of 2D shapes, surface area and volume of 3D shapes.
Arun from Chennai scored 29/30 in Mathematics by mastering number system tricks first. Combined weightage for Geometry & Mensuration: 4-5 questions. Trigonometry tests basic ratios, identities, heights and distances (usually 2-3 questions). Data Interpretation involves tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs (typically 2-3 questions testing calculation speed and accuracy).
High-Weightage Mathematics Topics
Based on analysis of RRB NTPC exams from 2019-2022, these topics appear most frequently:
General Intelligence & Reasoning: 30 Questions Coverage
The RRB NTPC CBT 1 syllabus for General Intelligence tests logical thinking and mental ability through pattern recognition and analytical questions. This section doesn't require memorization but needs consistent practice.
Analogies & Classification 4-5 Q
Test your ability to find odd-one-out or relationships between words, numbers, and figures.
Series Completion 3-4 Q
Includes number series, alphabet series, and missing terms. These questions are scoring if you identify patterns quickly.
Coding-Decoding 2-3 Q
Involves letter coding, number coding, and substitution methods with moderate difficulty.
Blood Relations 2-3 Q
Tests family tree understanding. Draw quick diagrams to avoid confusion.
Direction Sense & Ranking 3-4 Q
Includes direction problems, sitting arrangements, and ranking from top/bottom.
Syllogisms & Statements 2-3 Q
Covers logical deduction, statements & conclusions, and course of action requiring formal logic understanding.
Puzzles & Arrangements 3-4 Q
Includes seating arrangements, scheduling, and complex logical puzzles that differentiate high scorers from average performers.
Data Sufficiency & Venn Diagrams 2-3 Q
Tests whether given information is adequate to answer questions.
Note: Mathematical Operations and Inequalities involve symbol substitution and solving inequality chains. Expect 2-3 questions in this category as well.
General Awareness: 40 Questions Topic Distribution
General Awareness carries maximum weightage in the RRB NTPC CBT 1 syllabus with 40 questions spanning current affairs, static GK, and general science. According to our analysis of 600+ PrepGrind students, this section determines qualification for 60% of borderline cases.
Current Affairs 15-18 Q
Typically contributes 15-18 questions covering the last 6 months before the exam. Focus areas include national and international news, government schemes, appointments, awards, sports events, summits, and important days.
Indian History 3-4 Q
Covers ancient, medieval, and modern India with emphasis on freedom struggle, important movements, and national leaders.
Indian Geography 4-5 Q
Includes physical features, rivers, mountains, states and capitals, crops, minerals, and economic geography.
Indian Polity & Constitution 3-4 Q
Tests basic constitutional provisions, fundamental rights and duties, government structure, and important articles.
Indian Economy 2-3 Q
Covers basic economic concepts, budget terms, banking, five-year plans, and economic reforms.
General Science 8-10 Q
Integrates physics, chemistry, and biology basics within the General Awareness section. Topics include basic laws, everyday science, human body, diseases, inventions, and discoveries.
Sports & Culture 2-3 Q
Includes recent tournaments, winners, books & authors, national symbols, and UNESCO heritage sites.
Topic-Wise Weightage Comparison Table
| Section | Number of Questions | Key Topics | Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | Arithmetic (60%), Algebra & Geometry (40%) | 40-45 days |
| General Intelligence | 30 | Puzzles, Series, Analogies, Coding | 30-35 days |
| General Awareness | 40 | Current Affairs (40%), Static GK (35%), Science (25%) | Ongoing + 30 days |
| Total | 100 | 90 minutes duration | 3-4 months |
Your Study Priority Framework
The RRB NTPC CBT 1 syllabus is vast but manageable with the right priority framework. Based on difficulty versus scoring potential, here's how you should allocate study time:
High Priority
Study First - 50% Time
Mathematics
Percentages, SI/CI, Time & Work, Simplification
General Intelligence
Series, Analogies, Coding-Decoding
General Awareness
Last 6 months current affairs, Indian Polity basics
Medium Priority
Study Next - 30% Time
Mathematics
Geometry, Mensuration, Data Interpretation
General Intelligence
Blood Relations, Directions, Syllogisms
General Awareness
Geography, Economy, General Science
Low Priority
Final Polish - 20% Time
Mathematics
Advanced Trigonometry, Complex Algebra
General Intelligence
Complex Puzzles, Data Sufficiency
General Awareness
Ancient History details, Advanced Science concepts
Sneha from Kolkata cleared RRB NTPC with 89/100 by focusing intensely on high-priority topics first, then covering medium priority, and touching low-priority topics only in the final 15 days.
Topics NOT in RRB NTPC CBT 1 Syllabus
Many aspirants waste time on topics that never appear in CBT 1. The RRB NTPC CBT 1 syllabus explicitly excludes:
Advanced Mathematics
- Calculus and matrices
- Probability and permutations & combinations
- Advanced trigonometric identities
Irrelevant General Topics
- Detailed Indian economy theories
- Advanced physics concepts
- Organic chemistry mechanisms
- In-depth biological classifications
Key Insight: Stick to NCERT Class 6-10 level for science topics. Current affairs older than 6-8 months have minimal relevance. Focus your daily current affairs reading on the most recent 6 months for maximum return on time invested.
People also search for
Does the RRB NTPC CBT 1 syllabus 2026 include negative marking for all topics?
Yes, all 100 questions in CBT 1 carry equal negative marking of -1/3 (0.33 marks) per wrong answer regardless of the topic or section. The syllabus remains the same across all sections, but your attempt strategy should vary based on your strength in each topic. Mathematics and Reasoning questions with lengthy calculations pose higher risk than factual General Awareness questions.
Which topics in the RRB NTPC CBT 1 syllabus carry maximum weightage?
In Mathematics, arithmetic topics (percentages, profit-loss, time-work, SI/CI) together contribute 15-18 questions. In General Intelligence, puzzles and series combined give 7-8 questions. In General Awareness, current affairs alone contributes 15-18 questions. Focus on these three clusters for 40-45% of total marks.
Is General Science a separate section in RRB NTPC CBT 1 syllabus?
No, General Science is integrated within the General Awareness section carrying approximately 8-10 questions out of 40. It covers basic physics (laws of motion, electricity, light), chemistry (acids-bases, metals-nonmetals, everyday chemistry), and biology (human body, diseases, nutrition). Class 8-10 NCERT science is sufficient coverage.
How much of the RRB NTPC CBT 1 syllabus overlaps with SSC and Bank exams?
Approximately 70-75% syllabus overlap exists with SSC CGL and IBPS PO preliminary exams. Mathematics and Reasoning sections are nearly identical. The main difference lies in General Awareness, where RRB focuses more on railway-specific current affairs and government schemes. If you're preparing for multiple exams, common topics reduce overall preparation time by 30-40%.
Should I cover the entire RRB NTPC CBT 1 syllabus or focus on high-weightage topics only?
Cover 100% syllabus for conceptual understanding, but practice 70% topics intensively for scoring. High-weightage topics (arithmetic, series, current affairs) need daily practice, while low-weightage topics (advanced geometry, complex puzzles) need one thorough reading and basic problem-solving. Most toppers score 85+ by mastering 70% syllabus deeply rather than covering 100% superficially.
Conclusion: Build Your Topic-Wise Study Schedule
The RRB NTPC CBT 1 syllabus 2026 covers 100 questions across Mathematics, General Intelligence, and General Awareness with integrated General Science. Your success depends on prioritizing high-weightage topics, practicing consistently, and staying updated with current affairs for the last 6 months.
Start with Mathematics arithmetic and General Intelligence basics, as these form scoring sections. Dedicate 30 minutes daily to current affairs throughout your preparation. Complete one full syllabus coverage in 60 days, then focus on revision and mock tests for the remaining time before your exam.
Remember, understanding the syllabus is half the battle won. With a clear topic-wise study plan, you can maximize your score potential in RRB NTPC CBT 1 and secure your path to a railway job.
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