RRB NTPC CBT-2 Exam Date 13 Oct: Pattern & Admit Card

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has confirmed that the RRB NTPC Graduate‑level CBT‑2 exam will be held on 13 October 2025 for those who qualified the first stage. This is a crucial stage for candidates aiming for non‑technical posts under NTPC (Non‑Technical Popular Categories).

With thousands of candidates competing, understanding the exam timetable, pattern, eligibility, and strategy becomes essential. This article gives you a clear picture, step by step, in simple language.

Latest Updates & Important Dates

Let’s begin with the timeline so you can keep track of what’s happening and what’s coming next.

Note: The RRB issues separate notifications for city slips, admit cards, and exact session timings. Always check your specific regional RRB website for the latest.

Also, in the 2025 notification cycle, there are 8,113 graduate-level vacancies open under NTPC recruitment.

Who Is Eligible? (Graduate Level)

Before you prepare aggressively, confirm you satisfy the eligibility criteria. If something is missing, you may be disqualified even after clearing exams.

1. Nationality / Citizenship

• Must be Indian Citizen

• Or Subject of Nepal / Bhutan

• Or Tibetan refugee who settled in India before 1 January 1962

2. Age Range & Relaxation

• Minimum Age: 18 years

• Maximum Age (General): 36 years

• Relaxations for reserved categories:
   • SC / ST → +5 years
   • OBC (Non‑Creamy Layer) → +3 years
   • Persons with Disabilities (PwBD) → 10 to 15 years depending on rules

3. Educational Qualification

• Must hold Bachelor’s degree (Graduation) from a recognized university or equivalent.

4. Other Considerations

• PwBD candidates may be eligible for extra time (120 min) in the exam.

• Your educational certificate must be verifiable.

• During document verification (DV), you’ll need caste certificate, ID proof, educational mark sheets, etc.

• Some posts may require typing / skill test (for example, for typist roles), so check carefully whether your post demands extra tests.

If you miss any condition, even though you clear exams, you might not proceed further. So double-check before investing full effort.

Exam Pattern / Structure for CBT‑2 (Graduate Level)

Knowing the pattern helps you strategize — which sections to prioritize, where to pace yourself, etc.

Here’s how CBT‑2 is structured for graduate non‑technical posts:

• Negative Marking: ⅓ mark deducted for each incorrect answer.

• Normalization: Since exam is held in multiple shifts, marks will be normalized across shifts.

• Time for PwBD candidates: Extended time (120 minutes) will be given.

• Level of difficulty in CBT‑2 is higher compared to CBT‑1.

• All questions are objective (MCQs).

• The topics tested are mostly the same as in CBT‑1, but the weightage, depth, and tricky application questions increase.

Some exam prep sources (like Oliveboard) also suggest possible shift timings:

• Shift 1: 9:00 – 10:30 AM

• Shift 2: 12:45 – 2:15 PM

• Shift 3: 4:30 – 6:00 PM

Tip: Always solve full mock tests in timed conditions so you adapt to exam pressure.

Selection Process: What Happens After CBT‑2?

Clearing CBT‑2 is just one part. Here’s the full selection path:

1. CBT‑1: Screening test for all applicants.

2. CBT‑2: For candidates who passed CBT‑1 (graduate level).

3. Skill Test / Typing Test / Aptitude Test: If applicable to the post (especially typist, clerk positions).

4. Document Verification (DV): Check all original certificates, category proofs, identity.

5. Medical Examination: Final fitness assessment.

Some posts (e.g. Station Master, Traffic Assistant) require CBAT (Computer Based Aptitude Test) after CBT stages.

Your final merit & rank plays a key role—just passing CBT‑2 may not guarantee the post if your score is low. So aim high.

How to Prepare in the Last Few Weeks (Strategy Guide)

With the exam near, your strategy must be focused, consistent, and smart.

1. Create a Realistic Schedule

Divide your time between:

• Mathematics (daily practice)

• Reasoning & Intelligence

• General Awareness / Current Affairs

Set small targets (e.g. revise one topic a day) rather than trying to finish everything at once.

2. Mocks & Previous Year Papers

• Solve full-length mocks under exam conditions.

• Try shifts as per the likely exam slots.

• After each mock, analyze your mistakes and learn from them.

3. Focus on Weak Areas

Don’t ignore topics you’re weak in—geometry, algebra, puzzles, or static GK. Give extra time to these.

4. Current Affairs & General Awareness

• Read daily for past 6–9 months.

• Use monthly GK capsules, newspapers, news apps.

• Pay attention to Railway & transport sector updates, as NTPC exam often features domain questions.

5. Speed & Accuracy

• Time yourself for sections.

• Use shortcuts in math (tables, approximation).

• Don’t guess randomly—due to negative marking, guess only if you can eliminate options.

6. Exam Day Preparation

• Have your Adhaar / ID proof and admit card ready.

• Reach the exam center well ahead (gates close early).

• Read instructions carefully—especially about marking, answer changes.

• Don’t panic—manage time and move steadily.

7. Health & Rest

Rest properly. Avoid last-minute cramming. A fresh mind performs better than a tired one.

Key Tips & Reminders (Checklist)

• Always check the official RRB / regional RRB website for updates.

• Note your roll number / registration number carefully.

• Keep photocopies of documents ready.

• For PwBD candidates, ensure the request for scribe (if needed) is properly applied.

• Watch out for admit card release and city slips — sometimes these are staggered.

• Avoid unreliable sources or rumors. Trust RRB’s official channels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the exact date for RRB NTPC CBT‑2 2025 (Graduate level)?

The exam is scheduled for 13 October 2025.

Q2. How many graduate-level vacancies are open in this NTPC cycle?

There are 8,113 graduate-level vacancies in the current recruitment drive.

Q3. What is the exam pattern of CBT‑2 (Graduate level)?

CBT‑2 has 120 MCQs: Mathematics (35), Reasoning (35), General Awareness (50). Total 100 marks, with negative marking (⅓).

Q4. What are the eligibility criteria for CBT‑2 (Graduate level)?

You need a Bachelor’s degree, must be between 18–36 years (with relaxations), and satisfy nationality conditions.

Q5. When will admit cards and city slips be released?

City intimation slips are expected ~10 days before exam; admit cards ~4 days before the test.

Q6. Is there negative marking?

Yes. ⅓ mark is deducted for each wrong answer.

Q7. Will PwBD candidates get extra time?

Yes, PwBD candidates are likely to get 120 minutes (extended time) vs. general 90 minutes.

Q8. What after CBT‑2?

You may face skill / typing / aptitude tests (if applicable), then document verification and medical exam.

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