Updated: 28 October 2026
Quick Facts: RRB NTPC Graduate Level, CEN 06/2026
- Exam: RRB NTPC Graduate Level
- Notification: CEN 06/2026
- Posts: 3,548 graduate-level posts
- Stages: CBT 1, then CBT 2, then Document Verification and Medical Examination
- Official RRB application site: https://www.rrbapply.gov.in
Figures below are from the official CEN 06/2026 notification. If any detail differs, the official notification prevails.
CBT 1 vs CBT 2: Side-by-Side Table
| Feature | CBT 1 | CBT 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Screening test to shortlist candidates for CBT 2 | Shortlisting for Document Verification |
| Questions | 100 | 120 |
| Marks | 100 | 120 |
| Marks per question | 1 | 1 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| General Awareness | 40 questions / 40 marks | 50 questions / 50 marks |
| Mathematics | 30 questions / 30 marks | 35 questions / 35 marks |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 questions / 30 marks | 35 questions / 35 marks |
| Negative marking | 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer | 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer |
The syllabus subjects are the same in both stages; the weightings and totals are different. CBT 1 is not the final merit stage.
No CBAT / No Typing Test Box
For the posts notified under CEN 06/2026, there is no Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) and no separate Computer Based Typing Skill Test (CBTST). The CBTST has been dispensed with for Senior Clerk cum Typist and Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist under CEN 06/2026. This position applies to the posts in this CEN; for any post outside this CEN, check that CEN’s own selection stages.
CEN-Year Decoder: Which CEN Is Yours?
| CEN | What it covers | Read this if |
|---|---|---|
| CEN 06/2026 | NTPC Graduate Level, current cycle (this post) | You are applying for graduate-level NTPC posts in the 2026 cycle. |
| CEN 06/2025 | Previous NTPC Graduate Level cycle | You are looking for the previous cycle’s CBT-1 answer key or result. See our CEN 06/2025 result post (Hindi): RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-1 Result 2026: CEN 06/2025. Do not use its dates or results for CEN 06/2026. |
| CEN 07/2026 | NTPC Undergraduate Level (Class 12 pass), different posts | You are applying for undergraduate-level NTPC posts. See our CEN 07/2026 post: RRB NTPC UG Recruitment 2026: 1688 Posts for 12th Pass Candidates. |
Selection Stages, Negative Marking, Qualifying Marks and Normalisation
Stages: CBT 1, then CBT 2, then Document Verification, then Medical Examination. RRB may conduct additional CBTs if required.
Marking: Correct answer: +1 mark. Wrong answer: minus 1/3 mark. Unattempted question: 0 marks. This applies in both CBT 1 and CBT 2.
Minimum qualifying marks: UR: 40%; EWS: 40%; OBC-NCL: 30%; SC: 30%; ST: 25%. These are qualifying marks, not the final cut-off. Meeting them does not guarantee shortlisting.
Normalisation: Marks are normalised across shifts, and normalised marks are used for shortlisting to the next stage.
New FAQs
Q. What is the difference between CBT 1 and CBT 2?
A. CBT 1 has 100 questions for 100 marks in 90 minutes and screens candidates for CBT 2. CBT 2 has 120 questions for 120 marks in 90 minutes and is used for shortlisting for Document Verification. Both cover General Awareness, Mathematics and General Intelligence and Reasoning, but CBT 2 gives General Awareness more weight (50 questions, against 40 in CBT 1).
Q. Is there a CBAT or typing test under CEN 06/2026?
A. No. For the posts notified under CEN 06/2026 there is no CBAT and no separate CBTST. The CBTST has been dispensed with for Senior Clerk cum Typist and Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist.
Q. Which CEN is mine?
A. Graduate-level NTPC in the current 2026 cycle is CEN 06/2026 (this post). CEN 06/2025 is the previous graduate cycle, and CEN 07/2026 is the undergraduate-level cycle for Class 12 pass candidates.
Q. What is the negative marking?
A. 1/3 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in CBT 1 and CBT 2. Unattempted questions carry no marks.
Q. What is normalisation?
A. Normalisation adjusts marks across different shifts so candidates are compared fairly. Normalised marks are used for shortlisting, and the minimum qualifying percentage is not the same as the final cut-off.
📅 Last Update: 16 October 2026
Short Information: Applications for the RRB NTPC Graduate Level posts under CEN 06/2026 are reported for October–November 2026. This article explains the CBT-1 exam pattern and subject-wise preparation for candidates.
RRB – NTPC Graduate Level Syllabus 2026 (CEN 06/2026)
The first stage of the NTPC Graduate Level selection process is CBT-1. It has 100 questions from Mathematics, Reasoning and General Awareness. Candidates should confirm the subject-wise mark split from the official notification, since that version is final.
Important Dates and Exam Pattern – Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Board | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Advertisement number | CEN 06/2026 |
| Posts | NTPC Graduate Level posts |
| Number of posts | Around 3,500 reported; check official notification for the exact graduate and undergraduate split |
| Application period | Reported for October–November 2026 |
| CBT-1 questions | 100 questions |
| Fee / age limit | Check official notification |
Age Limit
Age Limit: As per official notification.
RRB NTPC CBT-1 Exam Pattern – Subject-wise Details
| Subject | Preparation Points |
| Mathematics | Arithmetic, number system and basic calculation |
| Reasoning | Logical and analytical questions |
| General Awareness | General knowledge and current affairs |
Give equal importance to all three subjects. Regular practice and understanding the pattern of previous questions help in CBT-1.
How to Check – Official Information
- Open the RRB application website.
- Find the CEN 06/2026 notification.
- Confirm posts, eligibility, fee and exam pattern.
- Trust only official information.
Important Links
| Important Links | |
| Official Website | https://www.rrbapply.gov.in |
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. A private information portal (not a government website). For final and official details, visit the RRB website.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which advertisement covers RRB NTPC Graduate Level?
It comes under CEN 06/2026.
Q2. How many questions are in CBT-1?
CBT-1 has 100 questions in total.
Q3. Which subjects are in CBT-1?
Mathematics, Reasoning and General Awareness.
Q4. How many posts are reported?
Around 3,500 graduate posts are reported; check the official notification for the exact split.
Q5. Where will applications be submitted?
Applications will be submitted on the official RRB application website.
