The Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) Graduate Level recruitment exam conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board has entered an important phase with the release of the CBT-1 admit cards for 2026. Thousands of candidates across India who applied for various railway posts can now access their hall tickets and prepare for the upcoming examination. This recruitment drive is considered one of the largest competitive exams in the country, offering opportunities for graduate candidates to secure government jobs in the Indian Railways.
Admit Card Release and Exam Schedule
The admit card for the NTPC Graduate Level Computer-Based Test-1 (CBT-1) has been released online. Candidates can download their hall ticket by logging into the official portal using their registration number and password or date of birth.
The CBT-1 examination is scheduled to take place between 16 March and 27 March 2026 in multiple shifts across different exam centers in India. The admit cards are being released in phases, typically four days before the candidate’s scheduled exam date.
Earlier, the board had also issued the exam city intimation slip, which allowed candidates to check their allotted exam city and date in advance so they could make travel arrangements.
What Information the Admit Card Contains
The admit card is a crucial document for appearing in the exam. It includes several important details, such as:
- Candidate’s name and photograph
- Registration and roll number
- Exam date and shift timing
- Exam center name and address
- Reporting time and gate closing time
- Important exam-day instructions
Candidates are advised to carefully check all the information on their hall ticket and report any discrepancies to the respective regional RRB immediately.
Exam Pattern for CBT-1
The CBT-1 exam serves as the screening stage in the recruitment process. The test will consist of 100 objective-type questions to be completed within 90 minutes.
The questions will be distributed across three subjects:
- General Awareness
- Mathematics
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
Each correct answer carries one mark, while one-third of a mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer due to negative marking.
Selection Process for RRB NTPC 2026
The recruitment process for graduate-level NTPC posts involves several stages designed to assess candidates’ knowledge, aptitude, and suitability for railway jobs.
The stages include:
- CBT-1 (Preliminary Computer-Based Test)
- CBT-2 (Main Computer-Based Test)
- Typing Skill Test or Computer-Based Aptitude Test (depending on the post)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Candidates who successfully clear all stages will be considered for final appointment in various departments of the Indian Railways.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Applicants appearing for the CBT-1 examination must follow certain guidelines on exam day:
- Carry a printed copy of the admit card.
- Bring a valid photo identification proof such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport.
- Reach the exam center well before the reporting time mentioned on the hall ticket.
- Follow all instructions related to biometric verification and security checks.
Failure to present the required documents may lead to denial of entry into the exam hall.
Final Words
With the release of the CBT-1 admit cards, the recruitment process for RRB NTPC Graduate Level 2026 has officially begun. Candidates now have only a short period left to finalize their preparation before the exam begins. Reviewing the exam pattern, revising key subjects, and carefully following exam instructions will be essential for performing well in this highly competitive examination.
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