The Railway Recruitment Board has officially announced the RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT 1 examination schedule for 2026. The examination process begins on 16 March 2026 and will continue over multiple days to accommodate candidates nationwide.
This update provides clarity for applicants who have been awaiting confirmation of dates and related procedures. Candidates are advised to monitor official RRB websites for updates regarding city intimation slips and admit cards.
The RRB NTPC Graduate Level examination is conducted to fill various non-technical posts in Indian Railways. For 2026, a total of 5810 vacancies have been notified under CEN 06/2025. The selection process consists of multiple stages, with CBT 1 serving as the initial screening test.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RRB NTPC Graduate Level (CEN 06/2025) |
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards |
| Vacancies | 5810 |
| Exam Stage | CBT 1 |
| Exam Dates | 16-27 March 2026 |
| Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Selection | CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT/CBTST, DV, Medical |
Candidates should treat CBT 1 as a qualifying stage that determines eligibility for further rounds.
Schedule
The CBT 1 examination will be conducted on multiple dates in March 2026. The detailed schedule is outlined below:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| City Intimation | 6 March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 12 March 2026 |
| CBT 1 Exam Dates | 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 27 March 2026 |
Candidates can access their exam city details approximately 10 days before the examination. The admit card is typically released around 4 days prior to the scheduled exam date.
Pattern
The CBT 1 exam follows a standard structure designed to assess a candidate’s general aptitude. The pattern is as follows:
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Key details:
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Negative marking: 1/3 mark deducted per incorrect answer
- Type: Objective (MCQs)
A balanced preparation strategy across all sections is recommended, as each section contributes equally to the total score.
Vacancies
The distribution of vacancies across different posts provides insight into available opportunities:
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Goods Train Manager | 3416 |
| Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist | 921 |
| Senior Clerk Cum Typist | 638 |
| Station Master | 615 |
| Chief Commercial Cum Ticket Supervisor | 161 |
| Traffic Assistant | 59 |
Candidates may consider these figures while evaluating post preferences.
Process
The selection process for RRB NTPC Graduate Level posts involves several stages:
- CBT 1
- CBT 2
- CBAT or Typing Skill Test
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Progression to each stage depends on performance in the preceding stage.
Preparation
With the examination dates confirmed, candidates should focus on structured revision and practice. Key steps include:
- Revising core concepts and formulas
- Attempting mock tests regularly
- Reviewing errors and improving accuracy
- Managing time effectively during practice sessions
At this stage, emphasis should be on consolidation rather than learning new topics.
Documents
Candidates must ensure they carry all required documents to the examination center. These include:
- Printed admit card
- Valid photo identification
- Original Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar
Aadhaar-based biometric verification will be conducted at the exam center. Candidates should ensure their Aadhaar is accessible and valid.
Instructions
To avoid complications on exam day, candidates should follow these guidelines:
- Arrive at the examination center before the reporting time
- Rely only on official RRB sources for updates
- Avoid misinformation or unofficial announcements
- Follow all instructions mentioned on the admit card
Compliance with these instructions is necessary for a smooth examination process.
Aftermath
After CBT 1, candidates who qualify will be eligible for CBT 2. Depending on the post applied for, additional tests such as CBAT or typing skill tests may be conducted. The process concludes with document verification and a medical examination.
The announcement of the RRB NTPC 2026 CBT 1 exam schedule provides a clear timeline for candidates. With defined dates and procedures, applicants can now focus on preparation and ensure timely completion of all required formalities. Staying informed through official channels remains essential throughout the process.
FAQs
When is RRB NTPC CBT 1 exam 2026?
16-27 March 2026.
How many questions in CBT 1?
100 questions in total.
Is there negative marking?
Yes, 1/3 mark deduction.
When will admit cards release?
Around 12 March 2026.
Is Aadhaar required?
Yes, for verification.
