What is the RRB NTPC Typing Skill Test?
The RRB NTPC Typing Skill Test, officially called the Computer Based Typing Skill Test (CBTST), is a qualifying stage in the Railway Recruitment Board's NTPC selection process. It applies to typist-based posts such as Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist and Junior Time Keeper. Although the marks of this test are not added to the merit list, candidates must clear it to move forward — failing the typing test means elimination from the recruitment, no matter how well you scored in CBT 1 and CBT 2.
Speed Requirement and Rules
Candidates must type at a minimum speed of 30 words per minute (WPM) in English or 25 WPM in Hindi on a personal computer. The test duration is 10 minutes, and it is conducted without editing tools or spell-check assistance, so accuracy matters as much as raw speed. Candidates opting for Hindi typing are tested on Krutidev or Mangal (Unicode) font, which makes regular practice on the exact keyboard layout essential. A small mistake percentage is permitted, but consistent errors can push your net speed below the qualifying mark.
How to Prepare for the Typing Test
The only reliable way to clear the CBTST is daily timed practice in an exam-like environment. Start by building accuracy at a comfortable pace, then gradually increase speed while keeping your error rate under control. Practicing with real exam passages, a visible timer, and proper net-speed calculation gives you an honest picture of where you stand. You can attempt free mock typing tests in both English and Hindi (Krutidev and Mangal) with instant WPM and accuracy results on RRB NTPC Typing — a dedicated typing practice platform designed for railway, SSC and other government exam aspirants.
Final Words
Thousands of candidates clear CBT 1 and CBT 2 every year but lose their railway job dream at the typing stage simply because they started practicing too late. Treat the typing test with the same seriousness as the written exams — 20 to 30 minutes of focused daily practice over two to three months is usually enough to comfortably cross the 30 WPM benchmark and secure your post.