RRB NTPC 2026 · RRC Group D 2026 · indianrailways.gov.in

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D. Railway Jobs 2026.

RRB NTPC: graduate CBT-2 held 10 Jul, result 27 Aug · Undergraduate CBT-2 scheduled for 17 Sep 2026 · Group D CBT-1 held 3–25 Aug, result and PET dates awaited — check rrbapply.gov.in Updated 30 Oct 2026

Written by Piyush Rai, Co-founder · Former government officer · Last checked: 30 Oct 2026

Complete Railway exam coaching guide for Surat & Vadodara aspirants — exam pattern, syllabus, cutoff marks, eligibility and salary for RRB NTPC (Graduate & Undergraduate posts) and RRC Group D 2026. 1:1 mentor support included. Updated as official notifications drop at indianrailways.gov.in.

Posts Covered On This Page

NTPC — Station Master NTPC — Goods Guard NTPC — Junior Clerk NTPC — Commercial Apprentice Group D — Track Maintainer Group D — Helper/Assistant

Start Railway Prep Free → See Salary & Perks

Railway Exams 2026 At a Glance

Conducting Body Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB/RRC)

Exams Covered RRB NTPC + RRC Group D

NTPC Vacancies 8,868 (2025–26 cycle: graduate + undergraduate)

Group D Vacancies 22,195 (2025–26 cycle) · CBT 1: 3–25 Aug 2026

NTPC Stages CBT 1 → CBT 2 → Typing/CBAT

Group D Stages CBT → PET → Document Verification

Mode Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Official Site indianrailways.gov.in

NTPC: CEN 06/2025 & 07/2025, notified Oct 2025; graduate CBT 2 held 10 Jul 2026 (result 27 Aug), undergraduate CBT 2 scheduled 17 Sep 2026. Group D: CEN 09/2025, notified 30 Jan 2026, CBT 1 held 3–25 Aug 2026, result and PET dates awaited. Verify at your regional RRB site.

Exam Pattern

CBT 1, CBT 2 & Skill Tests.

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D 2026 Exam Pattern

Railway recruits through two tracks — RRB NTPC is a 3-stage exam for graduate and undergraduate posts, while RRC Group D is a 2-stage exam (CBT + PET) for Level 1 posts. Select a track below.

NTPC CBT 1 (Stage 1) — 1.5 hours · 100 questions · 100 marks. Qualifying for CBT 2; marks count in final merit.

Section	Questions	Marks	Time
General Awareness	40	40	90 min composite
Mathematics	30	30
General Intelligence & Reasoning	30	30
Total CBT 1	100	100	1.5 hrs

NTPC CBT 2 (Stage 2) — 1.5 hours · 120 questions · 120 marks. Merit-based for final shortlisting.

Section	Questions	Marks	Time
General Awareness	50	50	90 min composite
Mathematics	35	35
General Intelligence & Reasoning	35	35
Total CBT 2	120	120	1.5 hrs

Skill Test / Typing Test	Post	Nature
Typing Test (30 WPM English / 25 WPM Hindi)	Junior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Time Keeper, Account Clerk cum Typist	Qualifying
Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)	Station Master, Traffic Assistant	Qualifying (min 42/100 per battery)

Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer in both CBT 1 and CBT 2. CBT 1 is a screening stage — shortlist ratio is 20× vacancies. CBT 2 merit decides final rank. Skill/Typing tests are qualifying only — marks not added. No interview for any RRB NTPC post.

Group D CBT — 1.5 hours · 100 questions · 100 marks. Merit-based.

Section	Questions	Marks	Time
General Science	25	25	90 min composite
Mathematics	25	25
General Intelligence & Reasoning	30	30
General Awareness & Current Affairs	20	20
Total CBT	100	100	1.5 hrs

Physical Efficiency Test (PET) — Qualifying. Must be cleared after CBT shortlisting.

Task	Male	Female
Weight Lifting & Carrying	35 kg for 100m in 2 min	20 kg for 100m in 2 min
Running	1000m in 4 min 15 sec	1000m in 5 min 40 sec

Negative Marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer in CBT. No interview for Group D. Final selection = CBT score + PET (qualifying) + Document Verification. PET is mandatory — failing PET disqualifies regardless of CBT score. Ex-Servicemen and PwBD candidates have PET exemptions as per RRB norms.

Syllabus

What To Actually Study.

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Syllabus 2026 — Topic-Wise

RRB NTPC and RRC Group D share 3 core subjects — Maths, Reasoning, and General Awareness. Group D adds General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). Thinkoraa's Railway coaching covers both tracks with dedicated mock tests and daily current affairs.

Mathematics

30-35 questions in NTPC · 25 in Group D

Number System & Arithmetic

● Number System, HCF & LCM, Decimals, Fractions

● Simplification, BODMAS, Square & Cube Roots

Commercial Maths

● Percentage, Ratio & Proportion

● Profit & Loss, Discount

● Simple Interest & Compound Interest

Time-Based Problems

● Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns

● Time-Speed-Distance, Boats & Streams

Geometry, Algebra & Data

● Elementary Geometry, Mensuration (2D/3D), Trigonometry basics

● Algebra — basic identities & equations

● Data Interpretation — tables, bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs

General Intelligence & Reasoning

30-35 questions in NTPC · 30 in Group D

Verbal Reasoning

● Analogies, Similarities & Differences

● Coding & Decoding, Blood Relations

● Syllogism, Statement-Conclusion, Statement-Argument

Non-Verbal & Visual Reasoning

● Space Visualization, Figurative Classification

● Non-Verbal Series, Pattern Completion

Analytical Reasoning

● Problem Solving, Analysis, Judgment, Decision Making

● Arithmetic Number Series, Alphabet/Number Series

Mental Ability

● Visual Memory, Discrimination, Observation

● Relationship Concepts, Directions & Distances

General Awareness & Current Affairs

40-50 questions in NTPC · 20 in Group D

Current Affairs

● National & international current affairs (last 6 months)

● Government schemes & policies, Budget highlights

Static GK

● Indian History, Culture, Geography, Polity

● Static GK: countries, capitals, currencies, national parks

Science, Sports & Miscellaneous

● Science & Technology, Sports, Awards, Books & Authors

Railway-Specific GK

● Indian Railways — history, zones, types of trains, projects

General Science

25 questions in Group D only · Class 10 level

Physics

● Motion, Force, Work, Energy

● Sound, Light, Electricity, Magnetism

Chemistry

● Matter, Atoms & Molecules, Elements

● Acids/Bases/Salts, Metals/Non-metals, Carbon compounds

Biology

● Cell structure, Human body systems, Nutrition

● Diseases, Reproduction, Ecology

Applied & Everyday Science

● Environmental Science: Pollution, Conservation, Climate change

● Everyday Science: Inventions, Scientific phenomena, Units & Measurements

Eligibility

Can You Apply?

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D 2026 Eligibility

Railway NTPC has two tiers of educational eligibility — Graduate posts (Level 4-6) and Undergraduate posts (Level 2-3, 12th pass). Group D needs only Class 10 + ITI. This makes Railway exams accessible to aspirants at all education levels.

NTPC Graduate Posts (Level 4-6)

Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Posts include Station Master (Level 6), Goods Guard (Level 5), Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk (Level 5), Senior Clerk cum Typist (Level 5), Junior Account Assistant cum Typist (Level 5), Senior Time Keeper (Level 5).

NTPC Undergraduate Posts (Level 2-3)

12th pass (10+2) from a recognised board. Posts include Junior Clerk cum Typist (Level 2), Accounts Clerk cum Typist (Level 2), Junior Time Keeper (Level 2), Trains Clerk (Level 2), Commercial cum Ticket Clerk (Level 3). No minimum percentage.

RRC Group D (Level 1)

10th pass (Matric) from a recognised board + ITI certificate from a recognised institution in relevant trade. OR National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) from NCVT. Posts: Track Maintainer Grade IV, Helper/Assistant in Electrical/Engineering/S&T/Mechanical departments.

Age Limits

NTPC: 18–36 years for Graduate posts, 18–33 years for Undergraduate posts (current cycle, includes a one-time age relaxation). Group D: 18–33 years. Age relaxation: +5 years (SC/ST), +3 years (OBC non-creamy layer), +10 years (PwBD), Ex-Servicemen relaxation as per norms. Calculated as of the cutoff date in the official notification.

Nationality

Indian citizen. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1962, and persons of Indian origin from specified countries are also eligible subject to eligibility certificates from the Government of India.

Attempts

RRB/RRC does not cap the number of attempts. You can apply every cycle as long as you meet the age and education criteria as of the notification cutoff date.

Selection Process

From CBT To Appointment.

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Selection Process

Clearing the CBT is only the first hurdle — RRB NTPC adds a Typing Skill Test or Computer Based Aptitude Test depending on post, while RRC Group D adds a Physical Efficiency Test. Both tracks end with Document Verification and a Medical Examination. There is no interview at any stage for either exam.

RRB NTPC — CBT 1 to Medical

CBT 1 (screening only, shortlists 20× vacancies for CBT 2) → CBT 2 (marks decide final merit) → post-specific Skill Test → Document Verification → Medical Examination. No interview at any stage.

RRC Group D — CBT to Medical

Single CBT (marks decide merit, shortlists 3× vacancies) → Physical Efficiency Test — qualifying only (Male: 35kg lift & carry for 100m in 2 min, or 1000m run in 4 min 15 sec; Female: 20kg lift & carry for 100m in 2 min, or 1000m run in 5 min 40 sec) → Document Verification → Medical Examination. Ex-Servicemen and PwBD candidates get PET exemptions as per RRB norms.

Typing Skill Test vs CBAT

Two different qualifying tests inside NTPC, based on post: the Typing Skill Test (30 WPM English / 25 WPM Hindi) applies to Junior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Time Keeper, and Accounts Clerk cum Typist. The Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) — a battery of psychological/aptitude sub-tests with a minimum 42/100 per battery — applies to Station Master and Traffic Assistant. Neither test's marks are added to CBT 2 merit.

Document Verification & Medical

The final stage for both NTPC and Group D — shortlisted candidates submit original certificates (education, age proof, category, ID) for verification, followed by a Railway medical fitness examination against the medical standard prescribed for the specific post before appointment.

Pay & Perks

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Salary & Career Growth

Railway salaries follow the 7th Central Pay Commission. NTPC posts range from Pay Level 2 to Level 6 — Station Master is the highest at Level 6. Group D (Track Maintainer, Helper) starts at Level 1. All posts include free railway pass, medical, housing, and full central government service benefits.

NTPC — Officer Scale Posts

Station Master / Goods Guard / Commercial Apprentice

₹35,000–55,000+

Approx. gross / month depending on posting

Station Master: Level 6 — ₹35,400 basic (~₹50,000+ gross)

Goods Guard: Level 5 — ₹29,200 basic (~₹42,000 gross)

Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk: Level 5 — ₹29,200 basic

DA + HRA (city-wise) + Transport Allowance

Free Railway Pass — self + family, all classes

Railway Quarter / HRA if quarter not allotted

Medical: RELHS-97 (Railway Employees Liberal Health Scheme)

Pension (NPS), PF, Gratuity, LTC

Promotion via LDCE / GDCE / Seniority-based DPC

NTPC Clerical + Group D

Junior Clerk / Track Maintainer / Helper

₹22,000–38,000+

Approx. gross / month

Junior Clerk cum Typist: Level 2 — ₹19,900 basic (~₹28,000 gross)

Commercial cum Ticket Clerk: Level 3 — ₹21,700 basic

Group D (Track Maintainer/Helper): Level 1 — ₹18,000 basic (~₹25,000 gross)

DA, HRA, Transport Allowance

Free Railway Pass — self + family (major perk)

Railway Quarter allotment (location-based)

Medical: RELHS-97 coverage

Pension (NPS), PF, Gratuity

Group D → NTPC Level 2 via departmental exam after 2 years service

Previous Year Analysis

What Recent Cycles Show.

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Previous Year Paper Analysis

Qualitative patterns observed across recent RRB NTPC and RRC Group D cycles — useful for deciding where to focus prep time, alongside the cutoff data above.

General Science Weightage in Group D

Trend observation

● Group D's General Science section (25/100) has leaned more on application-based, concept-linked questions in recent cycles rather than pure definition recall.

● Candidates who only memorise textbook facts without understanding the underlying concept tend to lose time on these questions.

Mathematics — Same Level, Higher Speed Needed

Trend observation

● Maths difficulty has stayed around Class 10 level across cycles — it hasn't gotten conceptually harder.

● Given the large applicant pool competing for a fixed number of vacancies, calculation speed and accuracy — not just knowing the method — is what separates cutoff-clearing scores from the rest.

General Awareness Rewards a Combo Prep

Trend observation

● GA carries the single highest weightage in NTPC CBT 2 (50/120) among all sections, and this weightage has held consistently across recent cycles.

● Aspirants who build both a current-affairs recall habit (last 6 months) and Railway-specific static GK together tend to outperform those who cram GA only in the final weeks.

CBT 1 Is a Filter, Not a Scoring Stage

Trend observation

● Since only CBT 2 marks decide final NTPC merit, successful aspirants increasingly treat CBT 1 as a speed-accuracy clearance hurdle — safely beating the 20× shortlist cutoff — rather than a stage to maximise score on.

● Deeper prep intensity is then reserved for CBT 2's higher-weightage sections.

Preparation Strategy

A Plan For Every Stage.

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Preparation Strategy

Railway RRB prep is different from most banking exams — it spans multiple CBT stages plus a physical or skill test component. Pick the track that matches where you are today.

Beginner

Start with NCERT Class 6–10 basics for General Science (Group D) and revise core Maths & Reasoning fundamentals. Build a daily current-affairs reading habit early — GA needs 6-month recall, not last-minute cramming. Take one diagnostic CBT 1-pattern mock to identify weak sections. If targeting Group D, begin a basic running/stamina routine now — PET fitness isn't built in a week.

Intermediate

Move to sectional practice — speed drills on Maths/Reasoning at CBT 1 difficulty, layered with CBT 2-level static GK depth for NTPC aspirants. Start full-length, timed CBT 1 mocks (90 minutes, negative marking on). Begin dedicated Typing practice (typist posts) or CBAT-style aptitude practice (Station Master/Traffic Assistant) — these need separate practice from CBT prep. Group D aspirants should continue PET conditioning alongside CBT study.

Advanced

Run full CBT 2-pattern mock cycles with negative marking and maintain a section-wise error log. Sharpen current-affairs revision speed and static GK recall. Test your PET readiness against the actual male/female weight-lift and running standards well before the test date. Push typing speed comfortably above the qualifying WPM with consistent accuracy, not just on a good day.

Working Professional

With limited daily hours, focus on the highest-yield sections first — GA current affairs (top weightage in CBT 2) and speed-based Maths/Reasoning. Use weekends for full-length timed mocks simulating CBT 1/CBT 2 conditions. If targeting Group D, maintain PET fitness with short, consistent daily runs rather than cramming close to the test date. Use commute time for current-affairs revision.

FAQ

Common Questions.

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D 2026 FAQs

When is RRB NTPC 2026 notification?+

RRB NTPC notifications are released every 2–3 years. The current cycle (CEN 06/2025 & 07/2025) was notified in October 2025 for 8,868 vacancies, with the graduate-level CBT 2 held on 10 July 2026 (result reported on 27 August 2026) and the undergraduate CBT 2 scheduled for 17 September 2026. RRC Group D's current cycle (CEN 09/2025, 22,195 vacancies) had its CBT 1 on 3–25 August 2026; the result and PET dates were not announced at the time of the last check. Check indianrailways.gov.in / rrbapply.gov.in for the next NTPC cycle.

Is there a sectional cutoff in RRB NTPC?+

In CBT 1 only the overall score matters — there is no minimum in individual sections. The minimum qualifying marks are 40% for UR/EWS, 30% for OBC/SC and 25% for ST before normalisation, and shortlisting for the next stage uses normalised marks. The CBAT stage, where it applies, needs a minimum T-Score of 42 in each test battery for every category.

What is the RRB NTPC exam pattern?+

RRB NTPC has two computer-based tests. CBT 1 has 100 questions for 100 marks in 90 minutes, covering General Awareness (40), Mathematics (30), and General Intelligence & Reasoning (30) — used only to shortlist 20x vacancies for CBT 2, not for final merit. CBT 2 has 120 questions for 120 marks in 90 minutes, with the same three sections at higher weightage: General Awareness (50), Mathematics (35), and General Intelligence & Reasoning (35). CBT 2 marks decide the final merit, followed by a Typing Skill Test or Computer Based Aptitude Test depending on the post.

What is RRB NTPC negative marking?+

RRB NTPC has a negative marking of 1/3 (0.33) mark deducted for every wrong answer in CBT-1 and CBT-2, both of which are fully objective. There is no penalty for unattempted questions.

Who is eligible for RRB NTPC?+

Eligibility depends on the post — Undergraduate-level posts (like Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Trains Clerk) need only a pass in 12th/Senior Secondary from a recognized board, no minimum percentage required. Graduate-level posts (like Station Master, Goods Guard, Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk) need only a pass in any Bachelor's degree from a recognized university — again, no minimum percentage is specified. Age limit for the current cycle is 18–36 years for Graduate-level posts and 18–33 years for Undergraduate-level posts (reflecting a one-time age relaxation for this recruitment), with standard reservation-category relaxations on top.

What is the RRB NTPC salary?+

RRB NTPC salaries range from Pay Level 2 to 6. Station Master gets Level 6 (basic ₹35,400, gross ~₹50,000). Junior Clerk starts at Level 2 (basic ₹19,900). All posts include free Railway Pass. Gross emoluments are ₹28,000–50,000+ depending on post and posting city.

Is there a limit on the number of attempts for RRB NTPC or Group D?+

No. RRB and RRC do not cap the number of attempts for NTPC or Group D — you can apply in every recruitment cycle as long as you meet the age and educational eligibility as of the notification's cutoff date. This is different from some other government exams that impose a fixed attempt limit.

Are calculators or mobile phones allowed inside the RRB CBT exam hall?+

No. Calculators, mobile phones, smartwatches, and any other electronic or communication gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the RRB NTPC and Group D CBT exam hall. All calculations for Mathematics must be done manually on the rough sheet provided at the centre; carrying a banned item can lead to disqualification.

What is considered a good score in RRB NTPC or Group D?+

There's no single fixed "good score" — it depends on the post, RRB zone, and category, and shifts every cycle based on difficulty and normalisation. The safest benchmark is the Cutoff section above: aim to comfortably clear the previous cycle's cutoff for your category and target post/level, with some safety margin, rather than chasing an arbitrary round number.

What is the application fee for RRB NTPC and Group D?+

As per standard RRB norms, the fee is typically ₹500 for General/OBC/EWS candidates (of which ₹400 is refunded after appearing for CBT 1) and ₹250 for SC/ST/Women/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen/Minority/Economically Backward Class candidates (fully refunded after appearing for CBT 1). Always confirm the exact fee and payment mode for the current cycle in the official notification at indianrailways.gov.in / rrbapply.gov.in.

What happens after the CBT — Typing Test, CBAT, PET, Document Verification and Medical?+

It depends on the post. For NTPC, clerical/typist posts (Junior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Time Keeper, Accounts Clerk cum Typist) require a qualifying Typing Skill Test (30 WPM English / 25 WPM Hindi), while Station Master and Traffic Assistant require a qualifying Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT, minimum 42/100 per battery). For Group D, all shortlisted candidates undergo the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) — a qualifying stage testing weight-lifting/carrying and running ability. Every post-type then goes through Document Verification and a Medical Examination before final appointment; there is no interview for any RRB NTPC or Group D post.

Is there age relaxation for reserved categories in RRB NTPC and Group D?+

Yes. Standard RRB age relaxation applies on top of the base age limit (18–36 years for NTPC Graduate posts, 18–33 years for NTPC Undergraduate posts and RRC Group D, for the current cycle): +5 years for SC/ST, +3 years for OBC (non-creamy layer), +10 years for PwBD candidates, and additional relaxation for Ex-Servicemen as per norms. Relaxation is calculated as of the cutoff date specified in the official notification.

Are RRB NTPC and Group D CBT scores normalized?+

Yes. Since CBT 1/CBT 2 and the Group D CBT are conducted over multiple shifts and days with different question sets, RRB applies a standard normalisation formula to adjust raw scores for shift-wise difficulty variation before preparing the merit list. The cutoff figures shown in the Cutoffs section above are normalised scores, not raw marks.

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D. Railway Jobs 2026.

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D 2026 Exam Pattern

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Syllabus 2026 — Topic-Wise

Mathematics

General Intelligence & Reasoning

General Awareness & Current Affairs

General Science

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D 2026 Eligibility

NTPC Graduate Posts (Level 4-6)

NTPC Undergraduate Posts (Level 2-3)

RRC Group D (Level 1)

Age Limits

Nationality

Attempts

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Selection Process

RRB NTPC — CBT 1 to Medical

RRC Group D — CBT to Medical

Typing Skill Test vs CBAT

Document Verification & Medical

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Salary & Career Growth

Railway Cutoff Marks
How to read them

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Previous Year Paper Analysis

General Science Weightage in Group D

Mathematics — Same Level, Higher Speed Needed

General Awareness Rewards a Combo Prep

CBT 1 Is a Filter, Not a Scoring Stage

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Preparation Strategy

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Working Professional

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D 2026 FAQs

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Coaching & Test Series

Get Free Counselling

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Coaching in Surat & Vadodara

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D. Railway Jobs 2026.

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D 2026 Exam Pattern

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Syllabus 2026 — Topic-Wise

Mathematics

General Intelligence & Reasoning

General Awareness & Current Affairs

General Science

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D 2026 Eligibility

NTPC Graduate Posts (Level 4-6)

NTPC Undergraduate Posts (Level 2-3)

RRC Group D (Level 1)

Age Limits

Nationality

Attempts

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Selection Process

RRB NTPC — CBT 1 to Medical

RRC Group D — CBT to Medical

Typing Skill Test vs CBAT

Document Verification & Medical

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Salary & Career Growth

Railway Cutoff MarksHow to read them

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Previous Year Paper Analysis

General Science Weightage in Group D

Mathematics — Same Level, Higher Speed Needed

General Awareness Rewards a Combo Prep

CBT 1 Is a Filter, Not a Scoring Stage

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Preparation Strategy

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Working Professional

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D 2026 FAQs

RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Coaching & Test Series

Get Free Counselling

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RRB NTPC & RRC Group D Coaching in Surat & Vadodara

Railway Cutoff Marks
How to read them