The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) is expected to announce the much-awaited NTPC Exam Date 2025 by the end of April. With 11,558 vacancies up for grabs, candidates across India are eagerly anticipating the Computer Based Test (CBT) schedule. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the upcoming examination, from expected dates to exam pattern and important documents.
RRB NTPC 2025: Overview and Latest Updates
The Railway Recruitment Board has not yet officially released the RRB NTPC Exam Date 2025. However, according to reliable sources, the announcement is expected by late April 2025 on the official RRB portal (rrbcdg.gov.in).
For the 11,558 Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) vacancies notified, the examination schedule is likely to follow a staggered timeline:
- Graduate-level posts: Exams expected in May/June 2025
- Undergraduate-level posts: Exams expected in June/July 2025
Candidates who have already submitted their applications should regularly check the official RRB websites for the latest updates, as the schedule could be announced with relatively short notice.
Key Examination Details at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Total Vacancies | 11,558 |
| Posts | Graduate & Undergraduate Level |
| Application Status | April 2025 |
| City Intimation Slip | 10 Days Before Exam |
| Admit Card | 4 Days Before Exam |
| Expected Exam Month (Graduate Level) | May/June 2025 |
| Expected Exam Month (Undergraduate Level) | June/July 2025 |
| Selection Process | CBT 1, CBT 2, Skill Test, Document Verification |
Graduate-Level Posts: Exam Schedule and Vacancies
The CBT 1 for graduate-level positions is expected to be conducted first, likely in May or June 2025. These positions, totaling 8,113 vacancies, include:
- Station Master
- Senior Clerk cum Typist
- Junior Accounts Assistant
- Goods Train Manager
- Chief Commercial cum Ticket Clerk
The exams will be conducted across multiple days with 2-3 shifts per day to accommodate the large number of applicants. Candidates applying for these positions should prepare intensively as the competition is expected to be fierce given the attractive nature of these roles.
Undergraduate-Level Posts: Exam Schedule and Vacancies
For the 3,445 undergraduate-level positions, the CBT 1 is expected to be scheduled for June or July 2025. These positions include:
- Trains Clerk
- Junior Clerk cum Typist
- Accounts Clerk cum Typist
- Commercial cum Ticket Clerk
The examination for these posts will follow a similar pattern of multiple shifts over several days. The exact schedule will be uploaded on the regional RRB websites once finalized.
CBT 1 Exam Pattern: What to Expect
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The RRB NTPC CBT 1 will be a computer-based test with the following structure:
- Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 90 Minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer
- Available in 15 languages for candidate convenience
The section-wise distribution of questions is as follows:
| Subject | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 |
This balanced distribution ensures that candidates need to be well-prepared across all three domains to secure a good score.
City Intimation Slip: Your Advance Notice
Before the admit card is released, the RRB will issue a City Intimation Slip approximately 10 days before the examination. This document serves as an early notification to help candidates plan their travel and accommodation if needed. The City Intimation Slip will include:
- Exam City
- Reporting Time
- Exam Shift Timing
While this slip does not grant entry to the examination center, it provides valuable information for logistical planning. Candidates should download this slip using their registration credentials from their regional RRB website as soon as it becomes available.
Admit Card: Your Gateway to the Examination Hall
The RRB NTPC Admit Card 2025 will be released approximately 4 days before the scheduled examination. This document is essential for entry to the exam center and will include comprehensive details such as:
- Exam Date and Shift
- Examination Center Address
- Reporting Time
- Candidate’s Photograph and Signature
- Important Instructions
Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof and a passport-size photograph to the examination center. Without the admit card, entry to the examination hall will be denied, regardless of other circumstances.
How to Check Your RRB NTPC Exam Date
Once the schedule is announced, follow these simple steps to check your exam date:
- Visit rrbcdg.gov.in or your regional RRB website
- Look for the link related to NTPC CEN 05/2024 (Graduate) or CEN 06/2024 (Undergraduate)
- Download the official examination schedule PDF
- Check for your shift, date, and city details
It’s advisable to bookmark the official website for quick access to updates.
Expected CBT Shift Timings
Based on previous RRB examinations, the NTPC CBT 1 will likely be conducted in three shifts each day:
| Shift | Exam Time | Reporting Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM | 7:30 AM |
| 2nd | 12:45 PM – 2:15 PM | 11:15 AM |
| 3rd | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
Candidates must adhere strictly to the reporting time mentioned on their admit card. Late arrivals will not be permitted entry under any circumstances, and biometric verification may be conducted before allowing candidates into the examination hall.
Complete Selection Process
The RRB NTPC selection process is comprehensive and includes multiple stages:
- Computer Based Test 1 (CBT 1): Initial screening test
- Computer Based Test 2 (CBT 2): For candidates who qualify CBT 1
- Skill Test/Aptitude Test: For specific posts as required
- Document Verification: To validate candidate credentials
- Medical Test: To ensure physical fitness for railway duties
Candidates must clear each stage to progress to the next. The final selection will be based on cumulative performance across applicable stages.
Preparation Tips for Success
With the exam dates approaching, here are some quick preparation tips:
- Focus on the syllabus: Prioritize topics based on their weightage
- Practice previous year papers: Familiarize yourself with the question pattern
- Take mock tests: Improve time management and accuracy
- Strengthen weak areas: Identify and work on challenging topics
- Stay updated: Regularly check the official website for any changes
Remember that consistent practice and strategic preparation are key to success in competitive examinations like the RRB NTPC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the RRB NTPC 2025 exam be conducted for graduate-level posts?
A: The exams for graduate-level posts are expected to be conducted in May or June 2025, though the official dates are yet to be announced.
Q: How many days before the exam will I receive my admit card?
A: The admit card will be released approximately 4 days before the scheduled examination date. You will first receive a city intimation slip about 10 days before the exam.
Q: Is there negative marking in the RRB NTPC CBT 1 exam?
A: Yes, there is negative marking of 1/3 mark for each wrong answer in the CBT 1 examination. Candidates should be careful while attempting questions they are unsure about.
Suneel Yadav is a passionate writer known for captivating stories that blend imagination and reality. Inspired by travel, history, and everyday moments, Pari crafts narratives that resonate deeply with readers.