The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially announced the much-awaited exam dates for the NTPC Undergraduate (UG) recruitment 2026. As per the latest notification under CEN 07/2025, the Computer-Based Test (CBT 1) will begin on May 7, 2026, ending months of anticipation among candidates.
This update is significant for lakhs of aspirants preparing for railway jobs, as it sets a clear timeline for the first stage of selection. With the exam scheduled in multiple phases across May and June, candidates now have a defined window to intensify revision and finalize their preparation strategy.
Table of Contents
CBT 1 Exam Schedule 2026 (Official Dates)
The CBT 1 exam will be conducted in multiple shifts across several days to manage the large number of applicants.
| Phase | Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | May 7, 8, 9, 2026 |
| Phase 2 | June 13, 14, 2026 |
| Phase 3 | June 16 to 21, 2026 |
The exam will be held in online mode (CBT) at designated centers across India, with multiple shifts each day.
RRB NTPC UG 2026: Important Highlights
The NTPC UG recruitment is designed for candidates who have completed Class 12 and are aiming for central government jobs in Indian Railways.
| Exam Name | RRB NTPC UG 2026 |
| Notification | CEN 07/2025 |
| Conducting Authority | Railway Recruitment Board |
| Qualification | 12th Pass |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Total Vacancies | 3,000+ (UG Level) |
| Selection Stages | CBT 1, CBT 2, Skill Test, DV |
The recruitment drive is part of a larger NTPC hiring process, which includes both graduate and undergraduate-level posts.
Selection Process Explained
The recruitment process includes multiple stages, and candidates must qualify for each phase to move forward. The first stage (CBT 1) is a screening process.
- CBT 1 (Preliminary Screening Test)
- CBT 2 (Main Examination)
- Typing Skill Test / Aptitude Test (post-specific)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination
Only candidates who clear CBT 1 will be shortlisted for CBT 2 based on normalized scores.
CBT 1 Exam Pattern (What to Expect)
Understanding the exam pattern is essential for effective preparation. CBT 1 will test candidates on three core subjects.
| Section | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 |
| Total | 100 Questions |
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted per wrong answer
The paper is designed to assess basic aptitude, speed, and accuracy.
Admit Card & City Intimation Slip
RRB is expected to release the exam city intimation slip around 10 days before the exam. This will help candidates know their exam city in advance.
The admit card (hall ticket) will likely be issued 4–5 days before the exam date on the respective RRB Official Website. Candidates must carry:
- Printed admit card
- Valid photo ID proof
- Passport-size photograph (if required)
Preparation Strategy at This Stage
With limited time remaining, candidates should focus on revision and practice rather than new topics.
- Prioritize mock tests and previous year papers
- Revise important formulas and current affairs
- Improve time management and accuracy
- Focus on weak sections for balanced performance
Consistency in the final weeks can significantly impact overall performance.
Final Update for Aspirants
The release of the RRB NTPC UG CBT 1 exam dates from May 7, 2026, marks a crucial step in the recruitment process. With exams spanning multiple days, candidates must stay updated on official announcements and prepare for their expected exam phase.
A well-planned strategy, regular practice, and awareness of exam updates will be key to securing success in this highly competitive railway recruitment exam.