The Railway Recruitment Board has officially released the results for its two major Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) exams in 2025 — a landmark moment for over 12 million applicants vying for nearly 11,200 government jobs across Indian Railways. The RRB NTPC Graduate Level results, for CEN No. 05/2024, dropped on September 19, 2025, followed by the RRB NTPC Undergraduate Level results on November 21, 2025. For many, this isn’t just a scorecard — it’s a lifeline to stable employment in a country where public sector jobs remain a dream for millions.
Who Qualified? The Numbers Behind the Results
The Graduate Level exam, held from June 5 to June 24, 2025, sought to fill 8,113 positions including roles like Senior Clerk, Commercial Apprentice, and Station Master. Meanwhile, the Undergraduate Level exam — conducted across 18 separate dates between August 7 and September 9, 2025 — aimed to recruit 3,058 candidates for roles such as Junior Clerk, Accounts Clerk, and Traffic Assistant. Combined, these two exams attracted over 12.7 million applications, making them among the most competitive government recruitment drives in recent memory.
Qualifying thresholds were strict. General and EWS candidates needed at least 40% to clear CBT-1, while OBC and SC candidates had to hit 30%. The cut-offs, which vary by region and category, were not published alongside the results — a move that’s drawn criticism from coaching centers and aspirants alike. "It’s like being told you passed, but not how well," said Rajesh Mehta, a Delhi-based educator who coaches over 200 NTPC aspirants annually. "Without knowing your percentile, you can’t gauge your chances for CBT-2.""
Where to Check Results — And What Comes Next
Results are live on regional RRB portals: rrbcdg.gov.in (Chandigarh), rrbald.gov.in (Allahabad), and rrbmumbai.gov.in (Mumbai), among others. Candidates must log in using their application number and date of birth to download their scorecards. The central portal, rrbapply.gov.in, also hosts the Graduate Level results.
But the journey isn’t over. The next hurdle is RRB NTPC CBT-2, scheduled for December 20, 2025. The exam city intimation slips will be released on December 10, 2025, and admit cards will go live four days before the test — on December 16. This tight timeline leaves little room for error. "Many candidates are still celebrating their CBT-1 results," noted Priya Sharma, a Mumbai-based career counselor. "But they’re already scrambling to find test centers, book travel, and re-study. The pressure doesn’t stop."
The Human Cost of the Process
Behind every result is a story. In Bihar, a 22-year-old woman from a rural village spent 18 months preparing while working part-time at a local tea stall. In Rajasthan, a father of three took three days off from his small shop to sit for the exam — a risk that could cost him daily income. For many, this isn’t just a job. It’s a generational shift.
The RRB’s decentralized structure — with 21 regional boards operating independently under the Ministry of Railways — adds complexity. While results are technically synchronized, the timing of notifications, document verification schedules, and even exam centers vary. "It’s a system designed for scale, not simplicity," said Dr. Anjali Kapoor, a public administration expert at Jawaharlal Nehru University. "Candidates are expected to navigate 21 different websites, each with slightly different interfaces. That’s not user-friendly — it’s exclusionary."
What Happens After CBT-2?
Those who clear CBT-2 will face skill tests — typing or computer-based assessments — depending on the post. For roles like Junior Clerk, a typing speed of 30 WPM in English or 25 WPM in Hindi is mandatory. After that, document verification and a medical examination follow. Final selections are expected by mid-2026.
But there’s a growing concern: delays. The last NTPC cycle, CEN 03/2019, took over three years to complete. Many who qualified in 2020 are still waiting for their first posting. "If history repeats, we could be looking at another 18-24 months of uncertainty," said veteran NTPC analyst Vikram Singh.
Why This Matters Beyond the Job Market
These exams aren’t just about filling vacancies. They’re a barometer of India’s public employment ecosystem. With youth unemployment hovering around 23% and over 15 million graduates entering the job market each year, government exams like NTPC represent the last reliable ladder for upward mobility. The fact that 12 million people applied for 11,200 posts tells you everything about the desperation — and the hope — driving this system.
As the December 20 deadline looms, millions are now back at their desks, textbooks open, flashcards ready. The results are out. But the real test? Just beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check my RRB NTPC CBT-1 result if I forgot my application number?
If you’ve forgotten your application number, visit the official RRB portal for your region and use the ‘Forgot Application Number’ feature. You’ll need your registered mobile number or email ID. If that’s unavailable, you can check your confirmation email or SMS sent during registration. Some regional boards also allow search by name and date of birth — but this varies, so act quickly before records are archived.
What if I scored just below the cutoff? Is there any chance of reconsideration?
No, RRB does not entertain requests for re-evaluation or cutoff adjustments. The cutoffs are final and based on normalized scores across all exam sessions. Even if you missed the cutoff by 0.5%, there’s no appeal process. Your best move is to start preparing for CBT-2 if you’re close, or consider other state-level railway or government exams like RRB Group D or SSC CHSL.
Why are there so many regional RRB websites? Isn’t that confusing?
RRB operates through 21 regional boards to manage logistics across India’s vast geography. Each board handles applications and results for specific states. This decentralization helps with local language support and exam center allocation, but it creates inconsistency. Candidates often don’t know which regional board they’re assigned to until after application — leading to last-minute confusion over where to check results or download admit cards.
Will CBT-2 be harder than CBT-1?
Yes. CBT-1 is generally a qualifying exam with basic questions on general awareness, math, and reasoning. CBT-2 is more specialized, with deeper questions in math and reasoning, plus subject-specific content depending on the post. For Graduate Level, expect advanced quantitative problems. For Undergraduate Level, expect higher difficulty in general science and current affairs. Past papers show CBT-2 cut-offs are typically 10-15% higher than CBT-1.
What happens if I clear CBT-2 but fail the typing test?
Failing the skill test — like the typing requirement — means automatic disqualification, even if you topped CBT-2. There’s no second chance. Many candidates underestimate this stage. If you’re applying for clerk-level roles, practice typing daily for at least 30 minutes. Use free online tools like TypingClub or Keybr. Even a 10 WPM shortfall can cost you the job.
When will the final selection list be published?
Based on past cycles, final selections for CEN 05/2024 and CEN 06/2024 are unlikely before mid-2026. Document verification and medical checks take months, especially with regional backlogs. Some candidates from the 2019 cycle are still waiting. Stay updated through official RRB portals — never rely on third-party sites for final lists. Delays are common, but so is misinformation.