India’s Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have announced that the RRB NTPC Graduate Level 06/2025 examination will be conducted from 16 March to 27 March 2026 across multiple centres nationwide. The computer-based test begins the recruitment process for nearly 5,800 vacancies in operational and clerical posts within Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest employers. The announcement ends months of uncertainty for millions of applicants awaiting a clear exam timeline.
RRB NTPC Graduate Level
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Notice | CEN 06/2025 |
| Conducting Authority | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) |
| Exam Stage | CBT-1 (Screening Stage) |
| Exam Dates | 16–27 March 2026 |
| Vacancies | ~5,800 posts |
| Admit Card | 4 days before individual exam |
| City Intimation | Around 10 days before exam |
| Major Posts | Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Senior Clerk, JAA, Ticket Supervisor |
| Selection Stages | CBT-1 → CBT-2 → Skill/Aptitude Test → DV → Medical |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | https://www.rrbcdg.gov.in |
The confirmed schedule for the RRB NTPC Graduate Level 06/2025 examination provides clarity to millions of applicants preparing for one of India’s most competitive recruitment tests. Beyond a hiring exercise, the examination reflects the continuing social importance of government employment and the operational scale required to recruit staff for the national rail network. With the first test set for March 2026, candidates now enter the most crucial phase of preparation.
What Exactly Has Been Announced
The Railway Recruitment Boards, operating under the Ministry of Railways, issued a formal notice confirming the first-stage Computer-Based Test (CBT-1) dates. The RRB NTPC Graduate Level 06/2025 recruitment falls under the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC), a group of posts essential for the daily functioning of passenger and freight operations.
Officials stated the exams will be held in several shifts each day, a necessity due to the very high number of candidates.
The positions covered under this notification include:
- Station Master
- Goods Train Manager
- Senior Clerk-cum-Typist
- Junior Account Assistant-cum-Typist
- Chief Commercial-cum-Ticket Supervisor
These roles are considered operational backbone posts because they involve station management, ticketing supervision, and commercial railway administration.
Why the Railway Recruitment Matters Nationally
Indian Railways is not just a transport provider. It is a major public-sector institution employing over one million workers and connecting more than 7,000 stations.
Public-sector recruitment examinations therefore carry large social importance. Many candidates spend years preparing exclusively for railway jobs.
Labour policy researcher Dr. Rakesh Kumar, who studies government employment patterns, explained:
“For many households, a railway job is viewed as a guarantee of long-term financial stability. It offers predictable salary increments, social security, and mobility across India.”
The NTPC category is particularly attractive because it does not require technical engineering qualifications, making it accessible to graduates from commerce, arts, and science backgrounds.
Timeline: From City Slip to Exam Day
Candidates will receive information in phases rather than all at once.
Release Schedule
- City intimation slip: Approximately 10 days before exam
- Admit card: About 4 days before candidate’s exam shift
- Exam period: 16–27 March 2026
Authorities repeatedly advise candidates to rely only on official regional RRB websites and avoid misinformation spread through unofficial Telegram or WhatsApp groups.
Understanding the Selection Process
The recruitment system is deliberately multi-layered to filter candidates gradually.
Stage 1: CBT-1 (Screening)
This exam shortlists candidates. Marks are not counted in final merit ranking.
Stage 2: CBT-2 (Main Exam)
More detailed questions; determines serious contenders.
Stage 3: Skill or Aptitude Tests
- Typing test for clerical posts
- Computer-based aptitude test for Station Master
Stage 4–5
Document verification and medical examination.
What Candidates Will Be Tested On
The CBT-1 paper consists of three major sections:
| Section | Approximate Weight |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | Highest scoring |
| Reasoning | Analytical ability |
| Mathematics | Speed and accuracy |
General awareness includes current affairs, Indian polity, geography, railway history, and economics. Experts say this section often decides cut-off scores because it requires less calculation time.
Education trainer Anita Sharma, a Delhi-based competitive exam mentor, said:
“Candidates who manage time efficiently and score strongly in general awareness typically clear the first stage comfortably.”
Security Measures and Examination Conduct
The scale of the exam requires tight monitoring. In previous recruitment cycles, protests erupted over result delays and alleged irregularities.
To address concerns, RRBs now employ:
- Biometric attendance verification
- Live CCTV surveillance
- Randomised question papers
- Multiple exam shifts
A senior railway ministry official stated that examination centres will have real-time monitoring systems to prevent impersonation or organised cheating.
Economic and Social Impact
The RRB NTPC recruitment cycle influences India’s broader education and employment ecosystem.
Coaching Industry Effect
Cities such as Prayagraj, Kota, Patna, and Delhi see increased coaching enrolment after railway notifications.
Migration Patterns
Students temporarily relocate to preparation hubs for better study environments and test centres.
Household Aspirations
In many lower-middle-income families, one government job can support entire households through stable income and pensions.
Economists say such recruitment drives reflect the continuing attractiveness of public employment even as the private sector expands.
How Competitive Is the Exam?
Although around 5,800 vacancies are available, the number of applicants typically reaches several million nationwide.
The competition ratio is therefore extremely high, often exceeding 1 seat for every 300–400 candidates.
This explains why the announcement of exam dates immediately triggers preparation surges, mock test participation, and increased book sales.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make
Education advisors identify several recurring issues:
- Ignoring general awareness preparation
- Spending too much time on difficult mathematics questions
- Not practising computer-based mock tests
- Relying on rumours about cut-off marks
Authorities emphasise that cut-offs vary by zone and category and cannot be predicted accurately before results.
Administrative Scale Behind the Examination
Organising the CBT requires coordination among multiple agencies:
- Examination vendors
- District administrations
- Police departments
- Technical server teams
Large testing centres with hundreds of computers must operate simultaneously without system failures. Backup power and network redundancy are standard requirements.
A railway official said:
“The logistical challenge is similar to conducting a nationwide election exercise, though on a shorter timeline.”
Broader Employment Context
India continues to experience strong demand for government employment due to:
- Job security
- Pension benefits
- Regular salary increments
- Nationwide transfer opportunities
While the private sector is expanding, public jobs remain preferred in semi-urban and rural regions.
Recruitment announcements like the RRB NTPC Graduate Level 06/2025 therefore generate nationwide attention beyond education circles.
What Happens After CBT-1
After CBT-1 results:
- Only shortlisted candidates move to CBT-2
- Final merit lists depend on later stages
- Medical fitness standards vary by post (especially Station Master)
The entire recruitment cycle may take many months due to verification and medical processes.
