RRB NTPC 2026

RRB NTPC 2026 Exam: Comprehensive Guide for Aspirants

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) Exam 2026 stands as a monumental opportunity for aspiring candidates seeking a prestigious career within the Indian Railways. This highly competitive examination attracts millions of applicants nationwide, offering a diverse range of non-technical popular posts for both undergraduate and graduate qualifications. For those targeting a stable and rewarding government career, the RRB NTPC 2026 presents a significant pathway. This article provides a detailed, exam-focused overview, encompassing crucial information from eligibility to preparation strategies, making it an indispensable resource for every serious aspirant.

Exam Details – RRB NTPC 2026

• Exam Name: RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) 2026
• Conducting Authority: Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs)
• Exam Level: National Level (Central Government Job)
• Mode of Exam: Online (Computer Based Test – CBT)
• Stages: CBT-1, CBT-2, Typing Skill Test (TST) / Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) (as applicable for specific posts), Document Verification, Medical Examination.
• Job Type: Group ‘C’ Non-Gazetted Posts (e.g., Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Time Keeper, Trains Clerk, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Traffic Assistant, Goods Guard, Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Senior Time Keeper, Commercial Apprentice, Station Master).

Important Dates – RRB NTPC 2026

• Notification Release: To be announced
• Online Application Start Date: To be announced
• Online Application End Date: To be announced
• CBT-1 Exam Dates: To be announced
• CBT-2 Exam Dates: To be announced
• Skill Test (TST/CBAT) Dates: To be announced
• Application Duration: Approximately 1 month from the start date.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• For Undergraduate Posts (12th Pass): Candidates must have passed 12th (Intermediate) or its equivalent examination from a recognized Board/University.
• For Graduate Posts: Candidates must possess a University Degree or its equivalent from a recognized University.
• Specific post-wise educational qualifications will be detailed in the official RRB NTPC 2026 Notification.

Age Limit (as on 1st July 2026)

• For Undergraduate Posts (18-30 years):
  • Minimum Age: 18 years
  • Maximum Age: 30 years
• For Graduate Posts (18-33 years):
  • Minimum Age: 18 years
  • Maximum Age: 33 years
• Age Relaxation:
  • SC/ST: 5 years
  • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
  • PwBD (General): 10 years
  • PwBD (OBC-NCL): 13 years
  • PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years
  • Ex-Servicemen and other categories will receive relaxation as per government rules.

Nationality

• A candidate must be either:
  • A citizen of India, or
  • A subject of Nepal, or
  • A subject of Bhutan, or
  • A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
  • A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Category-Wise Seats (RRB NTPC 2026)

The total number of vacancies and their category-wise distribution for RRB NTPC 2026 will be released with the official notification.

Note: The above seat distribution is tentative and will be subject to change upon the release of the official RRB NTPC 2026 notification. Aspirants are advised to refer to the official document for accurate figures.

Exam Fees

The application fee for RRB NTPC 2026 is expected to be as follows:

Mode of Payment: Fees can be paid online using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or through offline Challan at SBI Branch/Post Office Challan.

Exam Pattern – RRB NTPC 2026

The RRB NTPC 2026 recruitment process typically involves multiple stages:

Stage 1: First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1)

CBT-1 is a screening examination. Marks obtained in CBT-1 will be used to shortlist candidates for CBT-2 at a ratio of 20 times the number of vacancies.

• Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks allotted for each question will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
• The examination duration for PwBD candidates with scribe is 120 minutes.

Stage 2: Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2)

CBT-2 is the main examination, and its marks will be used for the final merit list (along with skill tests where applicable).

• Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks allotted for each question will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
• The examination duration for PwBD candidates with scribe is 120 minutes.
• The difficulty level of CBT-2 will vary based on the posts (12th pass vs. Graduate level).

Stage 3: Skill Tests (Applicable for specific posts)

• Typing Skill Test (TST): For posts like Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Time Keeper, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Senior Time Keeper. Candidates must be able to type 30 WPM in English or 25 WPM in Hindi on a computer.
• Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): For posts like Station Master and Traffic Assistant. Candidates need to pass each test battery individually, and only qualifying marks will be considered.

Stage 4 & 5: Document Verification (DV) & Medical Examination

• After clearing all CBTs and skill tests, candidates will be called for Document Verification.
• Post-DV, candidates will undergo a medical examination at railway hospitals to ensure they meet the prescribed medical standards for the respective posts.

Detailed Syllabus – RRB NTPC 2026

The syllabus for RRB NTPC 2026 is comprehensive and requires thorough preparation for both CBT-1 and CBT-2.

General Awareness

• Current Events of National and International Importance
• Games and Sports
• Art and Culture of India
• Indian Literature
• Monuments and Places of India
• General Science and Life Science (up to 10th CBSE)
• History of India and Freedom Struggle
• Physical, Social and Economic Geography of India and World
• Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution and Political System
• General Scientific and Technological Developments including Space and Nuclear Program of India
• UN and Other important World Organizations
• Environmental Issues concerning India and World at Large
• Basics of Computers and Computer Applications
• Common Abbreviations
• Transport Systems in India
• Indian Economy
• Famous Personalities of India and World
• Flagship Government Programs
• Flora and Fauna of India
• Important Government and Public Sector Organizations of India

Mathematics

• Number System
• Decimals
• Fractions
• LCM, HCF
• Ratio and Proportion
• Percentage
• Mensuration
• Time and Work
• Time and Distance
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss
• Elementary Algebra
• Geometry and Trigonometry
• Elementary Statistics

General Intelligence & Reasoning

• Analogies
• Completion of Number and Alphabetical Series
• Coding and Decoding
• Mathematical Operations
• Similarities and Differences
• Relationship
• Analytical Reasoning
• Syllogism
• Jumbling
• Venn Diagram
• Puzzle
• Data Sufficiency
• Statement-Conclusion
• Statement-Courses of Action
• Decision Making
• Maps
• Interpretation of Graphs

Exam Centers

Candidates will have the option to choose their preferred exam centers during the online application process for RRB NTPC 2026. RRBs typically provide a wide range of centers across various States and Union Territories.

Note: The final list of exam centers will be provided in the official RRB NTPC 2026 notification. Candidates can select up to three choices for their exam center during the application process.

How to Apply for RRB NTPC 2026

Aspirants can apply for the RRB NTPC 2026 exam by following these steps once the notification is released:

1. Visit the official website of the respective Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) or the central Indian Railways website (indianrailways.gov.in) when the notification for RRB NTPC 2026 is published.
2. Click on the “New Registration” link for RRB NTPC 2026.
3. Read the instructions carefully and proceed to fill in your basic details such as Name, Date of Birth, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, Aadhaar Number, etc.
4. Verify your details and submit the registration form. A Registration ID and Password will be generated and sent to your registered email ID and mobile number.
5. Log in using your Registration ID and Password.
6. Fill in the detailed application form, including educational qualifications, category, preferred posts, and exam center choices.
7. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents (if any) as per the specified format and size.
8. Pay the application fee online or generate an offline challan for payment.
9. Review all the entered information carefully before final submission.
10. Submit the application form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

The application portal will be active only after the official release of the RRB NTPC 2026 notification.

Preparation Tips for RRB NTPC 2026

Cracking the RRB NTPC 2026 exam requires a strategic and consistent approach. Here are some effective preparation tips:

• Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Thoroughly go through the RRB NTPC 2026 syllabus and exam pattern for both CBT-1 and CBT-2. Identify your strong and weak areas.
• Create a Study Plan: Develop a realistic and structured study timetable. Allocate sufficient time to each subject based on its weightage and your proficiency.
• Focus on Basics: For Mathematics and General Intelligence & Reasoning, ensure your fundamental concepts are clear. Practice extensively to improve speed and accuracy.
• Current Affairs: Stay updated with national and international current events. Read newspapers, magazines, and reliable online sources daily. Make short notes for quick revision.
• General Science: Revise NCERT Science textbooks from Class 6 to 10. This forms a significant part of the General Awareness section.
• Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve as many RRB NTPC previous year’s question papers as possible. This helps in understanding the exam trend, question types, and time management.
• Take Mock Tests Regularly: Enroll in a good online mock test series. Analyze your performance in each mock test to identify areas that need improvement.
• Revision is Key: Regularly revise all subjects and topics. Short notes and flashcards can be very useful for last-minute revision.
• Time Management: Practice solving questions within the stipulated time. Speed and accuracy are crucial for competitive exams.
• Stay Healthy and Motivated: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, get adequate sleep, and stay positive. A fresh mind performs better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – RRB NTPC 2026

Q1: When will the official notification for RRB NTPC 2026 be released?

A: The official notification for RRB NTPC 2026 is “To be announced”. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official websites of RRBs for updates.

Q2: Is there negative marking in RRB NTPC 2026?

A: Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks for each incorrect answer in both CBT-1 and CBT-2 of RRB NTPC 2026.

Q3: What are the minimum educational qualifications required for RRB NTPC 2026?

A: For undergraduate posts, a 12th pass certificate is required. For graduate posts, a University Degree is necessary. Specific post-wise qualifications will be detailed in the official notification.

Q4: Can I apply for both undergraduate and graduate posts in RRB NTPC 2026?

A: Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for both educational qualifications (12th pass and Graduate Degree), you can apply for both undergraduate and graduate posts under RRB NTPC 2026. However, the application process requires you to choose the posts based on your preference and eligibility.

Q5: What are the stages of the RRB NTPC 2026 examination?

A: The RRB NTPC 2026 examination generally comprises four to five stages: First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1), Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2), Typing Skill Test (TST)/Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) (as applicable), Document Verification, and Medical Examination.