The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) is set to conduct the NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) Graduate Level Computer Based Test (CBT 1) for the 2025–26 recruitment cycle from 16 March to 27 March 2026. This phase marks the first stage in the selection process for graduate-level non-technical posts in Indian Railways.
RRB NTPC 2026 CBT 1 Exam Schedule & Important Events
The official schedule released by RRB indicates that the CBT 1 exam will be held over multiple days at various test centres nationwide. Applicants must note the following timeline:
- CBT 1 Exam Dates: 16 March to 27 March 2026
- City Intimation Slip Availability: 10 days before the respective exam date
- Admit Card Release: 4 days before the scheduled exam
- Official Websites: Regional RRB portals linked through rrbapply.gov.in
The city intimation slip provides important information such as exam centre location, date and shift timing, enabling candidates to plan travel and logistics ahead of the test.
RRB NTPC Exam: Selection Process Overview
The selection process for RRB NTPC Graduate Level posts consists of multiple stages that candidates must successfully clear for final appointment. The key phases include:
- CBT Stage-I (CBT 1) – Objective-type online test.
- CBT Stage-II (CBT 2) – Advanced-level online test for shortlisted candidates.
- Skill/Typing Test (if applicable) – For certain posts requiring typing proficiency or aptitude tests.
- Document Verification and Medical Examination – Final stages to confirm eligibility and fitness.
Candidates should prepare thoroughly across subjects such as General Awareness, Arithmetic, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude, as prescribed in the official syllabus.
RRB NTPC Exam: Admit Card and City Intimation Slip Details
Candidates will need to download both the city intimation slip and the admit card to appear in the RRB NTPC exam. As per the schedule:
- The city intimation slip link opens roughly 10 days before the exam date, allowing candidates to view exam date, centre and shift details.
- The admit card typically becomes available about 4 days prior to the specific exam date mentioned on the city slip.
Applicants must carry a printed admit card, a valid photo ID proof and other required documents to the exam centre. Aadhaar-based verification and biometric checks may also be conducted at some venues.
RRB NTPC Exam: Vacancies and Graduate-Level Posts
Although official vacancy figures can vary by region, the RRB NTPC Graduate Level recruitment typically announces thousands of positions each year, including roles such as Station Master, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Goods Train Manager, Junior Accountant Assistant, and similar non-technical posts in the Indian Railways.
RRB NTPC Exam Preparation Tips and Final Checklist
With the exam approaching, candidates should ensure the following before their test date:
- Verify all details in the admit card and ensure they match personal information.
- Plan travel to the exam centre to avoid delays on exam day.
- Practice previous year papers and mock tests to strengthen speed and accuracy.
- Keep original ID proofs ready, along with extra stationery items permitted by RRB.
Regularly checking regional RRB websites and official notifications ensures all updates about exam date changes, admit card issuance and results are received promptly.