The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially announced the RRB NTPC Graduate CBT 1 Exam Dates 2026 for Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) posts. As per the notification, the RRB NTPC Graduate Computer-Based Test (CBT 1) will be conducted from March 16 to March 27, 2026. This update is crucial for lakhs of railway job aspirants across India preparing for graduate-level NTPC posts.
Candidates who qualify in CBT 1 will become eligible to appear for the RRB NTPC CBT 2 Graduate Exam, the next stage in the selection process.
RRB NTPC Graduate CBT 1 2026 Important Dates
- Exam Dates: March 16 to March 27, 2026
- City Intimation Slip Release: March 6, 2026 (10 days before exam)
- SC/ST Travel Authority Download: March 6, 2026
- Admit Card Release Date: March 12, 2026 (4 days before exam)
Candidates can download the admit card and city intimation slip from their respective RRB regional websites.
Aadhaar Biometric Verification Mandatory
The RRB has made it clear that Aadhaar-linked biometric verification will be conducted at exam centres. Candidates must:
- Carry their original Aadhaar card or e-verified Aadhaar
- Ensure Aadhaar is linked and verified in the UIDAI system
- Complete Aadhaar authentication at rrbapply.gov.in if not done earlier
Candidates who fail to complete Aadhaar verification may face difficulties entering the examination centre. Even those who verified Aadhaar during application must ensure that their Aadhaar remains active and accessible on exam day.
RRB NTPC Graduate CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026
The RRB NTPC Graduate CBT 1 exam will consist of 100 objective-type questions divided into three sections:
| Section | No. of Questions |
| General Awareness | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 |
| Total | 100 |
Exam Duration
- 90 minutes for regular candidates
- 120 minutes for PwBD candidates
Marking Scheme
- +1 mark for each correct answer
- 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer
Candidates are advised to attempt questions carefully due to the negative marking rule.
Selection Process for RRB NTPC 2026
The recruitment process includes:
- CBT 1 (Preliminary Stage)
- CBT 2 (Main Stage)
- Skill Test / Typing Test (if applicable)
- Document Verification & Medical Examination
Only candidates clearing CBT 1 will be shortlisted for CBT 2.
Quick Reference Summary
| Event | Details |
| Exam Name | RRB NTPC Graduate CBT 1 |
| Exam Dates | March 16–27, 2026 |
| City Slip Release | March 6, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | March 12, 2026 |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer |
| Official Portal | rrbapply.gov.in |
Exam Day Instructions
- Carry Admit Card + Original Aadhaar
- Arrive at the centre at least 60 minutes before reporting time
- Avoid carrying electronic gadgets
- Follow all RRB-issued exam guidelines strictly
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| When will RRB NTPC Graduate CBT 1 2026 be conducted? |
| From March 16 to March 27, 2026. |
| When will the city intimation slip be released? |
| On March 6, 2026. |
| When can candidates download the RRB NTPC admit card? |
| From March 12, 2026. |
| Is Aadhaar mandatory for RRB NTPC 2026 exam? |
| Yes, Aadhaar-linked biometric verification is compulsory. |
| How many questions are there in CBT 1? |
| There are 100 questions in total. |
| What is the duration of the exam? |
| 90 minutes for regular candidates and 120 minutes for PwBD candidates. |
| Is there negative marking in RRB NTPC CBT 1? |
| Yes, one-third mark will be deducted for each wrong answer. |
| What happens after qualifying CBT 1? |
| Qualified candidates will appear for CBT 2. |
The announcement of the RRB NTPC Graduate CBT 1 Exam Dates 2026 marks a significant step in the railway recruitment process. Candidates must prepare strategically, complete Aadhaar verification, and download their admit cards on time. For official updates and region-wise notifications, visit rrbapply.gov.in and your respective RRB regional website. Bookmark this page for further updates on RRB NTPC 2026, for more details CLICK HERE
