The RRB NTPC (Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories) exam is conducted by the Indian Railways to recruit candidates for various non-technical positions in different zones of Indian Railways. These positions include roles in departments like accounting, clerical work, and other administrative functions.

Key Aspects of RRB NTPC:

1. Conducting Body: The exam is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) across India.
2. Purpose: The RRB NTPC exam aims to fill vacancies in various non-technical categories for Indian Railways, including positions like:
   • Commercial Apprentice
   • Ticket Collector
   • Goods Guard
   • Clerk
   • Station Master
   • Accounts Clerk
   • Typist, and other related positions.
3. Eligibility Criteria:
   • Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed their education as per the requirements of specific posts:
     • For most posts, a 12th pass is required (for posts like Ticket Collector and Clerk).
     • For some posts, a Bachelor's degree may be necessary (for positions like Station Master).
   • Age Limit: The age limit varies by position, typically ranging from 18 to 30 years. There are relaxations for reserved categories (SC/ST, OBC, PwD, etc.).
   • Nationality: The candidate must be an Indian citizen or meet other nationality criteria specified by the RRB.
4. Exam Structure: The RRB NTPC exam consists of multiple stages:
   1. Computer-Based Test (CBT): This is the first stage of the selection process. It assesses candidates through objective-type questions.
   2. Second Stage CBT: Those who qualify for the first CBT will appear for the second stage, which may include a different set of questions.
   3. Skill Test: For certain posts, a skill test (like typing or computer-based skills) may be required.
   4. Document Verification: Candidates who qualify the exams and skill tests will undergo document verification to finalize their selection.
5. Exam Pattern:
   • First Stage CBT:
     • Total Questions: 100 questions
     • Duration: 90 minutes
     • Sections:
       • General Awareness
       • Mathematics
       • General Intelligence and Reasoning
       • General Science
     • Marking Scheme: Each correct answer earns 1 mark, while 1/3 mark is deducted for each wrong answer (negative marking).
   • Second Stage CBT:
     • Total Questions: 120 questions
     • Duration: 90 minutes
     • Sections: Similar sections as the first stage but may include additional specialized questions based on the position.
6. Syllabus:
   • General Awareness: Current affairs, history, geography, Indian polity, sports, and culture.
   • Mathematics: Number systems, percentages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, ratios, and averages.
   • General Intelligence and Reasoning: Logical reasoning, analogies, relationships, coding-decoding, and series completion.
   • General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science at a basic level.
7. Application Process:
   • Online Application: Candidates must apply through the official RRB websites when the notification is released.
   • Application Fee: There is a nominal application fee (with relaxations for reserved categories).
   • Admit Card: Admit cards for the CBTs are issued online before the exam date.
8. Selection Process:
   • The selection is based on the cumulative performance in both stages of the CBT. Candidates need to clear the cut-off marks set by RRB for each stage.
   • After clearing all stages, candidates must verify their documents before final appointment.
9. Important Points:
   • Negative Marking: The first and second stage CBTs have a negative marking scheme, deducting marks for incorrect answers.
   • Results: Results for both CBTs are announced on the official RRB websites, along with the cut-off scores.
   • Final Merit List: A final merit list is prepared based on the performance in the second stage CBT and the skill test (if applicable).
10. Preparation Tips:
    • Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam structure and types of questions asked.
    • Regular Practice: Practice solving previous years’ question papers and taking mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
    • Stay Updated: For the General Awareness section, read newspapers, magazines, and online resources to stay informed about current affairs.
    • Focus on Weak Areas: Identify sections where you need improvement and devote time to strengthen those areas.