Are you aspiring to secure a stable and rewarding job in the Indian Railways? The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) exam is one of the most anticipated recruitment drives in the country, offering a gateway to various prestigious positions. As we look toward the RRB NTPC 2026 exam cycle, it’s the perfect time for candidates to begin their preparations.
The RRB NTPC exam is known for its competitive nature, attracting millions of applicants vying for roles like Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Time Keeper, Trains Clerk, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Traffic Assistant, Goods Guard, Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Senior Time Keeper, Commercial Apprentice, and Station Master.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the upcoming NTPC Exam. We’ll cover the expected notification dates, eligibility criteria, the application process, exam pattern, and syllabus to help you get a head start on your journey to joining the Indian Railways.
Understanding the RRB NTPC Recruitment Process
The RRB NTPC selection process is a multi-stage procedure designed to identify the most suitable candidates for a wide range of non-technical roles. While the official notification for RRB NTPC 2026 is yet to be released, the process generally remains consistent across recruitment cycles.
The selection involves the following stages:
- First Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT-1): A preliminary screening test for all applicants.
- Second Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT-2): A more detailed exam for candidates who qualify in CBT-1. The level of difficulty varies based on the pay level of the posts.
- Typing Skill Test/Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): This stage is applicable only for specific posts. A typing test is required for roles like Junior Clerk cum Typist and Senior Clerk cum Typist. The CBAT is mandatory for Station Master and Traffic Assistant roles.
- Document Verification (DV): Candidates who clear the preceding stages are called for document verification.
- Medical Examination: The final stage to ensure candidates meet the required medical standards for their respective posts.
Key Dates for RRB NTPC 2026 (Tentative)
While the official schedule has not been announced, we can anticipate the timeline based on previous recruitment cycles. The Indian Railways typically releases an annual calendar of recruitment. Candidates should keep a close watch on the official RRB websites for the formal notification.
Here are the expected key dates:
- Official Notification Release: Between July and September 2025
- Online Application Start Date: Following the notification release
- Online Application End Date: Approximately one month after the start date
- CBT-1 Exam Dates: To be announced, likely in early 2026
- CBT-2 Exam Dates: To be announced after CBT-1 results
Note: These dates are speculative. Always refer to the official RRB notification for confirmed dates.
RRB NTPC 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the NTPC exam, candidates must meet specific criteria related to nationality, age, and educational qualifications.
Nationality
A candidate must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Age Limit
The age limits for RRB NTPC posts are divided into two categories based on educational qualifications:
- For Undergraduate Level Posts (12th pass): The age limit is typically 18 to 30 years.
- For Graduate Level Posts: The age limit is usually 18 to 33 years.
Age relaxation for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) and other special categories will be applicable as per government norms.
Educational Qualification
The educational requirements also vary by post level:
- Undergraduate Posts: Candidates must have passed the 12th (+2 Stage) or its equivalent examination from a recognized Board.
- Graduate Posts: Candidates must possess a University Degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
How to Apply for RRB NTPC 2026
The application process for the RRB NTPC 2026 exam will be conducted online through the official websites of the regional RRBs. Follow these steps to complete your application once the notification is released:
- Visit the Official RRB Website: Go to the website of the RRB region you wish to apply from.
- Find the CEN Notification: Look for the Centralized Employment Notification (CEN) for NTPC posts.
- Register: Click on the “New Registration” link. Fill in your basic details like name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID to generate a registration ID and password.
- Fill the Application Form: Log in with your registration details and fill out the detailed application form, including personal details, educational qualifications, and post preferences.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and any other required documents (like caste certificates) in the specified format and size.
- Pay the Application Fee: The application fee must be paid online via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI. The fee is typically ₹500 for General/OBC candidates (with a partial refund for appearing in CBT-1) and ₹250 for SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD/Female/Transgender/Minorities/EBC candidates (fully refundable).
- Submit and Print: After successful payment, submit the application form and take a printout of the confirmation page for your records.
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation.
First Stage CBT (CBT-1)
This is a common exam for all posts and is qualifying in nature.
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates)
- Number of Questions: 100
- Subjects:
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- General Awareness: 40 questions
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- Mathematics: 30 questions
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- General Intelligence and Reasoning: 30 questions
- Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer.
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
Second Stage CBT (CBT-2)
Candidates who qualify for CBT-1 will appear for CBT-2. The exam is conducted separately for different pay levels.
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates)
- Number of Questions: 120
- Subjects:
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- General Awareness: 50 questions
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- Mathematics: 35 questions
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- General Intelligence and Reasoning: 35 questions
- Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer.
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
Your Path to a Career in Indian Railways
Securing a position through the RRB NTPC 2026 exam offers not just a job but a lifelong career with the Indian Railways, complete with stability, growth opportunities, and numerous benefits. The journey is challenging, but with dedicated preparation and a clear strategy, you can achieve your goal.
Start by strengthening your foundation in Mathematics, Reasoning, and General Awareness. Regularly solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy. Stay updated with current affairs, as this forms a significant part of the General Awareness section.
Keep an eye on the official RRB websites for the official notification for RRB NTPC 2026. Use this time to build a solid preparation strategy and stay ahead of the competition.