Is Typing Proficiency Necessary for RRB NTPC?

When it comes to studying the RRB NTPC (Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories) exam, the question you might have asked more than once is: Do I need to be a good typist to pass the RRB NTPC exam? This is a very important requirement to understand and most especially by the people who apply to a post such as Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist and Junior Time Keeper among other typing jobs.

In this blog, we are going to discuss this subject in detail, popular myths, explain eligibility, and provide you with a full understanding of typing proficiency in the RRB NTPC exam. We will also mention the significance of such resources as RRB NTPC books, RRB NTPC mock tests, and RRB NTPC previous year question paper books in your preparation process.

Understanding the Structure of RRB NTPC Exam

Before diving into typing proficiency, let’s understand the structure of the exam. The RRB NTPC exam is conducted in several stages:

Typing proficiency becomes relevant in Stage 3, and that too for select posts only.

For Which RRB NTPC Posts is Typing Proficiency Required?

Not all posts in RRB NTPC require typing skills. Here's a clear table of posts for which the Typing Skill Test (TST) is mandatory:

So, typing proficiency is required only for the above-mentioned posts, which include the term “Typist” or involve clerical work.

Typing Skill Test (TST): What Does It Include?

The Typing Skill Test is conducted on a computer and is qualifying in nature. It doesn’t carry marks but you must pass it to move forward in the recruitment process.

Here are the basic requirements:

Other details:

• No relaxation in typing speed.

• No typing errors beyond permissible limit.

• Conducted after CBT 2 for shortlisted candidates.

• Candidates must opt for the typing language (English/Hindi) during application.

Read More: How to Prepare General English for SSC, RRB More?

Is Typing Skill Mandatory for All RRB NTPC Aspirants?

Absolutely not. Typing proficiency is not mandatory for all posts under RRB NTPC. If you are applying for roles like:

• Station Master

• Goods Guard

• Traffic Assistant

• Commercial Apprentice

• Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk

Then you do not need to appear for a typing test.

Therefore, whether typing proficiency is necessary or not entirely depends on which post you are applying for.

Why Typing Proficiency Matters for Some Roles?

The ability to type is not a random requirement. In some jobs particularly those that require data entry, maintenance of records and clerical activities, quick and accurate typing is a must:

• Keeping time-sensitive records (e.g. Time Keeper)

• Production of accounting records (e.g. Accounts Clerk)

• Effective internal communication

In these positions, you will have to work with railway software platforms and spreadsheets, and internal systems. This is the reason why RRB has set typing as one of the qualifying skills in these particular jobs.

How to Prepare for the Typing Test?

If you're aiming for a typing-based post, preparation becomes crucial. Here are practical tips:

1. Daily Practice

Spend at least 30–45 minutes daily on typing practice in your chosen language.

2. Use Online Tools

Platforms like Ratatype, Typing.com, or Hindityping.info can help track your WPM and accuracy.

3. Track Progress

Monitor your speed weekly and aim to cross the required threshold with a buffer (e.g. 32 WPM for English).

4. Keyboard Familiarity

Practice on the standard QWERTY keyboard layout, as it will be used in the test.

5. Don’t Ignore Accuracy

Avoid typing errors, as high error rates may lead to disqualification even if your speed is good.

Importance of Study Material for Overall RRB NTPC Preparation

The typing test is only a part of it, but the main part of your preparation is CBT 1 and CBT 2. To this end, the selection of proper resources is paramount. You ought to always use the best RRB NTPC books that have all the sections, such as General Awareness, Mathematics, and Reasoning, well-explained.

Also, it is important to take frequent RRB NTPC mock test sessions to enhance your time management and accuracy. These practice tests are like the real exam, and they assist in alleviating anxiety during the real exam.

By solving papers of a trustworthy RRB NTPC previous year question paper book, you will get to know what kind of questions are asked and how difficult they are.

By integrating typing practice with the right preparation strategy using RRB NTPC books, mock tests, and previous year question papers, you can secure your place in the final merit list.

What Happens if You Fail the Typing Skill Test?

In case you fail the typing test and you are seeking a typing-related post, you will not be selected for the post in question, in spite of the fact that your CBT 1 and CBT 2 results are very good. There is no re-test, no second chance, and preparation is important.

But in case you have applied to several posts and some of them are not typing then your candidature can be considered in the typing posts (depending on your choice and merit).

What happens when you have never learned typing before?

Some of the aspirants are afraid of the question, What if I have never practiced typing? Am I still able to pass the typing skill test?

The answer is: Yes, you can, definitely. The typing test is not meant to filter out candidates but to ensure you have the basic ability to work as a clerk. You do not even have to be a professional typist you just have to meet the minimum speed requirements.

If you have at least 2–3 months of focused typing practice, you can easily reach the required speed of 30 WPM in English or 25 WPM in Hindi. The key lies in:

• Daily practice with realistic texts

• Practicing on a standard QWERTY keyboard

• Avoid looking at the keyboard while typing (improving muscle memory)

• Using websites and applications that track both speed and accuracy

For Hindi typing, most RRBs use Kruti Dev or Mangal font with Inscript or Remington layout. Ensure you check which layout is required by your respective RRB zone and practice accordingly.

Why You Should Still Learn Typing (Even If It’s Not Required)

Although your target post may not need a typing test, typing skills can still be helpful to you in the long run. Here's why:

• Quicker digital communication when performing internal tasks

• Better results in CBT 1 and CBT 2, in which speed in responding to MCQs using keyboard shortcuts is important

• Enhanced productivity when handling documents, making notes, and filling out online forms at work

In addition, preferences usually shift or candidates are assigned alternative posts in the final merit allotment. In case typing is a requirement in that post, typing skills will rescue you.

How to Use Study Materials Alongside Typing Practice?

While focusing on your typing proficiency, don’t neglect the primary preparation for CBT 1 and CBT 2.

To streamline your prep:

• Use high-quality RRB NTPC books that cover theory, practice questions, and concept clarity in General Awareness, Maths, and Reasoning. These resources are essential to build your foundation.

• Take RRB NTPC mock test sessions in timed mode to assess your readiness and reduce test anxiety. These mock tests help improve your question-solving speed under pressure.

• Revise and solve papers from an RRB NTPC previous year question paper book to familiarize yourself with exam trends and weightage of topics.

A combination of typing practice + subject study + mock testing gives you the most holistic preparation.

Final Thoughts: Is Typing Proficiency Necessary?

Let’s break down the conclusion based on candidate intent:

Typing proficiency is not universally mandatory for all candidates appearing in the RRB NTPC exam. It is only required for a specific subset of posts that demand clerical and typing-based responsibilities.

So, if you are someone who is confident in your typing skills or willing to practice daily, feel free to apply for these posts. But if you don’t want to deal with typing tests, you can still apply for plenty of other roles in the NTPC category that don’t require this skill.

Typing Proficiency in RRB NTPC

Final Prep Tip

Typing skills is like riding a bicycle—it improves with consistency and repetition. Don’t be intimidated by it. Combine your typing prep with rigorous practice of RRB NTPC mock tests, reading from RRB NTPC books, and analyzing trends using the RRB NTPC previous year question paper book to gain an all-around edge.

This multi-faceted strategy ensures you're ready not only for the typing test but for the entire recruitment process.