RRB NTPC Selection Process 2026 – Complete Detailed Guide
Overview
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) examination to recruit candidates for various posts such as Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Station Master, Goods Guard, Commercial Apprentice, and other graduate and undergraduate level positions in Indian Railways.
RRB NTPC is one of the largest recruitment drives in India, attracting millions of applicants. Understanding the RRB NTPC 2026 selection process is crucial because it involves multiple stages including computer-based tests, skill tests, and document verification.
This article explains the complete RRB NTPC 2026 selection process in a structured and clear manner.
Important Dates
The RRB NTPC 2026 notification is expected to be released between February and April 2026.
Tentative schedule:
Notification Release: February–April 2026
Online Application Start Date: February–April 2026
First Stage CBT (CBT 1): Mid 2026
Second Stage CBT (CBT 2): Late 2026
Skill Test / Typing Test: After CBT 2
Document Verification: To be announced
Final Result: Expected 2027
Candidates should regularly check the official RRB websites for confirmed dates and updates.
Eligibility
To apply for RRB NTPC 2026, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria based on the post level.
For undergraduate-level posts, candidates must have passed 12th standard from a recognized board.
For graduate-level posts, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
The minimum age for undergraduate posts is generally 18 years, and the maximum age is usually 30 years.
For graduate-level posts, the minimum age is generally 18 years, and the maximum age is usually 33 years.
Age relaxation is provided as per government rules.
OBC candidates receive 3 years upper age relaxation.
SC and ST candidates receive 5 years upper age relaxation.
PwBD and Ex-Servicemen receive additional relaxation as per norms.
Candidates must satisfy nationality requirements as specified in the official notification.
Application Process
The RRB NTPC 2026 application process will be conducted online through the official regional RRB websites.
Candidates must register by providing personal details, educational qualifications, and choosing the preferred RRB region.
Applicants are required to upload scanned copies of photograph and signature as per specifications.
Application fees vary depending on category.
After successful submission, candidates should download and retain a copy of the application confirmation.
Selection Process
The RRB NTPC selection process consists of multiple stages.
The first stage is CBT 1 (Computer-Based Test 1). It is common for all posts and includes questions from General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence and Reasoning. CBT 1 is mainly qualifying in nature, and marks are used to shortlist candidates for the next stage.
Candidates who qualify in CBT 1 appear for CBT 2.
CBT 2 is more specific to the level of post applied for. It also includes sections such as General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence and Reasoning but at a higher difficulty level. Marks obtained in CBT 2 are crucial for final selection.
For certain posts such as Station Master, Traffic Assistant, or Clerk cum Typist, candidates must appear for a Skill Test or Typing Test.
The Typing Skill Test evaluates typing speed in English or Hindi, while the Computer-Based Aptitude Test may be conducted for specific posts like Station Master.
Candidates who clear all applicable stages are called for Document Verification.
Final selection is based on performance in CBT 2 (and skill tests where applicable), subject to successful document verification and medical fitness.
Salary
RRB NTPC salary varies depending on the post and pay level.
Undergraduate posts generally fall under Pay Level 2 or 3, with starting basic pay around ₹19,900 to ₹21,700 per month.
Graduate-level posts such as Station Master and Goods Guard fall under Pay Level 5 or 6, with starting basic pay around ₹29,200 to ₹35,400 per month.
In addition to basic pay, employees receive Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other railway benefits.
The in-hand salary varies depending on posting location and allowances.
Railway employees also receive travel privileges and pension benefits under government rules.
Direct Official Link
Candidates must refer only to the official Railway Recruitment Board websites for accurate and updated information regarding RRB NTPC 2026:
Always verify eligibility, exam pattern, and selection process details from the official notification before applying.