RRB NTPC vs Group D: Which Exam Should You Choose?

If you are a 12th Pass or Graduate and are seeking Railway jobs with clerical or supervisory or office based posts with better long-term salary growth, then you should opt for RRB NTPC; if you are a 10th Pass or ITI holder and looking for a simpler exam with a single-level test, then you should opt for RRB Group D. Both exams are government exams but there are significant differences in eligibility, exam pattern and salary — this railway exam comparison simplifies it all in simple words so you can choose the right exam for you. 

Many people may be wondering which railway exam to take if they are unsure. Lakh of students are in the same situation each year. Let's take it one step at a time.

What Are RRB NTPC and RRB Group D?

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) organizes a few exams to recruit various kinds of posts in Indian Railways. Among these, RRB Group D and RRB NTPC are two popular exams and are highly sought after, but they are of different purposes of recruitment and are for different educational backgrounds. 

To put it simply, RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) are for the office jobs, clerical jobs, supervisory jobs such as Station Master or Ticket Clerk. RRB Group D is for Level-1 positions such as Track Maintainer, Helper and Pointsman, which are more field oriented.

RRB NTPC Eligibility vs RRB Group D Eligibility

RRB The eligibility for RRB NTPC exam depends on the posts applied for, some posts require 12th pass and others require a graduate degree. The eligibility criteria of RRB Group D are very easy and broad.

This makes RRB Group D a wonderful choice for students who are seeking jobs in the railways after 12th (or even after 10th) and RRB NTPC is good for students with a little more academic background.

Exam Pattern and Selection Process Compared

Another significant difference in this railway exam comparison is the exam pattern. The RRB NTPC is a longer process with multiple stages and Group D is comparatively shorter. 

There are two stages of Computer Based Tests, followed by Computer Based Aptitude Test or Typing Skill Test (as applicable) and then document verification and medical tests. However, RRB Group D selection comprises of CBT, PET, DVT, and Medical Test, where the CBT is of 100 MCQs with 90 minutes duration. 

Therefore, if you want to go through a less cumbersome RRB recruitment exam with fewer stages, then Group D is easier to handle. For a long selection process to get a better post, NTPC is worth it if you don't mind.

RRB NTPC Salary vs RRB Group D Salary

For many aspirants, salary is a key factor, and here it's a bit of a mystery.

As you can see in the table, RRB Group D salary is a bit lower than some NTPC salary posts but still it is a decent income from the government. Because of the better long term growth in NTPC posts as compared to other posts, the competition is higher in RRB NTPC posts, particularly for the posts of graduate level.

Job Roles – Which Exam Gives Which Kind of Job

The RRB NTPC jobs are mainly administrative, clerical or supervisory in nature like Goods Guard, Station Master, Commercial Apprentice, Junior Clerk cum Typist etc. Most of these are office or station jobs. 

RRB Group D has jobs such as Track Maintainer, Helper (Electrical, Mechanical, S&T departments), Pointsman, etc., which are more physical and field-oriented in nature, and are related to railway operations.

Railway Jobs After 12th – Where Do You Fit?

Both exams are open to you, albeit in different ways, if you have just completed Class 12 exams and you are thinking about pursuing railway jobs after 12th:

• In the case of a desk-based or supervisory job, and the willingness to take a longer exam procedure, RRB NTPC (Under Graduate posts) is the option to choose. 

• In case you are looking for an easy exam with a faster entry into Indian Railways, then RRB Group D is a good choice as it requires only a 10th pass. 

• Additionally, group D may be a stepping stone — employees in group D may be promoted to group C positions after service by passing the Limited Departmental Competitive Exam.

Read More - Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for Government Exams

Which One Is Easier to Crack?

One of the most searched questions in any railway exam comparison is this. The RRB Group D exam is considered easier than the RRB NTPC exam as it has a simple syllabus, few stages of the exam and lower analytical skills requirements, whereas CBT is tougher because of the advanced syllabus, two-tier CBT and higher competition. 

That said, "easier" doesn't mean "less competitive." There are a lot of people who apply for both exams annually, so you need to be well prepared.

How to Prepare – Simple Study Tips for Both Exams

The exams have similar topics like Maths, Reasoning, General Science and General Awareness, though at different levels of difficulty.

Regardless of which test you take, establish a daily routine of all four subjects, and do previous year papers regularly. Structured practice books and chapter-wise question banks like Oswaal books will help you plan revision for Group D and NTPC, but daily discipline and mock test practice will make the difference.

RRB NTPC vs Group D – Quick Comparison Table

Summary

RRB NTPC and RRB Group D are both the opportunities to secure a safe job in Indian Railways but they are for different types of aspirants. RRB NTPC is suitable for 12th pass or graduate candidates who are interested in taking clerical or supervisory posts in the railways as it offers good salary growth in the long run, while RRB Group D is suitable for candidates who have passed ITI or 10th pass who are interested in taking clerical or supervisory posts in the railways as it is a simpler exam which will give them a quick entry into the railways. Knowing the eligibility, exam pattern, salary, and job roles of each exam of the railway recruitment exams is the secret to selecting the right exam for you and consistent and proper preparation is the secret to success in either exam.

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