The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) and Group D exams to recruit candidates for various posts in the Indian Railways. These exams are highly competitive, and aspirants need a well-structured preparation strategy to crack them in their first attempt.
In this article, we will provide a step-by-step preparation plan, covering exam patterns, subject-wise preparation, tips, and best books to help you succeed to Crack RRB NTPC & Group D Exams
📌 Understanding the RRB NTPC & Group D Exam Patterns
🔹 RRB NTPC Exam Pattern
The RRB NTPC exam is conducted in multiple stages:
✅ CBT 1 (Computer-Based Test – Stage 1)
- Total Questions: 100
- Subjects: Mathematics (30), General Intelligence & Reasoning (30), General Awareness (40)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer
✅ CBT 2 (Computer-Based Test – Stage 2)
- Total Questions: 120
- Subjects: Mathematics (35), General Intelligence & Reasoning (35), General Awareness (50)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer
✅ Skill Test / Typing Test (for certain posts)
✅ Document Verification & Medical Examination
🔹 RRB Group D Exam Pattern
The RRB Group D exam is conducted in three stages:
✅ CBT (Computer-Based Test)
- Total Questions: 100
- Subjects: Mathematics (25), General Intelligence & Reasoning (30), General Science (25), General Awareness & Current Affairs (20)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.33 marks deducted per wrong answer
✅ Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
✅ Document Verification & Medical Examination
📌 Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy
📘 1. Mathematics
Mathematics is an essential part of both RRB NTPC & Group D exams. Focus on speed and accuracy while solving numerical problems.
Important Topics:
✅ Number System
✅ Percentage, Profit & Loss
✅ Ratio & Proportion
✅ Time & Work
✅ Time, Speed & Distance
✅ Simple & Compound Interest
✅ Geometry & Mensuration
✅ Data Interpretation
Preparation Tips:
✔️ Learn short tricks for faster calculations.
✔️ Practice previous year question papers.
✔️ Use apps like Gradeup, Unacademy, and Testbook for mock tests.
📕 2. General Intelligence & Reasoning
Reasoning requires logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Important Topics:
✅ Analogies & Classification
✅ Coding-Decoding
✅ Blood Relations
✅ Direction Sense
✅ Seating Arrangement
✅ Syllogism & Statement Conclusion
✅ Venn Diagrams
Preparation Tips:
✔️ Solve 2-3 reasoning puzzles daily.
✔️ Focus on accuracy rather than just speed.
✔️ Take mock tests regularly.
📗 3. General Awareness & Current Affairs
General Awareness plays a crucial role in RRB NTPC & Group D exams. It has the highest weightage in CBT 2 for NTPC.
Important Topics:
✅ Indian History & Freedom Struggle
✅ Geography (India & World)
✅ Indian Polity & Constitution
✅ Indian Economy
✅ Important Government Schemes
✅ Science & Technology
✅ Awards & Honours
✅ Sports & Important Days
Preparation Tips:
✔️ Read daily current affairs from The Hindu, PIB, or AffairsCloud.
✔️ Revise static GK topics from Lucent’s General Knowledge.
✔️ Follow monthly current affairs magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan.
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📙 4. General Science (Only for Group D)
The General Science section includes Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from Class 10 NCERT syllabus.
Important Topics:
✅ Motion, Gravitation, and Laws of Motion
✅ Work, Energy, and Power
✅ Acids, Bases & Salts
✅ Human Body & Nutrition
✅ Environmental Science
Preparation Tips:
✔️ Read NCERT Science books (Class 6-10).
✔️ Focus on conceptual clarity rather than memorization.
✔️ Solve previous year science questions.
📌 Best Books for RRB NTPC & Group D Exams
Here are some of the best books to refer to for preparation:
📚 Mathematics – “Fast Track Objective Arithmetic” by Rajesh Verma
📚 Reasoning – “A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal
📚 General Awareness – “Lucent’s General Knowledge”
📚 General Science – “NCERT Science Books (Class 6-10)”
📚 Current Affairs – “Manorama Yearbook”
📌 Important Tips to Crack RRB NTPC & Group D Exams
✔️ Understand the Exam Pattern – Analyze previous year’s papers.
✔️ Follow a Study Schedule – Allocate equal time for all subjects.
✔️ Practice Mock Tests – Helps improve accuracy & speed.
✔️ Improve Time Management – Solve questions in 60-70 seconds.
✔️ Avoid Negative Marking – Attempt only those questions you’re sure about.
✔️ Stay Consistent & Motivated – Maintain a positive mindset.
📌 Final Words
Cracking RRB NTPC & Group D exams requires dedicated preparation, time management, and regular practice. If you follow the right strategy, revise regularly, and attempt mock tests, you can easily score high marks and secure a job in Indian Railways.
Are you preparing for RRB exams? Let us know in the comments which section you find the most difficult! 🚀
