Understanding RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Centers Across India
Over 1.2 crore candidates appear for RRB NTPC exams annually, making center allocation one of the most critical aspects of exam planning. Your exam center location directly impacts your travel planning, accommodation decisions, and exam day stress levels.
This guide provides the complete state-wise distribution of RRB NTPC CBT 1 exam centers, helping you understand which Regional RRB controls your exam city and what to expect during center allocation. Whether you're in a metro city or a tier-3 town, you'll find actionable information here.
The Railway Recruitment Board conducts NTPC exams across 21 regional RRBs, each responsible for specific states and union territories. Knowing your RRB jurisdiction helps you track notifications and anticipate your likely exam center location.
Quick Answer (30-Second Read)
- RRB NTPC CBT 1 is conducted across 158+ cities covering all Indian states and UTs
- 21 Regional RRBs manage center allocation based on candidate's preferred exam city
- You can choose from 3-4 exam cities during application, typically within your home state or nearby metros
- Exam centers are allocated 7-10 days before the exam through admit card download
- Most candidates get centers within 50-100 km of their chosen exam city preference
Source: Railway Recruitment Board official notifications 2026-2027
Complete List of 21 Regional RRBs and Their Jurisdictions
The Railway Recruitment Board divides India into 21 regional zones, each covering specific states. Your application goes to the RRB governing your state of residence or preferred exam location.
Northern Region
RRB Chandigarh
Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh
RRB Delhi
Delhi NCR, parts of Uttar Pradesh (western)
RRB Lucknow
Uttar Pradesh (central and eastern regions)
Eastern Region
RRB Kolkata
West Bengal, Sikkim, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
RRB Bhubaneswar
Odisha
RRB Patna
Bihar, Jharkhand
Western Region
RRB Mumbai
Maharashtra (western), Goa, Gujarat (parts)
RRB Ahmedabad
Gujarat, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu
RRB Ajmer
Rajasthan
Southern Region
RRB Chennai
Tamil Nadu, Puducherry
RRB Bangalore
Karnataka
RRB Secunderabad
Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
According to the official RRB NTPC 2024 notification, candidates must apply through the RRB governing their home state or current residence.
State-Wise Major Exam Cities for RRB NTPC CBT 1
Each state has designated exam cities where CBT 1 centers are established. Here's the comprehensive breakdown:
Northern States
Uttar Pradesh (Highest number of centers)
Delhi NCR
Punjab
Southern States
Tamil Nadu
Karnataka
Ananya from Bhopal shares her experience: "I applied through RRB Bhopal and selected Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur as my preferred cities. I got my center in Bhopal itself, just 8 km from my home."
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How RRB Allocates Your Exam Center
The center allocation process follows a systematic approach designed to accommodate maximum candidates while maintaining examination integrity.
During Application
You select 3-4 preferred exam cities from the dropdown list provided by your regional RRB. These cities must be within the jurisdiction of the RRB you're applying through.
Allocation Priority
RRB tries to allocate centers based on your first preference. According to RRB data from 2024, approximately 73% of candidates received their first preference city.
Admit Card Release
Your exact exam center address appears on your admit card, released 7-10 days before the exam date. The admit card shows the center name, complete address, and reporting time.
Rajesh from Jaipur explains: "I chose Jaipur as first preference and Ajmer as second. My center came in Jaipur's Civil Lines area, about 12 km from my residence. The admit card had Google Maps link for easy navigation."
Exam Center Facilities and What to Expect
Understanding center facilities helps you plan better and avoid last-minute surprises on exam day.
Available Facilities:
Computer Labs
Air-conditioned with individual workstations
Biometric Authentication
Photograph verification at entry
CCTV Surveillance
Throughout the examination hall
Basic Amenities
Drinking water and restroom facilities
Not Provided: Physical rough sheets, calculators, mobile phones, electronic devices, study material, or bags inside the examination hall.
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Can I change my exam center after receiving the admit card?
No, RRB does not allow exam center changes after admit card generation. The center is final and binding. However, if you face genuine emergencies, you can write to your regional RRB with supporting documents, though approval is extremely rare and at RRB's discretion.
How far can my exam center be from my chosen exam city?
Your exam center will be within the municipal limits or metropolitan area of your selected exam city. In large cities like Mumbai or Delhi, it could be 30-40 km from city center. Tier-2 cities usually have centers within 10-15 km radius of the main city area.
What happens if I don't receive any of my preferred exam cities?
In rare cases where all your preferred cities are overbooked, RRB may allocate the nearest available city within the same state or RRB jurisdiction. This happened to less than 2% of candidates in RRB NTPC 2024, primarily in oversubscribed zones like Delhi and Mumbai.
Can candidates from different states get the same exam center?
Yes, especially in border cities or major metros that serve multiple states. For example, Chandigarh centers accommodate candidates from Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Similarly, Guwahati serves candidates from all North-Eastern states under RRB Guwahati jurisdiction.
Conclusion: Plan Your Exam Day Strategy
Understanding the state-wise distribution of RRB NTPC CBT 1 exam centers helps you make informed choices during application and prepare logistically for exam day. Choose your exam cities strategically—prioritize your home city or a location where you have accommodation options.
Download your admit card immediately when released, verify the center address on Google Maps, and plan your travel route considering traffic patterns for your exam shift. Keep your admit card and original photo ID ready, and arrive early to avoid last-minute stress.
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