Are you aspiring to secure a stable government job in Indian Railways? The RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria 2026 is your first checkpoint. With the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) set to release notifications for over 8,000 vacancies in Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC), understanding the requirements is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers everything from age limits and educational qualifications to medical standards and nationality rules for both graduate and undergraduate posts.
Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a 12th-pass candidate, we’ve optimized this post for quick answers to your queries like “RRB NTPC 2026 age limit,” “educational qualification for RRB NTPC,” and “RRB NTPC eligibility for OBC/SC/ST.” Let’s dive in!
What is RRB NTPC 2026?
The RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) exam recruits candidates for various clerical, supervisory, and station-based roles in Indian Railways. The 2026 cycle includes graduate-level posts (e.g., Station Master, Goods Train Manager) with around 5,810 vacancies and undergraduate-level posts (e.g., Junior Clerk cum Typist) with about 3,058 openings.
Selection involves CBT 1, CBT 2, Typing Skill Test (for applicable posts), and Document Verification. Meeting the eligibility ensures you don’t waste time on applications. Note: Criteria are based on the latest notifications as of October 2025 and may be subject to minor updates—always check the official RRB website.
RRB NTPC 2026 Nationality Criteria
To apply for RRB NTPC 2026, you must fulfill the nationality requirements as per Indian Railways guidelines. Eligible candidates include:
- Indian Citizens: Full rights to apply.
- Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan: Treated at par with Indian citizens.
- Tibetan Refugees: Those who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement.
- Persons of Indian Origin: Migrants from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or specified East African countries (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) intending permanent settlement in India.
A certificate of eligibility is required for non-Indian citizens from the Government of India.
Pro Tip: If you’re from reserved categories, ensure your nationality documents align with caste certificates for seamless verification.
RRB NTPC 2026 Age Limit and Relaxation
The RRB NTPC age limit 2026 is calculated as of January 1, 2026. The minimum age is 18 years for all posts. Upper limits vary by post level:
Age Limit Table for RRB NTPC 2026
| Post Level | Age Range | UR/EWS (DOB Not Earlier Than) | OBC-NCL (DOB Not Earlier Than) | SC/ST (DOB Not Earlier Than) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Posts (e.g., Station Master) | 18-33 Years | 02.01.1993 | 02.01.1990 | 02.01.1988 |
| Undergraduate Posts (e.g., Junior Clerk) | 18-30 Years | 02.01.1996 | 02.01.1993 | 02.01.1991 |
DOB Range: From the upper limit above to not later than January 1, 2008 (for minimum 18 years).
Age Relaxation for RRB NTPC 2026
RRB provides relaxation in the upper age limit for eligible categories. Here’s the breakdown:
| Category | Relaxation (Years) |
|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 |
| SC/ST | 5 |
| Ex-Servicemen (UR/EWS) | 3 (after service deduction) |
| Ex-Servicemen (OBC-NCL) | 6 (after service deduction) |
| Ex-Servicemen (SC/ST) | 8 (after service deduction) |
| PwD (UR/EWS) | 10 |
| PwD (OBC-NCL) | 13 |
| PwD (SC/ST) | 15 |
| Railway Group C/D Staff (3+ years service) | UR/EWS: 40, OBC: 43, SC/ST: 45 |
| Quasi-Administrative Railway Staff | Up to service length or 5 (whichever less) |
| Widowed/Divorced Women (unremarried) | UR/EWS: 35, OBC: 38, SC/ST: 40 |
Example: A 35-year-old OBC-NCL PwD candidate can apply for graduate posts (33 + 3 + 10 = 46 years effective limit).
SEO Keyword Insight: Searching for “RRB NTPC age limit for SC/ST 2026“? SC/ST candidates get a 5-year buffer, making it easier for older applicants.
RRB NTPC 2026 Educational Qualification
Educational requirements differ for graduate and undergraduate posts. Degrees/qualifications must be from recognized universities/boards. Minimum 50% marks in aggregate for 12th pass (relaxed for SC/ST/PwD).
Graduate-Level Posts Educational Qualifications
| Post Name | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Chief Commercial Cum Ticket Supervisor | Degree from a recognized university or equivalent. |
| Station Master | Degree from a recognized university or equivalent. |
| Goods Train Manager | Degree from a recognized university or equivalent. |
| Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist | Degree + Typing proficiency in English/Hindi on computer. |
| Senior Clerk Cum Typist | Degree + Typing proficiency in English/Hindi on computer. |
Undergraduate-Level Posts Educational Qualifications
| Post Name | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Commercial Cum Ticket Clerk | 12th (+2) or equivalent with ≥50% marks in aggregate. |
| Accounts Clerk Cum Typist | 12th (+2) or equivalent with ≥50% marks + Typing proficiency in English/Hindi. |
| Junior Clerk Cum Typist | 12th (+2) or equivalent with ≥50% marks + Typing proficiency in English/Hindi. |
| Trains Clerk | 12th (+2) or equivalent with ≥50% marks in aggregate. |
Note: Final-year students can apply provisionally but must complete by the cutoff date. Typing speed: 30 WPM (English) or 25 WPM (Hindi).
Long-Tail Keyword: For “RRB NTPC undergraduate eligibility 2026,” focus on 12th marks—50% is key, but exemptions apply for reserved categories.
RRB NTPC 2026 Medical Standards
Railway jobs demand physical fitness. Candidates undergo medical exams post-CBT 2. Standards vary by post:
| Post Name | Medical Standard |
|---|---|
| Chief Commercial Cum Ticket Supervisor | B-1 |
| Station Master | A-2 |
| Goods Train Manager | A-2 |
| Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist | B-2 |
| Senior Clerk Cum Typist | C-2 |
| Commercial Cum Ticket Clerk | B-2 |
| Accounts/Junior Clerk Cum Typist | C-2 |
| Trains Clerk | C-3 |
Key Eye Standards
- A-2: Distance Vision 6/9, 6/9; Near Vision N6. Color vision must pass Ishihara test.
- B-2: Distance 6/9, 6/12; Near N6. Mild refractive errors allowed.
- C-2: Distance 6/12, 6/18; Near N6. No color vision issues for most.
PwD candidates get relaxations. Unfit candidates may appeal but must meet standards eventually.
Typing Skill Test for RRB NTPC 2026
Applicable for typist/clerk posts. Conducted on PC in Hindi/English (Kruti Dev/Mangal fonts). Exemptions for visually impaired or locomotor-disabled candidates (≥40% disability) with medical certificate.
Qualifying only—no marks added to merit.
Number of Attempts for RRB NTPC 2026
Great news: No limit on attempts as long as you meet the age criteria. Apply every cycle until you qualify!
Final Tips to Meet RRB NTPC Eligibility 2026
- Verify Documents Early: Keep Aadhaar, caste, PwD, and educational certificates ready.
- Apply Soon: Graduate notification is live; undergraduate expected soon.
- Prepare Smart: Focus on General Awareness, Maths, and Reasoning for CBT.
- Check Official Sites: Visit rrbapply.gov.in or your regional RRB portal for updates.
Securing a railway job transforms lives—start by confirming your
RRB NTPC eligibility 2026 today! Got questions? Drop them in the comments.FAQs on RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria 2026
Q: What is the minimum qualification for RRB NTPC 2026? A: 12th pass for UG posts; Graduation for graduate posts.
Q: Can final-year students apply for RRB NTPC 2026? A: Yes, provisionally, if they complete by the specified date.
Q: What is the RRB NTPC 2026 age limit for general category? A: 18-33 for graduates; 18-30 for undergraduates.
Q: Is there relaxation for women in RRB NTPC age limit? A: Yes, up to 35/38/40 years for widowed/divorced (unremarried) across categories.
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