RRB NTPC Graduate Recruitment 2026: 3,548 Railway Vacancies Open Until 6 November

The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under the Ministry of Railways have announced 3,548 graduate-level vacancies in the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) recruitment for 2026. The full notification, CEN 06/2026, was released on 7 October 2026. Online applications opened on 8 October 2026 and close on 6 November 2026 at 11:59 PM. Applicants must apply through the official portal, rrbapply.gov.in.

Railway jobs remain a sought-after route into stable central government employment for young Indians. Any graduate, whatever the degree subject, can apply for these posts. That keeps the exam open to commerce, science, arts and engineering graduates alike.

The pay levels are entry-level for the central government. They still come with a fixed pay matrix under the 7th Central Pay Commission and a permanent, full-time post. Basic pay is the starting figure before allowances, so candidates should read the notification for allowances and posting conditions.

This round is smaller than the previous graduate cycle. The 2025 NTPC graduate recruitment had 5,810 vacancies, and its deadline was extended to 27 November 2025. The 2026 round covers four posts instead of six.

Station Master recruitment has been taken out of the NTPC notification. It will be conducted separately from this year, with more than 500 vacancies expected to be released. Graduates aiming for that job will need to watch for a separate notice.

Because a candidate can apply to only one RRB, the choice matters. Boards with fewer vacancies are likely to be more competitive for each seat, so applicants should compare the numbers before choosing.

Short-term: Graduates can apply now through rrbapply.gov.in until 6 November 2026, and pay the fee by 8 November 2026. Candidates should keep their degree certificate, photograph, signature and category documents ready for upload. They should choose their RRB and post preferences carefully, since only one application is allowed. Incomplete fee payment can make an application invalid. Since the 2025 cycle needed a deadline extension, last-minute rushes can slow the portal, so early applications are safer.

Long-term: The selection process has several stages: Computer Based Test 1 (CBT 1), CBT 2, a Computer Based Typing Skill Test for posts that need it, document verification and a medical examination. The CBT 1 date has not yet been announced. The schedule is expected on the official RRB websites. An exam city intimation slip and admit card are usually issued before the test. The separate Station Master notice is another development for graduates to track.

Who is affected: The drive is aimed at degree holders across India. Candidates who are still studying, or who hold only a 12th-pass qualification, should wait for the CEN 07/2026 window rather than apply under CEN 06/2026. Applicants should confirm that their degree will be complete by the date set in the notification. Regions with large allocations include Ranchi, Siliguri and Prayagraj, while Patna and Thiruvananthapuram have far fewer posts. Reserved-category candidates should check the age relaxations and category-wise fees in the notification.

Questions and Answers