RRB NTPC 2026: eligibility, syllabus, cut-offs, salary and how to apply
Railway Recruitment Boards: Non-Technical Popular Categories, conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs). Posts: Graduate posts (Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist) and Class 12 posts (Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk, Junior Clerk, Trains Clerk).
| Vacancies | How often | Application fee |
|---|---|---|
| 8,113 (Graduate level, CEN 05/2024) | As notified by the Railways (Centralised Employment Notices). | Rs 500 (Rs 400 refunded after appearing in CBT 1). Rs 250 for SC, ST, ex-servicemen, persons with disabilities, women, transgender, minorities and economically backward classes (refunded after appearing). |
RRB NTPC eligibility: who can apply
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Education | Graduate posts: a degree. Class 12 posts: Class 12 pass (with the marks set in the notice for general candidates). |
| Age | 18 to 33 years for graduate posts and 18 to 30 years for Class 12 posts, with relaxations for reserved categories. |
RRB NTPC selection process
- CBT 1
- CBT 2
- Typing skill test or Computer Based Aptitude Test, depending on the post
- Document verification and medical examination
RRB NTPC exam pattern and marks
Computer-based tests (90 minutes each)
| Stage | General Awareness | Mathematics | Reasoning | Total questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBT 1 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 100 |
| CBT 2 | 50 | 35 | 35 | 120 |
One-third of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
Minimum marks to be considered: UR and EWS 40%, OBC and SC 30%, ST 25%.
RRB NTPC syllabus
- Arithmetic and elementary mathematics, general intelligence and reasoning, general awareness and current affairs including railways.
How to prepare for RRB NTPC
- Solve previous RRB papers; the question style repeats.
- Practise typing for clerk posts, and aptitude test practice for Station Master.
- Check the medical standard for the posts you choose before applying.
RRB NTPC previous cut-offs
Cut-offs are published by each RRB, for each post and category, with the result. Official cut-off notices
Salary and posts after RRB NTPC
Non-technical posts in Indian Railways zones and production units: station operations, ticketing, commercial and accounts work.
| Post | Pay level and starting basic pay | What the work is |
|---|---|---|
| Station Master | Level 6, Rs 35,400 | Runs a station: signals and train movements, safety and staff on shift. |
| Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor | Level 6, Rs 35,400 | Supervises ticketing, reservations and commercial staff. |
| Goods Train Manager; Junior Account Assistant cum Typist; Senior Clerk cum Typist | Level 5, Rs 29,200 | Goods train operations, railway accounts or office work. |
| Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | Level 3, Rs 21,700 | Booking tickets and handling passenger enquiries. |
| Accounts Clerk cum Typist; Junior Clerk cum Typist; Trains Clerk | Level 2, Rs 19,900 | Office, accounts and train records. |
Example: a graduate selected as Station Master trains at a zonal railway training institute and is then posted to a station in the chosen zone, controlling train movements on shift.
Figures are starting basic pay in the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix. Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance (or government housing), Transport Allowance and other allowances are paid on top, so the monthly pay is well above the basic pay and differs by city. The 8th Central Pay Commission, set up in November 2025, will revise the matrix once its report is accepted.
RRB NTPC job profile and duties
- Safe running of trains and stations
- Ticketing and passenger services
- Accounts and office work of the Railways
RRB NTPC promotions and promotion cycle
| Stage | Pay | When |
|---|---|---|
| Within the department (for example Station Master → Station Superintendent) | Next levels | By seniority and selection |
| Group B officer posts | Level 8 and above | Through limited departmental competitive exams and selection |
If no promotion comes, the Modified Assured Career Progression scheme moves a central government employee to the next pay level after 10, 20 and 30 years of service (or 10 years in the same level), subject to a 'Very Good' record. Sources: RRB: Indicative notice for CEN 05/2024 (pay levels and initial pay) · 7th CPC pay matrix (Ministry of Finance resolution of 25 July 2016), as reproduced by Gconnect · MACP scheme under the 7th CPC (DoPT), as reported by Gconnect
How to apply for RRB NTPC, step by step
- Create an account on the RRB application portal.
- Choose one RRB and your post preferences, fill details and upload photo and signature.
- Pay the fee and submit.
- Track exam city, admit card and results on your RRB's website.
Sources: RRB online application portal. Rules, vacancies and dates change with each notification: read the official notification before applying.
RRB NTPC: common questions
How many vacancies are there in RRB NTPC?
8,113 in Graduate level, CEN 05/2024. The Class 12 (undergraduate) level is notified separately.
What is the age limit for RRB NTPC?
18 to 33 years for graduate posts and 18 to 30 years for Class 12 posts, with relaxations for reserved categories.
What qualification is needed for RRB NTPC?
Graduate posts: a degree. Class 12 posts: Class 12 pass (with the marks set in the notice for general candidates).
What is the selection process of RRB NTPC?
CBT 1; CBT 2; Typing skill test or Computer Based Aptitude Test, depending on the post; Document verification and medical examination.
What is the salary after RRB NTPC?
Station Master: Level 6, Rs 35,400; Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor: Level 6, Rs 35,400; Goods Train Manager; Junior Account Assistant cum Typist; Senior Clerk cum Typist: Level 5, Rs 29,200; Commercial cum Ticket Clerk: Level 3, Rs 21,700; Accounts Clerk cum Typist; Junior Clerk cum Typist; Trains Clerk: Level 2, Rs 19,900. Figures are starting basic pay in the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix.
What was the last cut-off of RRB NTPC?
Cut-offs are published by each RRB, for each post and category, with the result.
What is the application fee for RRB NTPC?
Rs 500 (Rs 400 refunded after appearing in CBT 1). Rs 250 for SC, ST, ex-servicemen, persons with disabilities, women, transgender, minorities and economically backward classes (refunded after appearing).
How do I apply for RRB NTPC?
Create an account on the RRB application portal. Choose one RRB and your post preferences, fill details and upload photo and signature. Pay the fee and submit. Apply only on the official website: https://www.rrbapply.gov.in/