The Indian Railways is undoubtedly the largest railways system on the globe. The RRB (Railway Recruiting Board) is constantly in need of candidates for numerous job positions. These vacancies open almost every year. However, to recruit suitable aspirants, RRB conducts exams for various job categories. RRB does not conduct any interviews for these jobs. NTPC and Group D are two of the classifications, often confused with each other. Let’s discuss the RRB Group D and RRB NTPC syllabus in detail to help you overcome the dilemma.
What are the RRB Group D and NTPC exams?
The RRB Group D category is the lowest rank of jobs at the Indian railways. It includes job positions such as key man, switchman, fitter, trackman, welder, helpers, porters, lever man, and gang man. Conversely, the NTPC (Non-technical popular categories) comes as the group C category of jobs. It is next to the Group D category. This rank includes jobs like Loco pilots, Assistant loco pilots, booking clerks, train ticket checkers, junior engineers, senior section engineering, technicians, and guards.
To recruit suitable candidates for the above-mentioned jobs, the RRB conducts an eligibility exam. They are the Group D and NTPC exams respectively held for each of the categories of jobs.
What is the syllabus and exam structure of the Group D exam?
The RRB Group D selection procedure involves three phases. They are CBT (Computer-based Test), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and Document verification. The CBT exam contains only objective-type questions. However, it has negative marking for wrong answers. Following are the subjects comprising its syllabus:
- Mathematics
- General Science
- Reasoning and logical thinking
- General awareness
The Physical Efficiency Test has different parameters for men and women. For men, the challenge is to carry 35 kg of weight across 100 m within 2 minutes. Moreover, they require men to run a distance of 1 km within 4 minutes and 15 seconds. The candidates cannot attempt a task more than once. Hence, they get only one shot at proving their physical efficacy.
For women, the task is to carry 20 kg of weight across 100 m within 2 minutes. They can run a distance of 1 km within 5 minutes and 40 seconds. Conversely, differently-abled candidates do take a PET. Instead, they need to undergo a medical examination.
Only a candidate who clears the CBT and PET will qualify. You will need to appear for the document verification afterward. You have to submit all the required documents and certifications such as identity proof and educational certificates.
What is the syllabus and exam structure of the NTPC exam?
RRB conducts the NTPC exam to recruit personnel for the non-technical job positions of the Indian railway. The NTPC selection depends on the candidate’s performance in the exam. The exam is held in two parts. Both of them are objective-type CBTs and have almost the same syllabus.
They mainly differ in their exam structures. The NTPC CBT-1 exam comprises 100 questions. It includes 40 questions of General awareness, 30 questions of Logical thinking and reasoning, and 30 questions of Mathematics. However, the CBT-2 has 120 questions. It includes 50 questions of General awareness, 35 questions from mathematics, and 35 questions from Logical thinking and reasoning.
The candidates who qualify for both the CBTs have to give a Typing skill test. The candidates should type 30 words per minute in English or 25 words per minute in Hindi. They have to do this without any error-checking or editing software. Following this, they undergo document verification and medical examination. Finally, RRB recruits the candidates who clear all the tests. The board also offers an orientation-cum-training program for the selected candidates.
Are the NTPC and Group D syllabus the same?
The syllabus for both NTPC and Group D exams is very similar. However, since the nature of both the job categories is varied, their syllabus has a few distinctions too. Reasoning and logical thinking are highly important to ace these exams. But some of the topics covered by these exams in this area diverge.
For example, the Group D exam tests the candidates’ knowledge in general science, which the NTPC does not. It focuses mainly on 10th-grade science concepts of CBSE. The NTPC exam rather focuses on Quantitative or Numerical aptitude. This includes concepts such as allegations and mixtures, simplification, approximation, and problems based on age.
Moreover, the Group D exam only comprises one CBT exam and one physical test. But the NTPC requires two CBTs, with varying exam patterns. Hence, the difficulty and span of the syllabus are more for NTPC than Group D. Also, both categories require physical fitness to do railway duties. Visual Sharpness is an important criterion for these job categories.
How can you prepare for these exams?
The syllabus and exam structure varies with every job category and time. Hence, the aspirants must be updated with the latest RRB exam syllabus and pattern. Listed below are a few things you can do to ace the RRB exams:
- The syllabus varies for every job category exam conducted by the RRB. Similarly, the jobs require advanced preparation too. Train yourself mentally and physically for the job you are applying to.
- Try solving several RRB mock exams for various categories at BYJU’s Exam Prep. This will help you get acquainted with the exam pattern and improve your time management skills.
- Practice makes perfection. Hence, keep solving question banks and revise your portions regularly. Do not leave out any concept or question.
- Figure out shorter methods to solve complicated questions to save time.
- Design an organized study plan and stick to it religiously. Allot enough time for all your concepts and try to finish them on time.
- Finally, stay informed of any updates in the RRB syllabus or exam structures. Keep exploring sample questions and solve numerous previous years’ question papers. You can also find their answer keys online.
- Most importantly, keep calm and do not panic. Confront your exam fears by practicing constantly. Improve your speed and thinking ability.
Conclusion
More often, the difficulty level of the RRB exams is that of 10th grade CBSE. Hence, it is not the toughest examination. Get hold of useful guides, study materials and start studying. You can complete the entire RRB syllabus within a few months. Moreover, take good care of your health too, since physical fitness is also essential for their recruitment.
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