This year’s RRB NTPC 2020 exam is scheduled for 28th December 2020. Conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board [RRB], selected candidates will be inducted in the Non-Technical Popular Categories [NTPC] posts. This includes Junior Time Keeper, Junior Clerk cum Typist and Traffic Assistant amongst others.
The application phase has witnessed a record number of applications and in this article, we shall be going through each aspect of the CBT 1 exam in complete detail so that you can build up a solid RRB NTPC 2020 preparation plan. With the exam this close, we shall also list down some ways through which you can take the best advantage of RRB NTPC preparation online resources.
RRB NTPC Preparation Strategy: Exam Pattern
The RRB NTPC 2020 examination comprises of two stages [CBT 1 and CBT 2] in addition to an optional Skill Test/Computer Based Aptitude Test* which is required only for certain candidates. The sections on both stages are the same as explained below. Further, while negative marking of 1/3rd marks is applicable for each incorrect answer, the total time allotted is 90 minutes for the whole exam.
| Section | CBT 1 Marks | CBT 1 MCQs | Total Duration |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 90 minutes |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Note: Skill Test is mandatory only for candidates of Accountant Assistant, Senior Clerk cum Typist and Senior Time Keeper posts. The Aptitude Test is only applicable for Traffic Assistant and Assistant Station Master posts.
RRB NTPC preparation plan: Underlying Tactic
The RRB NTPC 2020 CBT 1 exam is qualifying in nature. Thus, aim for anywhere between 75-85 questions correct with 100% accuracy. Further, the General Awareness section carrying 40 questions can be said to be the most important section. It consists of static and dynamic general knowledge portions and needs a thorough understanding. The difficulty level of the question paper is around the easy-moderate level.
RRB NTPC preparation strategy: General Awareness
The General Awareness section of the RRB NTPC CBT 1 exam consists of 40 questions of 1 mark each totaling 40 marks.
- Important Topics: Indian and World History, Film & Television, Science & Technology, Indian & World Geography, Culture, Current Affairs, Indian Constitution & Polity, National Issues, Business & Economics, Important Institutions [Domestic & International] and current changes, Important Dates & Anniversaries, Environment, Sports and Recreation, Currency, Books & Authors, General Science, etc.
- In the previous year, around 7 questions belonged to the History section, and Biology accounted for 7 questions as well. Further, current affairs are also quite important with 11 questions asked.
- Divide your RRB NTPC preparation plan into two phases. In the first, get done with the static phase. Then, in the next phase, complete the dynamic portion with current affairs and other topics. Rigorously read newspapers in both English and Hindi and refer to the latest RRB NTPC books.
- General Awareness requires intensive preparation. So, devise an RRB NTPC preparation plan for it in a way that suits your strong and weak areas. Have a mix of both short topic-based tests as well as a full-length test in a timed manner. Utilize RRB NTPC preparation online materials for the latest tests, assessment and feedback sessions and last-minute exam tips.
- RRB NTPC books for General Awareness: Class XI & XII NCERT Textbooks for History and Political Science, Laxmikant’s Indian Polity
RRB NTPC preparation strategy: Mathematics
- Important Topics: Ratio & Proportion, Number System, Speed & Distance, Simplification/Approximation, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Average, Inequalities, Trigonometry, Probability, Simple & Compound Interest, Ages, Functions, Geometry, Quadratic Equations, Linear Equations, Series & Sequences, Permutation & Combination, Probability Graphs & Tables, Data Interpretation
- The Mathematics section has been quite diverse with questions from typical topics as well as from new ones. Number system, Ratio & Proportion and Simplification are some of the topics that have been regularly tested with 3-4 questions each.
- Cement the fundamental topics first and then move on to the advanced ones. You must have a solid familiarity with Functions, Series, Averages, etc. to be able to work with Linear Equations, Permutation and Combination and Probability. Make a habit of studying at least 4-5 hours a day and then 40 minutes for revising topics, formulae and techniques.
- RRB NTPC books for Mathematics: NCERT Mathematics textbooks Class IX & X; Quantitative Aptitude by R.S Aggarwal; Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma; Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha/ McGraw Hill Education
RRB NTPC preparation strategy: General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Important Topics: Inequalities, Coding-Decoding, Clocks, Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Dates & Calendars, Order & Rankings, Directions, Cause & Effect, Assertion & Reason, Statements & Conclusion, Data Sufficiency, Similarities, Relationships, Partnership, Blood Relation, Advanced Coding-Decoding, Advanced Puzzles, Syllogism, etc.
- To get the best out of this section, incorporate creative learning techniques such as flow charts, diagrams, puzzles through RRB NTPC preparation online resources. Also, accompany your RRB NTPC preparation plan with 2-3 short reasoning tests every day.
- 4 questions each on Coding-Decoding, Blood Relation and mathematical Operations were asked in the previous exam paper. This section can be time-intensive with 30 questions to be attempted in 30 minutes. Thus, you have effectively 1 minute per question which is not a lot. If you are not sure of the answer, move forward and come back to it later. The General Awareness section will only take 10-15 minutes so you are bound to save up time on it.
- RRB NTPC books for General Intelligence & Reasoning: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by Dr RS Aggarwal [S. Chand Publications]; A New Approach to Reasoning By B.S. Sijwali & S. Sijwali [Arihant]; Reasoning Book for Competitive Examinations by Pearson’s; Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey
In the last few days, only refer to RRB NTPC preparation online resources like practise tests and GK refresher to ace the exam. Be confident, don’t panic and give your best.