How many hours to study for RRB NTPC CBT 2?

RRB NTPC CBT 2 is the second stage of the selection process and is attempted only by candidates who have cleared CBT 1. While CBT 1 tests general aptitude, CBT 2 is more subject-focused and requires a deeper understanding of concepts. A common concern among aspirants at this stage is: “How many hours to study for RRB NTPC CBT 2?” This guide provides a realistic strategy based on preparation intensity and performance in CBT 1.

Understanding RRB NTPC CBT 2 Exam Pattern

Before planning your study schedule, it’s essential to understand the exam structure. CBT 2 comprises 120 questions to be attempted in 90 minutes, covering three key subjects.

There is a negative marking of 1/3 mark for each incorrect answer.

How many hours to study for RRB NTPC CBT 2?

While every CBT 2 candidate has already passed CBT 1, their level of preparedness may still differ. Some may have studied extensively during CBT 1 and need only revision now, while others may need deeper focus on weak areas. Based on this, we divide preparation into three practical levels:

1. If Your CBT 1 Preparation Was Basic

If you barely managed to clear CBT 1 or had low accuracy, it’s essential to dedicate more time now to improve your fundamentals and overall performance in CBT 2.

1. Recommended Hours: 6–8 hours per day
2. Study Strategy:

• 2 hours – Mathematics (Concept building + Practice)
• 2 hours – Reasoning (Strengthen weak topics)
• 2.5 hours – General Awareness (Static + Current Affairs)
• 1–1.5 hours – Mock test + analysis + revision

2. If You Had a Strong CBT 1 Performance

If you scored well in CBT 1 with good accuracy, you can now focus on targeted preparation. The goal should be speed improvement, high accuracy, and smart revision.

1. Recommended Hours: 4–6 hours per day
2. Study Strategy:

• Identify high-scoring topics in each subject
• Prioritize current affairs and mock test analysis
• Revise short tricks, formulae, and solved questions regularly

3. If You’ve Been Preparing Continuously

If you have been consistently preparing after CBT 1 and just waiting for CBT 2 dates, you only need maintenance-level preparation now.

1. Recommended Hours: 3–4 hours per day
2. Study Strategy:

• Focus on final revision and full mock tests
• Identify patterns of errors in previous attempts
• Update yourself on last-minute current affairs and practice accuracy

Weekly Study Plan

This 8-week plan helps candidates in all categories to track their progress effectively, from revision to mock test analysis.

Make sure to give weekly self-assessments and track your weak and strong zones.

Key Preparation Tips for CBT 2

Scoring well in CBT 2 depends more on precision and smart test-taking than sheer study hours. Below are some practical tips:

• Go through previous year papers to understand difficulty levels.
• Prioritize General Awareness, as it carries the highest weight.
• Take at least 2–3 full-length mock tests per week in the last 4 weeks.
• Maintain separate notes for last-minute revision (dates, facts, formulas).
• Don’t just study long hours—focus on daily goals and consistent analysis.

Every CBT 2 aspirant has already crossed one hurdle. Now, success depends not just on the number of study hours, but how effectively those hours are utilized. If you study smartly for 4 to 6 hours daily with regular mocks and focused revision, cracking CBT 2 becomes absolutely achievable. Identify your current level honestly, make a goal-oriented plan, and maintain discipline till exam day.