The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the RRB NTPC admit card 2026 for the upcoming Computer-Based Test (CBT 1). Candidates who applied for the graduate-level Non-Technical Popular Categories can now download their e-call letters. You must access the respective regional RRB portals using your official login credentials.
Crucial Update for Railway Aspirants
The recruitment board has initiated the most critical phase of this massive hiring drive. Authorities have activated the download links for the hall tickets across all regional websites. Candidates must secure their physical copies well in advance to avoid last-minute server issues.
You cannot enter the examination venue without this mandatory document. The exam invigilators will verify your identity strictly against the details printed on your call letter. Therefore, keeping a clear, printed copy is absolutely essential for every applicant.
Important Dates for CBT 1 Examination
According to the official schedule, the CBT 1 examination will begin on March 16, 2026. The board will conduct these tests in multiple shifts until March 27, 2026. The authorities have established designated examination centres across the country to accommodate a large volume of candidates.
Prior to issuing the hall tickets, the board provided an exam city intimation slip. This preliminary document allowed candidates to finalize their travel arrangements. However, officials strictly warn that the city slip is solely for informational purposes and holds no validity at the entry gate.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download the Call Letter
Downloading your e-call letter is a straightforward process. First, visit the official website of the specific regional RRB where you originally submitted your application. You can also access the central portal and navigate to your respective zone.

Once on the homepage, locate the highlighted link for the CBT 1 graduate-level admit card. Clicking this link will redirect you to a secure login page. Here, you must enter your valid registration number and your date of birth as the password.
After submitting the correct details, your hall ticket will appear on the screen. Download the PDF file immediately and save it to your local device. Always print at least two clear copies on standard A4 paper for backup purposes.
Essential Details to Verify on Your Document
Simply downloading the document is not enough. Candidates must carefully review all the printed information immediately. Start by checking the spelling of your full name and your father’s name. These must match your official ID proofs exactly.
Next, verify your registration number, roll number, and the assigned examination date. Pay close attention to your specific shift timing and the reporting time. Finally, check the complete address of your allotted examination centre and plan your travel route accordingly.
What to Do in Case of Discrepancies?
Sometimes, technical errors may cause incorrect information to appear on the call letter. If you notice any discrepancy in your personal details, photograph, or signature, you must act quickly. Do not wait for the examination day to raise this issue.
Contact your respective regional RRB office immediately through their official helpdesk email or phone numbers. Provide your registration details and clearly explain the error. The board usually resolves such critical issues promptly to ensure candidates do not face unfair disqualification.
Mandatory Documents for the Examination Day
Carrying your printed e-call letter is only the first requirement. Candidates must also bring a valid, original photo identity proof to the examination centre. Acceptable documents include an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License.
The name on your ID proof must perfectly match the name on your hall ticket. Furthermore, you should carry two recent passport-size color photographs. These photographs must be identical to the one you uploaded during the initial application process.
Exam Day Guidelines and Prohibited Items
Strict security protocols govern the railway recruitment examinations. Candidates must reach the exam centre at least one hour before the official reporting time. Latecomers will face strict denial of entry under all circumstances.
The authorities prohibit all electronic gadgets inside the testing facility. This ban includes mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, and digital calculators. Additionally, avoid wearing heavy jewelry or clothing with large metallic buttons to ensure a smooth frisking process.
RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern Overview
Understanding the exam structure is crucial for your final revision. The CBT 1 is an objective-type test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates will have exactly 90 minutes to complete the entire examination.

The question paper features three distinct sections. General Awareness holds the maximum weightage with 40 questions. Mathematics and General Intelligence & Reasoning contain 30 questions each. This balanced structure tests both your knowledge and your analytical speed.
Negative Marking and Qualification Criteria
Candidates must approach the question paper with caution. The board implements a strict negative marking policy for CBT 1. For every incorrect answer, the system will deduct one-third (1/3) of the marks assigned to that question. Therefore, blind guessing can severely damage your final score.
Remember that CBT 1 serves purely as a screening test. The marks you secure in this phase will not count towards the final merit list. However, you must clear the category-wise cut-off to qualify for the highly competitive CBT 2 examination.
Normalization Process Explained
Because the board conducts the examination across multiple shifts and days, the difficulty level of the question papers may vary slightly. To ensure fairness, the RRB employs a statistical normalization process.
This mathematical formula adjusts candidate scores based on the relative difficulty of their specific shift. Consequently, your raw score might increase or decrease slightly after normalization. The final shortlisting for the second stage will rely entirely on these normalized marks.

Final Preparation Tips for Aspirants
With the examination dates fast approaching, candidates should shift their focus entirely to revision. Avoid starting any complex, new topics at this late stage. Instead, review your short notes, formulas, and historical dates thoroughly.
Taking mock tests during the exact timing of your allotted shift can significantly boost your performance. This practice aligns your biological clock with the exam schedule. Lastly, ensure you get adequate sleep before the exam day to maintain peak mental sharpness.
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