The Railway Recruitment Board has officially released the results for the RRB NTPC Undergraduate CBT-1 India, shortlisting 51,979 candidates for the next stage — CBT-2 . The announcement, made on November 21, 2025, came after weeks of anticipation, with candidates logging into regional portals like rrb.gov.in, rrbcdg.gov.in, and rrbbilaspur.gov.in at 5:00 PM IST to check their scores. Out of a staggering 63 lakh applicants vying for just 3,445 vacancies, less than 1% made the cut — a reminder of just how fiercely competitive India’s railway recruitment exams have become.
How the Results Were Structured
The CBT-1 exam, held across 18 dates between August 7 and September 9, 2025, tested candidates on three sections: General Awareness (50 questions), Mathematics (35), and General Intelligence & Reasoning (35) — each worth 35 to 50 marks. The board released individual scorecards showing section-wise performance, total marks, and qualifying status. Unlike previous years, this result included a detailed breakdown of percentile ranks and normalized scores, a move aimed at improving transparency after complaints of inconsistency in earlier cycles.
The RRB published zone-wise result PDFs — from RRB Thiruvananthapuram with 102 vacancies to RRB Chandigarh and RRB Bilaspur — each with different cut-offs. For instance, the UR category cut-off in RRB Mumbai hovered around 82.5 marks, while in RRB Guwahati, it dipped to 76.3. OBC candidates needed 75.1 in Delhi, but only 68.9 in RRB Chennai. The variation? It’s not random. It’s calculated based on vacancy distribution, regional applicant density, and average performance.
Who Made the Cut — And Why It Matters
Of the 51,979 shortlisted candidates, nearly 68% came from the UR category, followed by OBC (21%), SC (9%), and ST (2%). EWS candidates, though not separately listed in the PDFs, were included in the overall merit list. What’s striking isn’t just the numbers — it’s the geography. Over 40% of qualified candidates hailed from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, reflecting both population density and the high value placed on government jobs in these regions.
“This isn’t just about getting a job,” said Rajesh Kumar, a 22-year-old aspirant from Patna who scored 89.2. “It’s about stability. My father worked on the railways for 32 years. This exam? It’s our family’s dream.”
But not everyone celebrated. Many candidates who scored above 85 still didn’t qualify — a result of the normalization process. “I thought I was safe,” wrote one disappointed candidate on a Reddit thread. “Turns out, 12,000 people in my zone scored higher than me. The system’s fair, but brutal.”
What Comes Next — CBT-2 and Beyond
The next hurdle is CBT-2 , scheduled for December 20, 2025. This exam will be tougher, with more complex questions and a higher weightage in the final merit list. The syllabus expands to include advanced arithmetic, data interpretation, and situational reasoning. Candidates are being advised to focus on speed and accuracy — because even a 2-mark difference could cost you a seat.
After CBT-2, the process moves to document verification — where candidates must produce original certificates for caste, education, and age. A single mismatch, even in spelling, can lead to disqualification. Then comes the final merit list, expected by February 2026. Those selected will be posted as Junior Clerk, Goods Guard, Station Master, or other non-technical roles across India’s vast railway network.
The Bigger Picture: Why RRB NTPC Still Draws Millions
India’s railways employ over 1.2 million people — one of the largest workforces on Earth. And despite digital transformation and automation, these jobs remain among the most sought-after. Why? Job security, pension benefits, medical coverage, and social prestige. In a country where private sector jobs offer no guaranteed retirement, the railways still represent the last bastion of lifelong employment.
Yet, the system is strained. With over 6 million applicants for under 4,000 posts, the backlog of pending applications is growing. Critics say the process is too slow — the last NTPC cycle (CEN 05/2024) took over 20 months to complete. But for millions of young Indians, especially from rural areas, the wait is worth it.
How to Access Your Scorecard
To download your result:
- Visit your respective RRB zone’s official website (e.g., rrbcdg.gov.in for Chandigarh).
- Click on the ‘Results’ or ‘Latest Notice’ section.
- Find the link for ‘CBT-1 Result for CEN 06/2024’.
- Enter your registration number and password.
- Download and print the PDF — you’ll need it for CBT-2 and document verification.
Pro tip: Save a digital copy on your phone and email. Many candidates lose their printouts during the long wait between stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CBT-1 and CBT-2 in RRB NTPC?
CBT-1 is a screening test with 120 basic questions across three sections, used to shortlist candidates. CBT-2 is more advanced, with 120 questions that include higher difficulty math, data interpretation, and complex reasoning — and carries 70% weight in the final merit list. Scoring well in CBT-2 is critical, even if you had a high CBT-1 score.
Why are cut-off marks different across RRB zones?
Cut-offs vary because each RRB zone has a different number of vacancies and applicant density. For example, RRB Mumbai has more applicants per vacancy than RRB Agartala, so the cut-off is higher. The normalization formula also adjusts scores based on exam difficulty across different shifts, ensuring fairness.
Can I challenge my RRB NTPC result or score?
No, the RRB does not allow score challenges for CBT-1. The result is final, and normalization is done algorithmically. However, if you notice a discrepancy in your personal details on the scorecard, you can contact your regional RRB office with proof. But don’t expect a re-evaluation of marks.
What documents do I need for CBT-2 and document verification?
You’ll need your CBT-1 scorecard, original educational certificates (10th, 12th, degree), caste certificate (if applicable), income certificate (for EWS), photo ID, and passport-sized photos. Ensure all names match exactly — even a typo in your father’s name can cause delays. Keep 5 printed copies.
What happens if I qualify for CBT-2 but don’t appear?
If you miss CBT-2, you’re automatically disqualified from the entire recruitment process. There’s no reattempt or carry-forward. The RRB doesn’t offer exceptions, even for medical emergencies — unless you submit a valid medical certificate within 72 hours of the exam date. But even then, approval is rare.
When will the final merit list be released?
The final merit list is expected by late February 2026, after CBT-2 results, document verification, and medical tests are completed. The entire process from CBT-1 to final posting can take up to 18 months. Patience is part of the journey — and many candidates use this time to prepare for other exams like SSC or state-level recruitment.
