Which is the Toughest Exam in RRB NTPC?

The RRB NTPC (Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories) exam is among the most competitive government recruitment tests in India. Millions of candidates are applying each year to just a few vacancies, which begs the question: which is the most difficult stage/part of RRB NTPC?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as just naming one stage. The RRB NTPC is a multi-stage selection procedure, and each stage examines various skills- reasoning, numerical ability, general awareness, typing skills, and psychological ability. The difficulty of the test lies in the level of preparation of the candidate, the knowledge of the syllabus, and the ratio of competition.

In the following blog, we will discuss each step in detail, look at the reasons why some parts are deemed more difficult, compare the levels of difficulty and answer some of the frequently asked questions by the candidates.

Overview of RRB NTPC Exam

Before discussing which part is the toughest, it’s important to understand the structure of the RRB NTPC exam.

Why is RRB NTPC Tough?

The RRB NTPC test is one that is very popular among applicants; the number of candidates who apply is simply enormous, including both new graduates and well-experienced professionals. Among the main reasons that it is regarded as tough are:

• High Competition: There are lakhs of candidates, and only a few thousand seats.

• Broad Syllabus: Reasoning, mathematics and general awareness syllabus - a combination of speed and accuracy is needed.

• Time Pressure: Time is a very crucial element as there are many questions within a short time.

• Negative Marking: A wrong response results in deducting marks, and this is why guesswork may be counterproductive.

RRB NTPC books are used by many candidates, and the RRB NTPC mock test series is used to improve accuracy and speed.

Difficulty Level of Each Stage

1. CBT 1 – The Screening Test

CBT 1 is the first hurdle, consisting of 100 questions to be solved in 90 minutes. The syllabus includes:

• Mathematics – Basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, data interpretation.

• General Intelligence & Reasoning – Puzzles, analogy, coding-decoding, seating arrangement, etc.

• General Awareness – Current affairs, static GK, history, geography, science.

Even though the syllabus is not extremely advanced, the real challenge here is the cut-off. Since CBT 1 is just a qualifying stage, the cut-off is often very high because many candidates score above average. This makes accuracy and speed crucial.

2. CBT 2 – The Main Challenge

If you ask most successful candidates, they’ll say CBT 2 is the toughest stage of the RRB NTPC exam.

Here’s why:

CBT 2 has more questions, deeper concepts, and a higher difficulty level. General Awareness, in particular, is vast and unpredictable — making it a challenge for many.

Those who prepare using RRB NTPC previous year question paper book find that they can predict question patterns and difficulty trends more effectively.

Read More: Why RRB NTPC Is a Great Career Choice After Graduation?

3. Skill Test / Typing Test

This stage is not academic but still filters out candidates. For example:

• Typing Test: Requires typing 30 words per minute in English or 25 words per minute in Hindi without editing tools.

• Aptitude Test (for certain posts): Tests coordination, perception, and decision-making under pressure.

While this is not “tough” in terms of syllabus, it is elimination-based — meaning if you fail here, you’re out despite clearing written exams.

4. Document Verification & Medical

The final stage is not tough academically but can be stressful. Candidates with minor medical disqualifications sometimes lose their opportunity despite clearing all written tests.

Which Stage is the Toughest in RRB NTPC?

From an exam preparation perspective, CBT 2 is generally considered the toughest stage of RRB NTPC. The reasons are:

• The competition is already filtered after CBT 1, so you face stronger candidates.

• Questions are more detailed and tricky.

• General Awareness requires covering months of current affairs and factual knowledge.

• Mathematics and reasoning demand a higher level of problem-solving speed.

Is RRB NTPC CBT 1 tougher than CBT 2?

No. CBT 1 is relatively easier in question difficulty and difficult in cut-off since you are competing against the whole applicant pool. CBT 2 is more demanding in the challenge of the level of questions and the depth of the syllabus.

What is the RRB NTPC study time per day?

It is best to study 4-6 hours a day on average. Split your time between math, logic, general awareness, and practice with NTPC railways book material. The speed and accuracy can only be built by practicing regularly through the RRB NTPC mock test.

Is it possible to pass RRB NTPC in one shot?

A lot of applicants pass it at the first attempt by following an adequate study strategy, training using RRB NTPC books, and examining the RRB NTPC previous year question paper book to recognize trends.

Comparative Difficulty of Sections in CBT 2

Factors That Make RRB NTPC Challenging

1. Cut-throat competition – Every mark counts.

2. Negative marking – One wrong move can drop your rank significantly.

3. Dynamic General Awareness section – You need to stay updated till the last day.

4. Time-bound practice – Solving under pressure is key.

Those who master the RRB NTPC mock test practice and analyze previous year question paper book performance tend to perform better.

Expert Preparation Insights

While there’s no magic formula, here are a few expert-backed approaches:

• Stage-wise Preparation: Focus separately on CBT 1 and CBT 2 patterns.

• Regular Revision: General Awareness needs constant updates.

• Mock Test Practice: Taking at least 2–3 mocks per week improves exam temperament.

• Error Analysis: Reviewing mistakes from mocks or RRB NTPC books ensures you don’t repeat them.

Final Thoughts

RRB NTPC exam does not only involve knowing what is in the syllabus, but also being able to perform under pressure, time management and keeping ahead of the race. Although CBT 2 is generally considered to be the most academically demanding stage, each of the stages has its challenges.

When you are studying to appear in the exam, a combination of RRB NTPC books, timed practice with RRB NTPC mock test, and a good revision using RRB NTPC previous year question paper book will help you give your best shot. Keep in mind consistency is your greatest asset.

The challenge of RRB NTPC exam is not in a single subject or phase, but in the competitiveness in general and in the necessity of long-term preparation. This challenge can be converted into an opportunity with the help of the correct strategy and land you a place in the Indian Railways.