RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date: Check CBT 1 & CBT 2 Official Schedule
- Feb 3
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
INTRODUCTION
The RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date is the most anticipated announcement for students across India aiming to join the Indian Railways' non-technical academic and professional streams. With the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) streamlining its recruitment calendar, the 2025–26 cycle has introduced over 8,868 vacancies divided into two primary educational tracks: the Graduate Stream and the Undergraduate (12th Pass) Stream.
For students planning their academic and professional transition in 2026, understanding the timeline of Computer-Based Tests (CBT 1 and CBT 2) is critical. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date, stream-wise course details, and the official selection schedule.
RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date: Official Overview
The RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) recruitment process for 2026 follows a centralized employment notification (CEN) system. For the current cycle, the graduate-level posts fall under CEN 05/2024 & 06/2025, while undergraduate posts are covered under CEN 07/2025.
Key Schedule for 2026
While the preliminary notifications were released in late 2025, the core examination phases are unfolding throughout 2026.
Event | Graduate Stream (CEN 06/2025) | Undergraduate Stream (CEN 07/2025) |
Notification Release | October 2025 | October 2025 |
Application Status | January 20, 2026 | January 2026 |
RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date (CBT 1) | Tentative: March - April 2026 | Tentative: May - June 2026 |
CBT 2 Exam Date | To be Announced (TBA) | To be Announced (TBA) |
Skill Test/CBAT Date | Mid-2026 | Late 2026 |
For specific candidates who faced technical issues in previous cycles, a rescheduled CBTST (Typing Test) has been fixed for February 11–13, 2026. Ensure you check your regional RRB portal for city intimation slips.
Academic Streams & Course-Wise Post Details
The RRB NTPC 2026 recruitment is not just a job search; it is a selection into specific academic streams that dictate your role within the railway's administrative framework.
1. Graduate Academic Stream
This stream is designed for students holding a university degree from any recognized discipline (BA, B.Sc., etc.).
Total Vacancies: 5,810+
Core Course Subjects: Advanced Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness.
Key Post Profiles: Station Master, Goods Train Manager, and Senior Clerk cum Typist.
2. Undergraduate Academic Stream (10+2)
Designed for students who have completed their Higher Secondary education (12th Grade) with at least 50% marks.
Total Vacancies: 3,058
Core Course Subjects: Basic Mathematics, Reasoning, and General Science.
Key Post Profiles: Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, and Trains Clerk.
Detailed Exam Pattern for CBT 1 and CBT 2
The selection process involves two main stages of Computer-Based Tests. Understanding the pattern is the first step in aligning your study "course" with the RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date.
Stage 1: CBT 1 (Common for all Streams)
The first stage acts as a screening test. The marks obtained in CBT 1 are used to shortlist candidates for CBT 2.
Duration: 90 Minutes
General Awareness: 40 Questions
Mathematics: 30 Questions
General Intelligence & Reasoning: 30 Questions
Total Marks: 100
Stage 2: CBT 2 (Post-Specific Difficulty)
CBT 2 is conducted for different graded levels (Level 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). While the syllabus remains similar, the difficulty level increases significantly for the Graduate stream.
Total Questions: 120
General Awareness: 50
Mathematics: 35
Reasoning: 35
Both CBT 1 and CBT 2 have a negative marking of 1/3rd for every incorrect answer. Accuracy is just as important as speed.
Unsure which stream fits your degree?
How to Check the RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date & Download Admit Card
Candidates must follow these steps on their respective regional RRB websites to stay updated:
Visit Official Portal: Go to your regional RRB website (e.g., RRB Mumbai, RRB Chennai).
Notification Link: Look for the "CEN 05/2024 & 06/2025" notice board.
City Intimation: This link usually goes live 10 days before the scheduled RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date.
Download Admit Card: Your e-call letter will be available for download 4 days before your specific exam date.
Eligibility Criteria for the 2026 Cycle
To sit for the exam on the announced RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date, you must meet the following stream-wise requirements:
Age Limit (As of January 1, 2026)
Undergraduate Posts: 18 to 33 years.
Graduate Posts: 18 to 36 years.
Relaxation: 3 years for OBC (NCL) and 5 years for SC/ST candidates.
Educational Qualifications
Undergraduate: 12th Pass or equivalent with 50% marks (marks criteria waived for SC/ST).
Graduate: A valid Degree from a recognized University or its equivalent.
Want to practice before the big day?
FAQ: RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date & Schedule
Q1: What is the official RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date for CBT 1?
A1: The official RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date for CBT 1 is tentatively scheduled between March and June 2026. The Graduate stream exams are expected to begin in March, followed by the Undergraduate stream in May.
Q2: When will the admit card for the RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date be released?
A2: The admit cards are typically released exactly 4 days before your specific RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date. However, you can check your exam city and shift 10 days in advance.
Q3: Is the RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date different for Graduate and Undergraduate students?
A3: Yes, the RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date usually differs for the two streams. Graduate-level exams (Levels 4, 5, 6) are conducted in earlier shifts compared to Undergraduate-level exams (Levels 2, 3).
Q4: Can I change my shift once the RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date is allotted?
A4: No, the Railway Recruitment Board does not entertain requests to change the shift, center, or RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date once it has been officially allotted in the city intimation slip.
Q5: Will there be a common exam for all levels on the RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date?
A5: CBT 1 is common for all posts within the same notification. However, for CBT 2, separate exams are held for each pay level (Level 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) on different RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Dates.
Conclusion
The RRB NTPC 2026 Exam Date marks a pivotal moment for students pursuing a stable and prestigious academic-to-professional transition in the Indian Railways. With a clear bifurcation between Graduate and Undergraduate streams, the 2026 cycle demands a focused approach to core subjects like General Awareness and Mathematics. Stay tuned to official regional RRB portals and keep your preparation consistent as the exam window approaches.
For more insights into college selection, entrance exam strategies, and stream-wise course details, visit CollegeSimplified.in—your partner in simplifying complex academic journeys.
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