Exam guide · RRB
RRB NTPC
Railway Recruitment Boards – Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduate and Undergraduate)
A centralised Railway recruitment for non-technical commercial, clerical, accounts and train-operations posts across Indian Railways zones, held at graduate and undergraduate (12th) levels.
Vacancies
3,548
Age limit
18–33 years (Graduate)
Application fee
₹500 (General, incl. OBC-NCL/EWS men); ₹250 (SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD/Women/Transgender/Minorities/EBC)
Notice published
26 September 2026 (indicative notice in Employment News)
RRB NTPC notification: key dates and vacancies
| Indicative notice in Employment News | 26 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Online application (Graduate, CEN 06/2026) | 8 October 2026 – 6 November 2026 (23:59) |
| Fee payment last date (Graduate) | 8 November 2026 |
| Modification window (Graduate) | 9 November 2026 – 18 November 2026 (₹250 per modification) |
| Online application (Undergraduate, CEN 07/2026) | 15 October 2026 – 13 November 2026 (23:59) |
| Fee payment last date (Undergraduate) | 15 November 2026 |
| Modification window (Undergraduate) | 16 November 2026 – 25 November 2026 |
| CBT | See the official notice |
| Vacancies | 3,548 (Graduate, CEN 06/2026) + 1,688 (Undergraduate, CEN 07/2026) = 5,236 |
Posts filled through this exam
- Graduate (CEN 06/2026): Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor, Goods Train Manager, Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist
- Undergraduate (CEN 07/2026): Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Clerk cum Typist, Trains Clerk
Source: CEN No. 06/2026 (NTPC Graduate) and CEN No. 07/2026 (NTPC Undergraduate) (published 26 September 2026 (indicative notice in Employment News)). Confirm in the official notice before applying.
Posts in RRB NTPC: pay level and age limit
Open a post for its departments, qualification and exam stages.
| Post | Pay level | Group | Age limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goods Train Manager | Level 5 | See notice | 18–33 years |
| Senior Clerk cum Typist | Level 5 | See notice | 18–33 years |
| Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist | Level 5 | See notice | 18–33 years |
| Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor | Level 6 | See notice | 18–33 years |
| Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | Level 3 | See notice | 18–30 years |
| Junior Clerk cum Typist | Level 2 | See notice | 18–30 years |
| Accounts Clerk cum Typist | Level 2 | See notice | 18–30 years |
| Trains Clerk | Level 2 | See notice | 18–30 years |
RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) is the Railway Recruitment Boards' recruitment for commercial, clerical and train-operations posts across Indian Railways. The 2026 cycle has two separate notifications: CEN 06/2026 for graduate-level posts and CEN 07/2026 for undergraduate (12th pass) posts.
Together they offer 5,236 vacancies — 3,548 graduate and 1,688 undergraduate. You apply through the unified RRB website to only one RRB, and selection runs through a first-stage CBT (screening), a second-stage CBT, document verification and a medical examination. For the 2026 cycle, the typing skill test has been dropped for both the graduate and the undergraduate typist posts.
This guide sets out each post's pay level, medical standard and vacancies, the age and relaxation rules, the CBT pattern and qualifying marks, the syllabus and the application timeline, from the two official CENs.
RRB NTPC 2026 posts, pay and vacancies
The tables below are the all-RRB totals printed in each CEN. RRB-wise and Railway-zone-wise distribution is given in Annexure B of the respective notice; you choose one RRB and then rank zones and posts by preference.
Graduate posts (CEN 06/2026)
| Post | Pay level (initial pay) | Medical standard | Age | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor | Level 6 (₹35,400) | B-2 | 18–33 | 127 |
| Goods Train Manager | Level 5 (₹29,200) | A-2 | 18–33 | 2,750 |
| Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist | Level 5 (₹29,200) | C-2 | 18–33 | 300 |
| Senior Clerk cum Typist | Level 5 (₹29,200) | C-2 | 18–33 | 371 |
| Total | 3,548 |
Undergraduate posts (CEN 07/2026)
| Post | Pay level (initial pay) | Medical standard | Age | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | Level 3 (₹21,700) | B-2 | 18–30 | 700 |
| Accounts Clerk cum Typist | Level 2 (₹19,900) | C-2 | 18–30 | 200 |
| Junior Clerk cum Typist | Level 2 (₹19,900) | C-2 | 18–30 | 600 |
| Trains Clerk | Level 2 (₹19,900) | A-3 | 18–30 | 188 |
| Total | 1,688 |
Age limit, relaxation and qualification
Age is counted on 1 January 2027 for both CENs: 18–33 years for graduate posts and 18–30 years for undergraduate posts.
Graduate posts need a degree from a recognised university or its equivalent. Undergraduate posts need 12th (+2 stage) or equivalent with at least 50% aggregate marks; the 50% condition does not apply to SC, ST, PwBD and ex-servicemen candidates or to candidates holding a qualification higher than 12th. The qualification must be held by the closing date of applications (6 November 2026 for graduate, 13 November 2026 for undergraduate).
Upper age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (non-creamy layer) | 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen (6 months' service after attestation) | 3 years (UR/EWS), 6 (OBC-NCL), 8 (SC/ST), after deducting service |
| PwBD | 10 years (UR/EWS), 13 (OBC-NCL), 15 (SC/ST) |
| Serving Railway Group C / erstwhile Group D staff and substitutes with 3 years' service | Up to 40 years (UR/EWS), 43 (OBC-NCL), 45 (SC/ST) |
Further categories (e.g. widowed or divorced women) are listed in Para 5.2 of each CEN.
CBT pattern, negative marking and qualifying marks
The first-stage CBT is 90 minutes with 100 questions: General Awareness 40, Mathematics 30, and General Intelligence and Reasoning 30. It is a screening test, and its normalised score is used to shortlist candidates for the second stage — 15 times the community-wise vacancies of the posts notified for each RRB.
The second-stage CBT is also 90 minutes, with 120 questions: General Awareness 50, Mathematics 35, and General Intelligence and Reasoning 35. In both stages one third of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer. PwBD candidates eligible for a scribe get 120 minutes.
The minimum qualifying marks are 40% for UR and EWS, 30% for OBC (non-creamy layer) and SC, and 25% for ST; these apply to ex-servicemen and PwBD candidates by their community, and may be relaxed by 2 marks for PwBD candidates if there is a shortage.
The typing skill test has been dispensed with in this cycle for Senior Clerk, Junior Accounts Assistant, Junior Clerk and Accounts Clerk typist posts. Candidates are still expected to have basic computer and typing proficiency, which is assessed after joining and may affect confirmation or promotion.
Medical standards for NTPC posts
Vision requirements
| Standard | Posts | Vision |
|---|---|---|
| A-2 | Goods Train Manager | Distant 6/9, 6/9 without glasses; near Sn 0.6, 0.6 without glasses; must pass colour, binocular, night and myopic vision tests |
| A-3 | Trains Clerk | Distant 6/9, 6/9 with or without glasses (lens power up to 2D); near Sn 0.6, 0.6; must pass colour, binocular, night and myopic vision tests |
| B-2 | Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | Distant 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (lens power up to 4D); near Sn 0.6, 0.6 |
| C-2 | Typist posts | Distant 6/12, nil with or without glasses; near Sn 0.6 combined |
Candidates who have had LASIK or any other surgery to correct refractive error are not eligible for A-2 posts. Full standards are in Chapter 5 of the Indian Railway Medical Manual.
RRB NTPC syllabus (both CBT stages)
Topics listed in the CEN
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| 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 and Reasoning | Analogies, number and alphabetical series, coding and decoding, mathematical operations, similarities and differences, relationships, analytical reasoning, syllogism, jumbling, Venn diagrams, puzzles, data sufficiency, statement–conclusion, statement–courses of action, decision making, maps, interpretation of graphs |
| General Awareness | Current events, games and sports, art and culture of India, Indian literature, monuments and places, general science and life science (up to 10th CBSE), history of India and the freedom struggle, geography of India and the world, Indian polity and governance, science and technology including India's space and nuclear programmes, UN and world organisations, environment, computers, abbreviations, transport systems, Indian economy, famous personalities, flagship government programmes, flora and fauna, important government and public sector organisations |
How to apply for RRB NTPC 2026
- 1
Apply once, to one RRB
Submit a single online application on the unified RRB website. You can apply to only one RRB, and that choice is final; multiple applications are rejected.
- 2
Upload a live photo and your signature
Upload a live image of yourself and your own signature in the specifications given in the CEN; blurred or non-standard photos and signatures make the application liable to rejection.
- 3
Graduate CEN 06/2026 dates
Applications 8 October – 6 November 2026 (11:59 pm), fee by 8 November 2026, modification window 9 – 18 November 2026.
- 4
Undergraduate CEN 07/2026 dates
Applications 15 October – 13 November 2026 (11:59 pm), fee by 15 November 2026, modification window 16 – 25 November 2026.
- 5
Pay the fee
₹500 for most candidates, of which ₹400 is refunded (less bank charges) on appearing in the first-stage CBT; ₹250 for SC, ST, ex-servicemen, PwBD, women, transgender, minority and economically backward class candidates, refunded on appearing. Each modification costs ₹250 (non-refundable).
Latest RRB NTPC recruitment
No active trusted recruitment is published for this exam right now.
Exam overview
Reviewed editorial
Who it is for
Graduates and 12th-pass candidates seeking a stable Group C Railway job in ticketing, clerical, accounts or goods train operations.
Eligibility, age and qualification
Exact limits are set per post in each official notice.
Age limit
18–33 years (Graduate); 18–30 years (Undergraduate) (as on 1 January 2027)
Educational qualification
- Graduate posts: degree from a recognised university or equivalent, held by 6 November 2026
- Undergraduate posts: 12th (+2) or equivalent with at least 50% aggregate (not required for SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen or higher-qualified candidates)
Upper age relaxation
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC-NCL | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years (UR/EWS), 6 years (OBC-NCL), 8 years (SC/ST) after deducting service |
| PwBD | 10 years (UR/EWS), 13 years (OBC-NCL), 15 years (SC/ST) |
| Serving Railway Group C / erstwhile Group D staff | Up to 40 years (UR/EWS), 43 (OBC-NCL), 45 (SC/ST) |
| Widowed / divorced / judicially separated women (not remarried) | Up to 35 years (UR/EWS), 38 (OBC-NCL), 40 (SC/ST) |
Application fee
₹500 (General, incl. OBC-NCL/EWS men); ₹250 (SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD/Women/Transgender/Minorities/EBC). No category is fully exempt; ₹400 of the ₹500 fee and the full ₹250 fee are refunded, minus bank charges, on appearing in the 1st stage CBT.
Source: CEN No. 06/2026 (NTPC Graduate) and CEN No. 07/2026 (NTPC Undergraduate) (published 26 September 2026 (indicative notice in Employment News)). Confirm in the official notice before applying.
- Graduate posts: degree from a recognised university
- Undergraduate posts: 12th (+2) or equivalent
- Indian nationals within the post's age band
- Medical standard as specified for each post
Selection process and exam pattern
Stages of selection
- 11st stage CBT (screening)
- 22nd stage CBT (15 times community-wise vacancies shortlisted per RRB)
- 3Document verification and medical examination
- 4Typing Skill Test: dropped for graduate Cum Typist posts per CEN 06/2026; for undergraduate posts see the official notice
1st stage CBT (Graduate)
90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD with scribe)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
Negative marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer. Qualifying: UR/EWS 40%, OBC-NCL 30%, SC 30%, ST 25%.
2nd stage CBT (Graduate)
90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD with scribe)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 35 | 35 |
Negative marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer. Undergraduate CBT pattern: see the official notice.
Source: CEN No. 06/2026 (NTPC Graduate) and CEN No. 07/2026 (NTPC Undergraduate) (published 26 September 2026 (indicative notice in Employment News)). Confirm in the official notice before applying.
Reviewed editorial
Selection is through computer-based tests followed by document verification and medical examination; the notice for each cycle specifies whether a typing or aptitude test applies to particular posts.
Syllabus and subject-wise prep
- General Awareness and current affairs
- Mathematics
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Basic computer and typing proficiency (assessed after joining)
- Previous RRB NTPC question papers
Prepare for RRB NTPC
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Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for RRB NTPC?
18–33 years (Graduate); 18–30 years (Undergraduate), counted as on 1 January 2027, as per the CEN No. 06/2026 (NTPC Graduate) and CEN No. 07/2026 (NTPC Undergraduate). Category-wise upper age relaxation is given in the notice.
What qualification is needed for RRB NTPC?
Graduate posts: degree from a recognised university or equivalent, held by 6 November 2026. Undergraduate posts: 12th (+2) or equivalent with at least 50% aggregate (not required for SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen or higher-qualified candidates).
When can I apply for RRB NTPC?
Online application (Graduate, CEN 06/2026): 8 October 2026 – 6 November 2026 (23:59), as per the notice published on 26 September 2026 (indicative notice in Employment News). Applications are made only on rrb.indianrailways.gov.in.
What is the RRB NTPC exam pattern?
1st stage CBT (Graduate): General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning (90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD with scribe)). Negative marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer. Qualifying: UR/EWS 40%, OBC-NCL 30%, SC 30%, ST 25%. 2nd stage CBT (Graduate): General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning (90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD with scribe)). Negative marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer. Undergraduate CBT pattern: see the official notice.
How many vacancies are there in RRB NTPC?
3,548 (Graduate, CEN 06/2026) + 1,688 (Undergraduate, CEN 07/2026) = 5,236, according to the CEN No. 06/2026 (NTPC Graduate) and CEN No. 07/2026 (NTPC Undergraduate).
How many vacancies are there in RRB NTPC 2026?
5,236: 3,548 graduate posts under CEN 06/2026 and 1,688 undergraduate posts under CEN 07/2026.
Which NTPC post has the most vacancies?
Goods Train Manager, with 2,750 posts in Level 5.
What is the RRB NTPC salary?
Initial pay is ₹35,400 (Level 6) for Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor, ₹29,200 (Level 5) for the other graduate posts, ₹21,700 (Level 3) for Commercial cum Ticket Clerk and ₹19,900 (Level 2) for the other undergraduate posts.
What is the age limit for RRB NTPC 2026?
18–33 years for graduate posts and 18–30 years for undergraduate posts, as on 1 January 2027.
Is there a typing test in RRB NTPC 2026?
No. The typing skill test has been dispensed with in this cycle for all typist posts; typing proficiency is assessed after joining.
What is the negative marking in RRB NTPC?
One third of a mark for each wrong answer in both CBT stages.
What are the qualifying marks in RRB NTPC?
40% for UR and EWS, 30% for OBC-NCL and SC, and 25% for ST.
Can 12th pass students apply for RRB NTPC?
Yes, for the undergraduate posts under CEN 07/2026, with at least 50% in 12th (not required for SC/ST/PwBD/ex-servicemen or those with higher qualifications).
Can I apply to more than one RRB?
No. Only one application to one RRB is allowed, and the choice of RRB is final.
Is LASIK allowed for Goods Train Manager?
No. Candidates who have had LASIK or any refractive surgery are not eligible for posts with medical standard A-2, which includes Goods Train Manager.
What is RRB NTPC?
A centralised Railway recruitment for non-technical commercial, clerical, accounts and train-operations posts across Indian Railways zones, held at graduate and undergraduate (12th) levels.
Who is RRB NTPC for?
Graduates and 12th-pass candidates seeking a stable Group C Railway job in ticketing, clerical, accounts or goods train operations.
How is RRB NTPC selection described?
Selection is through computer-based tests followed by document verification and medical examination; the notice for each cycle specifies whether a typing or aptitude test applies to particular posts.
Niyookti is not part of RRB. The official RRB website (rrb.indianrailways.gov.in) and its notices are the only final source. Always confirm details there before applying.