1 What is RRB NTPC?
RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) is a recruitment conducted by the 21 Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) of India to fill clerical, supervisory, and operational posts in Indian Railways — the world's fourth-largest rail network and one of the largest employers on the planet.
Unlike Group D (Level 1 manual posts), NTPC covers Group C posts — office-based and station-operation roles like Station Master, Goods Guard, Commercial Apprentice, and various clerk cadres. These jobs offer excellent pay, job security, non-contributory perks, and fast promotion tracks.
The 2025-26 cycle is split into two notifications — CEN 06/2025 for Graduate posts and CEN 07/2025 for Undergraduate posts — with a combined total of 8,868 vacancies.
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (21 RRBs) |
| Notification | CEN 06/2025 (Graduate, 21 Oct 2025) + CEN 07/2025 (UG, 28 Oct 2025) |
| Total Vacancies | 8,868 (5,810 Graduate + 3,058 UG) |
| Total Applicants | ~1 crore+ (63.27 lakh for UG alone) |
| Level | Central Government (Group C) |
| Frequency | Irregular (every 2–4 years) |
| Application Fee | ₹500 (General/EWS/OBC) | ₹250 (SC/ST/Female/PwBD/EBC) |
| Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in + regional RRB sites |
2 RRB NTPC Latest Update 2025-26
💡 Key Update – 26 May 2026
The Graduate Level CBT 1 (CEN 06/2025) was conducted from 16–27 March 2026. The answer key was released on 6 April, and the CBT 1 result is expected in late May / June 2026. The Undergraduate Level CBT 1 (CEN 07/2025) Phase 1 (May 7, 8, 9) is completed. Phase 2 runs from 13–21 June 2026 — city intimation slips will be out on 3 June and admit cards on 9 June. Over 63 lakh candidates applied for UG posts.
3 📅 RRB NTPC Important Dates 2025-26
⚠️ TBN = To Be Notified. Dates marked "Done" are confirmed official dates.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CEN 05/2024 (Graduate) Notification Released | 13 September 2024 | ✅ Done |
| CEN 05/2024 Online Application Window | 14 Sep – 13 Oct 2024 | ✅ Done |
| CEN 05/2024 CBT 1 Exam (Graduate) | 5 – 23 June 2025 | ✅ Done |
| CEN 06/2024 (UG) CBT 1 Result Declared | November 2025 | ✅ Done |
| CEN 06/2024 CBT 2 Exam (UG) | 20 December 2025 | ✅ Done |
| CEN 06/2025 (Graduate) Notification Released | 20 October 2025 | ✅ Done |
| CEN 07/2025 (UG) Notification Released | 28 October 2025 | ✅ Done |
| CEN 06/2025 + 07/2025 Application Window | Oct – Dec 2025 (extended to 4 Dec) | ✅ Done |
| CBT 1 Exam – Graduate Level (CEN 06/2025) | 16 – 27 March 2026 | ✅ Done |
| CBT 1 Answer Key (CEN 06/2025 Graduate) | 6 April 2026 (Objections closed 12 Apr) | ✅ Done |
| CBT 1 Exam – UG Phase 1 (CEN 07/2025) | 7, 8, 9 May 2026 | ✅ Done |
| CBT 1 Exam – UG Phase 2 (CEN 07/2025) | 13, 14, 16–21 June 2026 | 🔔 Upcoming |
| CBT 1 Result (CEN 06/2025 Graduate) | Expected May / June 2026 | ⏳ TBN |
| CBT 2 Exam – Graduate Level | To be notified (TBN) | ⏳ TBN |
| Typing Skill Test / CBAT | To be notified (TBN) | ⏳ TBN |
| Document Verification & Medical | To be notified (TBN) | ⏳ TBN |
4 Eligibility Criteria
🪪 Nationality
Candidate must be a citizen of India. Citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came before 1 January 1962 are also eligible with a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India.
🎓 Educational Qualification
| Post Type | Minimum Qualification | Example Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Level | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university | Station Master, Goods Guard, Commercial Apprentice |
| Undergraduate Level | 12th Pass (+2 Stage) from a recognised board | Jr. Clerk, Trains Clerk, Accounts Clerk, Ticket Clerk |
* Some posts have additional requirements (e.g., Science stream, typing speed). Check the official notification PDF for the specific post you are targeting.
📋 Age Limit
| Category | UG Posts (12th) | Graduate Posts |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 18 – 30 years | 18 – 33 years |
| OBC (NCL) | 18 – 33 years (+3) | 18 – 36 years (+3) |
| SC / ST | 18 – 35 years (+5) | 18 – 38 years (+5) |
| PwBD (General) | Up to 40 years (+10) | Up to 43 years (+10) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Service + 3 years | Service + 3 years |
2026 Note: The 3-year “Covid-compensation” relaxation from 2024–25 cycles is not active for 2026 notifications unless specifically mentioned in the new PDF. Standard limits apply: 33 yrs (Grad) and 30 yrs (UG) for General category.
5 Vacancies & Posts 2025-26
A. Graduate Level Posts (CEN 06/2025)
| Post Name | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Station Master | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | Graduation |
| Goods Guard (Goods Train Manager) | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | Graduation |
| Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | Graduation |
| Junior Account Assistant cum Typist | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | Graduation |
| Senior Clerk cum Typist | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | Graduation |
| Traffic Assistant | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | Graduation |
| Commercial Apprentice | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | Graduation |
B. Undergraduate Level Posts (CEN 07/2025)
| Post Name | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | Level 3 | ₹21,700 | 12th Pass |
| Junior Clerk cum Typist | Level 2 | ₹19,900 | 12th Pass |
| Accounts Clerk cum Typist | Level 2 | ₹19,900 | 12th Pass |
| Trains Clerk | Level 2 | ₹19,900 | 12th Pass |
| Junior Time Keeper | Level 2 | ₹19,900 | 12th Pass |
6 RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2025-26
The selection process has 4 stages: CBT-1 → CBT-2 → Typing Test / CBAT → Document Verification & Medical Exam.
Stage 1: CBT-1 (First Stage Computer Based Test)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Duration: 90 minutes (120 mins for PwBD with scribe) | Negative Marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer | Normalisation applies (multi-shift exam)
Stage 2: CBT-2 (Second Stage Computer Based Test)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Duration: 90 minutes | Negative Marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer | CBT-2 is post-specific — candidates are shortlisted based on post preference and CBT-1 merit.
Stage 3: Typing Skill Test / CBAT
Posts requiring typing (Clerk, Typist cadre) undergo a Typing Skill Test: English 30 WPM or Hindi 25 WPM on a computer. Station Master and Traffic Assistant posts have a Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) instead of typing — tests spatial reasoning and signal awareness. Both are qualifying only (marks not added to final merit).
7 RRB NTPC Syllabus 2025-26
The CBT-1 and CBT-2 syllabus is largely the same — CBT-2 has a higher difficulty level. GA carries the most marks and is the biggest differentiator.
📐 Mathematics
- →Number System, Decimals, Fractions, LCM & HCF
- →Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Square Root
- →Profit & Loss, Discount
- →Simple & Compound Interest
- →Time & Work, Time & Distance, Pipes & Cisterns
- →Trains, Boats & Streams
- →Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration
- →Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics
- →Data Interpretation – Tables, Pie, Bar & Line Charts
🧠 General Intelligence & Reasoning
- →Number, Alphabetical & Mixed Series
- →Analogies, Classification
- →Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Operations
- →Venn Diagrams, Syllogisms
- →Puzzles, Seating Arrangement
- →Blood Relations, Direction Test
- →Statement-Conclusion, Decision Making
- →Non-Verbal: Figure Series, Mirror Image, Cube & Dice
- →Ranking, Calendar, Clock
🌍 General Awareness
- →Indian History – Ancient, Medieval, Modern (Freedom Struggle)
- →Indian & World Geography
- →Indian Polity – Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary
- →Indian Economy – Budget, Banking, Financial Awareness
- →General Science – Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 10 level)
- →Current Affairs – National & International (last 12 months)
- →Indian Railways – Zones, HQs, History, Milestones
- →Awards, Sports, Books, Important Days
- →Space, Defence, Science & Technology
- →Computer Basics
8 💰 RRB NTPC Salary & Benefits
Salaries follow the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix. Gross salary (basic + DA + HRA + TA) is significantly higher than the basic pay shown below.
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Gross (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Station Master | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ~₹55,000–₹62,000 |
| Goods Guard | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | ~₹46,000–₹52,000 |
| Sr. Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | ~₹46,000–₹52,000 |
| Jr. Account Assistant / Sr. Clerk | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ~₹40,000–₹46,000 |
| Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | Level 3 | ₹21,700 | ~₹33,000–₹38,000 |
| Jr. Clerk / Accounts Clerk / Trains Clerk | Level 2 | ₹19,900 | ~₹28,000–₹33,000 |
Perks & Allowances (Beyond Salary)
9 6-Month Study Plan for RRB NTPC
10 Best Books for RRB NTPC 2025-26
| Book Title | Author / Publisher | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma (Arihant)Buy | Mathematics |
| Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand)Buy | Mathematics |
| Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand)Buy | Reasoning |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal Reasoning | R.S. AggarwalBuy | Reasoning |
| Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent PublicationsBuy | GK & Static |
| Lucent's General Science | Lucent PublicationsBuy | Science |
| NCERT Textbooks (Class 6–10) | NCERT | Science + History + Geography (Free) |
| RRB NTPC Previous Year Papers | Kiran Prakashan / Arihant | PYQs & Practice |
11 Free Resources for RRB NTPC Preparation
Notifications, admit cards, PYQ papers, and results
Class 6–10 Science, History, Geography — core GA content
Free daily live classes for Railway and SSC exams
Free and paid mock tests with detailed analysis
Curated free books, YouTube channels, and mock test links
Check your age eligibility for RRB NTPC instantly
12 Expert Preparation Tips
13 Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the RRB NTPC 2025-26 total vacancy?
RRB NTPC 2025-26 has a total of 8,868 vacancies — 5,810 for graduate-level posts (CEN 06/2025) and 3,058 for undergraduate-level posts (CEN 07/2025) — across all 21 Railway Recruitment Board zones.
Q2. Is RRB NTPC for 12th pass or graduates?
Both. Undergraduate posts (Level 2–3) like Junior Clerk, Accounts Clerk, Trains Clerk, and Commercial cum Ticket Clerk require 12th pass with age 18–30 years. Graduate posts (Level 4–6) like Station Master, Goods Guard, and Commercial Apprentice require graduation with age 18–33 years.
Q3. What is the RRB NTPC 2026 exam date?
The Graduate level CBT 1 (CEN 06/2025) was conducted from 16–27 March 2026. The Undergraduate level CBT 1 (CEN 07/2025) Phase 1 was held on 7, 8, 9 May 2026. Phase 2 is scheduled for 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 June 2026.
Q4. Is there negative marking in RRB NTPC?
Yes. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd (0.33 marks) for each wrong answer in both CBT-1 and CBT-2. Unattempted questions carry no penalty.
Q5. What are the perks of RRB NTPC Railway jobs?
Railway employees enjoy free rail passes for self and family, medical facilities at Railway hospitals, subsidised housing or HRA, pension under NPS, LTC (Leave Travel Concession), Children Education Allowance (CEA), and several other allowances that often double the effective take-home pay.