Important Dates 
Syllabus
Eligibility
Application Process
Other DetailsThe Railway Recruitment Board is currently in the active phase of the RRB NTPC Exam 2026-27 cycle. Following the late 2025 notifications, the 2026 recruitment cycle is now in the active examination phase. This massive drive aims to fill 11,558 vacancies across Indian Railways, and you must stay updated with the latest shift-wise developments to succeed.
RRB conducts NTPC recruitment as per the recruitment cycle to shortlist candidates for posts such as Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Commercial Apprentice, and Junior Clerk. This guide gives you everything about RRB NTPC recruitment, so read carefully and plan to clear the exam on your first attempt.
Highlights of RRB NTPC 2026-27
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Exam Name | RRB NTPC (CEN 05/2024 & 06/2024) |
| Total Vacancies | 11,558 (8,113 Graduate + 3,445 Undergraduate) |
| Mode of Application | Online (Completed Oct 2025) |
| Current Status | CBT-1 Exams Active / Ongoing |
| Official Website | rrbcdg.gov.in |
RRB NTPC Exam Date 2026 (Active Timeline)
Stay ahead of the competition by tracking these critical dates for the 2026-27 cycle:
| Main Events | Status/Dates |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | September 2025 (Completed) |
| Online Application Window | Sept – Oct 20, 2025 (Closed) |
| City Intimation Slip Release | 10 Days before your shift |
| Admit Card Availability | 4 Days before your shift |
| Graduate Level CBT-1 Status | Ongoing (February – March 2026) |
| Undergraduate Level CBT-1 Exam | April – May 2026 (Preparation Phase) |
Watch: RRB NTPC Preparation Strategy 2026
Syllabus & Exam Pattern (CBT-1 & CBT-2)
The exam features 1/3 negative marking for every incorrect answer. The General Science section strictly follows the 10th Std NCERT/CBSE curriculum. You should prioritize General Awareness, which currently focuses on 2025-26 Current Affairs, Indian History, and Environmental Issues.
CBT-2 and Specialized Skill Tests
Unlike CBT-1, CBT-2 is post-specific. Qualifying for higher levels requires additional specialized tests:
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Mandatory for Station Master and Traffic Assistant. It consists of 5-6 “test batteries” (like Intelligence and Spatial Scanning) and carries 30% weightage in final merit.
- Typing Skill Test (TST): Required for Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, and Senior Clerk cum Typist. You must achieve 30 WPM in English or 25 WPM in Hindi on a PC without editing tools.
Latest Current Affairs “Hot Topics” for 2026
If you are appearing for exams this month, ensure you have covered these 2025-2026 highlights:
- Theme of Republic Day 2025: “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas.”
- Railway Milestones: New Vande Bharat corridors and the 2025 World’s Largest Platform updates.
- Sports 2025: Major winners of the National Games and Cricket World events.
- Government Schemes: PM Vidyalaxmi and updates to SVAMITVA property cards.
Crucial Updates: What You Must Know
1. The Percentile-Based Normalization
Because the exam is conducted across multiple shifts, RRB uses a Percentile-Based Normalization. Unlike older methods, your raw score is no longer the final word; your performance relative to others in your specific shift determines your rank. For example, a raw score of 65 in a “Tough Shift” could result in a higher percentile than a 75 in an “Easy Shift.”
2. Post Preference Warning
You must be extremely careful regarding your selection. The order you selected during the 2025 application is final. If you qualify for multiple levels (e.g., Level 2 and Level 6), your appointment will strictly follow your priority list provided during registration.
3. Mandatory Aadhaar Biometric Verification
In 2026, RRB has strictly implemented Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication at all exam centers. Our team advises you to ensure your Aadhaar is unlocked in the UIDAI system and that your fingerprints are updated to avoid entry rejection.
RRB NTPC Eligibility & Medical Standards
Age Limit: 18 to 33 years (Relaxations apply: OBC – 3 years, SC/ST – 5 years).
Post-wise Medical Requirements
| Post Name | Medical Standard | Eyesight Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Station Master / Traffic Assistant | A-2 | 6/9, 6/9 without glasses (No Fogging Test) |
| Goods Train Manager (Guard) | A-2 | 6/9, 6/9 without glasses |
| Clerical Posts (Typist) | C-2 | 6/12, 6/18 with or without glasses |
RRB NTPC 2026 Salary (7th CPC)
- Level 2 Posts: Initial Pay ₹19,900 (In-hand approx. ₹28,696)
- Level 5 Posts: Initial Pay ₹29,200 (In-hand approx. ₹39,856)
- Level 6 Posts: Initial Pay ₹35,400 (In-hand approx. ₹48,696)
We believe these perks, including DA, HRA, and medical benefits, make this one of the most stable career paths in India today.
How to Check Your Status
- Visit the centralized portal rrbapply.gov.in.
- Log in using your 2025 credentials.
- Check “Exam City & Date Intimation” for your CBT-1 shift.
- Download your E-Call Letter 4 days before the exam.
- Refund Note: Refunds (₹400 for Gen/OBC; ₹250 for Others) are credited back to your original payment mode after CBT-1 attendance.
RRB NTPC 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. “I’m appearing for the Graduate exam today. When can I expect the Answer Key?”
Historically, RRB is quite efficient! Once the entire window for the Graduate Level CBT-1 closes in late March, you can usually expect the preliminary answer key and the “Objection Tracker” to go live within 15 to 20 days. Keep your login credentials handy!
2. “Is the syllabus for CBT-1 and CBT-2 exactly the same?”
The subjects (Maths, Reasoning, and General Awareness) are the same, but the level of difficulty and the number of questions change. In CBT-2, you’ll face 120 questions instead of 100, and the pressure is higher because the questions are much more specific to the job level you’re aiming for.
3. “What happens if I forget to bring my Aadhaar card to the exam center?”
This is a big one! Since we are seeing strict Aadhaar-based biometric biometric verification this year, not having your original Aadhaar card can lead to being barred from the exam. If your Aadhaar is missing, carry at least two other Government IDs and a color printout of your E-Aadhaar, but try your best to have the original physical card.
4. “Do I need to pass the Typing Test if I only want the Station Master post?”
Nope! The Station Master and Traffic Assistant posts don’t require typing. Instead, you will have to clear the CBAT (Aptitude Test). Typing tests are only for clerical and account-based roles. So, focus on your spatial intelligence and reaction time instead of WPM!
5. “How does the ‘Partial Refund’ of the application fee work?”
It’s essentially a “presence reward.” If you actually show up and sit for the CBT-1 exam, the RRB refunds a portion of your fee (minus bank charges) to the account you used during payment. If you skip the exam, the Railways keeps the full amount.
6. “Can I change my RRB Zone now if the competition looks too high elsewhere?”
Unfortunately, no. Once the application window closed in October 2025, your choice of RRB Zone (like Mumbai, Chandigarh, or Chennai) became permanent for this recruitment cycle. Your best bet now is to maximize your percentile score to beat the local cutoff.
7. “Is there any negative marking in the CBAT (Aptitude Test)?”
Here’s some good news: there is usually no negative marking in the Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for Station Master posts! However, you must score a minimum “T-Score” in every single test battery to qualify, so accuracy still matters more than speed.
References & E-E-A-T Sources:
- Official RRB Chandigarh Portal: https://www.rrbcdg.gov.in/
- RRB Centralized Application Status: https://rrbapply.gov.in
- Ministry of Railways Official Updates: https://indianrailways.gov.in/
- NIRF Rankings 2025 (Educational Context): https://www.nirfindia.org/
Author By
Neha Gupta
Meet Neha, a highly qualified and experienced educator with a passion for empowering women through education. Neha holds a Master's degree in education and has over 10 years of teaching experience at both the secondary and higher education levels. She has a deep understanding of the Indian education system and is dedicated to helping women achieve their academic and career goals. With her extensive knowledge and insights into the different career options available to all students. Neha is committed to providing detailed and personalized guidance to help young students make informed choices and succeed in their chosen fields.