RRB NTPC Shift Timings 2026: Your Essential Guide to Graduate Level CBT-1
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) examination is one of the most anticipated recruitment drives in India, offering numerous opportunities for aspiring candidates to join the Indian Railways. With the Computer-Based Test Stage-1 (CBT-1) for Graduate Level posts (CEN 06/2025) officially underway from March 16 to March 27, 2026, candidates are eagerly seeking precise information regarding exam schedules and shift timings. This comprehensive guide provides you with all the crucial details about the RRB NTPC 2026 shift timings, reporting procedures, and essential exam day instructions to ensure a smooth examination experience.
RRB NTPC 2026 Graduate Level CBT-1: Key Dates at a Glance
The official notification for the Graduate Level posts (CEN 06/2025) was released on October 20, 2025, followed by the Undergraduate posts (CEN 07/2025) on October 27, 2025. A total of 8,868 vacancies have been announced across various Zonal Railways and Production Units, with 5,810 specifically for graduate-level positions and 3,058 for undergraduate-level posts. The application period for graduate-level positions was from October 21 to November 27, 2025, with undergraduate applications accepted from October 28 to November 27, 2025.
✅ Exam Dates for Graduate Level CBT-1: March 16 to March 27, 2026
✅ Admit Card Release: Approximately 4 days before your exam date (e.g., March 12 for March 16 exams)
✅ City Intimation Slip: Released on March 7, 2026, for exams scheduled till March 18, 2026
Detailed RRB NTPC CBT-1 Shift Timings 2026
The RRB NTPC CBT-1 examination is conducted in three distinct shifts each day to accommodate the large number of applicants. Each shift has a duration of 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes) for 100 questions. It is crucial for candidates to arrive at the examination center well before the reporting time to complete necessary formalities like biometric verification.
| Shift | Reporting Time | Gate Closing Time | Exam Start Time | Exam End Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 | 7:30 AM | 8:30 AM | 9:00 AM | 10:30 AM | 90 Minutes |
| Shift 2 | 11:15 AM | 12:15 PM | 12:45 PM | 2:15 PM | 90 Minutes |
| Shift 3 | 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 4:30 PM | 6:00 PM | 90 Minutes |
Candidates must strictly adhere to the reporting and gate closing times mentioned on their admit cards. No entry will be permitted after the gate closing time.
Important Guidelines for RRB NTPC Exam Day
To ensure a hassle-free experience, candidates must be aware of and follow crucial instructions on the exam day:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We wish all the aspirants the very best for their RRB NTPC 2026 CBT-1 examination. Stay calm, prepare well, and remember to follow all the instructions diligently. Keep an eye on the official RRB websites for any further updates regarding the Undergraduate Level CBT-1 dates, which are expected to be announced soon for exams in May 2026.
