New Delhi: Candidates who will appear for the RRB NTPC Undergraduate CBT 2 examination should be familiar with the exam pattern, marking scheme and time available for each section before entering the examination hall. The second-stage Computer-Based Test (CBT 2) is more extensive than CBT 1, with a total of 120 questions to be attempted in 90 minutes. As per the exam pattern of RRB NTPC UG CBT 2, the paper will have questions from General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence and Reasoning. Each question carries one mark, while one-third of a mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer. RRB NTPC Undergraduate (UG) CBT 2 exam is officially scheduled for September 17, 2026.
Since candidates have less than a minute on average to answer each question, an effective attempt strategy can make a significant difference. Candidates should therefore avoid spending too much time on a single question and keep a few minutes aside for review.
RRB NTPC UG CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026
The RRB NTPC Undergraduate CBT 2 examination will be conducted in online mode. The section-wise distribution of questions and marks is given below:
Time duration: The total duration of the examination is 90 minutes. Candidates eligible for the applicable PwBD relaxation will get 120 minutes, as prescribed in the examination guidelines.
RRB NTPC UG CBT 2 Marking Scheme
The marking scheme is important because the examination carries negative marking. Candidates should therefore balance speed with accuracy while attempting the paper.
-Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
-One-third of a mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
-No marks are awarded or deducted for an unattempted question.
As the examination may be conducted in multiple shifts, scores are subject to the prescribed normalisation process. With negative marking in place, candidates should avoid blind guessing. If a question appears unfamiliar and there is no reasonable basis for selecting an option, it is better to move ahead and return to it later if time is left.
How to Manage 90 Minutes in RRB NTPC UG CBT 2?
As per the time duration, candidates have to solve 120 questions in 90 minutes. This gives an average of 45 seconds per question, although the actual time required will vary from one question to another.
A practical approach is to divide the paper into three rounds rather than trying to solve every question in sequence.
First 30 Minutes: Attempt Easy Questions
Start with questions that can be answered quickly and confidently. The objective of this round should be to collect as many sure-shot marks as possible. Here, give priority to the following –
-Familiar General Awareness questions
-Direct and easy Mathematics questions
-Straightforward Reasoning questions
-Questions that require very little calculation
Do not get stuck on a lengthy calculation or a confusing General Awareness question during the first round.
Next 40 Minutes: Solve Moderate Questions
Use the middle part of the examination to attempt questions that require some calculation or logical thinking. This is where candidates can focus on:
-Moderate-level Mathematics problems
-Coding-decoding and logical reasoning questions
-Number and series-based questions
-General Awareness questions where the answer can be recalled with reasonable confidence
If a question takes considerably longer than expected, mark it for review and move on.
Last 20 Minutes: Review and Difficult Questions
The final 20 minutes should not be treated as extra solving time alone. Candidates should use this period strategically. First, return to questions marked for review. Attempt them only when there is sufficient confidence. The remaining time can be used to check questions where there is a possibility of a careless mistake.
RRB NTPC UG CBT 2: Section-Wise Attempt Strategy
General Awareness
General Awareness carries the highest number of questions, with 50 questions for 50 marks. Candidates should avoid spending excessive time on individual questions in this section. Read the question carefully and recall the answer. If the information is not known, move ahead instead of spending several minutes trying to remember it.
Mathematics
Mathematics contains 35 questions for 35 marks. Calculation-heavy questions can consume valuable time, so candidates should first attempt questions based on familiar concepts and shorter calculations. Keep difficult or lengthy questions for the second round.
General Intelligence and Reasoning
Reasoning also contains 35 questions for 35 marks. Candidates should aim to solve direct questions quickly and avoid getting trapped in lengthy puzzles or questions requiring multiple steps. A good understanding of common question types can help improve speed in this section.
How Many Questions Should You Attempt?
There is no fixed number of questions that guarantees success because the required score depends on factors such as the difficulty level of the paper, category and competition. Instead of chasing a particular attempt count, candidates should focus on high-accuracy attempts.
For example, attempting 100 questions with strong accuracy can be more useful than attempting 115 questions while making a large number of incorrect attempts. Since one-third mark is deducted for every wrong answer, unnecessary guesses can reduce the overall score and affect your final score.
RRB NTPC UG CBT 2 Exam Day Tips
Candidates can keep the following points in mind while attempting the paper:
-Do not spend too long on one question. Move ahead if a question is taking more time than expected
-Attempt easy questions first. This helps build confidence and saves time for difficult questions
-Keep negative marking in mind. Guessing without eliminating options can affect the final score
-Use the review option carefully. Mark lengthy or doubtful questions and return to them later
-Do not leave easy questions for the final minutes. Complete the questions you are confident about during the first rounds
-Practice with a 90-minute timer. Mock tests should replicate the actual examination environment as closely as possible
-Analyse mock-test performance. Candidates should identify whether they are losing time in Mathematics, Reasoning or General Awareness and adjust their strategy accordingly
RRB NTPC UG CBT 2: Selection Process After the Exam
The RRB NTPC Undergraduate selection process does not end with CBT 2. Depending on the post applied for, candidates may have to appear for a Typing Skill Test. For posts such as Accounts Clerk cum Typist and Junior Clerk cum Typist, the typing test is applicable. For Commercial cum Ticket Clerk and Trains Clerk, there is no typing skill test. Candidates who qualify the applicable stages are subsequently considered for document verification and the prescribed medical examination.
