RRB NTPC Exam Date 2026: If you have applied for RRB NTPC 2026 or you’re planning to appear for it, I know the one question on your mind right now — When is the exam date? The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has initiated the recruitment process for RRB NTPC 2026 under Graduate Level and Undergraduate Level. This year, a total of 8,868 vacancies have been announced for various Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) posts across Indian Railways. That’s a big opportunity for candidates across the country.
As of now, the official CBT-1 exam date has not been released.
However, the recruitment process is active, and the exam is expected to be conducted after application scrutiny is completed. Like previous years, the exam will likely be held in multiple phases across different railway zones. So the key advice here is simple that Keep checking your regional RRB website regularly for updates about exam dates, city intimation slips, and admit cards.
RRB NTPC 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Exam Name | RRB NTPC Exam 2026 |
| Graduate Level Advt. No. | CEN 06/2025 |
| Undergraduate Level Advt. No. | CEN 07/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 8,868 Posts |
| Graduate Level Posts | 5,810 |
| Undergraduate Level Posts | 3,058 |
| Mode of Examination | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Selection Process | CBT-1, CBT-2, CBAT/Skill Test, Document Verification, Medical |
| Official Website | rrbcdg.gov.in and regional RRB portals |
This recruitment covers both graduate and 12th-pass candidates, which is why the interest level is very high.
RRB NTPC Vacancy Details 2026
The recruitment drive includes both graduate and 12th pass level posts.
| Level | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Graduate Level | 5,810 Posts |
| Undergraduate (12th Level) | 3,058 Posts |
| Total | 8,868 Posts |
Graduate level posts generally include Station Master, Goods Guard, Commercial Apprentice, Traffic Assistant, and Senior Clerk. Undergraduate level posts include Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, and other similar positions.
RRB NTPC Exam Date 2026 Latest Update
As of February 2026, the Railway Recruitment Board has not officially released the confirmed CBT-1 examination dates. However, the exam is expected to be conducted in multiple phases across various zones of India. Once announced, the exam dates will be notified zone-wise along with shift details.
Candidates should note that RRB usually releases the exam city intimation slip around 10 days before the examination and the admit card approximately 4 days prior to the exam date.
Expected RRB NTPC Exam Schedule 2026
While the official calendar is awaited, the expected sequence of events is as follows:
| Event | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Exam Date Notification | To Be Announced |
| City Intimation Slip | 10 Days Before Exam |
| Admit Card Release | 4 Days Before Exam |
| CBT-1 Examination | As Per Schedule |
| CBT-1 Result | After Completion of All Phases |
| CBT-2 Examination | For Shortlisted Candidates |
So once the official exam date is announced, things will move quickly. Make sure your login credentials are safe so you can download your admit card without stress.
RRB NTPC Selection Process 2026
The selection process happens in stages. You must qualify each stage to move forward.
- CBT-1 (First Stage Computer Based Test)
- CBT-2 (Second Stage Computer Based Test)
- CBAT (Computer Based Aptitude Test) for specific posts like Station Master
- Skill Test or Typing Test for clerical posts
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Candidates must qualify each stage to proceed to the next. Final selection depends on your merit and medical fitness as per railway standards.
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The CBT-1 is qualifying in nature and used for screening candidates.
CBT-1 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- General Awareness carries the highest weightage, so don’t ignore it during preparation.
- Duration: 90 Minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer
CBT-2 carries more weightage in final merit preparation and follows a similar subject structure but with higher difficulty level and more questions.
Eligibility Criteria for RRB NTPC 2026
Eligibility varies according to the level of post, make sure you meet the basic eligibility Criteria.
Educational Qualification
- For Undergraduate Level Posts: Candidates must have passed 12th (Intermediate) from a recognized board.
- For Graduate Level Posts: Candidates must possess a graduation degree from a recognized university.
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: Generally 18 years
- Maximum Age: Varies by post, usually between 30 to 33 years
- Age relaxation is applicable for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, and other reserved categories as per government rules.
Candidates must carefully read the detailed notification of their respective zone to confirm age criteria.
Application Fee
The application fee structure is usually as per RRB norms. Fee details were provided in the original notification under CEN 06/2025 and CEN 07/2025. Refund policies for CBT-1 qualified candidates are generally applicable as per railway recruitment guidelines.
How to Check RRB NTPC Exam Date and Updates?
To avoid confusion and fake news, you can follow these steps to check RRB NTPC Exam Date 2026 and official updates:
- Visit the official RRB website of your region
- Go to the “Latest Notifications” section
- Then, Click on the link related to RRB NTPC 2026
- Check exam date notices, city slips, and admit card updates
- Download official notifications for reference
Do not rely on unofficial social media posts claiming fixed exam dates unless confirmed by RRB.
Preparation Tips for RRB NTPC Exam 2026
With thousands of vacancies and lakhs of applicants, competition remains high. Proper preparation strategy is essential. Instead of waiting for the announcement, use this time wisely.
- Understand the detailed syllabus and exam pattern
- Create a daily study timetable covering all subjects
- Practice previous year question papers
- Attempt full-length mock tests regularly
- Improve speed and accuracy to avoid negative marking
- Focus more on General Awareness, as it carries maximum weightage
Consistent revision and time management can significantly improve performance in the exam.
Importance of Official Updates
Many unofficial websites and social media platforms circulate speculative exam dates. Candidates should avoid relying on unverified sources. Always check updates from the official RRB websites such as rrbcdg.gov.in or the respective regional RRB portals.
Timely updates regarding exam city, admit card, and result announcements are crucial to avoid last-minute confusion.
FAQs – RRB NTPC Exam Date 2026
Q1. When will RRB NTPC Exam Date 2026 be announced?
The official exam date has not yet been announced. It will be notified on the respective RRB regional websites.
Q2. How many vacancies are available in RRB NTPC 2026?
There are a total of 8,868 vacancies, including 5,810 graduate level and 3,058 undergraduate level posts.
Q3. What is the mode of RRB NTPC Exam 2026?
The examination will be conducted online in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
Q4. Is there negative marking in RRB NTPC exam?
Yes, 1/3 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
Q5. Where can I check official updates?
Candidates should check their respective regional RRB websites for authentic information.
Final Thoughts
RRB NTPC 2026 is a major opportunity for candidates looking for stable government jobs in Indian Railways. With 8,868 vacancies, the competition will definitely be high. Even though the official exam date is still awaited, this is not the time to relax. Continue your preparation seriously and stay updated through official RRB portals only.
The moment the exam date is announced, things will move quickly. If you stay prepared and informed, you’ll have a much better chance of success.
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Akash is the founder of MCTC.in with over 4 years of experience covering government schemes, scholarships, recruitment notifications, and exam updates. He reviews official notifications and trusted sources to provide accurate and transparent information.