Candidates often have this query that is the RRB NTPC syllabus different from RRB Group D? So, today we will look at the syllabus of both these exams and find out how different or similar they are. Before you start preparing for any competitive exam, you must check the entire subject-wise syllabus to find out what all you need to know and prepare for the exam. The RRB NTPC and RRB Group D exams are both conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board of India and countless candidates apply for these exams every year. The RRB conducts four major exams that include NTPC, Group D, JE and ALP.
The RRB NTPC exam stands for the Non-Technical Popular Categories and is conducted to recruit professionals to posts like Junior Clerk, Accounts Clerk, Commercial Apprentice, etc. It is perhaps the most popular government exam in the country. On the contrary, the RRB Group D exam is conducted to recruit people for positions such as Hospital Assistant, Assistant Track Machine, and Track Maintainer Grade IV.
Now that you have a brief overview of both these exams, let’s shed light on the syllabus and exam pattern for these exams. After all, knowing the syllabus and exam pattern for any exam holds utmost importance for a candidate. We have illustrated the detailed syllabus for RRB NTPC and RRB Group D exam in a tabulated format below.
| Subjects | RRB NTPC Syllabus | RRB Group D Syllabus |
| Mathematics | Simple/Compound Interest, Number system, Geometry, Time and work, Profit and Loss, Average, Pipes and Cistern, Fraction, Age-related questions, HCF/LCM, Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Algebra, Data Interpretation, Trigonometry | Number System, Time and Distance, BODMAS, Decimals & Fractions, LCM & HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Average, Time and Work, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry |
| General Awareness | History of India, Geography, Polity, Indian Economy, Science, Static GK, Books & Authors, UN and Other Important World Organizations, Days & Dates, Space/defence, Inventions & Discoveries,Computer knowledge, Current Affairs, Games and Sports, Others | Sports,Economics,CEO/Chairman/Appointments, Current Affairs, Geography, History Miscellaneous |
| Reasoning | Decision making, Coding and Decoding, Puzzles, Analogy, Order and Rank, Alphabet & Figure series, Blood relation, Odd pair, Logical Arrangement of words, Distance & direction, Venn diagram, Number series, Odd One Out, Mathematical Operations, Statement & Conclusions | Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Classification, Directions, Decoding, Operations, Syllogism, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation, Conclusions and Decision making, Analytical Reasoning, Statement – Arguments, Miscellaneous |
| General Science | __ | Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences |
Exam Pattern and Selection Process
The exam pattern for RRB NTPC and RRB Group D exams are slightly different as well. This is mainly due to the fact that the RRB Group D exam has an extra subject ie. General Science which is not included in the RRB NTPC syllabus. Hence, the RRB Group D exam is split into four sections instead of three. Furthermore, the RRB NTPC exam is conducted in 4 stages that include 2 Computer-based tests. We have mentioned the exam patterns below.
| RRB NTPC Exam Pattern (CBT-1) | ||
| Sections | Questions | Total Marks |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Both CBT-1 and CBT-2 have a duration of 90 minutes. However, the distribution of marks and the number of questions is different. The CBT-1 of the RRB NTPC exam carries 100 marks, whereas the CBT-2 carries 120 marks. Also, candidates must qualify the CBT-1 to be shortlisted for the second one. Hence, candidates must prepare thoroughly for both tests. Moreover, after qualifying both tests, candidates will have to go through a skill test too.
| RRB NTPC Exam Pattern (CBT-2) | ||
| Sections | Questions | Total Marks |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
In contrast, the RRB Group D only has 1 Computer-based test that the candidates must prepare for. However, after clearing the CBT, RRB Group D candidates will have to go through a Physical Efficiency Test or PET.
| RRB Group D Exam Pattern | ||
| Subjects | Questions | Marks |
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Knowledge | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
In Conclusion
As you can tell, the syllabus for both RRB NTPC and RRB Group D exam is slightly similar but the selection process and exam patterns are different. Hence, you must choose which exam to apply for by researching all aspects of the exams. You can also visit the Byju’s Exam Prep website to access more information and get access to unlimited resources and learning tools.