The NTPC Under Graduate Level Exam is one of the most prestigious entry-level government jobs in India. It offers an excellent opportunity for students who have just completed their Class 12th to secure a stable and respected job in the Indian Railways.
With lakhs of aspirants applying every year, the competition is intense, but with the right preparation strategy, you can definitely succeed.
What makes this exam special is its simple yet powerful structure — only three subjects to focus on:
- Mathematics
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- General Awareness
That’s it! No complex subjects, no lengthy syllabus — just focus, discipline, and smart practice.
Understanding the Vacancy Details
This time, the NTPC Under Graduate Level recruitment has brought around 3,500 vacancies. Some candidates might think that’s a small number, but if you compare it to the previous years, you’ll find it’s fairly consistent.
Let’s take a closer look at the key posts under the NTPC (UG) category:
- Commercial cum Ticket Clerk
- Level: 3
- Basic Pay: ₹21,700
- Medical Standard: B2 (normal vision, glasses allowed)
- Age Limit: 18 to 30 years
- Total Vacancies: Around 2,424
- Work Role: Checking tickets, handling passengers, and managing ticket counters.
- Accounts Clerk cum Typist
- Level: 2
- Basic Pay: ₹19,900
- Vacancies: 394
- Extra Skill Required: Typing (30 wpm in English or 25 wpm in Hindi)
- Work Role: Handling financial records and data entry.
- Junior Clerk cum Typist
- Level: 2
- Vacancies: 163
- Work Role: Office clerical duties, data entry, and documentation.
- Train Clerk
- Level: 2
- Vacancies: 77
- Work Role: Managing train schedules, records, and logistics.
Zone-Wise Vacancy Distribution
The vacancies have been distributed zone-wise, which means each Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) will conduct its own selection process. Here’s a snapshot:
- Kolkata: 499
- Mumbai: 494
- Prayagraj (Allahabad): 303
- Gorakhpur: 173
- Malda: 196
- Ahmedabad: 153
- Jammu-Srinagar: 137
- Guwahati: 135
- Bhopal: 123
- Ajmer: 116
- Patna & Muzaffarpur: Less than 100
- Chandigarh: Only 24
Note: Don’t just go by the number of vacancies!
Zones like Kolkata and Mumbai attract massive competition, whereas zones with fewer seats often have a lower cut-off. Choose your zone wisely.
Eligibility Criteria (Must Read Carefully)
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board.
- A minimum of 50% marks is required (for General, OBC, and EWS categories).
- SC/ST candidates do not need 50%.
- Candidates with disabilities or ex-servicemen are also exempted from the 50% condition.
Your 12th marksheet must be issued before 27th November 2025.
Age Limit
- Minimum: 18 years
- Maximum: 30 years (as of 1st January 2026)
Relaxations:
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): +3 years
- SC/ST: +5 years
- PwBD and Ex-Servicemen: As per government norms
Example: If your date of birth is after 1 November 2008, you are eligible.
Category Certificates
This is very important for OBC and EWS candidates!
Your caste or EWS certificate should be:
- Issued after 1st April 2025, and
- Before 27th November 2025.
If your certificate date falls outside this range, your category claim will be invalid, and you’ll be treated as General.
So, if you belong to OBC or EWS, make sure to get your certificate renewed immediately.
Application Fees and Refund Policy
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹500 (₹400 refunded after CBT-1)
- SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen: ₹250 (full refund after appearing in CBT-1)
Application Dates
- Application Start Date: 28th October 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 27th November 2025
- Correction Window: 30th November to 9th December 2025
Exam Pattern: CBT-1 and CBT-2
The NTPC (UG) recruitment process has two stages of online exams — CBT-1 and CBT-2, followed by Typing Test (if applicable) and Document Verification.
CBT-1 (Prelims)
- Total Questions: 100
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Subjects:
- General Awareness: 40 marks
- Mathematics: 30 marks
- Reasoning: 30 marks
- Negative Marking: 1/3 for each wrong answer
CBT-2 (Mains)
- Total Questions: 120
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Subjects:
- General Awareness: 50 marks
- Mathematics: 35 marks
- Reasoning: 35 marks
- Negative Marking: 1/3
Detailed Syllabus Overview
Mathematics:
- Simplification, Number System
- Percentage, Profit & Loss
- Ratio & Proportion, Average
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time & Work, Time & Distance
- Geometry, Trigonometry (1–2 Qs only)
- Statistics & Mensuration basics
General Intelligence and Reasoning:
- Analogies, Series, Coding-Decoding
- Mathematical Operations
- Syllogism, Blood Relations
- Direction Sense, Puzzles
- Statement & Conclusion
- Data Sufficiency
General Awareness:
- Current Affairs (National + Railway specific)
- Indian History, Polity, Geography
- Economics, Science & Technology
- Sports, Awards, Books & Authors
- Railway Headquarters and Ministers
Medical Standards (Post-Wise)
- A-3 Standard: For posts requiring good vision (6/9 both eyes with or without glasses).
- B-2 Standard: Vision 6/9 and 6/12 acceptable with glasses.
- C-2 Standard: Even 6/12 vision in one eye is acceptable; color blindness not an issue.
Expected Salary After Joining
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay (₹) | Approx. In-Hand Salary (₹) |
| Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | Level 3 | 21,700 | 45,000 |
| Accounts Clerk cum Typist | Level 2 | 19,900 | 38,000 |
| Junior Clerk cum Typist | Level 2 | 19,900 | 38,000 |
| Train Clerk | Level 2 | 19,900 | 40,000 |
Additionally, you get:
- DA, HRA, and TA
- Annual increment
- Railway passes for family
- 70-day Diwali bonus every year!
Selection Process Summary
- CBT-1 (Prelims)
- CBT-2 (Mains)
- Typing Test (for clerk posts only)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Around 50 lakh candidates are expected to apply.
Only about 46,000 will qualify for CBT-2 — so make every mark count!
Preparation Strategy: How to Utilize the Next 6 Months
- Start with the Basics:
Begin with NCERT-level concepts in Maths and Science. Build your base strong. - Follow a Fixed Timetable:
Study 2 hours of Maths, 2 hours of Reasoning, and 1 hour of GS daily. - Current Affairs:
Dedicate 20–30 minutes daily to current affairs and railways news. - Mock Tests are Key:
Take weekly mock tests to improve speed and accuracy. Analyze your mistakes. - Typing Practice:
If you’re applying for clerk posts, practice typing daily using online tools like Typing.com or Keybr. - Join a Foundation Batch:
Many institutes (like Adda247, Unacademy, etc.) offer Foundation Batches that cover Maths, Reasoning, and GS from zero to advanced level.
