The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially commenced the application process for the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) exam via its central portal at rrbapply.gov.in. As one of the nation’s largest recruitment bodies, RRB consistently garners attention from thousands of aspirants annually, including both undergraduate and graduate candidates. For the 2025–26 recruitment cycle, a total of 5,810 vacancies have been announced across multiple NTPC roles such as Junior Clerk, Goods Guard, Assistant Station Master, and others.
The selection process comprises a series of stages, including Computer-Based Tests (CBT 1 and CBT 2), followed by typing or skill tests for specific posts. To be considered eligible, candidates must satisfy the prescribed educational qualifications, age limits, and follow the application instructions meticulously.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
The RRB NTPC recruitment drive is open to both graduates and undergraduates, depending on the role being applied for.
Educational Qualifications
- Graduate Posts: Require a degree from a recognized university.
- Undergraduate Posts: Candidates must have passed the 12th standard or its equivalent.
Age Limit
The general age bracket is between 18 to 33 years, though age relaxations apply for candidates belonging to reserved categories in accordance with government norms.
Key Posts Under RRB NTPC
Some of the prominent roles under this recruitment include:
- Junior Clerk cum Typist
- Accounts Clerk cum Typist
- Traffic Assistant
- Goods Guard
- Station Master
Candidates must thoroughly check the official notification to confirm eligibility criteria, including citizenship requirements, before applying. Disqualification may result from failing to meet any of these mandatory conditions. The official notification PDF is available for download from the RRB website.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
Eligible applicants can follow the process below to complete their RRB NTPC 2025 application successfully:
- Visit the Official Website
Navigate to your respective regional RRB portal via rrbapply.gov.in. - Read the Official Notification
Review all details, including post-wise vacancies, eligibility conditions, and required documents. - Online Registration
Enter basic details to generate your registration number and password. - Complete the Application Form
Provide personal information, educational qualifications, reservation category, and post preferences. - Upload Required Documents
Upload a recent passport-sized photograph, scanned signature, academic certificates, and category certificate (if applicable). - Pay the Application Fee
Use online payment methods. The fee varies based on the applicant’s category. - Review and Submit
Carefully review all entered information before submitting the form to avoid rejection. - Print the Confirmation Page
Save and print the acknowledgment page for your future reference.
RRB NTPC 2025 Exam Pattern
The NTPC selection process is primarily conducted through two stages of computer-based tests:
CBT 1: Preliminary Stage
- Subjects Covered: General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Format: Multiple-choice questions
- Purpose: Screening test for the second stage
CBT 2: Main Stage
- Syllabus: Similar to CBT 1 but with higher difficulty level
- Focus: In-depth understanding of concepts tested in CBT 1
Skill Test / Typing Test
Certain positions, such as Junior Clerk or Accounts Assistant, require an additional typing or skill test, qualifying in nature.
Preparation Strategy
To secure a position in this competitive examination, candidates should:
- Strengthen their grasp of quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and general awareness
- Regularly practice mock tests and previous year papers
- Stay updated with current affairs
- Prioritize time management and accuracy in answering questions
With thousands of applicants vying for limited vacancies, a focused and well-planned preparation strategy is crucial for success.
