RRB has announced that RRB NTPC exam 2019-20 will take place from 15th December 2020. Uptil now, 5 phases of the NTPC examination had been completed and the 6th phase is about to begin from 1st April 2021. Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) had invited the online applications from eligible candidates for the posts that come under Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) in 2019. Candidates who wish to apply for the RRB NTPC exam have to follow the prescribed RRB NTPC eligibility criteria. Before submitting the RRB NTPC application form, candidates must thoroughly go through the RRB NTPC eligibility criteria to ensure that they satisfy all the eligibility conditions as per the official notification.
RRB NTPC eligibility criteria differ from one post to another. Candidates can avail the complete information about RRB NTPC eligibility criteria in this article.
Important Update
- The sixth phase of RRB NTPC CBT 1 exam will be conducted on 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 April 2021
- RRB NTPC 2019 (Cen 01/2019), which was scheduled to be conducted between June and September 2019 will be conducted from 15th December 2020.
- Approximately 35,208 vacancies will be filled through RRB NTPC 2019-20.
- More than 1.26 crore applicants have already applied for the RRB NTPC exam.
- A total of 10628 posts for Class 12 (pass outs) and another 24649 posts for graduates were announced under RRB NTPC category.
RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria – Exam Notification
The official RRB NTPC notification 2020-21 was released on 28th February 2019. RRB NTPC online application process was conducted from 1st March 2019 and continued till 31st March 2019. Both Railway Minister, Mr. Piyush Goyal and RRB Chairman, Mr. V K Yadav have officially declared that the RRB NTPC 2020-21 CBT Stage 1 will be conducted from 15th December 2020.
RRB has assured candidates of publishing the revised RRB NTPC schedule on all the official websites of RRBs. Candidates can find below all the important events and dates associated with the RRB NTPC 2020-2021 exam.
RRB NTPC Schedule
| RRB NTPC 2020-21 Exam Events | Important Dates |
| Release Date of RRB NTPC notification 2021 (2019) | 28th February 2019 |
| Opening of Online Registration of RRB NTPC Application forms | 1st March 2019 (6:00 PM) |
| Closing of Online Registration of RRB NTPC Application forms | 31st March 2019 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date to Submit the Application Fee | 5th April 2019 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date to Submit RRB NTPC Application forms | 12th April 2019 (11:59 PM) |
| RRB NTPC Admit Card Release Date | 22nd March 2021 (6th phase) |
| RRB NTPC Exam Date (1st Stage Computer Based Test (CBT)) | From 15th December 2020
1, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 April 2021 (6th phase) |
RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria – Nationality
As per RRB NTPC eligibility criteria, a candidate should either be an Indian citizen or citizen of the countries highlighted below. The applying candidate must be either a:
- Citizen of India
- OR a Subject of Bhutan
- OR a Subject of Nepal
- OR a Person of Indian origin who has migrated from:
- Sri Lanka
- East African Countries (Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Zaire (to settle permanently in India))
- Burma
- Pakistan
- Vietnam
5. OR a Tibetan refugee who migrated to India before 1st January 1962 to settle permanently in India
Note: An eligibility certificate must be issued by the Government favouring the candidates belonging to the category number 2,3,4 & 5
RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria – Educational Qualifications
Candidates applying for the RRB NTPC exam 2019-20 must note that Indian Railway Board has laid down several educational conditions under RRB NTPC eligibility criteria. Criteria are dependent on posts for which each of the candidates are applying.
They must have the minimum educational qualifications from a recognized university board as indicated in the table below.
RRB NTPC Educational Qualification for Different Posts
| Level in 7th CPC | Name of the Posts | RRB NTPC Education Qualification | Required Proficiency |
| 6 | Station Master | Degree holder (Graduate) from a recognized university or equivalent | Typing proficiency in English / Hindi on the computer is compulsory |
| 6 | Commercial Apprentice (CA) | Degree holder (Graduate) from a recognized university or equivalent | – |
| 5 | Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist | Degree holder (Graduate) from a recognized university or equivalent | Typing proficiency in English / Hindi on the computer is compulsory |
| 5 | Goods Guard | Degree holder (Graduate) from a recognized university or equivalent | – |
| 5 | Senior Time Keeper | Degree holder (Graduate) from a recognized university or equivalent | Typing proficiency in English / Hindi on the computer is compulsory |
| 5 | Senior Commercial Cum Ticket Clerk | Degree holder (Graduate) from a recognized university or equivalent | – |
| 5 | Senior Clerk Cum Typist | Degree holder (Graduate) from a recognized university or equivalent | Typing proficiency in English / Hindi on the computer is compulsory |
| 5 | Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist | Degree holder (Graduate) from a recognized university or equivalent | – |
| 4 | Traffic Assistant | Degree holder (Graduate) from a recognized university or equivalent | – |
| 3 | Commercial Cum Ticket Clerk | Class 12 (+2 Stage) or its equivalent with not less than an aggregate of 50% marks.
50% marks are not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/Persons with Benchmark Disability/Ex-servicemen and candidates who possess qualifications higher than 12th (+2 stage). |
Typing proficiency in English / Hindi on the computer is compulsory |
| 2 | Accounts Clerk Cum Typist | Class 12 (+2 Stage) or its equivalent with not less than an aggregate of 50% marks.
50% marks are not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/Persons with Benchmark Disability/Ex-servicemen and candidates who possess qualifications higher than 12th (+2 stage). |
Typing proficiency in English / Hindi on the computer is compulsory |
| 2 | Trains Clerk | Class 12 (+2 Stage) or its equivalent with not less than an aggregate of 50% marks.
50% marks are not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/Persons with Benchmark Disability / Ex-servicemen and candidates who possess qualifications higher than 12th (+2 stage). |
Typing proficiency in English / Hindi on the computer is compulsory |
| 2 | Junior Time Keeper | Class 12 (+2 Stage) or its equivalent with not less than an aggregate of 50% marks.
50% marks are not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/Persons with Benchmark Disability / Ex-servicemen and candidates who possess qualifications higher than 12th (+2 stage). |
Typing proficiency in English/Hindi on the computer is compulsory |
| 2 | Junior Clerk Cum Typist | Class 12 (+2 Stage) or its equivalent with not less than an aggregate of 50% marks.
50% marks are not to be insisted upon in case of SC/ST/Persons with Benchmark Disability/Ex-servicemen and candidates who possess qualifications higher than 12th (+2 stage). |
Typing proficiency in English/Hindi on the computer is compulsory |
RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria – Things to Remember Regarding Educational Requirements
Candidates must note the following points regarding the RRB NTPC educational criteria set by Indian Railway Recruitment Board:
- As per the RRB NTPC exam’s notified posts, candidates must have educational or technical qualifications from recognized Board/SCVT/NCVT as on the closing date of online RRB NTPC application form submission.
- Candidates awaiting the results of the final examination (Class 12) SHOULD NOT apply. Only Class 12 pass out candidates (as per the minimum educational qualification criteria) are eligible to apply for RRB NTPC exam 2019-20.
- Candidates having Diploma/Degree in Engineering or Graduate Act Apprentice will not fall under RRB NTPC eligibility criteria.
RRB NTPC Educational Criteria for Graduation via Distance or Non-Formal Education
In case of candidates graduating through distance or non-formal education, they should meet any of the two RRB NTPC eligibility criteria given below:
- Candidate must not be below 18 years as on 1st July of the year of admission to the course (graduation)
- Candidate should have enrolled in a 3-year degree program via distance or non-formal education by passing an entrance test
- Candidate should have completed 12 years of schooling and have passed from a recognized university or equivalent
RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria – Age Limit and Relaxation
Before applying for the different RRB NTPC posts, candidates should fulfil the important age limit eligibility norms. RRB has set an upper and lower age limit for candidates who wish to appear for the RRB NTPC exam 2019-20. For the 7th CPC Level Under Graduate Level Posts (Level 2 and Level 3), candidates’ date of birth should be between the upper and lower limit.
Under-Graduate Level
RRB NTPC Age Limit for Under-Graduate Level Posts
| Level | Lower and Upper Age Limit |
| General
(Upper limit of date of birth (Not earlier than)) |
From 2nd July 1989 to 1st July 2019 – 18 to 33 years |
| SC/ST
(Upper limit of date of birth (Not earlier than)) |
From 2nd July 1984 to 1st July 2019 – 18 to 35 years |
| OBC-Non
Creamy Layer (Upper limit of date of birth (Not earlier than)) |
From 2nd July 1986 to 1st July 2019 – 18 to 33 years |
Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories – Under-Graduate Level Posts
There is a certain age relaxation (maximum upper age) provided to the candidates belonging from particular categories/communities. Candidates under these categories are required to submit requisite certificates.
| SI No. | Category | Age Limit Relaxation (Upper Age as on 1st July 2019) | |
| 1 | Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 3 years (33) | |
| 2 | Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe | 5 years (35) | |
| 3 | Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | SC/ST | 15 years (45) |
| OBC | 13 years (43) | ||
| General | 10 years (40) | ||
| 4 | Ex-Servicemen candidates who have put in more than 6 months service after attestation (General) | SC/ST | 35 Years + Number of years of service rendered in Defence + 3 years |
| OBC | 33 Years + Number of years of service rendered in Defence + 3 years | ||
| General | 30 Years + Number of years of service rendered in Defence + 3 years | ||
| 5 | Candidates who are serving Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ Railway Staff, Casual Labour and Substitutes and put in a minimum of 3 years’ service (continuous or in broken spells) | SC/ST | 15 years (45) |
| OBC | 13 years (43) | ||
| General | 10 years (40) | ||
| 6 | Candidates who have ordinarily been domiciled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir during the period from 01.01.1980 to 31.12.1989 | SC/ST | 10 years (40) |
| OBC | 8 years (38) | ||
| General | 5 years (35) | ||
| 7 | Women candidates, who are widowed, divorced or judicially separated from husband but not remarried | SC/ST | 10 years (40) |
| OBC | 8 years (38) | ||
| General | 5 years (35) | ||
| 8 | Candidates who are working in Quasi-Administrative offices of the Railway organization such as Railway Canteens, Co-operative Societies and Institutes | SC/ST | 35 Years + length of service rendered or 5 years, whichever is lower |
| OBC | 33 Years + length of service rendered or 5 years, whichever is lower | ||
| General | 30 Years + length of service rendered or 5 years, whichever is lower | ||
Graduate Level
RRB NTPC Age Limit for Graduate Level Posts
| Level | Lower and Upper Age Limit | |
| General
(Upper limit of date of birth (Not earlier than)) |
From 2nd July 1986 to 1st July 2019 – 18 to 33 years | |
| SC/ST
(Upper limit of date of birth (Not earlier than)) |
From 2nd July 1986 to 1st July 2019 – 18 to 33 years | |
| OBC-Non
Creamy Layer (Upper limit of date of birth (Not earlier than)) |
From 2nd July 1986 to 1st July 2019 – 18 to 33 years | |
Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories – Under-Graduate Level Posts
Candidates will find the upper age limit relaxation for different categories in the below table:
| SI No. | Category | Age Limit Relaxation (Upper Age as on 1st July 2019) | |
| 1 | Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 3 years (33) | |
| 2 | Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe | 5 years (35) | |
| 3 | Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | SC/ST | 15 years (48) |
| OBC | 13 years (46) | ||
| General | 10 years (43) | ||
| 4 | Ex-Servicemen candidates who have put in more than 6 months service after attestation (General) | SC/ST | 38 Years + Number of years of service rendered in Defence + 3 years |
| OBC | 36 Years + Number of years of service rendered in Defence + 3 years | ||
| General | 33 Years + Number of years of service rendered in Defence + 3 years | ||
| 5 | Candidates who are serving Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ Railway Staff, Casual Labour and Substitutes and put in a minimum of 3 years’ service (continuous or in broken spells) | SC/ST | 12 years (45) |
| OBC | 10 years (43) | ||
| General | 7 years (40) | ||
| 6 | Candidates who have ordinarily been domiciled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir during the period from 01.01.1980 to 31.12.1989 | SC/ST | 10 years (43) |
| OBC | 8 years (41) | ||
| General | 5 years (38) | ||
| 7 | Women candidates, who are widowed, divorced or judicially separated from husband but not remarried | SC/ST | 7 years (40) |
| OBC | 5 years (38) | ||
| General | 2 years (35) | ||
| 8 | Candidates who are working in Quasi-Administrative offices of the Railway organization such as Railway Canteens, Co-operative Societies and Institutes | SC/ST | 38 Years + length of service rendered or 5 years, whichever is lower |
| OBC | 36 Years + length of service rendered or 5 years, whichever is lower | ||
| General | 33 Years + length of service rendered or 5 years, whichever is lower | ||
RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria – Age Limit as per Post Level
The maximum age limit that a candidate must have as on 1st July 2019 to apply for RRB NTPC exam is 30 years whereas the minimum age limit is 18 years (undergraduate level). Similarly, the minimum limit is 18 years and the maximum is 33 years as per the RRB NTPC eligibility criteria for graduate-level candidates.
Candidates must check the post name, post level category and the associated age group before applying for RRB NTPC exam 2019-20.
RRB NTPC Age Limit as per Post Level
| Sl. No | Level in 7th CPC | Name of the post | Age Limit |
| 1 | 6 | Station Master | 18 to 33 Years |
| 2 | 6 | Commercial Apprentice | |
| 3 | 5 | Senior Time Keeper | |
| 4 | 5 | Junior Account Assistant cum Typist | |
| 5 | 5 | Senior Clerk cum Typist | |
| 6 | 5 | Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | |
| 7 | 5 | Goods Guard | |
| 8 | 4 | Traffic Assistant | |
| 9 | 3 | Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | 18 to 30 Years |
| 10 | 2 | Trains Clerk | |
| 11 | 2 | Junior Time Keeper | |
| 12 | 2 | Accounts Clerk cum Typist | |
| 13 | 2 | Junior Clerk cum Typist |
RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria – Typing Proficiency for Specific Posts
Typing proficiency is not compulsory for every RRB post. This test is specifically for those posts which demand extensive typing. Candidates applying for the positions highlighted below must have a higher typing proficiency:
- Junior Clerk Cum Typist
- Junior Time Keeper
- Trains Clerk
- Accounts Clerk Cum Typist
- Commercial Cum Ticket Clerk
- Senior Clerk Cum Typist
- Senior Time Keeper
- Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist
- Station Master
Writing/typing capability test does not fall under the RRB NTPC CBT 1 exam. Typing Skill Test is directed to candidates shortlisted for the second round. RRB NTPC eligibility criteria regarding typing proficiency:
- Hindi Language Typing: 25 words per minute in Kruti Dev or Mangal font.
- English Language Typing: 30 words per minute
RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria – Medical Fitness Test
Railway Administration has set a few medical standards to ensure that candidates are physically fit to carry out duties related to the post opted by them. It is one of the most important RRB NTPC eligibility criteria and candidates have to be a part of this test.
Candidates have to go through four stages during the RRB NTPC exam, namely:
- CBT 1 (Computer-Based Test 1)
- CBT 2 (Computer-Based Test 2)
- Typing/Skill/Aptitude Test
- Document Verification
After passing through the first four stages, fitness tests are conducted. Without qualifying the medical test, no candidate will be deemed fit for the job.
Candidates will find below all the medical requirements underlined as RRB NTPC eligibility criteria for different categories in the below table:
RRB NTPC Vision Test Parameters
| SI No. | Medical Standards | General Fitness | Visual Acuity |
| 1 | A-1 | Physically fit in all respects |
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| 2 | A-2 | Physically fit in all respects |
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| 3 | B-1 | Physically fit in all respects |
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| 4 | B-2 | Physically fit in all respects |
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| 5 | C-1 | Physically fit in all respects |
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RRB NTPC Medical Standards as per Post Level
| Sl. No | Level in 7th CPC | Name of the post | Medical Standards |
| 1 | 6 | Station Master | A1 |
| 2 | 6 | Commercial Apprentice | B1 |
| 3 | 5 | Senior Time Keeper | C1 |
| 4 | 5 | Junior Account Assistant cum Typist | C1 |
| 5 | 5 | Senior Clerk cum Typist | C1 |
| 6 | 5 | Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | B2 |
| 7 | 5 | Goods Guard | A1 |
| 8 | 4 | Traffic Assistant | A1 |
| 9 | 3 | Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | B1 |
| 10 | 2 | Trains Clerk | A2 |
| 11 | 2 | Junior Time Keeper | C1 |
| 12 | 2 | Accounts Clerk cum Typist | C1 |
| 13 | 2 | Junior Clerk cum Typist | C1 |
RRB NTPC Eligibility Criteria – FAQs
Do candidates have the option to select the exam date for the RRB NTPC exam?
No. Slot booking for RRB NTPC exam is not provided to candidates. RRB assigns the RRB exam date to all the candidates.
I'm a class 12 pass out? Do I fall under the RRB NTPC eligibility criteria?
Yes. You fall under the RRB NTPC eligibility criteria and can apply for the exam. However, you will be able to apply for the RRB NTPC 2021 exam. This year, the RRB NTPC 2019 exam will be conducted.
What is the maximum age limit for Graduate candidates?
According to the RRB NTPC eligibility criteria, the upper age limit to apply for the exam is 33 years (without relaxation). To know about the relaxation in age limits, kindly refer to the above article.
Is there any physical test for RRB NTPC?
Yes. Candidates need to fulfil the RRB NTPC eligibility criteria associated with a vision test. However, these tests are not part of RRB CBT1 and CBT2.
I'm a class 12 pass out? Can I apply for the RRB NTPC exam for the post of Station Master?
No. Candidates with a graduation degree from a recognized university or equivalent can be selected for the post of a Station Master.
