A little bird (or two) recently whispered that the NTPC exam date is a topic buzzing all over—whether you’re in quiet prep mode or frantically refreshing your browser, you’ve landed in the right place. This write-up mixes real-world context, a hint of everyday asides, and a measured tone that’s more human than machine. Dive in to sift through the latest timeline, key milestones, and handy reminders for aspiring candidates hunting for RRB NTPC exam updates.
Exam Timeline & Status of RRB NTPC 2026
Graduate vs Undergraduate: What’s Coming Up
Understanding there are distinct tracks is essential. The Graduate level (CEN 06/2025) and Undergraduate level (CEN 07/2025) have separate exam timelines, even though both are part of the same broader NTPC recruitment phase.
For Graduates:
- Notification dropped on October 20, 2025.
- Online applications wrapped up by November 27, 2025.
- Application status updates happened in January 2026.
- Expected timeline:
- City intimation slips: March 2026.
- Admit cards: March 2026.
- Exam likely in April 2026.
For Undergraduates:
- Notification came a bit later, on October 27, 2025.
- Applications closed on December 4, 2025.
- Application status updates occurred in February 2026.
- Estimated schedule:
- City intimation slips: April 2026.
- Admit cards: April 2026.
- Exam expected in May 2026.
Where Things Stand (as of February 5, 2026)
- No official exam dates have been released.
- But these projected windows (April for graduates, May for undergraduates) seem credible based on official patterns. Just don’t hang your hat on them until the RRB confirms.
Anatomy of an RRB NTPC Recruitment Cycle
Understanding the framework helps make sense of timings—even amidst the uncertainty.
Typical Sequence:
- Notification release → kickstarts all activity.
- Application window → allows corrections/modifications in some cases.
- Application status check → confirms if you’re in or out.
- City Intimation Slip → blueprint for logistics, usually ~10 days before exam.
- Admit card → your entry pass, available a few days before the exam.
- CBT-1 → Preliminary CBT.
- CBT-2 / Skill tests / Typing tests → next stages depending on post.
- CBAT → for Traffic Assistant or Station Master, more like a special skill check.
- Document Verification + Medical Exam → final stages.
In past cycles, CBT-1 for graduate posts ran from early to mid-June. That phase kicked off the rest of the process, including CBT-2 and typing tests, around winter.
A Snapshot from Past Patterns (2025 Example)
It’s helpful to glance backward so we know what templates might repeat—or not.
- Graduate (2025): CBT-1 ran June 5–24, followed by CBT-2 around October; typing tests followed soon after.
- Undergraduate (2025): CBT-1 ran from August to September, CBT-2 in December, and CBAT followed.
- Typing Test (UG): In early 2026, specifically February 13, 2026, was scheduled for this stage.
Why April–May 2026 Makes Sense (But Stay Alert)
- Historical cadence: Graduate exams often fall in spring, not summer.
- Official hints: Testbook’s timeline matches this expectation.
- Candidate readiness: Having a provisional window helps plan (travel, prep schedule, etc.).
- RRB tradition: City slips and admit cards usually drop a few weeks before exam.
But all of this remains speculative until confirmed. Expect updates on regional RRB websites and official portals.
What You Should Be Doing Now
- Bookmark official RRB site and regional variants.
- Check frequently for a notice titled “RRB NTPC Exam Date” or similar.
- Don’t skip application status checks—these confirm eligibility early.
- Review exam patterns: CBTs, typing or aptitude tests, doc verification.
- Plan logistics loosely—if April is exam month, have or create flexible plans.
Summary
- Official RRB NTPC 2026 exam dates (CBT-1) are not yet announced.
- Projections: Graduate level in April 2026, Undergrad level in May 2026.
- Following typical process: notification → application → status → city slip → admit card → exams → further stages.
- Stay vigilant—check official portals—and prep in parallel.
FAQs
Q1: When is the RRB NTPC 2026 exam expected to take place?
— Gradient: Graduate level likely in April 2026, Undergrad level likely in May 2026. Official confirmation is still pending.
Q2: Where can I find the official exam date notification?
— Scan the official RRB and regional RRB websites under “Latest News” or “NTPC Exam Date PDF.” That’s where official updates land.
Q3: What is the difference between Graduate and Undergraduate timelines?
— They have separate notifications and application windows; the graduate level typically begins a month earlier than the undergraduate track.
Q4: What are the steps after application submission?
— The cycle goes: application status → city intimation slip (10 days before) → admit card → CBT-1 → CBT-2 or typing/aptitude → document verification & medical checks.
Q5: How far in advance is the city intimation slip released?
— Generally around 10 days before the exam, giving time to finalize travel and stay.
Grab your notepad (or open a sticky note), stay tuned, and best of luck navigating the RRB NTPC journey.
