The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) continues to be one of the most sought-after recruitment agencies in India, attracting millions of aspirants with its regular job notifications. For 2025, RRB has released notifications for NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) and Group D (Level-1) recruitment under CEN 05/2024 and CEN 08/2024 respectively. However, as of now, candidates are still waiting for the official announcement of the exam dates, application status, and admit cards.

• RRB NTPC and Group D recruitment exams for 2025 remain among the most awaited government exams.
• Application status links expected to be released soon on official regional websites.
• CBT 1 exams for both NTPC and Group D likely between June and August 2025.
• Admit cards to be available 4 days prior to the exam date.
• Candidates advised to regularly monitor the official RRB websites.

Introduction

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has long been a major career avenue for government job seekers in India. Each year, millions of aspirants apply for various positions across Indian Railways, including Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) and Group D (Level-1) posts. For 2025, the RRB released notifications under Centralised Employment Notifications (CEN) 05/2024 for NTPC and CEN 08/2024 for Group D. The response has been massive, as expected.

While the application process has concluded, there is still a sense of anticipation among candidates regarding the release of exam dates, admit cards, and application status. This article serves as a one-stop update for everything you need to know about RRB Railway NTPC and Group D 2025 recruitment—including expected timelines, preparation tips, and official procedures.

Overview of RRB Railway NTPC and Group D 2025

RRB NTPC 2025 (CEN 05/2024)

• Total Vacancies: 11,558
• Eligibility: 12th pass (Undergraduate posts), Graduate (Graduate-level posts)
• Posts Included: Clerk, Goods Guard, Traffic Assistant, Commercial Apprentice, etc.

RRB Group D 2025 (CEN 08/2024)

• Total Vacancies: 32,438
• Eligibility: 10th pass or ITI from recognized institutions
• Posts Included: Track Maintainer Grade IV, Helper/Assistant, Hospital Attendant, etc.

Both these exams offer significant employment opportunities with attractive pay scales and job security under Indian Railways RRB Railway NTPC, Group D 2025.

Latest Update: Exam Dates and Application Status

As of April 2025, RRB has not released official CBT exam dates for either NTPC or Group D. However, according to internal sources and media reports, the following tentative schedule is expected:

• RRB NTPC CBT 1: Likely in June or July 2025
• RRB Group D CBT: Expected between July and August 2025

The application status check is anticipated to go live in late April or early May 2025 on the regional RRB portals.

What is Application Status and Why It’s Important

The application status determines whether a candidate’s form has been accepted or rejected. It is crucial because only candidates with accepted applications will be allowed to appear for the CBT exams RRB Railway NTPC, Group D 2025.

How to Check Application Status

1. Visit your regional RRB website (e.g., rrbcdg.gov.in for Chandigarh).
2. Click on the “CEN 05/2024 or CEN 08/2024 Application Status” link.
3. Enter your registration number and date of birth.
4. Submit and view the status of your application.

Expected Admit Card Release Timeline

RRB usually releases admit cards 4 days before the scheduled exam date, along with exam city intimation slips about 10 days prior.

Once released, you can download your admit card by:

1. Visiting your RRB regional website.
2. Clicking on the relevant admit card link.
3. Logging in with your registration number and password/date of birth.
4. Downloading and printing the admit card for future use.

RRB NTPC 2025 Exam Pattern

CBT Stage 1

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Number of Questions: 100
  1. General Awareness – 40
  2. Mathematics – 30
  3. General Intelligence & Reasoning – 30
• Marking Scheme: 1 mark per question; 1/3 mark negative for each wrong answer

CBT Stage 2 (Post-Specific)

• Similar structure with slightly increased difficulty
• Includes typing skill test or aptitude test for certain posts

RRB Group D 2025 Exam Pattern

CBT Exam

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Number of Questions: 100
  1. Mathematics – 25
  2. General Science – 25
  3. General Intelligence & Reasoning – 30
  4. General Awareness & Current Affairs – 20
• Marking Scheme: 1/3 negative marking for incorrect answers

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Shortlisted candidates must undergo a physical test that includes running, lifting weights, etc., based on gender-specific criteria.

How to Prepare for RRB Railway NTPC and Group D Exams

1. Understand the Syllabus

Be thorough with the detailed syllabus for Mathematics, Reasoning, and General Awareness. Focus more on static GK, current affairs, and railway-related knowledge.

2. Practice Mock Tests

Attempting mock tests will help improve speed and accuracy. Use official RRB mock tests or trusted platforms.

3. Analyze Previous Year Papers

Reviewing previous years’ question papers gives a fair idea of the exam pattern and helps identify frequently asked topics.

4. Maintain a Study Schedule

Consistency is key. Create a daily plan and allocate dedicated time for each subject.

5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Read newspapers, monthly current affairs booklets, and online summaries to stay informed.

Important Documents to Keep Ready

Before appearing for the CBT, ensure you have:

• A printed copy of your admit card
• A valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN, Voter ID, Passport, etc.)
• Recent passport-size photographs (same as used in application)
• Original educational and category certificates for verification

RRB Regional Websites

Since each RRB region operates separately, always refer to your respective region’s website for updates. Here are some major ones:

• RRB Ahmedabad: rrbahmedabad.gov.in
• RRB Bangalore: rrbbnc.gov.in
• RRB Bhopal: rrbbhopal.gov.in
• RRB Bhubaneswar: rrbbbs.gov.in
• RRB Chandigarh: rrbcdg.gov.in
• RRB Chennai: rrbchennai.gov.in
• RRB Kolkata: rrbkolkata.gov.in
• RRB Mumbai: rrbmumbai.gov.in
• RRB Secunderabad: rrbsecunderabad.gov.in

Expected Cut-off Trends

While actual cut-offs are declared post-exam, based on previous trends, here are the expected ranges:

RRB NTPC CBT 1 Cutoff (General Category)

• General: 72–78
• OBC: 68–74
• SC: 60–65
• ST: 55–60

RRB Group D CBT Cutoff (General Category)

• General: 65–70
• OBC: 60–65
• SC: 55–60
• ST: 50–55

Cutoffs vary depending on the number of vacancies, region, and difficulty level.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not checking the application status in time
• Ignoring regional website updates
• Carrying invalid photo IDs to the exam center
• Not adhering to admit card instructions
• Guessing answers without preparation, leading to negative marking

Conclusion

The RRB Railway NTPC and Group D 2025 exams offer a golden opportunity for lakhs of job seekers aiming for a secure and prestigious position in the Indian Railways. Although the exam dates are yet to be confirmed, preparation should not be delayed. Stay informed by regularly visiting the official RRB websites, maintain a consistent study routine, and ensure all documents are in order before the exam day.

With the right approach and preparation, cracking RRB NTPC and Group D 2025 is well within reach. Use this waiting period to strengthen your foundation, take mock tests, and stay motivated.

FAQs

Q1. Has the RRB NTPC 2025 exam date been announced?
No, as of now, the RRB has not officially released the CBT 1 exam dates. Tentative timelines suggest it may be held between June and July 2025.

Q2. How will I know if my application is accepted?
You can check your application status on your respective RRB regional website using your registration credentials.

Q3. When will the admit cards be released?
Admit cards will be made available 4 days prior to the exam date.

Q4. Is there negative marking in the RRB exams?
Yes, there is a penalty of 1/3 mark for each incorrect answer in both NTPC and Group D exams.

Q5. Can I apply for both NTPC and Group D?
Yes, if eligible, candidates can apply for both exams, but must ensure they meet the educational and age criteria for each post.

Keywords

• RRB Railway NTPC
• RRB NTPC 2025 Exam Date
• RRB Group D 2025 Schedule
• RRB NTPC Application Status
• RRB Admit Card Download
• RRB Group D Exam Pattern
• Railway Exam Updates 2025
• RRB CEN 05/2024
• RRB CEN 08/2024
• RRB CBT 1 Preparation