RRB NTPC 2021 Exam Insights and the Controversial Screening Process

Preparing for the RRB NTPC (Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories) exam is a strenuous journey that requires a comprehensive understanding of various subjects and a sharp mindset. However, even if one is well-prepared, unforeseen circumstances can turn the tide. I, like many others, began my preparations early, confident in my selection for Tier 1.

Preparation and Results

I prepared for the RRB NTPC exam diligently, starting from the very beginning. My raw marks in Tier 1 were a commendable 86.19 out of 100, which normalised to 94.25. This score was a result of my consistent effort and dedication. However, the screening process for Tier 1 raised eyebrows, turning the conventional outcome into a shadow of what was expected.

Unfortunately, the screening process, which was met with significant controversy, only allowed 3-4 lacs candidates to progress to Tier 2 out of 35000 available vacancies. This number was drastically lower than the expected 7 lacs. The Railway Board defended its selection of 20 times the expected number of candidates as a fair representation of the RRB NTPC vacancies. However, some experts argue that the same candidates were selected for multiple posts, leading to an unfair distribution of opportunities.

Post-Controversy Developments

For instance, in my region, RRB Chandigarh, the highest cut-off for any level of post was around 91, making a cut-off of 94.25 significant. Logically, it means that I could have secured every post at Level 2. Nevertheless, after Tier 2, I would have to choose only one post, presumably wasting the opportunities that others could have utilized. This decision has not only raised concerns among candidates but also shattered the confidence of aspiring govt job professionals.

Current Status and Future Outlook

The controversy has led to a high level of protest from railway job aspirants. As a result, the Railway Board decided to establish a high-powered committee to investigate the concerns raised by students. The final decision on the Tier 1 result, whether to revise it or not, will be made on March 4th, 2022. Until then, the RRB NTPC Tier 2 has been postponed.

Personal Experience

My own personal experience further emphasizes the harsh reality of such competitive exams. Although I had prepared for the banking exams and hence did not put in considerable effort for the RRB NTPC, I still found the exam to be challenging. On 8th February 2021, without much preparation, my reasoning was strong, and I had a good grasp of the trigonometry and algebra formulas. For general awareness, I had merely read about battles, and for current affairs, I was tackling the IBPS clerk and IBPS RRB PO mains, so didn't focus on it specifically. A few questions were easy, while others were quite tough, making it difficult for even some of the top aspirants to solve them. In total, I attempted 79 questions.

Showcasing Determination and Confidence

As quoted, “I believe I can and so I will succeed.” This quote by Mahatma Gandhi resonates strongly here. It is my firm belief that if one is determined, they can achieve their goals, no matter the initial setbacks. The journey for success is not without challenges, but the resolve within can turn the tide.

As the situation unfolds and the final decision is made on the RRB NTPC Tier 1 results, it is crucial for the railway board to consider the concerns of the aspirants. Transparency and fairness in decision-making will go a long way in maintaining public trust and ensuring a competitive yet fair examination process.