The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially declared the RRB NTPC Exam Date 2025 for Graduate Level posts under CEN 05/2024, creating a wave of excitement among more than 1.21 crore aspirants. This massive recruitment drive aims to fill 11,558 vacancies, making it one of the most anticipated exams in the country. The Computer-Based Test (CBT) 1 is scheduled to take place from 5th to 23rd June 2025, and the city intimation slips will be made available by 27th May 2025. Aspirants can download their admit cards starting 1st June, just four days before their respective exam dates. With a large number of vacancies and stiff competition, it is crucial for candidates to approach their preparation strategically by staying informed about the latest exam pattern, syllabus, and important updates.
Overview of RRB NTPC 2025 Notification
The RRB NTPC 2025 recruitment drive is being conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board, and it includes a wide range of job roles for both Graduate and Undergraduate levels. The application process commenced on 14th September 2024 and will remain open until 27th October 2024. All updates and detailed notifications are accessible through the official website indianrailways.gov.in. This recruitment has opened the doors to government jobs for lakhs of youth across the country, especially for those aiming to enter the prestigious Indian Railways.
Detailed RRB NTPC 2025 Exam Schedule
The CBT 1 exam for Graduate Level posts will be conducted in multiple shifts over 19 days, from 5th June to 23rd June 2025. The city intimation slip, which helps candidates plan their travel and logistics, will be released on 27th May 2025. The admit cards will start becoming available from 1st June onwards, and candidates must download them well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. Following the Graduate Level exam, the Undergraduate Level CBT 1 is tentatively scheduled for July 2025, with exact dates to be announced later.
Vacancies for Graduate and Undergraduate Posts
Out of the total 11,558 vacancies, 8,113 posts are reserved for Graduate-level roles such as Station Master and Goods Guard, which are considered prestigious and come with higher responsibilities and better pay scales. The remaining 3,445 posts are meant for Undergraduate-level roles, including Junior Clerk and Commercial Clerk, which are also highly sought after, especially by 12th pass candidates. Some key zone-wise figures show that RRB Kolkata leads with 1,382 Graduate and 452 Undergraduate vacancies, followed by RRB Mumbai, RRB Chennai, and RRB Secunderabad, all offering a fair share of opportunities.
Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme of CBT 1
The CBT 1 exam comprises 100 objective-type questions, with each correct answer awarding one mark. The total duration of the test is 90 minutes, and there is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect answer, making it crucial for candidates to avoid random guessing. The question paper is divided into three major sections: General Awareness (40 questions), Mathematics (30 questions), and General Intelligence & Reasoning (30 questions). With General Awareness carrying 40% of the total marks, it becomes a high-weightage section that candidates must prioritize in their preparation strategy.
Shift Timings and Reporting Instructions
The RRB NTPC CBT 1 exam will be conducted in three shifts each day, and candidates must report 90 minutes before their scheduled shift to complete biometric verification and document checks. The first shift starts at 9:00 AM, the second shift at 12:45 PM, and the third shift at 4:30 PM. Reporting times are respectively 7:30 AM, 11:15 AM, and 3:00 PM. It is mandatory to carry an Aadhaar Card, as biometric verification through Aadhaar will be conducted before allowing entry into the examination hall.
Effective Preparation Tips to Crack RRB NTPC 2025
Candidates aiming to succeed in RRB NTPC 2025 must adopt a smart preparation strategy. Start by focusing on General Awareness, as it contributes 40% to the overall score. Stay updated with current affairs, especially those related to railways and national events, by following reliable news sources daily. Allocate 30–35 minutes of your study time each day to General Awareness, and divide the remaining time equally between Mathematics and Reasoning, ensuring you practice regularly through mock tests and previous year papers. Importantly, since there is negative marking, candidates should refrain from guessing answers unless reasonably confident, as blind attempts could harm their score.
Essential Documents and Exam Day Guidelines
On the exam day, candidates must carry a printed copy of their admit card, a valid Aadhaar card for biometric verification, and a recent passport-sized photograph matching the one uploaded in the application form. It is equally important to adhere to the exam center rules strictly—avoid carrying electronic gadgets, metallic objects, wallets, and any prohibited items to the exam hall. Reaching the exam center well before the reporting time is advised to avoid last-minute confusion. Staying calm, confident, and focused can go a long way in helping candidates perform their best in the exam.
