October 01, 2026

RRB NTPC Graduate Vacancy 2026, Notification Out, Apply Online

The Railway Recruitment Board has officially initiated the recruitment for RRB Graduate-level Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) under the Centralised Employment Notice CEN 06/2026. Following the preliminary notification issued on 21st September 2026, the comprehensive official guidelines are scheduled for formal publication on 7th October 2026. The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned a cumulative quota of 3,477 vacancies, Candidates can submit their online applications starting from 8th October 2026, with the final registration deadline set for 6th November 2026 (11:59 PM) on the official portal, rrbapply.gov.in. 

The Overview Of RRB NTPC Graduate Vacancy

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the short notification for the RRB NTPC Graduate Vacancy 2026 under Centralised Employment Notice (CEN No. 06/2026), announcing 3,477 tentative vacancies.

CEN 06/2026 deals strictly with Graduate-level posts. It is distinct from CEN 07/2026, which handles undergraduate (10+2 standard) vacancies concurrently.

Feature

Details

Exam Name

RRB NTPC 2026

Notification / CEN No.

CEN No. 06/2026

Total Approved Vacancies

3,477 posts (Tentative)

Eligible Age Limit

18 to 33 years (As of January 1, 2027)

Registration Dates

8th October 2026 to 6th November 2026

Official Application Link

rrbapply.gov.in

RRB NTPC Post-Wise Vacancy 2026

Total 3,477 vacancies are distributed structurally across the participating regional Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) throughout India. The numerical split per category (UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS) and exact seat matrices for each individual town or hub are officially updated and published inside the comprehensive Full RRB NTPC 2026 Notification released via the Official RRB Apply Portal on 7th October 2026.

Allocation Principles across Participating RRBs:

The seat distribution aligns strictly with regional operational demands across major boards, including:

  • Northern & Central Zones: RRB Chandigarh, RRB Prayagraj, RRB Bilaspur, and RRB Mumbai.
  • Eastern & North-Eastern Zones: RRB Kolkata, RRB Malda, RRB Gorakhpur, and RRB Guwahati.
  • Southern & Western Zones: RRB Chennai, RRB Secunderabad, RRB Bengaluru, and RRB Ahmedabad.

Note: Horizontal reservation quotas for Person with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) and Ex-Servicemen (Ex-SM) are structurally applied over the base zone matrices. Candidates are legally restricted to applying online to only one regional RRB for this graduate notification.

RRB NTPC Educational Qualification (Degree Requirements)

The educational qualification for RRB NTPC Graduate Posts 2026 strictly requires a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university or institute. Candidates must have completed their graduation before the closing date of application registration (6th November 2026).

  • Final Year Restrictions: Candidates who are awaiting their final graduation results are not eligible to apply. The graduation degree must be officially completed, and the passing date must be prior to or on the final application closing date.
  • Post-Specific Typing Qualification: For clerical positions (Senior Clerk cum Typist and Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist), candidates must possess proficient typing skills in Hindi or English on a computer terminal. This will be evaluated through a qualifying screening round later.

NTPC Graduate Age Limit (18 to 33 years as of reference date)

The standard age limit for rrb ntpc graduate-level roles under CEN 06/2026 is fixed between 18 and 33 years. This range is evaluated strictly against the definitive cutoff date of 1st January 2027.

Category-Wise Age Relaxation

To support reserved categories, the Central Government provides horizontal and vertical age relaxations over the upper age limit parameter as detailed below:

Category

Permissible Upper Age Relaxation

Maximum Age Limit

Unreserved (UR) & EWS

None

33 Years

Other Backward Classes (OBC-Non Creamy Layer)

3 Years

36 Years

Scheduled Castes (SC) & Scheduled Tribes (ST)

5 Years

38 Years

Ex-Servicemen (Ex-SM)

Length of military service plus 3 years

Varies based on service tenure

Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)

10 Years (Relaxable up to 13 years for OBC and 15 years for SC/ST)

43 to 48 Years

RRB (NTPC) 2026 Medical Fitness Standards

Selected candidates must clear a comprehensive medical examination conducted by the Railway Medical Authorities. These checks ensure that candidates are physically fit to perform their designated operational duties safely.

Visual acuity is the most critical parameter checked during this phase.

Medical Category

Fitness Requirements

Visual Acuity Standards (Eye Criteria)

Graduate Posts

A-2

Physically fit in all respects

Distant Vision: 6/9, 6/9 without glasses. No lenses allowed.
Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 without glasses.
Must pass strict tests for Color Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, and Night Vision.

Station Master

A-3

Physically fit in all respects

Distant Vision: 6/9, 6/9 with or without glasses (power of lenses not to exceed 2D).
Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses.
Must pass tests for Color Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, and Night Vision.

Goods Train Manager

B-2

Physically fit in all respects

Distant Vision: 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (power of lenses not to exceed 4D).
Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses when reading.
Must pass tests for Binocular Vision.

Chief Commercial-cum-Ticket Supervisor

C-1

Physically fit in all respects

Distant Vision: 6/12, 6/18 with or without glasses.
Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses when reading.

Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist

RRB NTPC 2026 Application Fee & Refund

The Ministry of Railways implements an application fee structure that incorporates a partial or full refund policy following the candidate's appearance in the Stage 1 CBT examination.

Category

Application Fee Amount

Refundable Amount

Conditions for Refund

General / OBC / EWS Candidates

₹500

₹400

The refund is processed automatically to the payment source account only if the candidate officially appears for the CBT 1 exam. Bank charges are deducted dynamically.

SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen / Female / Transgender / Minorities / Economically Backward Class (EBC)

₹250

₹250

The complete fee is fully refunded to the candidate's bank account upon verification of attendance in the CBT 1 exam.

New RRB NTPC Graduate Post-Wise Salary

The official RRB NTPC Notification 2026 separates these roles strictly into two operational tiers under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC): Pay Level 5 and Pay Level 6.

1. Pay Level 5 Posts (Initial Basic Pay: ₹29,200)

These intermediate positions focus heavily on operational logistics management, administrative administration, and financial bookkeeping within regional divisional offices.

  • Goods Train Manager
    • Functional Profile: Responsible for executing freight transit operations, monitoring train safety parameters, ensuring proper payload delivery, and coordinating with control rooms during transit.
    • Selection Multi-Tier: Requires qualifying CBT 1 and CBT 2. There is no additional typing skill test required for this specific role.
  • Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist
    • Functional Profile: Focuses on the maintenance of railway fiscal sheets, auditing department transactions, clearing vendor bills, and payroll administration.
    • Selection Multi-Tier: Requires passing CBT 1, CBT 2, and a mandatory qualifying Typing Skill Test (TST) to verify data entry velocity and precision.
  • Senior Clerk cum Typist
    • Functional Profile: Manages divisional documentation registries, handles official correspondence files, organizes operational rosters, and assists senior clerical officials.
    • Selection Multi-Tier: Candidates must successfully clear CBT 1, CBT 2, and the qualifying Typing Skill Test (TST).

2. Pay Level 6 Posts (Initial Basic Pay: ₹35,400)

These high-tier roles carry extensive structural accountability, command responsibilities, and require a high standard of medical fitness.

  • Chief Commercial-cum-Ticket Supervisor
    • Functional Profile: Oversees commercial revenue collections, manages regional passenger ticket booking counters, handles reservation terminal logistics, and monitors commercial counter staff.
    • Selection Multi-Tier: Final merit is drawn purely on CBT 1 and CBT 2 performance metrics. No skill test is applicable.
  • Station Master
    • Functional Profile: Serves as the complete operational custodian of an assigned railway station. Controls local train routing protocols, ensures interlocking/signal safety compliance, and manages passenger emergencies.
    • Selection Multi-Tier: Requires passing CBT 1, CBT 2, and a mandatory Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). Candidates must meet strict A-2 medical standards (including stringent eye testing for distance and color vision).

RRB NTPC Graduate Selection Process 2026

The rrb ntpc recruitment process for graduate positions under CEN 06/2026 is a multi-tier selection designed by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB). Candidates must clear successive elimination rounds to qualify for final onboarding.

The Four-Stage Selection Process

Stage 1: First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT 1) — Screening Round

CBT 1 serves strictly as a preliminary screening mechanism to filter the massive volume of applicants.

  • Common Test Structure: A unified online examination is administered to all graduate applicants, irrespective of their specific post preferences.
  • Score Normalization: Because the test spans multiple days and shifts, raw marks are mathematically normalized to ensure equity across varying difficulty levels.
  • Shortlisting Ratio: Candidates are shortlisted for the next stage at a 1:15 ratio (15 times the number of community-wise vacancies notified for each regional RRB).
  • Merit Impact: The marks secured in CBT 1 act purely as a gateway and are not added to the final merit list evaluation.

Stage 2: Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT 2) — Merit-Determining Round

CBT 2 is the primary evaluation tier that determines a candidate's placement on the final employment list.

  • Graded Difficulty Levels: Separate CBT 2 examinations are conducted for each distinct 7th CPC Pay Level.
    • Candidates qualifying for both Pay Level 5 and Pay Level 6 positions must sit for two separate CBT 2 exams, graded according to the difficulty appropriate for each level.
  • Weightage allocation: The score obtained in CBT 2 directly drives the final selection list for non-typing positions (Goods Train Manager and Chief Commercial-cum-Ticket Supervisor). For posts requiring skill tests, it carries a 70% to 100% weightage depending on the post type.

Stage 3: Post-Specific Skill Tests (Qualifying & Merit-Linked)

Based on the choices selected in the application form, candidates are routed into one of two specialized evaluation tracks following CBT 2:

  1. Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) — For Station Master Only
    • Candidates are shortlisted for CBAT at a 1:8 ratio relative to the available Station Master vacancies.
    • The test evaluates cognitive attributes, spatial scanning, and personality profiles.
    • Merit Weightage Structure: The final merit list for Station Master is formulated by combining 70% of the CBT 2 score with 30% of the CBAT score. Candidates must score a minimum T-Score of 42 in each test battery to qualify.
  2. Typing Skill Test (TST) — For Clerical & Accounts Assistants
    • Candidates are shortlisted at a 1:8 ratio based on Pay Level 5 clerical vacancies.
    • This is a purely qualifying test; marks are not added to the final merit score.
    • Minimum Proficiency Benchmarks: Candidates must achieve a typing speed of 30 words per minute (wpm) in English or 25 wpm in Hindi on a standard computer interface without editing or spell-checking aids.

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

Candidates who clear the online examinations and skill tiers equal to the exact number of notified vacancies (1:1 ratio) are called for final verification.

  • Document Verification (DV): Comprehensive verification of matriculation certificates, university degrees, caste credentials (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS), and identity markers (Aadhaar validation).
  • Medical Fitness Test: Candidates undergo rigorous physical and visual health evaluations at assigned railway hospitals. They must satisfy the precise medical standards designated for their specific post (A-2 for Station Master, A-3 for Goods Train Manager, etc.) to receive an official appointment letter.

Railway NTPC Graduate Vacancy 2026 Exam Pattern

The evaluation for the RRB NTPC CEN 06/2026 graduate recruitment consists of two sequential online examination tiers: CBT 1 and CBT 2. Both stages are administered via a standardized Computer Based Test (CBT) environment.

1. First Stage CBT (CBT 1) — Preliminary Screening

CBT 1 is a common screening examination for all graduate-level posts. Its primary objective is to filter candidates for the subsequent stage.

CBT 1 Structure & Subject

Subject

Number of Questions

Maximum Marks

Test Duration

General Awareness

40

40


Total Time:
90 Minutes
(120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates)

Mathematics

30

30

General Intelligence & Reasoning

30

30

Total Evaluation

100

100

Key Parameters of CBT 1:

  • Question Format: Objective-type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
  • Negative Marking: For every incorrect response, 1/3rd (0.33) of a mark will be deducted. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.
  • Normalization: Raw marks obtained by candidates across different shifts will be normalized using the official RRB mathematical formula to determine the qualifying cutoff.

2. Second Stage CBT (CBT 2) — Merit-Determining Round

Candidates who clear the CBT 1 cutoff (restricted to 15 times the number of vacancies per post/category) advance to CBT 2. While the syllabus topics remain identical to CBT 1, the difficulty ceiling and question count are elevated.

CBT 2 Structure & Subject

Subject

Number of Questions

Maximum Marks

Test Duration

General Awareness

50

50


Total Time:
90 Minutes
(120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates)

Mathematics

35

35

General Intelligence & Reasoning

35

35

Total Evaluation

120

120

Key Parameters of CBT 2:

  • Level-Separated Testing: Separate CBT 2 papers are curated for Pay Level 5 and Pay Level 6. The structural matrix (120 questions) remains identical for both, but the cognitive difficulty of questions for Pay Level 6 is set to a higher standard.
  • Negative Marking: The standard 1/3rd negative marking penalty applies strictly to incorrect answers.
  • Merit Determination: The normalized score from CBT 2 forms the absolute baseline for the preparation of the final merit list.

3. Minimum Qualifying Percentages

To be considered for evaluation or shortlisting, candidates must secure the following minimum percentages of marks in their respective categories for both CBT 1 and CBT 2:

  • Unreserved (UR) / Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 40%
  • Other Backward Classes (OBC - Non-Creamy Layer): 30%
  • Scheduled Castes (SC): 30%
  • Scheduled Tribes (ST): 25%

RRB NTPC Graduate Vacancy Syllabus

The syllabus for rrb ntpc graduate vacancy 2026 is standardized across both CBT 1 and CBT 2. While the fundamental topics are identical, the depth of conceptual understanding, complexity, and application speed required for CBT 2 are significantly higher, particularly for Pay Level 6 positions.

The evaluation is divided into three core sections: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness.

1. Mathematics

This section evaluates numerical ability, mathematical aptitude, and problem-solving velocity. Questions range from basic calculations to advanced arithmetic and introductory geometry.

  • Number System: Fractions, Decimals, Integers, LCM and HCF, Rational and Irrational Numbers.
  • Commercial Arithmetic: Ratio and Proportion, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Discount, Simple and Compound Interest.
  • Mensuration: Area and Perimeter of 2D shapes (Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles), Volume and Surface Area of 3D objects (Cubes, Cuboids, Cylinders, Spheres, Cones).
  • Time & Work Dynamics: Time and Work, Pipes and Cisterns, Work and Wages.
  • Speed & Distance Metrics: Speed, Time and Distance, Problems on Trains, Boats and Streams.
  • Algebraic Concepts: Elementary Algebra, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Polynomials.
  • Geometry & Trigonometry: Basics of Lines and Angles, Triangles, Circles, Trigonometric Ratios, Heights and Distances.
  • Data Interpretation & Statistics: Mean, Median, Mode, Elementary Statistics, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Tables.

2. General Intelligence & Reasoning

This segment assesses logical reasoning capabilities, analytical thinking, patterns recognition, and cognitive agility under time constraints.

  • Analogies & Classifications: Semantic, Symbolic, and Number Analogies; Odd One Out classifications.
  • Series Completion: Number Series, Alphanumeric Series, Letter Series, Pattern Continuations.
  • Coding & Decoding: Coding by Analogy, Operations on Orally Stated Codes, Decoding Matrix Patterns.
  • Mathematical Operations: Operator Substitution, Balancing Equations, BODMAS Application.
  • Blood Relations & Direction Sense: Family Trees, Coded Relations, Direction and Distance Maps.
  • Analytical Reasoning: Syllogisms, Venn Diagrams, Cause and Effect, Statement and Assumptions, Statement and Conclusions, Course of Action.
  • Puzzles & Seating Arrangements: Linear Arrangements, Circular Arrangements, Scheduling Puzzles, Tabulation.
  • Data Sufficiency: Determining if the provided data statements are sufficient to answer a logical problem.
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning: Cube and Dice Problems, Paper Folding and Cutting, Mirror and Water Images, Embedded Figures.

3. General Awareness

With 40 questions in CBT 1 and 50 questions in CBT 2, this is the highest-weightage section. It tests static general knowledge alongside dynamic socio-political and economic current events.

  • Current Affairs: National and International Events, Government Schemes, Sports Championships, Awards and Honors, Key Summits, New Appointments.
  • General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences based on the 10th Standard CBSE/NCERT curriculum.
  • History & Culture: Indian Freedom Struggle, Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History; Indian Art Forms, Monuments, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Geography: Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World; Indian River Systems, National Parks, and Mineral Resources.
  • Polity & Constitution: Indian Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Parliament Structure, Judiciary, Local Governance, Amendments.
  • Economic Landscape: Indian Economy, Macroeconomics basics, Banking Terminology, Budget concepts, Economic Indicators.
  • Environmental & Space Sciences: Environmental Issues, Climate Change, Basics of Space Programs (ISRO), Nuclear Programs of India.
  • Technology & Infrastructure: Basics of Computers and Common Applications, Transport Systems in India (with special focus on Indian Railways history, zones, and advancements).
  • General Knowledge Reference: Prominent International Organizations (UN, World Bank, IMF), Famous Personalities, Books and Authors, Important National Days.

Railway NTPC Graduate 2026 Important Dates

The Ministry of Railways adheres to a highly synchronized timelines structure for RRB NTPC Graduate Level Vacancy under the CEN 06/2026 advt.

The application window is time-bound, operating via the unified online gateway at the Official RRB Apply Portal. No extensions or offline document acceptances are authorized by the administration.

Recruitment

Scheduled Date

Status

Release of Short Indicative Notice

21st September 2026

Completed

Publication of Detailed Notification PDF

7th October 2026

Upcoming

Commencement of Online Registration

8th October 2026

Upcoming

Closing Date for Online Application

6th November 2026 (until 11:59 PM)

Upcoming

Window for Application Modification

To be detailed on 7th October 2026

Awaited

CBT Stage 1 Examination Dates

To be announced periodically

Awaited

Step-By-Step Guide to Filling Out The RRB NTPC 2026 Online Form

The application process for the rrb ntpc 2026 graduate-level vacancies under CEN 06/2026 is conducted strictly online. No manual or offline applications are entertained by the administration. Candidates must submit their forms through the official unified gateway during the permitted window.

Step-by-Step Online Registration

Candidates must strictly follow the operational sequence outlined below to register on the central portal:

Step 1: Create an Account

  1. Navigate to the unified portal: rrbapply.gov.in.
  2. Click on the "Apply" drop-down menu and select "Create an Account".
  3. Enter your basic demographic details: Full Name, Date of Birth, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, Mobile Number, and Email ID. Note: These entries must match your Class 10 certificate exactly.
  4. Generate and enter the One Time Passwords (OTPs) sent to your mobile number and email address to verify your account.
  5. Create a secure password and log in.

Step 2: Complete the Application Profile

  1. Log in using your registered credentials (Mobile Number/Email and Password).
  2. Select the specific notification code: CEN 06/2026 (Graduate NTPC).
  3. Choose the single regional RRB you wish to apply to. Important: You can only apply to one RRB zone. Duplicate applications across different boards will result in permanent disqualification.
  4. Fill in your personal details, academic scores, community status, and communicate preferences.

Step 3: Set Post Preferences

  1. The system will dynamically display the list of graduate posts (such as Station Master, Goods Train Manager, etc.) based on your eligibility.
  2. Arrange your post preferences numerically (e.g., 1, 2, 3...).
  3. Note: Carefully evaluate your choices, as your final appointment will strictly depend on your merit position and this preference list.

Step 4: Upload Mandatory Document Scans

  1. Upload your compliant digital photograph and signature files according to the size specifications.
  2. SC/ST candidates opting for the free travel authority pass must upload their scanned category certificate.

Step 5: Application Fee Payment

  1. Proceed to the payment gateway integration.
  2. Select your preferred online transaction mode: Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI.
  3. Complete the transaction and download the generated e-receipt.

Step 6: Final Review and Submission

  1. Thoroughly check all data entries using the "Preview" function before final submission.
  2. Click "Submit and print a hard copy of the completely filled application form for your future administrative reference.

What Documents You Need to Upload RRB NTPC

Before starting the online application, ensure you have the following information and documents ready to prevent session timeouts or form rejection:

  • Primary Identity: A valid Aadhaar Card linked to your current mobile number for mandatory biometric/OTP authentication.
  • Active Contact Information: An active mobile number and an email ID that will remain operational throughout the entire recruitment cycle for official notifications.
  • Educational Certificates: Class 10 (Matriculation) certificate for verification of your roll number, board, and date of birth; and your Graduation Degree certificate/mark sheet.
  • Digital Scan of Passport Photograph:
    • Must be a recent passport-sized color photograph against a plain white background.
    • The file size must be between 20 KB and 50 KB in JPEG/JPG format.
  • Digital Scan of Signature:
    • Running handwriting signature executed on plain white paper using a black or blue ink pen. (Signatures in capital letters will be rejected).
    • The file size must be between 10 KB and 40 KB in JPEG/JPG format.
  • Category Certificate (If Applicable): SC/ST certificate in PDF format (file size 50 KB to 300 KB) if you wish to avail of free rail travel passes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — RRB NTPC Graduate Vacancy 2026

Q1. Can I submit multiple applications for different regions or pay levels?

Ans. No. Candidates are strictly restricted to selecting and applying to only one regional RRB zone. Submitting multiple application forms across different boards or creating duplicate accounts will trigger system conflicts, resulting in the summary rejection of all submissions and potential debarment from future railway examinations. Your single application will accommodate preferences for all eligible Pay Level 5 and Pay Level 6 posts within your chosen zone.

Q2. Is it possible to modify my chosen RRB or registration details after submitting the form?

Ans. No. Information submitted during the "Create an Account" phase (such as Name, Date of Birth, Email ID, Mobile Number) and your selected regional RRB zone cannot be modified under any circumstances. Other non-critical fields can be edited during the official modification window by paying a minor, non-refundable correction fee, but the primary zone selection is permanent.

Q3. I am currently in the final semester of my degree program. Am I eligible to apply?

Ans. No. Candidates who are awaiting their final graduation results are not eligible to register for CEN 06/2026. You must possess the complete, official degree qualification certificate or mark sheet, with a graduation passing date falling on or before the final application closing date (6th November 2026).

Q4. Is any prior work experience required for Pay Level 5 or Pay Level 6 officer positions?

Ans. No. All posts under the RRB NTPC graduate track require zero prior work experience. Selection is based purely on a candidate's merit in the competitive multi-stage examinations and compliance with the designated medical fitness benchmarks.

Q5. What happens if my Class 10 Certificate data does not match my Aadhaar card details?

Ans. Your primary registration requires mandatory biometric or OTP-based identity validation via the Official RRB Apply Portal. If there is a mismatch in your name spelling or date of birth between your Class 10 certificate and your Aadhaar database, the account generation may fail. You must update your details at an authorized Aadhaar Enrolment Centre before attempting to register.