NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) Exam

The NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) Exam is conducted for various technical and non-technical posts. Preparing for the NTPC exam, especially for posts such as engineers, supervisors, and executives, demands thorough preparation in both technical subjects and general aptitude. Here are comprehensive tips to help you prepare for the NTPC exam, whether you’re aiming for a technical or non-technical role.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus

The first and most important step is understanding the NTPC exam pattern and syllabus for the specific post you are applying for. NTPC exams generally consist of:

  • Aptitude Test: Common for most posts, includes topics like Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, General Awareness.
  • Technical Test: For technical posts like Engineers, this test focuses on core subjects of your discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Civil, etc.).
  • Interview: Some posts also include a personal interview or a skill test.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Aptitude: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Verbal Ability, General Knowledge, and Current Affairs.
  • Technical Subjects: For Engineers (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.), focus on core subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, power systems, etc.

2. Create a Study Plan

Designing a clear study schedule is essential. A well-planned timetable helps in covering the vast syllabus systematically and ensures that no topic is left out. Here’s how you can structure your plan:

  • Daily Study Hours: Devote at least 5-6 hours daily for preparation. Split your time between technical and non-technical subjects.
  • Topic-wise Schedule: Make a weekly plan where each day is dedicated to a specific subject or topic.
  • Revisions: Leave ample time for revisions towards the end of the preparation. Regular revision ensures that you retain what you have studied.

Make your study plan flexible but disciplined. Stick to it religiously to ensure thorough coverage of the syllabus.

3. Focus on Technical Subjects

If you are applying for a technical role (like engineer or supervisor), mastering your core technical subjects is crucial. Focus on:

  • Important Topics: For example, for a Mechanical Engineer, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Power Plant Engineering, and Strength of Materials are important. For Electrical Engineers, Power Systems, Control Systems, Electrical Machines, etc., should be the focus.
  • Conceptual Clarity: Understand the basic concepts thoroughly before moving to advanced topics. Many questions in NTPC exams are conceptual rather than theoretical.
  • Standard Books: Use standard reference books for each subject. Some highly recommended books include:
    • Mechanical Engineering: R.K. Rajput for Thermal, P.K. Nag for Engineering Thermodynamics, R.S. Khurmi for Strength of Materials.
    • Electrical Engineering: V.K. Mehta for Electrical Machines, H.C. Cotton for Power Systems, Nagrath and Kothari for Control Systems.
    • Electronics and Communication: S.Salivahanan for Analog Electronics, R.P Jain for Digital Electronics.

4. Develop Aptitude Skills

A significant portion of the NTPC exam tests your general aptitude, including Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability. Here’s how to tackle these sections:

  • Quantitative Aptitude: Focus on topics like Number Systems, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Percentages, Profit & Loss, and Data Interpretation. Books like RS Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude or Arun Sharma’s Quantitative Aptitude for CAT are excellent for practice.
  • Reasoning: Logical reasoning questions may involve puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, blood relations, etc. Practice from RS Aggarwal’s Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
  • Verbal Ability: Focus on vocabulary, reading comprehension, sentence correction, and grammar. Read newspapers like The Hindu and practice from books like Wren and Martin for grammar.

5. General Awareness & Current Affairs

For most NTPC exams, General Awareness and Current Affairs play a crucial role. It’s essential to stay updated with the latest happenings in India and across the globe.

  • Read Newspapers Daily: Reading newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, or The Economic Times daily will help you stay updated on current affairs, especially in areas like national policies, economic trends, and international relations.
  • Refer to Magazines and Yearbooks: Use magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan or Manorama Yearbook for in-depth coverage of important events.
  • Focus on Energy Sector: Since NTPC is a major player in the energy sector, understanding the basics of energy policies, renewable energy, and the power sector is important.

6. Solve Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests

One of the best ways to get familiar with the NTPC exam is by solving previous years’ papers. This helps you:

  • Understand the Question Pattern: Previous year papers provide insight into the types of questions asked and the difficulty level.
  • Time Management: By solving mock tests, you can practice managing your time efficiently during the actual exam.
  • Assess Your Weaknesses: Mock tests highlight areas where you need improvement and help you work on those topics.

Online platforms like Gradeup, Testbook, and Oliveboard provide numerous mock tests and previous year question papers. Aim to take at least 2-3 mock tests per week as your exam date approaches.

7. Strengthen Your Basics

Whether it’s technical subjects or general aptitude, having strong fundamentals is key to cracking the NTPC exam. Rather than rushing through the syllabus, make sure you:

  • Understand Concepts: Don’t memorize formulas or shortcuts without understanding the underlying concepts. This approach will help you solve complex problems with ease.
  • Clear Doubts: If you have doubts regarding any topic, clarify them through reference books, online videos, or coaching classes.

8. Stay Physically and Mentally Fit

Preparing for competitive exams can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of your health during this period.

  • Regular Exercise: Engage in some form of physical activity to stay fit and reduce stress. Even a 30-minute walk or yoga can help improve focus.
  • Proper Diet: Eating healthy and nutritious food ensures that your mind stays sharp and focused.
  • Adequate Sleep: Avoid staying up late studying. A well-rested mind is more productive and retains information better.

9. Interview Preparation

If your NTPC exam involves an interview, then prepare accordingly. The interview stage tests your personality, communication skills, and domain knowledge. Here’s how to prepare:

  • Know About NTPC: Understand NTPC’s role in the energy sector, its recent projects, policies, and overall contribution to India’s energy production. You may be asked questions related to the organization and its operations.
  • Revise Your Core Subjects: For technical roles, revise your engineering subjects thoroughly as technical questions are often asked.
  • Mock Interviews: Attend mock interviews to get used to the interview format and receive feedback on your performance.

10. Stay Consistent and Motivated

Preparing for the NTPC exam can be a long and challenging journey. The key to success lies in consistency and staying motivated. Here’s how to maintain your momentum:

  • Set Small Goals: Break your preparation into smaller goals, such as completing specific topics or mock tests weekly.
  • Positive Mindset: Stay positive and don’t let stress take over. Surround yourself with positive influences—be it family, friends, or fellow aspirants.
  • Take Breaks: Don’t overwork yourself. Take short breaks between study sessions to relax and refresh your mind.

11. Use Online Resources

With the advent of technology, there are many online resources available that can help you in your NTPC preparation. Use platforms like Unacademy, YouTube channels, and other online education websites to get access to free study material, tutorials, and doubt-solving sessions.

12. Revision is Key

Lastly, revise every topic at least 2-3 times before the actual exam. The syllabus can be vast, so effective revision ensures that you remember what you studied. Create short notes while studying, which can be used during revisions.


In conclusion, the NTPC exam demands a mix of technical knowledge, general aptitude, and current affairs. By focusing on these aspects, maintaining consistency, and staying disciplined with your study plan, you can crack the NTPC exam successfully. Stay confident and focused, and success will follow!