The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has announced the RRB NTPC Exam Date 2026 for Graduate Level posts. According to the official update, the Computer-Based Test (CBT 1) will be conducted from 16 March to 27 March 2026 at various examination centers across the country.
This announcement provides clarity for candidates who have been waiting for the examination schedule. Aspirants preparing for the recruitment process can now plan their final phase of preparation accordingly. Candidates are also advised to regularly check the official websites of their respective regional RRBs for updates regarding the city intimation slip and admit card.
The RRB NTPC Graduate Level recruitment is conducted to fill several administrative and operational positions in Indian Railways. The recruitment process consists of multiple stages to ensure fair selection of candidates.
Below is a quick overview of the examination.
| Exam Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RRB NTPC Graduate Level (CEN 06/2025) |
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
| Total Vacancies | 5810 |
| Exam Stage | CBT 1 |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test |
| Exam Date | 16 March – 27 March 2026 |
| Selection Process | CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT/CBTST, Document Verification, Medical Examination |
CBT 1 is the first stage of the selection process and acts as a screening test for further stages.
Schedule
RRB has also released key dates related to the examination, including the city intimation slip and admit card availability. These updates help candidates prepare for travel arrangements and exam logistics in advance.
| CBT 1 Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| City Intimation Slip | 6 March 2026 |
| Call Letter Release | 12 March 2026 |
| CBT 1 Exam Dates | 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 27 March 2026 |
The city intimation slip allows candidates to view their exam city and scheduled date. The admit card can usually be downloaded approximately four days before the exam.
Pattern
Knowing the exam pattern is important for structured preparation. The CBT 1 exam contains objective type questions from three subjects.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Key details of the examination include:
- Total duration is 90 minutes
- The exam will be conducted in online mode
- Questions will be objective type (MCQs)
- Negative marking of 1/3 mark for each incorrect answer
Candidates should maintain accuracy during the exam because negative marking may affect the overall score.
Process
The RRB NTPC Graduate Level recruitment involves several stages of selection. Each stage evaluates candidates on different aspects relevant to the job roles.
The selection process includes:
- CBT 1
- CBT 2
- CBAT or CBTST depending on the post
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Candidates who qualify in CBT 1 will be shortlisted for CBT 2 based on merit and category-wise cut-off marks.
Vacancies
The recruitment drive offers opportunities across multiple posts in Indian Railways. The number of vacancies varies depending on the role.
| 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 |
Among these positions, the Goods Train Manager role has the highest number of vacancies in the current recruitment cycle.
Aadhaar
RRB has stated that Aadhaar-linked biometric verification will be conducted at the examination centers. This measure is intended to ensure candidate identity verification and maintain the integrity of the examination process.
Candidates should follow these instructions:
- Carry the original Aadhaar card or a printed e-Aadhaar
- Ensure that the Aadhaar remains unlocked in the UIDAI system before the exam day
- Make sure the details on the document are clearly visible
Failure to comply with biometric verification requirements may lead to denial of entry to the examination center.
Preparation
With the exam dates now announced, candidates can focus on revision and practice. A structured study approach can help improve performance in the examination.
Some preparation strategies include:
- Revising important topics from all three subjects
- Practicing mock tests regularly
- Solving previous year question papers
- Improving time management skills during practice
Consistent practice and revision help candidates become familiar with the exam pattern and question types.
Instructions
Candidates should follow certain guidelines on the day of the examination to avoid any inconvenience.
Important instructions include:
- Reach the examination center before the reporting time
- Carry the printed admit card and a valid photo identification document
- Do not rely on unofficial sources or rumors for exam updates
- Follow the instructions provided by RRB officials at the center
Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth examination process.
Next
After the completion of CBT 1, candidates who qualify will move to the next stages of the recruitment process. CBT 2 is the second stage and generally contains a higher level of difficulty.
Depending on the post, candidates may also be required to appear for skill tests such as typing tests or aptitude tests. The final stages include document verification and a medical examination.
The announcement of the RRB NTPC Exam Date 2026 provides candidates with a clear timeline for preparation. With the CBT 1 exam scheduled from 16 March to 27 March 2026, aspirants can now focus on revision, mock tests, and monitoring official updates from RRB websites to stay informed about further developments.
FAQs
When is the RRB NTPC Exam 2026?
CBT 1 will be held from 16 to 27 March 2026.
How many vacancies are in RRB NTPC 2026?
There are 5810 graduate-level vacancies.
What is the duration of CBT 1 exam?
The CBT 1 exam duration is 90 minutes.
Is there negative marking in CBT 1?
Yes, 1/3 mark is deducted for wrong answers.
When will the admit card be released?
Admit card will be available on 12 March 2026.


















