Practice approximation. The rules below are the commonly published figures and have not yet been verified against the latest official notification (check indianrailways.gov.in). Always follow your own notice.
Railway recruitment for clerical posts under the Non-Technical Popular Categories includes a typing skill test for every post with typist in its name. Candidates who clear the computer based tests are shortlisted for the typing test in a ratio set by the board, and the test is qualifying: it decides whether you are selected, not where you rank. Because thousands of candidates reach this stage, a confident, well-practised typing test is the difference between a railway job and waiting for the next notification.
RRB NTPC typing test rules (English)
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Speed required | 30 WPM (net) |
| Duration | 10 minutes |
| Backspace | Check notification |
| Mistakes | Counted per wrong word |
| Scoring | Qualifying typing skill test on a computer; no marks are added to the merit. |
Posts: Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist.
What the railway typing test checks
The skill test is taken on a computer at a centre chosen by the board. The speeds commonly quoted are 30 words per minute in English and 25 words per minute in Hindi, judged on net speed after errors. You choose the language of the typing test while applying, so make the choice carefully and practise only in that language.
Unlike some state tests, the railway typing test does not usually give marks for speed beyond the minimum. Once you are above the line with good accuracy, the rest of your merit depends on the written stages.
English or Hindi for RRB?
Candidates from Hindi-speaking states often choose Hindi because the required speed is lower. That only helps if you are comfortable with a Hindi layout. Railway centres generally provide Unicode Hindi, so practise on InScript or Remington Gail rather than Kruti Dev. If you have never typed Hindi, English at 30 WPM is usually the faster route.
Use the waiting time
- Results of the written stages take months; start typing practice the day after your exam, not after the result.
- Aim for 35 WPM English or 30 WPM Hindi in practice, so nerves on the day still leave you above the line.
- Practise on GK passages here to keep revising railway, polity and science topics at the same time.
Tips to pass the RRB NTPC typing test
- Keep your posture upright and wrists level; railway centres often use standard desktop keyboards.
- Do one full 10-minute test every day in the last three weeks.
- Do not chase speed at the cost of accuracy; uncorrected errors cut your net speed sharply.
- If you choose Hindi, decide your layout now and never switch.
- Arrive early on the day and type a few words to get used to the keyboard before the test starts.
Frequently asked questions
What typing speed is required for RRB NTPC?+
The commonly quoted standard is 30 WPM in English and 25 WPM in Hindi on a computer. Check the notice for your recruitment cycle.
Is the RRB NTPC typing test qualifying?+
Yes. It is a qualifying test. Your final merit is based on the computer based tests.
Which posts need the typing test?+
Clerk cum typist posts such as Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist and Senior Clerk cum Typist.
Which Hindi layout is used?+
Railway typing tests generally use Unicode Hindi. Practise on InScript or Remington Gail, both available on this page.
How long is the test?+
It is commonly described as a 10-minute test. This page defaults to 10 minutes.
Is this an official RRB test?+
No. It is an independent practice tool.