RRB NTPC 2026 – Complete Guide, Eligibility, Dates & Preparation Strategy

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) is expected to release the NTPC 2026 notification for Graduate & Undergraduate posts. This is one of the biggest railway recruitment drives offering exciting career opportunities in Indian Railways. Check complete details about eligibility, important dates, exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategy.

Important Dates

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Graduate Posts (UGC): Bachelor’s Degree from recognized university
• Undergraduate Posts (12th): 12th pass or equivalent
• Typing: Should have typing speed of 30 WPM in English / 25 WPM in Hindi

Age Limit

• General Category: 18-33 years
• OBC: 18-36 years
• SC/ST: 18-38 years
• PwD (General): 18-43 years

Age Relaxation

• OBC: 3 years
• SC/ST: 5 years
• PwD: 10 years
• Ex-Servicemen: As per government rules

Vacancies & Posts

Graduate Level Posts

• Commercial Apprentice
• Traffic Apprentice
• Goods Guard
• Senior Clerk-Cum-Typist
• Junior Account Assistant-Cum-Typist
• Senior Time Keeper
• Commercial-Cum-Ticket Clerk

Undergraduate Level Posts

• Junior Clerk-Cum-Typist
• Accounts Clerk-Cum-Typist
• Traverse Clerk
• Ticket Collector

Exam Pattern

First Stage CBT (Computer Based Test)

Note: 1/3 negative marking for each wrong answer

Second Stage CBT

Selection Process

1. First Stage CBT: Screening test (qualifying nature)
2. Second Stage CBT: Main exam (merit basis)
3. Typing Skill Test: For shortlisted candidates
4. Document Verification: Verification of certificates
5. Medical Examination: Fitness test
6. Final Merit List: Based on CBT marks

Best Books for Preparation

General Awareness

• Lucent’s General Knowledge (Dr. Binary Karn)
• Indian Year Book 2026
• Railway General Knowledge by Disha Experts
• Current Affairs Yearly 2026

Mathematics

• Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Agarwal
• Fast Track by Rajesh Verma
• Class 10-12 Mathematics NCERT
• Railway Mathematics by Disha Experts

General Intelligence & Reasoning

• Logical Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal
• A New Approach to Reasoning by Arihant
• General Intelligence & Reasoning by Disha Experts
• Practice Set by Kiran Publications

Online Resources

• Gradeup App – Free mock tests
• Testbook – Live classes
• Adda247 – Video lectures
• YouTube – Concept videos

Application Fee

/Female

Note: OBC-NCL candidates need to pay Rs. 500, but get Rs. 250 refund after appearing in exam

How to Apply

1. Visit Official Website: www.rrbapply.gov.in
2. Click on “New Registration”
3. Fill in personal details, educational qualification
4. Upload photograph and signature as per specifications
5. Pay application fee through online mode
6. Submit application and take printout

Official Website: www.rrbapply.gov.in

Preparation Strategy

Phase 1: Foundation (2 months)

• Complete NCERT basics for Math & GK
• Learn reasoning shortcuts
• Daily newspaper reading

Phase 2: Advanced (2 months)

• Advanced level books
• Topic-wise mock tests
• Previous year papers

Phase 3: Revision (1 month)

• Full-length mock tests
• Weak areas improvement
• Time management practice

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is RRB NTPC?

RRB NTPC is Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories exam for graduate and undergraduate level posts in Indian Railways.

2. What is the minimum qualification for RRB NTPC?

For graduate posts: Bachelor’s degree. For undergraduate posts: 12th pass.

3. Is there negative marking in RRB NTPC?

Yes, 1/3 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.

4. What is the age limit for RRB NTPC?

18-33 years for General category (with relaxations for reserved categories).

5. How many vacancies are expected in RRB NTPC 2026?

Expected around 30,000+ vacancies (graduate + undergraduate posts).

6. Is typing test mandatory?

Yes, typing test is mandatory for posts requiring typing skills.

7. What is the application fee?

Rs. 500 for General/OBC, Rs. 250 for SC/ST/PwD/Female.

8. Can I apply for both graduate and undergraduate posts?

No, you can only apply for one post category.

9. What is the selection process?

CBT 1 → CBT 2 → Typing Test → Document Verification → Medical → Final Merit.

10. When will RRB NTPC 2026 notification release?

Expected to release in March 2026.

Stay tuned to FreeJobsAlerts.org for more updates on RRB NTPC 2026!