RRB NTPC GRADUATE LEVEL EXAM DATES ANNOUNCED

RRB NTPC GRADUATE EXAM DATES 2026: The Ministry of Railways has officially released the much-awaited examination schedule for the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) Graduate level posts under Centralized Employment Notice (CEN) 06/2025. This recruitment drive is one of the largest conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) to fill prestigious positions across the Indian Railways network.

Candidates who have applied for posts such as Station Master, Goods Guard, and Commercial Apprentice have been eagerly waiting for this announcement. The first stage of the selection process, the Computer Based Test (CBT-1), is scheduled to commence in mid-March 2026. Below is the comprehensive breakdown of the schedule, important instructions, and the detailed subject-wise syllabus to help you maximize your score.

1. Official Exam Schedule (CBT-I)

According to the official notice released on February 13, 2026, the exam will be conducted over a window of 12 days. The RRB has decided to conduct the exam in multiple shifts to accommodate the large number of applicants while ensuring a fair and secure examination process.

2. Important Dates & Call Letters RRB NTPC GRADUATE EXAM DATES 2026

It is crucial for candidates to keep track of the specific dates for downloading their exam city intimation slips and e-call letters. Missing these deadlines can lead to unnecessary panic on exam day.

Exam City & Date Intimation

The link to view the Exam City and Date will be made live on the official websites of all RRBs 10 days prior to the exam date. For instance, if your exam is on March 16th, you can expect to see your city details around March 6th. This gives candidates enough time to make travel arrangements.

Free Travel Authority for SC/ST

Candidates belonging to SC/ST categories who have opted for the free rail travel facility can download their Travel Authority pass 10 days before the exam, along with the city intimation slip.

Downloading Admit Cards (E-Call Letters)

The actual E-Call Letter, which mentions the specific exam center name and shift timing, will be available for download 4 days prior to your exam date. You will need your Registration Number and Date of Birth to access this document.

3. Detailed Syllabus for RRB NTPC (Graduate)

The questions will be of objective type with multiple choices and are likely to include questions pertaining to Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness. The standard of questions will be generally in conformity with the educational standards prescribed for the posts.

A. Mathematics (30 Marks)

This section tests the candidate’s numerical ability and speed. Regular practice of these topics is essential.

• Number System: Rational/Irrational numbers, Integers, BODMAS rule.
• Decimals & Fractions: Conversion, operations, and comparison.
• LCM & HCF: Least Common Multiple and Highest Common Factor problems.
• Ratio and Proportions: Direct/Inverse proportion, mixture problems.
• Percentage: Calculation of percentage, population increase/decrease.
• Mensuration: Area and perimeter of 2D shapes, Volume and Surface Area of 3D solids.
• Time and Work: Work efficiency, pipe and cistern problems.
• Time and Distance: Train problems, boats and streams, relative speed.
• Simple and Compound Interest: Annual/half-yearly compounding.
• Profit and Loss: Discounts, marked price, cost price calculations.
• Elementary Algebra: Linear equations, polynomials.
• Geometry and Trigonometry: Triangles, circles, chords, tangents, height and distance.
• Elementary Statistics: Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation.

B. General Intelligence and Reasoning (30 Marks)

This section evaluates logical thinking and analytical skills. It is often considered the scoring section if concepts are clear.

• Analogies: Word, number, and alphabet analogies.
• Completion of Number and Alphabetical Series: Finding the missing terms.
• Coding and Decoding: Pattern recognition in codes.
• Mathematical Operations: Symbol substitution.
• Similarities and Differences: Odd one out.
• Relationships: Blood relation problems.
• Analytical Reasoning: Logic-based questions.
• Syllogism: Drawing conclusions from statements.
• Jumbling: Sentence or word rearrangement.
• Venn Diagrams: Set theory representation.
• Puzzle: Seating arrangements (linear/circular).
• Data Sufficiency: Determining if data is adequate to answer.
• Statement-Conclusion & Courses of Action: Critical reasoning.

C. General Awareness (40 Marks)

This is the vastest section with the highest weightage in CBT-1. It requires consistent reading of current affairs and static GK.

• Current Events: National and International importance (last 12 months).
• Games and Sports: Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket, Awards.
• Art and Culture of India: Dance forms, music, festivals, painting styles.
• Indian Literature: Famous books and authors, Jnanpith awards.
• Monuments and Places of India: World Heritage sites.
• General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (up to 10th CBSE standard).
• History of India: Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Freedom Struggle.
• Geography: Physical, Social and Economic Geography of India and World.
• Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj.
• Space and Nuclear Program: ISRO, DRDO missions, Nuclear plants.
• Computers: Basics of Computers, Input/Output devices, Software, Internet.
• Transport Systems in India: Railways, Roadways, Airways, Waterways.
• Indian Economy: GDP, Banking, Budget, Five-year plans.
• Flora and Fauna: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries.

4. Exam Pattern Overview

The recruitment process shall involve 1st Stage Computer Based Test (CBT), 2nd Stage Computer Based Test (CBT), Typing Skill Test/Computer Based Aptitude Test (as applicable), and Document Verification/Medical Examination.

CBT-1 Structure: The first stage CBT is of screening nature and the standard of questions for the CBT will be generally in conformity with the educational standards prescribed for the posts.

Negative Marking: There shall be negative marking for incorrect answers in CBTs. 1/3rd of the marks allotted for each question shall be deducted for each wrong answer.

5. Graduate Posts Job Profiles

Understanding the role you are applying for is important. Here is a brief overview of the graduate-level posts included in this notification:

• Station Master (SM): The Station Master is responsible for the overall supervision of the railway station. They ensure the safe and timely arrival and departure of trains. It is one of the most responsible posts in Indian Railways.
• Goods Guard: The Goods Guard is in charge of a goods train. They ensure that the train is running safely, check the vehicle guidance, and exchange signals with the station master.
• Commercial Apprentice (CA): This is a supervisory role in the Commercial Department. CAs are trained in various commercial duties like goods clerk, coaching clerk, and ticket checking before being posted as supervisors.
• Traffic Assistant: They assist in the traffic department, managing signal and telecommunication related work to ensure smooth train operations.

6. Important Instructions for Exam Day

Candidates must adhere strictly to the guidelines issued by the RRB to ensure they are not disqualified on the day of the exam.

1. Aadhaar Verification: As per the latest notice, Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication is mandatory. Candidates must bring their original Aadhaar card. Ensure your biometrics are unlocked in the UIDAI system.
2. Reporting Time: Reach the center well before the reporting time mentioned in the E-Call letter. Latecomers are generally not allowed entry.
3. Banned Items: Electronic gadgets like mobile phones, bluetooth devices, calculators, metallic wears, bangles, belts, bracelets etc., are strictly prohibited inside the test center.
4. Self-Declaration: Candidates might be required to fill a paragraph of self-declaration on the admit card in the presence of the invigilator.