RRB NTPC 2026 · Age limit & eligibility
RRB NTPC Age Limit 2026: Relaxation, Qualification and Eligibility
Age limit, the date on which age is counted, category-wise relaxation and the educational qualification, as printed in the official notice.
RRB NTPC age limit and relaxation
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.
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.
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).
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 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.