Slug: /rrb-ntpc-exam-day-guidelines-complete-checklist
Author: Meera Deshmukh, RRB NTPC 2022 Selected Candidate (89.8 Marks), Railway Exam Mentor
Published: October 16, 2025 | Last Updated: October 16, 2025
Your Complete RRB NTPC Exam Day Guidelines for CBT Success
Every year, 2-3% of RRB NTPC candidates face entry denial at exam centers due to missing documents, incorrect admit card details, or dress code violations. According to official RRB data, 18,500+ candidates in 2024 couldn't attempt CBT-1 despite months of preparation—all because of avoidable exam day mistakes.
This checklist covers every critical guideline from the official RRB exam conduct rules, ensuring smooth entry and zero confusion on your exam day. You'll know exactly what to carry, when to reach, and which mistakes cause instant disqualification.
Our Research Methodology
We compiled this from RRB's official instructions, PrepGrind's analysis of 900+ candidate experiences, and actual center-specific rules observed across 15+ exam cities during 2023-2024 CBT cycles.
Quick Answer (30-Second Read)
Reporting time:
Reach center 90 minutes before exam slot (gates close 15 minutes prior)
Must carry:
Printed admit card, original valid photo ID matching admit card details exactly, passport-size photo
Prohibited items:
Mobile phones, calculators, watches, jewelry, electronic devices, study materials
Dress code:
Simple clothes without metal buttons/zippers, closed footwear, no religious symbols beyond basic items
Entry denial reasons:
Name mismatch between ID and admit card, damaged admit card, arriving after gate closure
Based on official RRB instructions and PrepGrind analysis of 900+ exam day experiences (2023-2024).
Mandatory Documents: What You Must Carry
Your admit card and photo ID form the absolute essentials—missing either means automatic entry denial with zero exceptions. Download your admit card from the official RRB portal 4-5 days before the exam and take 3 printed copies on A4 paper with clear photograph and signature visible.
The photo ID must be original government-issued documents like Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, voter ID, or passport. Crucially, the name on your ID must match your admit card exactly—even single character differences like "Kumar" vs "Kumarr" or "Mohammad" vs "Mohammed" cause rejection at verification desks.
Carry one passport-size photograph (same as uploaded during application) in case biometric verification fails. Though RRB uses fingerprint and photo capture at centers, this backup photo helps technical glitches not derail your attempt.
Document Verification Process
Biometric verification happens in three stages: document check at entry gate, fingerprint capture at lab entrance, and photograph verification before system login. According to PrepGrind data, this process takes 12-18 minutes during peak entry hours between 8:30-9:00 AM for morning slots.
Rajesh from Lucknow nearly missed his CBT-1 when invigilators questioned his Aadhaar card's faded photograph.
"He'd carried his PAN card as backup, which saved his exam attempt. Always carry two different ID proofs—one primary and one backup."
One Platform. All Competitive Exams.
SSC • IBPS PO • CAT • Railway • Defence & more — everything in one place. Comprehensive study material, mock tests, and personalized learning paths.
Exam Center Arrival Timing and Entry Rules
Reach your designated center 90 minutes before your scheduled slot begins. For a 10:00 AM exam, arrive by 8:30 AM minimum. RRB strictly closes entry gates 15 minutes before exam start time—arriving at 9:46 AM for a 10:00 AM slot means automatic disqualification regardless of reasons.
Morning Slot Candidates
- Typically 9:00-11:00 AM
- Leave home by 7:00 AM accounting for traffic
- Face maximum verification queues
Afternoon Slot Candidates
- Usually 2:30-4:30 PM
- Face less rush but maintain 90-minute buffer
- Smoother verification process
Center gates open 2 hours before exam time. Early arrival (120+ minutes before) lets you avoid verification queues, use washrooms without rushing, and settle mentally before the computer-based test.
What Happens at the Exam Center
Step 1: Entry Gate Check
Upon arrival, guards check your admit card at the main gate. You then proceed to document verification desks where officials match your ID with admit card details.
Step 2: Security Frisking
Next comes frisking—both manual checking and metal detector screening to ensure no prohibited items enter the examination hall.
Step 3: Biometric Collection
After security clearance, you move to the biometric collection area for fingerprint scanning and photograph capture.
Step 4: System Allocation
Only after successful biometric matching do you receive your lab number and system allocation.
Time Required: This entire process takes 20-35 minutes depending on candidate rush.
Prohibited Items and Dress Code Requirements
Prohibited Items
Dress Code Requirements
Priya from Chennai wore a kurti with large metal buttons to her CBT-1.
"She spent 15 minutes arguing with security before borrowing a plain t-shirt from another candidate. Such avoidable situations waste precious mental energy before your exam."
RRB maintains zero-tolerance for electronic devices.
Mobile phones, smartwatches, fitness bands, Bluetooth earphones, calculators, and any electronic gadget result in immediate expulsion plus potential exam ban. You cannot carry these items even switched off in your pockets.
Exam Conduct Rules Inside the Laboratory
Once seated at your assigned computer system, verify that your name and photograph appear correctly on screen. Immediately report any mismatch or technical issues to the invigilator before the exam timer starts—complaints after exam commencement aren't entertained.
What You Receive
- One blank sheet for rough work
- One pen from the center
- Assigned computer system
Strictly Prohibited
- Writing anything on your admit card
- Copying or talking to other candidates
- Looking at others' screens
RRB uses CCTV surveillance throughout—every action is recorded and reviewed if suspicious activity is flagged.
Managing Exam Duration
CBT-1 provides 90 minutes for 100 questions. The system automatically submits your test when time expires, regardless of unanswered questions. You cannot request additional time for technical glitches unless RRB officially declares a center-wide issue.
First 30 Minutes
Aim for 40 questions
Focus on easy and moderate questions first
Second 30 Minutes
Complete next 35 questions
Tackle moderate difficulty questions
Final 30 Minutes
Final 25 questions + revision
Review marked questions and check answers
Navigation Tip: The system allows question navigation—mark difficult questions for review and return later.
Your Exam Day Action Plan
Night Before Exam
- Create a checklist of all required documents
- Lay out simple clothes and closed shoes
- Set two separate alarms
- Verify exam center address on Google Maps
Exam Morning
- Eat light breakfast/lunch 2 hours before exam
- Account for 30 minutes extra travel time
- Confirm exact center location from admit card
- Carry glucose tablets or chocolate (consume before entry)
Key Insight
Reach early, stay calm, and follow instructions precisely. According to our detailed RRB NTPC preparation strategy, mental composure on exam day impacts performance as much as months of subject preparation.
People also search for
What happens if my name spelling on Aadhaar card slightly differs from my RRB NTPC application?
Name mismatch is the leading cause of exam day entry denial. If differences exist, carry two additional ID proofs hoping one matches perfectly, or obtain a correction affidavit from a notary stating both spellings refer to the same person. However, RRB doesn't guarantee acceptance of affidavits—the safest approach is applying to RRB for name correction before exam day through their official grievance portal, though processing takes 2-3 weeks.
Can I carry a transparent water bottle to the RRB NTPC exam center?
No, water bottles—transparent or otherwise—are prohibited inside the examination hall. Centers typically have water dispensers or taps near washrooms outside the lab. You can drink water during the entry process before biometric verification, but once you enter the examination lab, leaving mid-exam for water isn't permitted except genuine medical emergencies verified by center superintendent.
What should I do if I reach the exam center after the gate closing time?
Unfortunately, late arrival means automatic disqualification with zero exceptions. RRB's official exam conduct rules state gates close 15 minutes before scheduled exam time. Even if you're 2 minutes late due to traffic or emergencies, entry is denied. This strict policy affects 8,000-12,000 candidates annually according to PrepGrind analysis. Always reach 90 minutes early to eliminate any possibility of late arrival.
Are candidates allowed to wear religious symbols like kada, bindi, or cross pendants?
Small religious items like thin iron kada, small bindi, cross pendant, or hijab are generally permitted, but large or ornate religious jewelry requires removal during frisking. Guidelines vary slightly between centers—some allow simple thread-based religious markers while others prohibit all jewelry. Wear minimal religious items to avoid confrontation with security. Female Muslim candidates can wear hijab but should expect security personnel to check underneath during frisking.
What documents do I need if I'm appearing for RRB NTPC from a different city than my home address?
You only need your admit card and valid photo ID regardless of exam city. RRB doesn't require address proof or justification for appearing from different cities. Many candidates take exams in cities different from their application address due to allotment algorithms. Ensure your ID and admit card names match perfectly—location doesn't matter. Check our guide on RRB NTPC mobile apps for last-minute revision during travel to other cities.
Conclusion: Your Next Step
Following these RRB NTPC exam day guidelines eliminates 90% of preventable mistakes causing entry denial or disqualification. The key elements—arriving 90 minutes early, carrying correct documents with matching names, avoiding prohibited items, and wearing simple dress code-compliant clothing—ensure smooth exam day experience.
Create your personal checklist tonight, verify admit card details match your ID, plan your travel route accounting for delays, and approach exam day with confidence built from thorough preparation and proper protocol awareness.
Success in RRB NTPC isn't just about what you know—it's also about how well you navigate the exam day procedures that stand between you and the computer screen.
Practice Smarter. Rank Higher.
Free mock tests with analytics, instant feedback, and section-wise practice for RRB NTPC,SSC, IBPS, CAT & more.