What is the main difference between RRB NTPC and RRB Group D?

RRB NTPC involves clerical, supervisory, and administrative roles, while RRB Group D focuses on technical and maintenance tasks. NTPC jobs typically require higher educational qualifications, such as 12th pass or graduation, whereas Group D requires a 10th-grade qualification and an ITI certificate.

Which exam is easier, RRB NTPC or RRB Group D?

RRB Group D is considered relatively easier because it focuses on basic subjects and includes a Physical Efficiency Test (PET). RRB NTPC is moderately difficult because it have two tiers of computer based test followed by skill test.

Which job offers better career growth, RRB NTPC or RRB Group D?

RRB NTPC generally offers better career growth, with higher chances of promotions to administrative roles. RRB Group D provides growth opportunities mainly in technical fields, with promotions up to positions like Junior Engineer.

Is there negative marking in RRB NTPC and RRB Group D exams?

Yes, both RRB NTPC and RRB Group D exams have negative marking, with a deduction of 0.33 marks for each incorrect answer in the Computer-Based Test (CBT).

Which exam should I choose between RRB NTPC and RRB Group D?

Choose RRB NTPC if you have completed 12th grade or graduation and seeking clerical or supervisory roles with more career growth. choose RRB Group D if you prefer technical work, have basic educational qualifications (10th or ITI), and are comfortable with physical tasks.

RRB NTPC vs RRB Group D, Difference Between NTPC & Group D

Table of Contents

The Indian Railways is one of the largest employers in the country, and the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts exams for various posts, including RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) and RRB Group D. While both these exams offer job opportunities in the Indian Railways, they cater to different roles and have distinct eligibility criteria, selection processes, and job profiles. Here’s a detailed comparison to help candidates understand the differences between RRB NTPC vs RRB Group D.

RRB NTPC vs RRB Group D

RRB NTPC consists of non-technical roles that primarily involve clerical, supervisory, and administrative tasks, while RRB Group D jobs include technical and maintenance-related work, such as roles like Electrician, Track Maintainer, Fitter, and many others. For more information about the different job roles in RRB NTPC and RRB Group D, refer to the table below:

Parameter	RRB NTPC	RRB Group D
Full Form	Non-Technical Popular Categories	Railway Group D
Job Level	Clerical, Supervisor and Manager positions	Entry-level positions
Number of Posts	Various posts like Clerk, Station Master, Train Manager, Ticket Supervisor and more	Various positions like Track Maintainer, Electrician, fitter, Helper, Pointsman and More
Exam Conducting Body	Railway Recruitment Board	Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)

RRB NTPC vs RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria for RRB NTPC and RRB Group D, highlight the differences in educational qualifications and age limits. Understanding these criteria is essential for candidates to determine their eligibility for each role

Educational Qualification

As the job roles differ significantly between RRB NTPC and RRB Group D, the educational criteria also vary. RRB Group D is a Level 1 job, which requires only a 10th-grade qualification and an ITI certificate from a recognized institution and RRB NTPC jobs range from Level 2 to Level 6, with some posts requiring a 12th pass qualification and for other posts need a graduation degree.

Parameter	RRB NTPC	RRB Group D
Minimum Qualification	12th Pass for certain posts, Graduation for others	10th Pass or ITI from institutions recognized by NCVT/SCVT
Specific Requirements	Some posts may require typing skills (Clerk, Typist)	No additional qualifications are required

Age Limit

Age limit is the crucial factor while applying candidates must refer to the age criteria before applying as the age limit is different for both the jobs

Parameter	RRB NTPC	RRB Group D
Age Criteria	18-30 years for Under-Graduate posts	18-33 years
	18-33 years for Graduate posts
Age Relaxation	Applicable for reserved categories	Applicable for reserved categories

RRB NTPC vs RRB Group D Examination Pattern

The exam patterns for RRB NTPC and RRB Group D differ significantly. The RRB NTPC exam consists of two computer-based tests, CBT 1 and CBT 2, followed by a skill test. However, in Group D, there is only a computer-based test followed by a Physical Efficiency Test.

RRB NTPC Exam Pattern

Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT 1)

Subjects: General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning
Total Questions: 100
Duration: 90 minutes
Negative Marking: 0.33 marks for each incorrect answer

Stage 2: Computer-Based Test (CBT 2)

Subjects: General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning
Total Questions: 120
Duration: 90 minutes
Negative Marking: 0.33 marks for each incorrect answer

Stage 3: Skill Test (if applicable)

Typing Skill Test for certain posts like Junior Clerk and Senior Clerk
Computer-Based Aptitude Test for Station Master

Stage 4: Document Verification and Medical Examination

RRB Group D Exam Pattern

Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Subjects: General Science, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness & Current Affairs
Total Questions: 100
Duration: 90 minutes
Negative Marking: 0.33 marks for each incorrect answer

Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Male and female candidates have different physical tasks to complete, such as running, lifting weights, etc.

Stage 3: Document Verification and Medical Examination

RRB NTPC vs RRB Group D Job Profiles

RRB NTPC positions typically involve clerical and supervisory duties, such as ticketing, accounts, and office administration, while Group D roles are more technical and maintenance-oriented, involving tasks like track maintenance, porters, and assistant pointsman.

RRB NTPC Job Profiles

The job profiles for various post of RRB NTPC like Station Master, Trains Clerk, Train Manager, Junior Clerk cum Typist, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk and many other is tabulated below

Post	Job Role Description
Junior Clerk cum Typist	Performs clerical duties such as record maintenance, file management, and assisting with general office tasks.
Accounts Clerk cum Typist	Maintains financial records, processes payments, and handles basic accounting functions.
Commercial cum Ticket Clerk	Engages in ticket sales, customer service, and helps passengers with reservations and inquiries.
Trains Clerk	Check the ticket of passengers in train and any other requirement of problems raised by the passengers
Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor	Supervises ticketing operations, oversees staff, and ensures efficient handling of passenger services.
Station Master	Manages the overall functioning of the railway station, including train schedules, smooth operations, and addressing passenger queries.
Goods Train Manager	Ensures safe and timely cargo transport by rail, supervises loading and unloading, and manages freight operations.
Senior Clerk cum Typist	Handles senior-level clerical work, including data entry, record management, and administrative tasks.
Junior Accountant Assistant cum Typist	Assists with accounting tasks, financial data management, and typing work related to financial records.

RRB Group D Job Profiles

The job profiles of some Group D posts are summarized in the table below, allowing candidates to review the responsibilities associated with these roles.

Post	Job Role Description
Track Maintainer	Maintaining railway tracks, inspecting track conditions
Helper/Assistant	Assisting technicians in various departments
Gateman	Managing the operation of level crossing gates
Pointsman	Assisting in switching railway tracks
Assistant Loco Shed	Manages electrical maintenance of locomotives
Assistant C&W (Carriage and Wagon)	Handles carriage and wagon maintenance
Assistant Loco Shed (Diesel)	Manages diesel locomotive maintenance
Assistant Signal & Telecom	Maintaining and Repair signal and telecommunication systems

RRB NTPC vs RRB Group D Salary and Benefits

The salary associated with these roles varies according to the pay level. Group D positions are classified as pay level 1 jobs, while RRB NTPC roles range from pay level 2 to pay level 6, resulting in higher salaries compared to Group D. The detailed salary breakdown is provided below.

Parameter	RRB NTPC	RRB Group D
Basic Pay (Entry Level)	₹19,900 to ₹35,400 per month (Level 2-6)	₹18,000 per month (Level 1)
Grade Pay	₹2,800 to ₹4,200	₹1,800
Total Salary (with allowances)	₹30,000 to ₹45,000	₹22,000 to ₹25,000

RRB NTPC vs RRB Group D Additional Benefits

Both RRB NTPC and RRB Group D are central government jobs, ensuring job security for employees. Both the jobs provide various allowances and benefits, and the opportunities for promotion in both roles are outlined in the table below.

Parameter	RRB NTPC	RRB Group D
Allowances	House Rent Allowance, Dearness Allowance, Travel	House Rent Allowance, Dearness Allowance
Promotion Opportunities	More frequent, can reach higher administrative levels	Fewer opportunities, limited to technical promotions
Job Stability	Both positions offer good job security	Both positions offer good job security
Transfer Policies	Transfers may be more frequent, depending on the post	Transfers are less frequent for Group D posts

RRB NTPC vs RRB Group D Career Growth and Promotion

As both are central government jobs, they offer stable career growth and timely promotion opportunities. However, RRB NTPC typically provides faster promotions compared to RRB Group D profiles. Promotions in NTPC will vary according to the specific post, while in Group D technical roles, promotions can lead up to the position of Junior Engineer.

RRB NTPC vs RRB Group D Key Differences

RRB NTPC focuses on clerical and supervisory roles with moderately difficult exams, requiring skills like typing and computer proficiency. In contrast, RRB Group D involves technical and maintenance jobs with relatively easier exams emphasizing physical endurance. NTPC offers better growth opportunities towards administrative roles, while Group D provides promotions to senior technical posts. For more details, refer to the table below.

Feature	RRB NTPC	RRB Group D
Type of Job	Clerical and supervisory roles	Technical and maintenance roles
Exam Difficulty	Moderately difficult, with more subjects covered	Relatively easier, with basic subjects
Skills Required	Typing skills, computer proficiency (for some posts)	Physical endurance for PET
Growth Opportunities	Higher chances of promotions to administrative roles	More technical in nature, with fewer administrative positions

Which Exam Should You Choose?

Above, we have discussed the perks and benefits of both RRB NTPC and RRB Group D jobs. Ultimately, the choice depends on the candidates’ preferences and career goals. However, it’s important to remember that eligibility criteria must be met in order to apply for these roles.

RRB NTPC: Ideal for candidates who have completed at least 12th grade or graduation and are looking for clerical, supervisory, or managerial positions with opportunities for career growth.
RRB Group D: Suitable for candidates with basic educational qualifications (10th pass or ITI) who prefer hands-on technical work and are comfortable with physical tasks.

Conclusion

Both RRB NTPC and RRB Group D provide stable career options in the Indian Railways, but the choice between them depends on the candidate’s educational qualifications, career aspirations, and job preferences. While RRB NTPC offers more growth opportunities and higher pay, RRB Group D is more accessible and suitable for those who prefer technical and maintenance work.