RRB NTPC 2026 Notification: 5,236 Vacancies, Eligibility, Salary and How to Apply
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released the much-awaited RRB NTPC 2026 recruitment under two separate notices: CEN 06/2026 for Graduate-level posts and CEN 07/2026 for Undergraduate (12th pass) posts. Together they offer 5,236 vacancies in the Non-Technical Popular Categories, which include popular desk and field jobs such as Goods Train Manager, Station-side ticketing posts and clerical posts.
NTPC is one of the most popular railway exams in India because it offers a permanent Central Government job with 7th Pay Commission salary, free railway passes, medical facilities and steady promotions. Lakhs of candidates apply every cycle, so the earlier you understand the notification and plan your preparation, the better your chances.
In this guide we explain everything in simple language: the post-wise vacancies, important dates, eligibility, age limit, application fee, salary, exam pattern, syllabus, the step-by-step application process and a practical preparation strategy for CBT 1 and CBT 2.
The details here are based on the official notification. Before applying, read the notice on the rrbapply.gov.in website.
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways |
| Notifications | CEN 06/2026 (Graduate) and CEN 07/2026 (Undergraduate) |
| Total Vacancies | 5,236 (Graduate 3,548 + Undergraduate 1,688) |
| Graduate Posts | Goods Train Manager, CCTS, Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist |
| Undergraduate Posts | Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Clerk cum Typist, Trains Clerk |
| Qualification | Graduation (Graduate posts); 12th pass (Undergraduate posts) |
| Age Limit | Graduate: 18 to 33 years; Undergraduate: 18 to 30 years (as on 01.01.2027) |
| Application Fee | Rs 500 (General/OBC/EWS); Rs 250 (concessional categories) |
| Apply Online | Graduate: 8 Oct to 6 Nov 2026; UG: 15 Oct to 13 Nov 2026 |
| Pay Level | Level 2 to Level 6 (7th CPC), initial basic pay Rs 19,900 to Rs 35,400 |
| Selection | CBT 1, CBT 2, Document Verification, Medical Examination |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
- About RRB NTPC 2026 Recruitment
- Post-wise Vacancies and Pay Level
- Important Dates
- Eligibility: Education and Age Limit
- Application Fee and Refund
- Exam Pattern: CBT 1 and CBT 2
- Syllabus Summary
- Salary and Benefits
- How to Apply Online for RRB NTPC 2026
- Preparation Strategy to Crack NTPC 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
About RRB NTPC 2026 Recruitment
NTPC stands for Non-Technical Popular Categories. These are railway posts that do not need an engineering or technical diploma. The recruitment is conducted centrally through a Centralised Employment Notice (CEN), and candidates choose one RRB region while applying. The same exam is held across India in computer-based mode.
For the 2026-27 cycle, the RRBs split the recruitment into two notices. The Graduate notice (CEN 06/2026) was released in detail on 7 October 2026 and online applications started on 8 October 2026. The Undergraduate notice (CEN 07/2026) followed on 14 October 2026, with applications opening on 15 October 2026.
Note that an early short notice reported 3,477 graduate vacancies. The detailed notification figures reported by several education portals show 3,548 graduate posts, taking the combined total to 5,236. Always treat the detailed notification on the official RRB website as final, because vacancies can be revised through corrigenda.
Post-wise Vacancies and Pay Level
The table below shows the post-wise vacancies along with the pay level and initial basic pay under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix. Goods Train Manager alone accounts for more than half of all vacancies, which makes it the biggest opportunity in this cycle.
| Post | Level | Initial Basic Pay | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goods Train Manager (Graduate) | Level 5 | Rs 29,200 | 2,750 |
| Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor (Graduate) | Level 6 | Rs 35,400 | 127 |
| Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist (Graduate) | Level 5 | Rs 29,200 | 300 |
| Senior Clerk cum Typist (Graduate) | Level 5 | Rs 29,200 | 371 |
| Commercial cum Ticket Clerk (UG) | Level 3 | Rs 21,700 | 700 |
| Accounts Clerk cum Typist (UG) | Level 2 | Rs 19,900 | 200 |
| Junior Clerk cum Typist (UG) | Level 2 | Rs 19,900 | 600 |
| Trains Clerk (UG) | Level 2 | Rs 19,900 | 188 |
| Total | 5,236 |
For the Undergraduate notice, the reported category-wise break-up is UR 686, SC 258, ST 167, OBC 414 and EWS 163. RRB-wise and category-wise vacancies for the Graduate notice are listed in the official CEN annexure, so check the RRB region you plan to choose before applying.
Important Dates
Mark these dates on your calendar. The last date for fee payment comes two days after the last date to apply, and a modification window opens after that to correct mistakes in the form.
| Event | Graduate (CEN 06/2026) | Undergraduate (CEN 07/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Detailed notification | 7 October 2026 | 14 October 2026 |
| Online application starts | 8 October 2026 | 15 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 6 November 2026 (11:59 PM) | 13 November 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Last date for fee payment | 8 November 2026 | 15 November 2026 |
| Modification window | 9 to 18 November 2026 | 16 to 25 November 2026 |
| CBT 1 exam | Tentatively 4th week of December 2026 (check official notice) | To be announced |
| Admit card | About 4 days before the exam | To be announced |
One news report mentioned 11 November 2026 as the graduate last date based on the short notice. Most portals quoting the detailed notification show 6 November 2026, so plan to apply well before the earlier date to stay safe.
Eligibility: Education and Age Limit
Educational qualification depends on the level of the post. For Graduate-level posts (Goods Train Manager, CCTS, JAA cum Typist and Senior Clerk cum Typist), you need a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or its equivalent. For Undergraduate-level posts, you need to have passed Class 12 (10+2) or its equivalent from a recognised board.
For typist posts, earlier NTPC notices required typing proficiency in English or Hindi. As per the 2026 notices reported by education portals, a separate typing skill test (CBTST) before joining has been dispensed with, and typing proficiency will be handled after joining as per the notice. Read the exact condition in your CEN before applying.
Candidates in the final year of their degree or Class 12 should check the completion-date rule given in the notification, because RRBs usually expect the qualification to be completed by a specified date.
| Category | Graduate Posts (Upper Age) | Undergraduate Posts (Upper Age) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years | 18 years |
| UR / EWS | 33 years | 30 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 36 years | Check official notification |
| SC / ST | 38 years | Check official notification |
| Age reckoned on | 1 January 2027 | 1 January 2027 |
Additional relaxations for PwBD, ex-servicemen and other eligible groups apply as per Government of India rules. Check the age relaxation table in the official CEN for your exact category.
Application Fee and Refund
RRBs follow a refundable fee model to discourage non-serious applicants. A large part of the fee is returned if you actually appear in CBT 1.
| Category | Fee | Refund after appearing in CBT 1 |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs 500 | Rs 400 (minus bank charges) |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / PwBD / Female / Transgender / Minorities / EBC | Rs 250 | Rs 250 (minus bank charges) |
The fee is paid online through net banking, debit card, credit card or UPI. Keep the payment receipt safely. The refund is credited to the bank account you give in the application form, so enter the account details carefully.
Exam Pattern: CBT 1 and CBT 2
The selection process has four stages: CBT 1, CBT 2, Document Verification and Medical Examination. CBT 1 is a screening test common for all candidates of a notice. Candidates shortlisted from CBT 1 appear for CBT 2, and the final merit is prepared on the basis of CBT 2 marks.
Both stages carry negative marking of one-third mark for each wrong answer and have a duration of 90 minutes (extra time for eligible scribe candidates). The reported 2026 notices state that there is no CBAT (aptitude test) and no separate typing test for these posts. Earlier cycles had a CBAT for some posts, so confirm in your notice.
| Subject | CBT 1 Questions / Marks | CBT 2 Questions / Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 / 40 | 50 / 50 |
| Mathematics | 30 / 30 | 35 / 35 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 / 30 | 35 / 35 |
| Total | 100 / 100 | 120 / 120 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Negative marking | 1/3 mark per wrong answer | 1/3 mark per wrong answer |
Syllabus Summary
The NTPC syllabus is broadly the same for CBT 1 and CBT 2. CBT 2 has more questions and a slightly higher difficulty level. Here is a quick summary of each subject.
- Mathematics: Number system, decimals and fractions, LCM and HCF, ratio and proportion, percentage, mensuration, time and work, time and distance, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, elementary algebra, geometry and trigonometry, elementary statistics.
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: Analogies, number and alphabetical series, coding-decoding, mathematical operations, relationships, syllogism, Venn diagrams, jumbling, data interpretation and sufficiency, conclusions and decision making, similarities and differences, analytical reasoning, classification, directions, statements and assumptions.
- General Awareness: Current events of national and international importance, Indian history and freedom struggle, Indian and world geography, Indian polity and governance, Indian economy, general science up to Class 10 level, sports, culture, famous personalities, important government schemes, flagship programmes, UN and other world organisations, and basics of computers.
Salary and Benefits
The pay depends on the post's level in the 7th CPC pay matrix. Level 2 posts start at a basic pay of Rs 19,900, Level 3 at Rs 21,700, Level 5 at Rs 29,200 and Level 6 at Rs 35,400. Remember that the initial basic pay is not the in-hand salary.
On top of the basic pay, railway employees receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) based on the city of posting, Transport Allowance and other allowances as applicable. Deductions such as the National Pension System (NPS) contribution and income tax apply. The exact in-hand amount varies by posting location and current DA rate.
- Free railway passes and privilege ticket orders (PTOs) for self and family as per rules
- Medical facilities for employees and dependants through railway hospitals
- Regular increments and promotions through departmental exams
- Job security of a permanent Central Government position
How to Apply Online for RRB NTPC 2026
Applications are accepted only online. Use the common RRB application portal and apply to only one RRB per notice; multiple applications can lead to rejection.
- Visit the official portal rrbapply.gov.in.
- Create an account using your mobile number and email ID if you are a new user. Keep the login details safe.
- Log in and select the relevant notice: CEN 06/2026 (Graduate) or CEN 07/2026 (Undergraduate).
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications and community details exactly as in your certificates.
- Choose your RRB and set the order of post preferences carefully. Preferences usually cannot be changed later.
- Upload a recent photograph, signature and other documents in the format and size given in the notice.
- Pay the application fee online and take a printout of the final submitted form and payment receipt.
- If you made a mistake, use the modification window (with the applicable fee) to correct allowed fields.
Preparation Strategy to Crack NTPC 2026
With CBT 1 tentatively expected around the end of December 2026, you have roughly two months for focused preparation. The key is to cover basics in Mathematics and Reasoning quickly, and keep General Awareness as a daily habit rather than a last-minute rush.
Since negative marking applies, accuracy matters more than attempts. Practise full-length mock tests in a 90-minute timed setting at least twice a week, then analyse every wrong answer. Previous year NTPC question papers are the best guide to the level and type of questions.
- Weeks 1 to 3: Finish Mathematics basics (percentage, ratio, profit-loss, time-work, SI-CI) and core reasoning topics (series, coding, analogy, blood relations).
- Weeks 4 to 6: Cover static GK (history, polity, geography, science up to Class 10) and start sectional tests.
- Weeks 7 to 8: Full-length mocks, revision of formulas, and daily current affairs of the last 6 to 8 months.
- Every day: 30 minutes of current affairs, 20 quick calculation questions and one reasoning set.
- Total 5,236 posts: 3,548 Graduate (CEN 06/2026) and 1,688 Undergraduate (CEN 07/2026).
- Last date: 6 November 2026 for Graduate and 13 November 2026 for Undergraduate posts.
- Age is calculated as on 1 January 2027.
- CBT 1 has 100 questions; CBT 2 has 120 questions; both are 90 minutes with 1/3 negative marking.
- Final merit is based on CBT 2 marks, followed by DV and medical test.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many vacancies are there in RRB NTPC 2026?
There are 5,236 vacancies in total: 3,548 for Graduate-level posts under CEN 06/2026 and 1,688 for Undergraduate posts under CEN 07/2026, as per the detailed notifications reported by education portals.
2. What is the last date to apply for RRB NTPC 2026?
The last date is 6 November 2026 for the Graduate notice and 13 November 2026 for the Undergraduate notice, both at 11:59 PM. Fee payment closes two days later.
3. Can a 12th pass candidate apply for RRB NTPC 2026?
Yes. 12th pass candidates can apply for the Undergraduate posts: Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Clerk cum Typist and Trains Clerk.
4. Is there a typing test in RRB NTPC 2026?
According to reports on the 2026 notices, a separate typing skill test before appointment has been dispensed with, and there is no CBAT. Please confirm the exact condition for your post in the official notification.
5. What is the salary of a Goods Train Manager?
Goods Train Manager is a Level 5 post with an initial basic pay of Rs 29,200 per month. DA, HRA and other allowances are added to this, so the gross salary is higher.
6. When will the RRB NTPC 2026 CBT 1 exam be held?
Reports suggest the Graduate CBT 1 is tentatively planned for the fourth week of December 2026. The official exam schedule will be announced by the RRBs, so check the official website regularly.
Conclusion
RRB NTPC 2026 is a big opportunity with 5,236 vacancies for both graduates and 12th-pass candidates. Apply before the deadline, choose your RRB and post preferences carefully, and start serious preparation now, because the CBT 1 exam may be held as early as December 2026. Focus on accuracy, take regular mock tests and keep revising General Awareness every day. All the best for your railway career!
Disclaimer: TamilDigit is a private educational website and is not affiliated with any government body. This information is compiled from the official notification for reference only. In case of any discrepancy, the official notification is final.
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