How RRB NTPC selection works
NTPC Graduate selection is a funnel run separately by each RRB. CBT-1 screens, CBT-2 builds the merit, and then candidates equal to the number of vacancies go on to document verification and the medical examination. Posts and Railway zones are allotted on merit, your preferences, medical fitness and vacancy position (CEN 06/2026, Para 13).
Stage-by-stage flow
- CBT-1 — screeningNormalised marks shortlist candidates for CBT-2: 15 times the community-wise vacancies of your RRB.
- CBT-2 — meritNormalised marks decide who goes to document verification, provided you clear the minimum qualifying marks.
- Document verificationCandidates equal to the vacancies (1:1) produce their original certificates.
- Medical examinationConducted by the Railway administration to the medical standard of the post you’re allotted.
- Empanelment & offerRRB recommends names; the zonal Railway issues the offer of appointment.
CBT-1 — the gateway
Common for all four posts: 40 General Awareness, 30 Mathematics and 30 General Intelligence & Reasoning questions — 100 questions of 1 mark each in 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates eligible for a scribe), with 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer. It is screening in nature: its normalised score shortlists 15 times each RRB’s community-wise vacancies for CBT-2, a limit Railways may raise or lower.
CBT-2 — the decider
CBT-2 has 50 General Awareness, 35 Mathematics and 35 Reasoning questions — 120 in 90 minutes (120 for scribe-eligible PwBD), again with a 1/3 negative mark. The section split is only indicative. Your normalised CBT-2 marks are used to shortlist for document verification, as long as you clear the minimum qualifying marks: UR and EWS 40%, OBC-NCL and SC 30%, ST 25% (PwBD may get 2 marks’ relaxation if there is a shortage).
Typing skill test: dispensed with
In the 2025 graduate cycle, shortlisted candidates for the typist posts took a Computer Based Typing Skill Test (CBTST). For CEN 06/2026 that test has been dispensed with (Para 13.0(c)).
Document verification & medical
Candidates equal to the number of vacancies (1:1) are called for DV on merit. Bring all original certificates with two sets of self-attested photocopies, and upload true-colour scans of your photo and signature on oirms-ir.gov.in/rrbdv before your DV date. No extra time is given if originals are missing, and absence cancels your candidature. Any claim in your application that the documents don’t back up gets you rejected.
Medical standards: Goods Train Manager A-2 (distance vision 6/9, 6/9 without glasses, plus colour, binocular, night and myopic vision tests; candidates who have had Lasik or other refractive surgery are not eligible), Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor B-2, and the two typist posts C-2. If you fail the medical standard for a post, no alternative appointment is given; one medical appeal may be offered on payment.
Final merit & post allotment
Each RRB allots posts and Railway zones/units according to your options, merit, medical standard and vacancy position. Ties are broken by age (the older candidate ranks higher), then by alphabetical order of the given name. Once empanelled, you can’t be considered for another post in the same pay level, and a transfer to another Railway isn’t registered until 5–10 years of service — so choose your RRB and preferences carefully.
Crack RRB NTPC with your own daily plan
Daily targets, mock tests & PYQ practice sets — mapped to the CEN 06/2026 CBT pattern.
Peak for CBT-2, the stage that counts
CBT-1 only screens; CBT-2 builds your merit. Plan for both — get safely past CBT-1, then peak for CBT-2.
Stage-wise plan
A daily plan across General Awareness, Mathematics and Reasoning for both CBTs.
Mock tests
Timed RRB NTPC mock tests in the CBT format, with negative marking.
PYQ practice sets
Practice sets for RRB NTPC, organised by section.
Date alerts
Reminders as RRB announces CBT and DV dates.
