NCERT has prescribed a common, post-wise CBT-based exam pattern along with detailed domain syllabus plus skill test and interview schemes for the 2025–26 Non‑Teaching Recruitment for Group A, B and C posts.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced recruitment for 173 Non-Teaching Group A, B, and C posts through Advertisement No. 01/2025/Non-Academic, with online applications open from the publication date in Employment News (last date: 21 days from publication). This comprehensive guide details the post-wise syllabus and exam pattern for the Computer Based Test (CBT), Skill Tests, and Interview rounds as outlined in the official NCERT exam scheme.
Understanding these patterns featuring Section A (general aptitude) and Section B (domain-specific topics) with negative marking is crucial for aspirants targeting roles like Assistant Engineer, Accountant, Storekeeper, LDC, and technical media positions across NCERT institutes.
NCERT Non-Teaching 2025–26 Exam Pattern
If you are preparing for the NCERT Non-Teaching exam 2025–26, the official notification has been released. The recruitment is for 173 vacancies across Group A, B, and C posts.
Going through the exam pattern during your NCERT exam preparation can give you a realistic idea of what to expect on the actual day.
Understanding the structure of the exam such as the number of questions, time limits, and the marking scheme will not only give you clarity but also help you plan your preparation in a more focused and efficient manner.
The selection process is divided into different stages depending on the post:
For Most Posts:
- Computer Based Test (CBT): Objective type, usually two sections
- Skill Test / Interview: For technical and senior positions
- Typing Test: For clerical posts like LDC
NCERT Exam Pattern Level 10 Posts
The NCERT Level 10 Exam (for posts like Assistant Engineer and Assistant PRO) is the first stage of the selection process. However, passing it is essential to progress to the next stage.
This phase tests your skills across two sections which are: Section A (General) and Section B (Technical/Domain).
Here’s a detailed overview that you must know before appearing for the exam:
For Assistant Engineer & Assistant PRO:
- Mode of Examination: CBT and Interview
- Total Marks: 200 (CBT: 150, Interview: 50)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Exam Mode: Computer Based Test (Online)
- Marking Scheme:
- Section A: 0.50 marks for each correct answer and ¼ marks will be deducted as negative marking for each wrong answer.
- Section B: 01 mark for each correct answer and ¼ marks will be deducted as negative marking for each wrong answer.
- Cut-off Criteria: Candidates must achieve minimum sectional cut-offs and an overall cut-off to qualify for Interview.
Make sure you meet the sectional cutoff as well as the overall cutoff to move forward.
NCERT Level 10 Exam Pattern
| Name of Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A: General English, Comprehension, General Awareness, Current Affairs | 100 Questions | 50 Marks |
| Section B: Domain/Technical Knowledge | 100 Questions | 100 Marks |
| Total | 200 Questions | 150 Marks |
NCERT Exam Pattern Level 6–8 Posts
The Level 6–8 exam is for posts like Senior Accountant, Junior Accountant, Store Officer, etc. The scores from NCERT CBT examination play an effective role in determining whether you make it to the final merit list.
For most of these posts, there’s only CBT (no interview), except for Junior Hindi Translator which has a Skill Test.
Here’s a complete guide to help you understand what can appear and how to prepare effectively:
For Senior/Junior Accountant:
- Number of Questions: 150 total
- Total Marks: 150 marks
- Time Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Exam Mode: Computer Based Test (Online)
- Negative Marking: Yes, 0.25 marks deduction for each wrong answer in both sections.
- Cut-off Criteria: To qualify, candidates must achieve the minimum sectional cut-offs for each section and an overall cut-off.
NCERT Level 6–8 Exam Pattern
| Paper | No. of Questions | Time Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A: General English, GK, Reasoning, Computer | 50 Questions | 2 hours 30 minutes (combined) | 50 Marks |
| Section B: Auditing, Taxation, Financial Rules | 100 Questions | 100 Marks | |
| Total | 150 Questions | 2 hours 30 minutes | 150 Marks |
Note: For Junior Hindi Translator, there’s a different pattern: 100 questions in CBT (30 from GA/CA, 70 from English) plus Skill Test of 100 marks for translation, essay, and precis writing.
NCERT Exam Pattern Level 2–5 Posts
For Group C posts like Lower Division Clerk, Technician, Storekeeper, etc., the pattern is slightly different:
For LDC:
- Mode: CBT + Typing Test
- CBT: 120 questions, 120 marks, 2 hours
- Sections:
- Section A: General English, Comprehension, GA, Current Affairs (50 Qs)
- Section B: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Computer Knowledge (70 Qs)
- Typing Test: Qualifying – 35 WPM English or 30 WPM Hindi
For Other Level 2–5 Posts:
- Mode: CBT Only
- Total Questions: 120
- Total Marks: 120
- Duration: 2 hours
- Sections: Similar structure – 50 Qs in Section A, 70 Qs in Section B
NCERT Exam Sectional Timing
The NCERT CBT does not have sectional timing for most posts. You get the total duration (2, 2.5, or 3 hours) to attempt all sections as per your pace.
This is different from many other exams where candidates cannot switch between sections freely. In NCERT CBT, you can navigate between sections within the total time limit.
This flexibility can be an advantage if managed well. You can practice time and speed management so that you can complete all sections within the total duration.
NCERT Exam Negative Marking
The NCERT Non-Teaching exam follows a structured marking scheme for incorrect answers in its objective papers.
When you are answering questions, it is very important to pick the right option carefully to avoid any deduction of marks, it enhances your performance in the CBT.
Below is a detailed explanation of the negative marking scheme applicable:
For Most Posts:
- Section A & B (Objective): 0.25 marks deduction for each wrong answer.
- Section A (Level-10 Posts): Since each question carries 0.5 marks, 0.125 marks (¼ of 0.5) is deducted for wrong answers.
- No Negative Marking in Skill Tests, Descriptive Tests, or Typing Tests.
To ensure the successful submission of your registration form, you can refer to NCERT application steps and learn about the application process in detail.
NCERT Exam Language Options
For the NCERT Non-Teaching exam, the CBT is bilingual which means that it is available in both English and Hindi (except the English Language sections).
Candidates have the option to choose their preferred language at the beginning of the paper.
- General Sections: General Awareness, Current Affairs, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning – available in both Hindi and English.
- English Language Sections: Can only be attempted in English.
- Domain Sections: Technical questions are generally in English, but instructions may be bilingual.
NCERT Skill Test & Interview
NCERT Skill Test/Interview is the final stage for certain posts. The interview/skill test round will be held after you subsequently clear the CBT.
Minimum Cut-offs: The applicants who will clear the minimum sectional cut-off and the overall cut-off will be called for the interview/skill test round.
Posts with Interview/Skill Test:
- Assistant Engineer (Interview: 50 marks)
- Assistant PRO (Interview: 50 marks)
- Junior Hindi Translator (Skill Test: 100 marks)
- Cameraman Grade-II (Skill Test: 50 marks)
- Set Designer, Graphic Assistant, Film Assistant, etc. (Skill Test only)
Interview Panel: The Interview consists of senior officers who will ask questions related to candidate’s personal details, educational background, technical knowledge, and awareness about NCERT’s work.
Typing Test for LDC: Those who qualify CBT must appear in computer typing speed test of 35 W.P.M. in English or 30 W.P.M. in Hindi.
Final Selection Process
The final selection for NCERT Non-Teaching 2025–26 is determined by combining the scores from different stages as per the post.
For Posts with Interview/Skill Test:
- Final Merit = CBT Score + Interview/Skill Test Score
- CBT marks are normalized if needed
- Interview/Skill Test is qualifying with minimum marks
For CBT-Only Posts:
- Final Merit = CBT Score Only
- Sectional and overall cut-offs apply
Tie-Breaker Rules:
If two candidates secure the same final score:
- Candidate with higher marks in CBT is ranked higher
- If CBT marks are same, candidate with higher qualification is preferred
- If qualification is same, older candidate gets preference
The official list of selected candidates will be released on the NCERT website, typically within 4–6 weeks after completion of all stages.
NCERT Non-Teaching Syllabus 2025–26
The NCERT Non-Teaching official syllabus 2025–26 has been released in the detailed notification.
The NCERT Non-Teaching Exam syllabus varies by post but generally consists of two sections – Section A (General) and Section B (Domain-Specific).
Syllabus – Section A
General English Syllabus:
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar (Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, Subject-Verb Agreement)
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases)
- Error Detection
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Fill in the Blanks
- One Word Substitution
General Awareness Syllabus:
- Current Affairs (National & International, last 6–12 months)
- Indian History, Polity, Geography, Economy
- General Science
- Sports, Awards, Books & Authors
- Important Days & Events
- NCERT Specific: NEP 2020, Educational Policies, NCERT Initiatives, Recent Publications
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus (for relevant posts):
- Number System
- Percentage, Profit & Loss
- Ratio & Proportion
- Average, Time & Work
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Data Interpretation
Reasoning Syllabus (for relevant posts):
- Analogies
- Classification
- Series Completion
- Coding-Decoding
- Puzzles
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
Computer Knowledge Syllabus (for relevant posts):
- Computer Fundamentals
- MS Office
- Internet & Email
- Basic Networking
- Cybersecurity Basics
Syllabus – Section B
For Assistant Engineer (Electronics/Media):
- Telecast/Broadcast/Webcast Technology
- Media & Multimedia Production
- Satellite Communication
- AI/ML in Communication
- Transmission Technology
For Junior Hindi Translator:
- Translation Techniques
- Essay Writing (Hindi & English)
- Precis Writing
- Official Correspondence
- Grammar & Usage in Both Languages
For Accountant Posts:
- Auditing Standards
- Taxation (Direct & Indirect)
- Financial Statements
- Government Accounting Rules (GFR, FR&SR)
- Pension Rules, GPF, New Pension Scheme
For Store Officer/Storekeeper:
- Store Keeping Principles
- Inventory Management
- Procurement Procedures (GeM, Manual)
- Stock Verification
- Disposal Methods
For Production Assistant:
- Printing Technology
- Paper Types & Calculation
- Layout & Design
- Cost Estimation
- Anti-Piracy Measures
For Professional Assistant (Library):
- Library Classification Systems
- Digital Library Management
- Information Technology in Libraries
- Cataloguing Procedures
- Reference Services
For Cameraman Grade-II:
- Camera Types & Functions
- Lighting Techniques
- Composition Rules
- Video Editing Basics
- File Formats & Storage
For Lower Division Clerk:
- Office Procedures
- File Management
- Noting & Drafting
- Communication Skills
- Basic Accounting.
Check Details Exam Pattern and Syllabus Here
FAQs
What are the total allocated marks for NCERT CBT?
It varies by post: Level 10 – 150 marks; Level 6–8 – 150 marks; Level 2–5 – 120 marks.
What is the time duration of the NCERT CBT?
Level 10: 3 hours; Level 6–8: 2.5 hours; Level 2–5: 2 hours.
Is the NCERT exam Bilingual?
Yes, except English language sections, the paper is available in both Hindi and English.
Is there any negative marking in the NCERT Exam?
Yes, 0.25 marks deduction for each wrong answer in objective sections.
How many marks is the NCERT Interview for?
50 marks for Level 10 posts (Assistant Engineer, Assistant PRO).
What is the weightage of the NCERT Interview?
Interview/Skill Test weightage varies: 50 out of 200 total marks for Level 10 posts.
What are the best books for General Section preparation?
Standard books for General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English by authors like Arihant, Lucent, and NCERT’s own publications.
