RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I Exam 2026: Dates, Vacancies, Syllabus & Preparation Guide

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially announced the exam schedule for the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) Graduate Level posts under CEN 06/2025. With 8,868 total vacancies (including 5,810 specifically for graduates), this is one of the most anticipated competitive exams in India.

This blog post provides a 1000-word deep dive into everything you need to know to clear the CBT-I and secure a prestigious position in the Indian Railways.

1. Important Dates & Exam Schedule (CEN 06/2025)

The Railway Board has fast-tracked the recruitment process. Below is the final timeline for the Graduate Level posts:

Exam Shifts: The test will be conducted in 3 shifts daily:

• Shift 1: 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Reporting: 07:30 AM)

• Shift 2: 12:00 PM – 01:30 PM (Reporting: 11:15 AM)

• Shift 3: 04:00 PM – 05:30 PM (Reporting: 03:00 PM)

2. Detailed Vacancy Breakdown (All 16 Zones)

The 5,810 graduate-level vacancies are distributed across various Railway Recruitment Boards. Choosing the right zone is crucial for your final selection.

3. Post-Wise Salary & Medical Standards

4. Exam Pattern: CBT-I (Screening Stage)

The First Stage CBT is common for all graduate posts. It is qualifying in nature, but marks are normalized.

• Duration: 90 Minutes (120 for PwBD with Scribe).

• Total Questions: 100.

• Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deduction for every wrong answer.

5. Detailed Syllabus & Topic-wise Weightage

To score 80+ in CBT-I, you must master these specific topics:

A. General Awareness (40 Marks) - Highest Weightage

• Current Affairs: National and International events (last 1 year), focus on sports, awards, and new appointments.

• History: Freedom struggle, Ancient, and Medieval India.

• Geography: Indian and World Geography, physical features, and river systems.

• Indian Polity: Constitution, Parliament, and Governance.

• General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences (Class 10th CBSE Level).

• Static GK: Monuments, Art & Culture, Indian Literature, and Important Organizations (UN, WHO, etc.).

• Computers: Basics and common abbreviations.

B. Mathematics (30 Marks)

• Arithmetic: Number System, Decimals, Fractions, LCM/HCF, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest.

• Commercial Math: Time & Work, Time & Distance, Partnership, Averages.

• Advance Math: Elementary Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Elementary Statistics.

C. General Intelligence & Reasoning (30 Marks)

• Verbal: Analogies, Series (Number & Alphabetical), Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Blood Relations, Syllogism, Jumbling, and Venn Diagrams.

• Analytical: Data Interpretation, Sufficiency, Statement-Conclusion, Decision Making, and Course of Action.

• Non-Verbal: Puzzles, Maps, and Interpretation of Graphs.

6. The Selection Process Explained

1. Stage 1 (CBT-I): Screening exam to shortlist candidates for CBT-2 (15 times the number of vacancies).

2. Stage 2 (CBT-II): Separate exams for each Pay Level (Level 4, 5, and 6). This score determines your final merit.

3. Skill Test (Optional):

   • Typing Skill Test: For Senior Clerk and Junior Account Assistant.

   • Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Only for Station Master and Traffic Assistant.

4. Document Verification (DV): Verification of original educational and category certificates.

5. Medical Examination: Conducted by Railway Hospitals to ensure fitness for the opted post.

7. Preparation Strategy: 30-Day Countdown

With the exam starting on March 16, follow this routine:

• Weeks 1-2 (Review): Focus on General Awareness and Science. These are the fastest marks to gain. Revise all 10th-level Science concepts.

• Week 3 (Practice): Solve at least 20 Previous Year Papers. Railways often repeat question patterns.

• Week 4 (Mock Tests): Take one full-length mock test daily at the exact time of your shift to build stamina and time management.

8. Essential Instructions for Exam Day

• Admit Card: Carry a clear color printout.

• Photo ID: Original Aadhaar Card is preferred. If your DOB is missing from your ID, bring your 10th marksheet.

• Aadhaar Authentication: Biometric authentication is mandatory. Ensure your Aadhaar is unlocked on the UIDAI website.

• Reporting: Gates close 30 minutes before the exam start time. Do not be late.

Official Website: rrbapply.gov.in Regional Helpdesks: Please check your specific RRB website for contact details regarding center changes or technical errors.