The RRB NTPC or Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories Examination is a national level recruitment examination conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under the Railway Recruitment Control Board (RRCB). This annual exam is used to select and hire applicants to various positions in Indian Railways for Group C posts.
Railway Recruitment Control Board (RRCB) Background:
The Railway Recruitment Control Board (RRCB) is a government body established in 1998 under the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board), Government of India. It is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the activities of the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), which conduct recruitment for Group C posts in Indian Railways. Currently, there are 21 RRBs located across various cities in India.
Key Highlights of RRB NTPC Exam:
- Conducted by Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under RRCB
- National level recruitment for 12th pass and graduates
- Multi-stage selection: CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, Typing Test, DV, Medical
- Competitive salary with Seventh Pay Commission benefits
- Recruitment across 21 RRBs covering all railway zones in India
RRB NTPC 2025-26 Overview Table:
| Exam Name | RRB Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) |
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under RRCB |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | As per requirement |
| Eligibility | 12th Pass / Graduate |
| Age Group (General) | 18–33 yrs (UG) / 18–36 yrs (Graduate) |
| Total Vacancies (2025-26) | 8,868 |
| Salary Range | ₹19,900 - ₹35,400 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of RRBs | 21 across India |
| Official Website | rrb.gov.in |
The RRB NTPC Recruitment 2025-26 is conducted through Computer Based Tests (CBT 1 and CBT 2) to fill Group C Posts in Indian Railways. It serves as a great opportunity for 12th-pass and graduate candidates to secure a central government job with job security, competitive salary, and career advancement.
Main RRB NTPC Posts — Graduate Level (CEN 06/2025):
| Post | Basic Salary | Total Salary Range | Vacancies |
|---|
| Station Master | ₹35,400 | ₹35,400–₹50,000+ | 994 |
| Goods Train Manager | ₹29,200 | ₹29,200–₹45,000+ | 3,144 |
| Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor | ₹29,200 | ₹29,200–₹45,000+ | 1,736 |
| Junior Account Assistant cum Typist | ₹29,200 | ₹29,200–₹45,000+ | 1,507 |
| Senior Clerk cum Typist | ₹19,900 | ₹19,900–₹35,000+ | 732 |
| Traffic Assistant | ₹29,200 | ₹29,200–₹45,000+ | — |
Main RRB NTPC Posts — Undergraduate Level (CEN 07/2025):
| Post | Basic Salary | Total Salary Range | Vacancies |
|---|
| Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | ₹29,200 | ₹29,200–₹45,000+ | 2,022 |
| Junior Clerk cum Typist | ₹19,900 | ₹19,900–₹35,000+ | 990 |
| Accounts Clerk cum Typist | ₹19,900 | ₹19,900–₹35,000+ | 361 |
| Trains Clerk | ₹19,900 | ₹19,900–₹35,000+ | 72 |
Vacancy Distribution by Level:
| Level | Number of Posts | Total Vacancies |
|---|
| Graduate Level (CEN 06/2025) | 6 posts | 5,810 |
| Undergraduate Level (CEN 07/2025) | 4 posts | 3,058 |
| Total | 10 posts | 8,868 |
Watch this comprehensive guide to understand RRB NTPC recruitment, available positions, salary structure, and career opportunities in Indian Railways:
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Job Benefits and Perks:
- Job Security: Permanent government position with Indian Railways
- Salary: Competitive salary with regular increments as per Seventh Pay Commission
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA)
- Leave Benefits: Casual leave, earned leave, medical leave, special leave
- Pension: Defined benefit pension scheme
- Health Insurance: CGHS coverage for employee and family members
- Career Growth: Promotion opportunities and career advancement in Indian Railways
- Travel Concessions: Railway pass and travel benefits
To appear for the RRB NTPC examination, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria set by the Railway Recruitment Boards.
1. Age Limit Requirements:
Graduate Level Posts:
| Category | Age Limit | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|
| General | 18–36 years | No relaxation |
| SC/ST | 18–41 years | 5 years |
| OBC | 18–39 years | 3 years |
| PwD (General) | 18–56 years | 20 years |
Undergraduate Level Posts:
| Category | Age Limit | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|
| General | 18–33 years | No relaxation |
| SC/ST | 18–38 years | 5 years |
| OBC | 18–36 years | 3 years |
| PwD (General) | 18–53 years | 20 years |
2. Educational Qualification:
- For Undergraduate Posts: 12th Pass (Class XII) from a recognized board
- For Graduate Posts: Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university
- Any stream: Science, Commerce, or Arts
- Recognized by Central or State Government
3. Nationality Requirement:
- Indian Citizen
- Nepali / Bhutanese nationals (under special conditions)
- Tibetan refugees (under specific circumstances)
4. Physical Requirements:
- Must meet medical fitness standards
- No communicable diseases
- Sound physical and mental health
- Ability to perform official duties
5. Other Important Eligibility Conditions:
- Must not have been convicted for any criminal offense
- Should not be dismissed from government service
- Must have valid identity proof (Aadhar, PAN, etc.)
- Should meet the character and conduct requirements
Eligibility Summary:
| Age (General) | 18–33 yrs (UG) / 18–36 yrs (Graduate) |
| Education | 12th Pass / Graduate |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen |
| Character | No criminal conviction |
| Physical Health | Medically fit |
Candidates should mark these important dates to ensure they don't miss any crucial deadlines for registration, exam, and result announcement.
RRB NTPC 2025-26 Important Dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Official Notification Release | 20 Oct 2025 |
| Online Application Start | 20 Oct 2025 |
| Online Application Deadline | 26 Nov 2025 |
| Admit Card Release (Graduate) | 12 Mar 2026 |
| CBT 1 Exam (Graduate Level) | 16–27 Mar 2026 |
| City Intimation Link | 10 days before exam |
| CBT 2 Exam | TBA |
| Result Declaration | May–June 2026 (Expected) |
Examination Stages Schedule:
| Stage | Exam Type | Duration | Total Marks | Status |
|---|
| CBT 1 | Computer-Based Test | 90 minutes | 100 | Ongoing (16–27 Mar 2026) |
| CBT 2 | Computer-Based Test | 90 minutes | 120 | TBA |
| CBAT | Aptitude Test | Variable | No marks | TBA |
| Typing Test | Skill Test | Variable | Qualifying | TBA |
Important Reminders:
- Keep checking the official RRB websites for updates
- Download admit card well in advance
- Reach exam center 30 minutes before the exam
- Carry valid ID proof and admit card
- Follow all exam day guidelines
The RRB NTPC examination consists of multiple stages of computer-based tests and skill assessments. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective exam preparation.
Overall Selection Process:
- Stage 1: CBT 1
- Stage 2: CBT 2
- Stage 3: CBAT / Typing Test
- Stage 4: Document Verification
- Stage 5: Medical Exam
CBT 1 Exam Pattern:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| Exam Type | Computer-Based Test |
| Total Marks | 100 marks |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes |
| Total Questions | 100 questions |
| Marks per Question | 1 mark |
| Negative Marking | 0.33 per wrong answer |
| Language | English and Hindi |
CBT 2 Exam Pattern:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| Exam Type | Computer-Based Test |
| Total Marks | 120 marks |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes |
| Total Questions | 120 questions |
| Marks per Question | 1 mark |
| Negative Marking | 0.33 per wrong answer |
| Language | English and Hindi |
CBT Subjects and Question Distribution:
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Key Topics |
|---|
| General Awareness | ~35 | 35 | Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Science |
| Mathematics | ~35 | 35 | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | ~30 | 30 | Analogies, Series, Coding-Decoding, Puzzles, Reasoning |
Typing Skill Test Requirements:
- 30 words per minute (WPM) in English
- Or 25 WPM in Hindi
- Conducted online — qualifying in nature (no marks awarded)
CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test):
- Comprises six test batteries
- No negative marking — qualifying in nature
The RRB NTPC syllabus covers three main subjects in both CBT 1 and CBT 2. A comprehensive understanding of the syllabus is essential for effective exam preparation.
1. General Awareness (GA):
- Current Affairs (National and International)
- Indian History and Culture
- Geography (Physical and Political)
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- Economics and Finance
- Science & Technology
- Sports and Awards
- Books and Authors
- Important Days and Events
2. Mathematics:
- Number System and Simplification
- Algebra and Linear Equations
- Geometry and Trigonometry
- Percentage, Profit & Loss, Discount
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest
- Time and Work, Time and Distance
- Averages and Ratios
- Data Interpretation and Statistics
- Mensuration
3. General Intelligence & Reasoning:
- Analogies and Classification
- Series Completion (Number, Letter, Mixed)
- Coding-Decoding and Problem Solving
- Spatial Reasoning and Visual Puzzles
- Blood Relations and Family Tree
- Directions and Distance
- Syllogism and Logical Reasoning
- Venn Diagrams and Set Theory
Exam Preparation Tips:
- Time Management: Allocate specific time for each subject and topic
- Regular Practice: Solve previous year papers and mock tests daily
- Concept Clarity: Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorization
- Speed and Accuracy: Practice under timed conditions
- Current Affairs: Read newspapers and follow news regularly
- Mathematical Skills: Practice calculations and shortcut methods
- Revision: Revise important formulas and concepts regularly
- Mock Tests: Attempt full-length mock tests to assess preparation
Recommended Study Schedule:
| Phase | Duration | Focus Area |
|---|
| Phase 1: Foundation | 1–2 months | Concept building and basic practice |
| Phase 2: Practice | 2–3 months | Topic-wise practice and mock tests |
| Phase 3: Revision | 1 month | Revision and full-length tests |
Stay updated with the latest information regarding RRB NTPC 2026. Candidates should check official RRB portals frequently for any changes or new announcements.
Latest RRB NTPC 2025-26 Updates:
- ✓ RRB NTPC Graduate Level Admit Card released on 12th March 2026
- ✓ CBT 1 Examination for Graduate Level scheduled from 16th to 27th March 2026
- ✓ City Intimation Link will be activated 10 days before the exam
- ✓ Total of 8868 vacancies announced (5810 Graduate + 3058 Undergraduate)
- ✓ Application process completed on 26th November 2025
- ✓ Two notifications released: CEN 06/2025 and CEN 07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is RRB NTPC?
A: RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) is a national recruitment exam conducted by Railway Recruitment Boards for Group C posts in Indian Railways, open to 12th-pass and graduate candidates.
Q: What is the age limit for RRB NTPC 2026?
A: The age limit is 18–33 years for Undergraduate posts and 18–36 years for Graduate posts (General category). SC/ST, OBC, and PwD candidates get age relaxation.
Q: How many vacancies are there in RRB NTPC 2025-26?
A: RRB NTPC 2025-26 has 8868 total vacancies — 5810 for Graduate Level (CEN 06/2025) and 3058 for Undergraduate Level (CEN 07/2025).
Q: What is the salary for RRB NTPC posts?
A: Basic salary ranges from ₹19,900 (UG posts) to ₹35,400 (Station Master). Total in-hand salary including allowances can go up to ₹50,000+.
Q: How many stages are there in RRB NTPC selection?
A: There are 6 stages: CBT 1 (qualifying), CBT 2 (main), CBAT/Aptitude Test, Typing Skill Test, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
Q: What is the negative marking in RRB NTPC?
A: Both CBT 1 and CBT 2 carry 0.33 marks negative marking per wrong answer.