RRB NTPC Selection Process 2026
From application to appointment — CBT 1, CBT 2, the post-specific skill test, document verification and medical examination, explained stage by stage.
At a Glance
- CBT 1 → CBT 2 → Skill Test → DV → Medical
- No interview at any stage
- CBT 2 decides final merit, not CBT 1
- Zone locked in at registration
Quick answer: RRB NTPC selection runs through CBT 1 (screening), CBT 2 (merit-deciding), a post-specific skill test where applicable, document verification, and a medical examination — with no interview at any stage.
Stage-by-Stage Process
Online Application
Register through rrbapply.gov.in, choosing your stream (Undergraduate/Graduate) and one RRB zone. The zone cannot be changed after registration.
CBT 1 — Screening
100 questions, 90 minutes, common to both streams. Used only to shortlist candidates for CBT 2 — the score itself doesn't count toward final merit.
CBT 2 — Merit-Deciding
120 questions, 90 minutes, set at separate difficulty levels for Undergraduate and Graduate candidates. This score determines the final merit.
Skill Test (post-specific)
Computer Based Aptitude Test for Station Master/Traffic Assistant (min. 42 marks, 30% weight in merit), or a Typing Skill Test for Clerk/Typist posts — both qualifying.
Document Verification
Originals checked against the qualification, age, category and other claims made in the application.
Medical Examination
Fitness check against the medical standard (A-1 to C-2) prescribed for the specific post applied for.
Final Merit & Allotment
Final merit list, followed by allotment of post and railway zone based on preference and vacancy availability.
Medical Fitness Standards
RRB NTPC posts are grouped into medical categories — A-1, A-2, A-3, B-1, B-2, C-1 and C-2 — based on how physically and visually demanding the role is. Safety-critical operational posts like Station Master generally carry a stricter standard than clerical posts. The exact category for each post is specified in the CEN notification; candidates who clear document verification but don't meet their post's medical standard aren't selected.
Unlike some government recruitment processes, RRB NTPC has no interview stage. Selection is entirely objective — your CBT 2 score (and Aptitude Test weighting, for Station Master/Traffic Assistant) is what determines your final rank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Four — CBT 1, CBT 2, a post-specific skill test (where applicable), and document verification followed by a medical examination.
There is no interview at any point in the process.
No — final merit comes from CBT 2 (plus the Aptitude Test weighting for Station Master/Traffic Assistant), then document verification and medical.
This matches most RRB-conducted recruitment, which relies on objective CBT scores rather than a subjective interview round.
Each post carries a specific medical fitness category (A-1 through C-2) set by the Railways based on that role's physical/vision demands.
Station Master and Traffic Assistant typically require a stricter standard than most clerical posts, given safety-critical operational duties.
No — the zone is locked in at application and can't be changed afterward.
You compete only within your chosen zone throughout CBT 1, CBT 2 and all later stages.
A medical examination for your post's fitness standard, followed by the final merit list and post/zone allotment.
Clearing DV isn't the final step — a candidate who fails the medical standard for their specific post is not selected even after DV.
Four Stages.
One Clear Path.
Free full-length CBT 1 and CBT 2 mocks, built to the exact current RRB NTPC pattern.
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