The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially revised the dates for the RRB NTPC 2025 CBT 1 exam. Originally spread across 15 days, the exam will now be conducted over 16 days—from June 5 to June 24, 2025. This change is due to the large number of applications received for graduate-level NTPC posts under Advertisement No. CEN 05/2024. Here’s a complete breakdown of the new schedule, shift timings, exam pattern, and tips to help you prepare smartly.
Table of Contents
Schedule
The revised exam timeline ensures candidates have ample time to appear for the test without crowding the centres. Meanwhile, other critical dates such as admit card and city intimation slip release remain unchanged.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| City Intimation Slip Release | 27th May 2025 |
| Admit Card Download Starts | 1st June 2025 |
| CBT 1 Exam Dates | 5th – 24th June 2025 |
Candidates must regularly visit their regional RRB websites to stay up to date.
Timings
The CBT 1 exam will be held in three daily shifts. Candidates must report at the exam centre based on the time mentioned on their admit cards. Here’s the shift-wise breakdown:
| Shift | Reporting Time | Gate Closes | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 | 7:30 AM | 8:30 AM | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Shift 2 | 11:15 AM | 12:15 PM | 12:45 PM – 2:15 PM |
| Shift 3 | 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM |
It’s important to reach on time, as late entry will not be allowed.
Selection
The RRB NTPC selection process is designed to filter candidates through a series of assessments:
- CBT 1 (Preliminary Test)
- CBT 2 (Main Exam)
- Typing Skill Test (Only for applicable positions)
- Document Verification
Each round is a knockout stage, so consistent performance is key.
Pattern
The CBT 1 is an online exam and will be available in 15 languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, and more. Here’s the exam format:
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Each question carries 1 mark. A wrong answer leads to a deduction of 1/3rd mark.
Intimation
The City Intimation Slip is released around 10 days before the exam and informs candidates of their exam city. Though not a substitute for the admit card, this document helps in travel planning. Be sure to download it early via your regional RRB website from May 27, 2025.
Tips
With only a few days left for the exam, here are some smart preparation tips to maximize your output:
- Skip new topics: Stick to revising what you’ve already prepared.
- Practice mock tests: This improves speed and boosts confidence.
- Revise key formulas: Especially for the Mathematics section.
- Pack smart: Bring your admit card, photo ID, and a passport-sized photo.
- Avoid banned items: Like smartwatches, papers, or Bluetooth devices.
Follow exam hall instructions carefully, and stay focused. A calm mind will perform better.
Over 1.2 crore candidates applied for RRB NTPC 2025, and nearly 58.4 lakh are competing for graduate-level roles like Station Master, Junior Accounts Assistant, and Senior Clerk. This exam covers major regions including Chennai, Patna, Secunderabad, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. Make the most of your opportunity and give it your best shot!
FAQs
When is the RRB NTPC CBT 1 exam?
The exam will be held from June 5 to June 24, 2025.
When can I download the admit card?
Admit cards will be available from June 1, 2025.
Is there any negative marking?
Yes, 1/3rd mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
How many shifts are there per day?
There are three shifts each exam day.
What is the exam duration?
The CBT 1 exam duration is 90 minutes.
