The Railway Recruitment Board has just dropped a big opportunity for job seekers with its RRB NTPC recruitment 2025 announcement. This massive drive offers 8850 positions across various railway posts, including station master recruitment 2025, clerk positions, and other non-technical roles that could kickstart your railway career.

Who should pay attention to this: Recent graduates, 12th pass students, and anyone looking to secure a stable government job in the Indian Railways system. Whether you’re fresh out of college or have been searching for the right opportunity, these railway jobs 2025-26 span both graduate and undergraduate level positions.

In this guide, we’ll break down the complete vacancy breakdown across different post categories so you know exactly what’s available. We’ll also walk you through the essential eligibility requirements and critical application deadlines – because missing these dates means missing out on this chance. Plus, we’ll cover the selection process framework and exam pattern details to help you prepare effectively for what’s ahead.

The RRB NTPC online application process starts soon, and with positions ranging from traffic assistants to commercial clerks, there’s something for various educational backgrounds and career goals. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make your railway dreams a reality.

RRB NTPC 2025-26 Recruitment Overview

Total 8850 vacancies announced through short notice

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has announced tentative vacancies for 8850 positions under the NTPC recruitment 2025-26 through a short notice. This RRB NTPC 8850 posts announcement covers prestigious positions including Station Master, Clerk, and various other technical and non-technical posts across the Indian Railways network. The railway recruitment notification 2025 represents a significant opportunity for candidates seeking stable government employment in the railway sector.

This latest recruitment drive demonstrates the continuous expansion and modernization efforts of Indian Railways, creating substantial employment opportunities for qualified candidates across different educational backgrounds.

Graduate level posts (5800 vacancies) and Undergraduate level posts (3050 vacancies)

The RRB NTPC recruitment 2025 has strategically divided the total vacancies into two distinct categories based on educational qualifications. Graduate level positions account for 5800 vacancies, representing approximately 66% of the total opportunities available. These positions typically offer higher starting salaries and better career progression prospects within the railway hierarchy.

Undergraduate level posts comprise 3050 vacancies, making up about 34% of the total recruitment. These positions provide excellent entry points for candidates who have completed their higher secondary education and are looking to establish their careers in the railway sector. Both categories offer comprehensive benefits packages and long-term job security that government positions are known for.

CEN numbers 06/2025 and 07/2025 for different categories

The Railway Recruitment Board has assigned specific Central Employment Notification (CEN) numbers to differentiate between the two educational categories. CEN No. 06/2025 has been designated for Graduate level posts, covering all 5800 positions that require graduation as the minimum educational qualification.

CEN No. 07/2025 corresponds to Undergraduate level posts, encompassing the 3050 positions available for candidates with higher secondary education. This systematic categorization ensures clarity in the application process and helps candidates identify the appropriate notification based on their educational qualifications.

Comparison with previous year vacancy numbers

Analyzing the railway jobs 2025-26 in context with previous recruitment cycles reveals significant trends in railway hiring patterns. The current 8850 total vacancies represent a notable decrease compared to recent years:

Year	Total Vacancies	Graduate Level	Undergraduate Level
2019	35,281	24,678	10,603
2024-25	11,558	8,113	3,445
2025-26	8,850	5,800	3,050

The 2025-26 recruitment shows a decrease of 2,683 vacancies compared to the previous year (2024-25), indicating a more focused approach to recruitment. While the numbers have decreased from the peak of 35,281 vacancies in 2019, the current recruitment still offers substantial opportunities across both graduate and undergraduate categories, maintaining the railway sector’s commitment to regular employment generation.

Complete Vacancy Breakdown by Post Categories

Graduate level positions – Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Traffic Assistant

The RRB NTPC recruitment 2025 offers substantial opportunities for graduate candidates across multiple specialized positions, with a total allocation of 5,817 vacancies in this category. The flagship position of Station Master commands significant attention with 615 available positions, representing one of the most sought-after roles in the railway recruitment board NTPC 2025 notification.

Leading the vacancy distribution is the Goods Train Manager position, offering an impressive 3,423 opportunities for qualified graduates. This role represents the largest single category within the graduate-level positions. The Traffic Assistant position specifically designated for Metro Railway operations provides 59 specialized vacancies for candidates interested in urban rail systems.

Administrative roles constitute a significant portion of graduate-level opportunities, with Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor (CCTS) positions offering 161 vacancies. The Junior Account Assistant cum Typist (JAA) category provides 921 positions, while Senior Clerk cum Typist roles account for 638 vacancies within the RRB NTPC 8850 posts distribution.

Undergraduate level positions – Junior Clerk, Accounts Clerk, Commercial Clerk

Now that we have covered the graduate positions, the undergraduate category encompasses 3,058 vacancies across various clerical and operational roles. The RRB NTPC clerk jobs segment is dominated by Commercial cum Ticket Clerk positions, which offer 2,424 vacancies, representing the largest single category in this educational qualification bracket.

Accounts Clerk cum Typist positions provide 394 opportunities for candidates with undergraduate qualifications, while Junior Clerk cum Typist roles offer 163 positions. The specialized Trains Clerk category accounts for 77 vacancies within the railway NTPC online application process.

Post-wise vacancy distribution across all RRBs

Position Category	Number of Vacancies	Educational Requirement
Goods Train Manager	3,423	Graduate
Commercial cum Ticket Clerk	2,424	Undergraduate
Junior Account Assistant cum Typist	921	Graduate
Senior Clerk cum Typist	638	Graduate
Station Master	615	Graduate
Accounts Clerk cum Typist	394	Undergraduate
Junior Clerk cum Typist	163	Undergraduate
Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor	161	Graduate
Trains Clerk	77	Undergraduate
Traffic Assistant (Metro Railway)	59	Graduate

The comprehensive distribution demonstrates the railway jobs 2025-26 focus on both operational and administrative efficiency across the Indian Railways network.

Pay scale ranges from Rs. 19,900 to Rs. 35,400

With this in mind, the compensation structure for all positions within this RRB NTPC recruitment 2025 spans from Rs. 19,900 to Rs. 35,400, ensuring competitive remuneration across both graduate and undergraduate level positions. This pay scale range reflects the Indian Railways’ commitment to attracting qualified professionals while maintaining standardized compensation structures across different role categories and educational qualifications.

Essential Eligibility Requirements

Educational Qualifications for Graduate and Undergraduate Levels

The RRB NTPC eligibility criteria for the 2025-26 recruitment clearly defines distinct educational requirements based on post categories. For Graduate Level positions, candidates must possess a Graduate Degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification. This educational benchmark ensures that applicants have the necessary academic foundation to handle senior responsibilities in railway operations and administration.

For Undergraduate Level positions, the minimum requirement is 12th pass from a recognized board or equivalent qualification. This category opens opportunities for candidates who have completed their higher secondary education and are looking to build their careers in the railway sector through various clerical and operational roles.

Age Limits – 18-36 Years for Graduate, 18-33 Years for Undergraduate

The age criteria for RRB NTPC recruitment 2025 follows a structured approach based on post levels. For NTPC Graduate Level positions, candidates must be between 18 to 36 years of age. This extended age range acknowledges the additional time required for completing graduation and provides broader opportunities for experienced candidates.

For NTPC Undergraduate Level positions, the age bracket is set between 18 to 33 years. This slightly lower maximum age limit reflects the entry-level nature of these positions and encourages fresh talent to join the railway sector early in their careers.

Age Relaxation Provisions as Per Government Rules

Age relaxation provisions are applicable as per government rules for the RRB NTPC 8850 posts recruitment. These relaxations typically benefit reserved categories including SC/ST, OBC, Ex-Servicemen, and other eligible groups as defined by the Railway Recruitment Board and central government guidelines. The specific relaxation details ensure equal opportunities and comply with constitutional provisions for social justice.

Typing Proficiency Requirements for Specific Posts

Typing proficiency in Hindi or English on computer is a mandatory requirement for specific posts within both Graduate and Undergraduate categories. At the Undergraduate Level, positions such as Junior Clerk cum Typist and Accounts Clerk cum Typist require demonstrated typing skills. Similarly, at the Graduate Level, roles including Senior Clerk cum Typist and Junior Account Assistant cum Typist mandate computer typing proficiency. This requirement reflects the modern administrative needs of the railway system and ensures candidates can effectively handle computerized clerical operations.

Critical Application Dates and Deadlines

Registration Start Dates

The railway NTPC online application process follows a staggered timeline to accommodate different qualification levels. For Graduate level positions under CEN 06/2025, the RRB NTPC recruitment 2025 registration commenced on October 21, 2025. Meanwhile, candidates seeking Undergraduate level positions through CEN 07/2025 can begin their applications from October 28, 2025. This systematic approach ensures that both categories of aspirants have adequate time to prepare and submit their applications without confusion.

Last Dates to Apply

The application deadline structure provides sufficient time for candidates to complete their railway jobs 2025-26 applications thoroughly. For Graduate level posts, the final submission deadline is November 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Undergraduate level applicants have an extended timeline, with their last date to apply being November 27, 2025, at 11:59 PM. These deadlines are strictly enforced, making it crucial for candidates to complete their applications well before the cutoff times.

Post Category	CEN Number	Last Date to Apply
Graduate Level	CEN 06/2025	November 20, 2025 (11:59 PM)
Undergraduate Level	CEN 07/2025	November 27, 2025 (11:59 PM)

Application Fee Structure

The RRB NTPC 8850 posts application requires candidates to pay fees based on their category classification. General, OBC, and EWS candidates must pay Rs. 500 as application fee. Reserved category candidates including SC, ST, PwBD, Female, and Ex-Serviceman candidates enjoy reduced fees of Rs. 250. This differential pricing structure reflects the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities across all demographic segments.

Category	Application Fee
General/OBC/EWS	Rs. 500
SC/ST/PwBD/Female/Ex-Serviceman	Rs. 250

Fee Refund Policy After Appearing in CBT 1

The railway recruitment board NTPC 2025 offers an attractive fee refund mechanism to candidates who appear for the first stage Computer Based Test (CBT). General and OBC candidates will receive a refund of Rs. 400 out of their Rs. 500 application fee after successfully appearing in the 1st Stage CBT. Reserved category candidates benefit from complete fee reimbursement, receiving their full Rs. 250 back after appearing in CBT 1, with only nominal bank charges being deducted. This policy ensures that serious candidates who participate in the selection process are not financially burdened by the application fees.

Complete Selection Process Framework

Two-stage Computer Based Test (CBT 1 and CBT 2)

The RRB NTPC recruitment 2025 follows a comprehensive two-stage examination framework designed to evaluate candidates thoroughly. The First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT 1) serves as the preliminary screening examination for all applicants across the 8850 vacant positions. This initial assessment determines candidate eligibility for advancing to subsequent stages of the selection process.

Following successful completion of CBT 1, qualified candidates proceed to the Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT 2), which represents a more advanced level of evaluation. Both CBT stages are mandatory components of the railway recruitment notification 2025 and form the foundation of the entire selection methodology for RRB NTPC 8850 posts.

Skill Tests including Typing Test and Computer Based Aptitude Test

Beyond the standard computer-based examinations, specific positions within the RRB NTPC eligibility criteria require specialized skill assessments. The Typing Skill Test becomes mandatory for clerical positions including Junior Clerk cum Typist, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, and Accounts Clerk cum Typist. This assessment evaluates candidates’ typing proficiency and accuracy, essential skills for administrative railway positions.

For station master recruitment 2025, the Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) represents a crucial evaluation component. This specialized test assesses candidates’ aptitude for handling complex operational responsibilities inherent to station management roles, ensuring selected individuals possess the necessary cognitive abilities for effective railway operations management.

Document Verification and Medical Examination Stages

The final phases of the railway jobs 2025-26 selection process encompass Document Verification and Medical Examination stages. Document Verification ensures all submitted credentials meet the specified requirements and validates candidate eligibility claims. This stage requires candidates to present original documents supporting their educational qualifications, age proof, and category certificates as applicable.

The Medical Examination stage follows document verification, assessing candidates’ physical fitness for railway service demands. This comprehensive health evaluation ensures selected individuals can perform assigned duties effectively while maintaining safety standards essential to railway operations.

Post-specific Selection Process Variations

Different positions within the RRB NTPC clerk jobs category follow varying selection pathways based on role-specific requirements. Goods Train Manager, Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor, Trains Clerk, and Commercial cum Ticket Clerk positions require completion of CBT 1 and CBT 2 only.

Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, and Junior Clerk cum Typist positions follow an extended process including CBT 1, CBT 2, and the mandatory Typing Skill Test. Station Master positions require the most comprehensive evaluation pathway, incorporating CBT 1, CBT 2, and the specialized Computer Based Aptitude Test, reflecting the advanced responsibilities associated with station management roles.

Detailed Exam Pattern and Syllabus

CBT 1 Pattern – 100 Questions in 90 Minutes with Negative Marking

The RRB NTPC exam pattern for Computer Based Test 1 (CBT 1) comprises 100 questions carrying 100 marks, to be completed within 90 minutes. The question distribution follows a structured format: 40 questions from General Awareness, 30 questions from Mathematics, and 30 questions from General Intelligence and Reasoning.

Candidates must be aware of the negative marking scheme, where each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1/3rd mark. This penalty system requires strategic approach to question selection, making it crucial to attempt only those questions where confidence levels are high.

CBT 2 Pattern – 120 Questions Covering Advanced Topics

For candidates qualifying CBT 1, the railway NTPC online application process advances to CBT 2, which presents a more challenging examination structure. This stage consists of 120 questions worth 120 marks, maintaining the same 90-minute time limit as CBT 1.

The question distribution in CBT 2 includes 50 questions from General Awareness, 35 questions from Mathematics, and 35 questions from General Intelligence and Reasoning. Similar to CBT 1, the negative marking of 1/3rd mark per incorrect answer remains applicable, demanding careful consideration before marking answers.

Subject-wise Syllabus for Mathematics, Reasoning, and General Awareness

Mathematics Syllabus

The Mathematics section covers comprehensive topics including:

• Geometry and Trigonometry: Fundamental concepts and applications
• Elementary Statistics: Basic statistical operations and interpretations
• Percentage, Mensuration: Practical calculation methods
• Time and Work, Time and Distance: Problem-solving techniques
• Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss: Commercial mathematics
• Number System, Decimals, Fractions: Foundational arithmetic
• LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportions: Basic mathematical operations
• Elementary Algebra: Linear equations and expressions

General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus

The reasoning section encompasses diverse logical thinking areas:

• Pattern Recognition: Analogies, similarities, differences, and relationships
• Series Completion: Number and alphabetical sequence patterns
• Coding and Decoding: Various encryption and decryption methods
• Analytical Components: Syllogism, analytical reasoning, and puzzle solving
• Data Analysis: Data sufficiency, statement-conclusion relationships
• Decision Making: Statement-courses of action and logical conclusions
• Visual Interpretation: Maps, Venn diagrams, and graph interpretation

General Awareness Syllabus

This section covers extensive knowledge areas:

• Science: General Science and Life Science up to 10th CBSE standard
• History: India’s history and freedom struggle movements
• Geography: Physical, social, and economic geography of India and world
• Governance: Indian polity, constitution, and political systems
• Technology: Scientific developments, space, and nuclear programs
• Current Affairs: National and international events of importance
• Culture: Games, sports, art, literature, and Indian monuments
• Organizations: UN, world organizations, and government institutions
• Economics: Indian economy and flagship government programs
• Environment: Environmental issues and conservation
• Technology: Computer basics, applications, and transport systems
• Personalities: Famous figures from India and worldwide

Normalization Process for Multi-session Examinations

Given the large scale of RRB NTPC recruitment 2025, examinations are conducted across multiple sessions to accommodate all candidates. To ensure fairness and maintain examination integrity, the Railway Recruitment Board implements a comprehensive normalization process.

This normalization methodology accounts for potential variations in difficulty levels between different examination sessions. The process ensures that no candidate faces disadvantage due to the particular session they appear in, maintaining equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of their examination slot timing.

Salary Structure and Career Benefits

Pay scales for different post levels under 7th Pay Commission

The RRB NTPC recruitment 2025 offers competitive salary packages structured according to the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. The initial monthly salary varies significantly based on educational qualifications and post levels.

For undergraduate-level positions, most clerking roles start at the same pay scale. Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, and Trains Clerk positions all offer an initial monthly salary of Rs. 19,900 under Level-2 of the pay matrix. However, the Commercial cum Ticket Clerk role provides a slightly higher starting salary of Rs. 21,700 under Level-3.

Graduate-level positions command substantially higher remuneration packages. The Goods Train Manager, Senior Clerk cum Typist, and Junior Account Assistant cum Typist positions offer Rs. 29,200 as the initial monthly salary under Level-5. The most lucrative positions include the Station Master recruitment 2025 and Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor roles, both starting at Rs. 35,400 under Level-6 of the pay commission structure.

Post Category	Initial Monthly Salary	Pay Commission Level
Junior Clerk cum Typist	Rs. 19,900	Level-2
Accounts Clerk cum Typist	Rs. 19,900	Level-2
Trains Clerk	Rs. 19,900	Level-2
Commercial cum Ticket Clerk	Rs. 21,700	Level-3
Goods Train Manager	Rs. 29,200	Level-5
Senior Clerk cum Typist	Rs. 29,200	Level-5
Junior Account Assistant cum Typist	Rs. 29,200	Level-5
Station Master	Rs. 35,400	Level-6
Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor	Rs. 35,400	Level-6

Additional allowances – DA, HRA, Transport Allowance

Beyond the basic salary structure, railway jobs 2025-26 come with comprehensive allowance packages that significantly enhance the overall compensation. The additional allowances form a substantial portion of the total take-home salary for all positions under the RRB NTPC recruitment.

Dearness Allowance (DA) is provided to all employees to offset inflation and maintain purchasing power. This allowance is periodically revised by the government based on the All India Consumer Price Index.

House Rent Allowance (HRA) is granted to employees based on their posting location and city classification. The HRA rates vary depending on whether the employee is stationed in a metropolitan city, non-metropolitan city, or rural area.

Transport Allowance (TA) is provided to help employees with their daily commuting expenses. This allowance ensures that transportation costs do not burden the employee’s budget, making these positions more attractive for candidates across different economic backgrounds.

Pension scheme and medical benefits for employees

The RRB NTPC 8850 posts offer comprehensive retirement and healthcare benefits that provide long-term financial security. All selected candidates become eligible for the government pension scheme, ensuring a steady income stream post-retirement.

The pension scheme follows the established government norms and provides substantial financial support during the post-service period. This benefit significantly enhances the overall value proposition of railway employment compared to private sector opportunities.

Medical benefits constitute another crucial advantage of railway employment. Employees receive comprehensive healthcare coverage that extends to their family members, including spouse and dependent children. This medical benefit package covers routine healthcare needs as well as emergency medical situations, providing peace of mind and financial protection against healthcare expenses.

Career growth opportunities in Indian Railways

While specific details about career advancement pathways were not available in the current recruitment notification, Indian Railways traditionally offers structured career progression opportunities for its employees. The diverse range of positions available under this RRB NTPC recruitment 2025 indicates multiple entry points into the railway system, each with potential for professional growth and development within the organization.

Previous Year Performance Analysis

Cut-off Trends Across Different RRB Zones and Categories

The RRB NTPC 2025 recruitment analysis reveals significant variations in cut-off marks across different railway zones and categories based on the 2015 Stage 2 examination data. Chandigarh zone recorded the highest cut-off for General category at 82.27 marks, followed by Thiruvananthapuram (79.75) and Kolkata (79.50). In contrast, Muzaffarpur zone showed the lowest General category cut-off at 57.97 marks.

For OBC candidates, Thiruvananthapuram maintained the highest threshold at 75.10 marks, while Muzaffarpur recorded the lowest at 45.57. The SC category cut-offs ranged from 71.87 in Chandigarh to 30.06 in Muzaffarpur. ST category variations were even more pronounced, with Secunderabad leading at 59.13 and Muzaffarpur at the bottom with 25 marks.

Zone	General	OBC	SC	ST
Chandigarh	82.27	71.47	71.87	46.71
Thiruvananthapuram	79.75	75.10	56.14	36.45
Kolkata	79.50	71.53	67.07	52.92
Muzaffarpur	57.97	45.57	30.06	25.00

Section-wise Difficulty Analysis from Recent Examinations

Now that we have examined the cut-off trends, let’s analyze the section-wise difficulty patterns from Stage-1 examinations. The RRB NTPC exam pattern demonstrates consistent difficulty levels across all three major sections.

General Awareness maintained an Easy-Moderate difficulty level, making it accessible for candidates with systematic preparation. Mathematics section also followed the Easy-Moderate pattern, indicating that basic mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills were sufficient for success. Similarly, General Intelligence and Reasoning section was categorized as Easy-Moderate, suggesting that fundamental logical reasoning abilities were adequate for clearing this section.

This uniform difficulty distribution across sections indicates that the RRB NTPC 2025 recruitment strategy should focus on balanced preparation rather than concentrating heavily on any single section.

Topic-wise Question Distribution Patterns

With this difficulty analysis in mind, the topic-wise distribution reveals strategic preparation insights for the RRB NTPC exam pattern.

General Awareness (40 questions) prioritizes Current Affairs with 11-12 questions, followed by Static GK (8-9), History (6-7), Geography (5), Computer (4), Biology (3-4), Physics (2-3), Chemistry (1-2), and Polity (1-2).

Mathematics (30 questions) emphasizes Number System and Time & Distance (3 questions each), LCM & HCF, Time & Work, CI & SI, and Trigonometry (2-3 questions each), with Profit & Loss (2), Average, Square-Root (1-2 each), and single questions on Ratio, Percentage, and Mensuration.

General Intelligence & Reasoning (30 questions) distributes evenly with Puzzles, Syllogism, Venn Diagram, Sentence Arrangement, and Mathematical Operations (3 questions each), Statement & Conclusion and Direction Sense (2 each), and various other topics with single questions including Coding-Decoding, Blood Relation, and Seating Arrangement.

Success Strategies Based on Historical Data

Previously, candidates have achieved success through focused preparation aligned with these distribution patterns. The railway recruitment notification 2025 suggests maintaining emphasis on Current Affairs preparation, given its significant weightage in General Awareness. Mathematical topics requiring regular practice include Number System, Time & Distance, and basic arithmetic operations.

For reasoning section success, candidates should prioritize Puzzles, Syllogism, and Venn Diagrams while ensuring familiarity with all other topics. The balanced difficulty levels indicate that consistent preparation across all sections, rather than specialization in specific areas, yields better results in RRB NTPC recruitment 2025.

The RRB NTPC 2025-26 recruitment presents an excellent opportunity for 8,850 aspiring candidates to secure prestigious positions in Indian Railways. With applications opening from October 21st for graduate-level posts and October 28th for undergraduate positions, candidates have a limited window until November 27th to submit their applications. The comprehensive selection process involving CBT-1, CBT-2, skill tests, and document verification ensures merit-based recruitment across various categories including Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, and other essential railway positions.

Success in this competitive examination requires thorough preparation across all subjects – General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. Given the attractive salary structure ranging from Rs. 19,900 to Rs. 35,400 along with additional allowances and benefits, candidates should utilize the detailed exam pattern, syllabus, and previous year analysis to maximize their chances. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to join the Indian Railways family – start your preparation today and apply online through the official RRB website before the deadline expires.

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