The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has rolled out its RRB Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) Recruitment 2025-26, releasing a short notice for a significant number of vacancies that are a golden opportunity for job seekers across India. The recruitment drive, under the Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) Nos. 06/2025 and 07/2025, aims to fill 8,850 posts (a figure sometimes cited as 8,860 in initial notices) for both Graduate and Undergraduate level positions in the vast Indian Railways.
This is a massive chance to secure a stable and rewarding career in one of India’s largest government sectors. The posts span various key roles, most prominently Station Master, Goods Train Manager, and numerous Clerk positions.
Key Vacancy Details and Post Structure
The total vacancies are primarily bifurcated into two distinct levels based on educational qualification, ensuring opportunities for candidates from a wide academic background:
- Graduate Level Posts (CEN 06/2025): The detailed notification for these posts has been released, with an estimated 5,810 vacancies. Key roles include Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Chief Commercial Cum Ticket Supervisor, Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist, and Senior Clerk Cum Typist. The application window for these graduate posts began on October 21, 2025, and will close on November 20, 2025.
- Undergraduate Level Posts (CEN 07/2025): These roles are primarily for candidates with a 10+2 qualification, with approximately 3,050 vacancies. Posts include Commercial Cum Ticket Clerk, Accounts Clerk Cum Typist, Junior Clerk Cum Typist, and Trains Clerk. The online application is scheduled to start on October 28, 2025, and conclude on November 27, 2025.
Candidates must check the detailed official notification for the exact distribution of vacancies across the 21 regional RRBs.
Eligibility Criteria: Age and Education
Meeting the stringent eligibility criteria is the first step towards a successful application.
Educational Qualification:
- Graduate Level Posts (e.g., Station Master, Goods Train Manager): Candidates must hold a University Degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
- Undergraduate Level Posts (e.g., Junior Clerk cum Typist, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk): Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard (+2 Stage) or its equivalent.
- Typing Proficiency: Posts like Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist and Senior Clerk Cum Typist mandate typing proficiency in English or Hindi on a computer, which is assessed through a Typing Skill Test.
Age Limit (as on 01.01.2025):
- Graduate Level Posts: Minimum 18 years and Maximum 33 years (General/EWS category).
- Undergraduate Level Posts: Minimum 18 years and Maximum 30 years (General/EWS category).
Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories (SC/ST, OBC-NCL) and other special categories like Persons with Disabilities (PwBD) and Ex-Servicemen as per government rules.
The Selection Process: Multi-Stage Assessment
The RRB NTPC selection process is multi-layered, designed to filter the most capable candidates for the Indian Railways. It typically comprises four main stages:
- First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1): This is a screening test common to all posts, testing General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning.
- Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2): Candidates shortlisted from CBT-1 appear for this stage, which is post-group specific. The marks from CBT-2 are crucial for final merit.
- Skill Test (CBAT/Typing Test):
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Mandatory for posts like Station Master and Traffic Assistant.
- Typing Skill Test: Mandatory for all Clerical and Account Assistant posts requiring typing proficiency.
- Document Verification (DV) and Medical Examination: The final stage involves verifying original documents and assessing the candidate’s medical fitness according to the prescribed standards for their respective post.
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
The application process is entirely online and must be completed within the specified dates for each level (Graduate/Undergraduate).
- Visit the Official RRB Portal: Navigate to the official website, rrbapply.gov.in, or your respective regional RRB website.
- Create an Account/Register: Click on “Apply” and then “Create Account.” Fill in your basic personal and contact details, and verify using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number and email. A Registration Number will be generated.
- Log In and Fill Application Form (Part I): Log in using your Registration Number and password. Fill in your educational qualification, community (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS), PwBD status, and other necessary details.
- Pay Application Fee: The application fee is ₹500/- for General/OBC candidates and ₹250/- for SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates. A part of this fee is refundable upon appearing for CBT-1. Payment is made through online modes.
- Fill Application Form (Part II): Select your post preferences and exam language.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned images of your recent passport-size photograph and signature as per the dimensions and file size specified in the notification.
- Final Submission: Review all details and submit the application form. Download and print the confirmation page for your records.
This recruitment offers a significant avenue for aspirants to join the prestigious Indian Railways. Given the high volume of applications expected, candidates are advised to start their preparation immediately, focusing on the official syllabus for CBT-1 and CBT-2, and not wait for the final application deadlines.
