Railway RRB Exam Calendar 2026: The Railway Board has officially released the RRB Exam Calendar 2026, giving candidates a clear month-wise schedule of when each Railway recruitment process will begin. This includes the timeline for vacancy assessment, indenting, and preparation of notifications for major posts like Assistant Loco Pilot, Technicians, JE, NTPC, Paramedical, Ministerial categories, and Level 1. This structured calendar helps applicants plan their preparation by knowing exactly when each recruitment cycle is expected to move forward.
Indian Railways has released the latest recruitment and examination schedule through a review of the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) recruitment process. The schedule includes important dates for RRB NTPC, ALP, Group D (Level-1), JE, Technician, Section Controller, and other examinations. Candidates can check CBT dates, second-stage exams, skill tests, document verification, and expected final selection timelines.
Railway RRB Exam Calendar 2026 Overview
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
|---|---|
| Released Through | Railway Ministry Review Meeting |
| Release Date | 12 June 2026 |
| Exams Covered | NTPC, ALP, Group D, JE, Technician, Section Controller |
| Mode of Exam | CBT (Computer Based Test) |
| Official Source | PIB (Press Information Bureau) |
RRB Recruitment Notification Calendar 2026 (Month-Wise)
This structured calendar helps candidates know the exact period when the notification work is expected to begin.
| Recruitment Category | Expected Notification Month |
|---|---|
| Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) | February 2026 |
| Technician | March 2026 |
| Section Controller | April 2026 |
| JE / DMS / CMA | July 2026 |
| Paramedical Categories | July 2026 |
| NTPC Graduate Level | August 2026 |
| NTPC Undergraduate Level | August 2026 |
| Ministerial & Isolated Categories | September 2026 |
| Level-1 (Group D) | October 2026 |
Nodal RRBs for 2026 Recruitment
Each recruitment category has been assigned to a Nodal RRB for coordination:
| Category | Nodal RRB |
|---|---|
| Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) | RRB Jammu |
| Technicians | RRB Thiruvananthapuram |
| JE / DMS / CMA | RRB Bhubaneswar |
| NTPC Graduate | RRB Prayagraj |
| NTPC Undergraduate | RRB Ahmedabad |
| Paramedical | RRB Bilaspur |
| Level 1 (Group D) | RRB Chandigarh |
| Ministerial & Isolated | RRB Guwahati |
| Section Controller | RRB Mumbai |
RRB Group D (Level-1) Exam 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| CEN No. | 08/2024 |
| Vacancies | 32,438 |
| CBT-1 Date | 27 Nov 2025 to 10 Feb 2026 |
| CBT-2 Date | NA |
| Next Stage | NA |
| Final Selection | Pending |
RRB ALP Exam 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| CEN No. | 01/2025 |
| Vacancies | 10,970 |
| CBT-1 Date | 13 Feb 2026 to 11 Mar 2026 |
| CBT-2 Date | 28 Jul 2026 |
| CBAT Date | 30 Oct 2026 |
| Final Selection | Nov 2026 |
RRB Section Controller Exam 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| CEN No. | 04/2025 |
| Vacancies | 368 |
| CBT-1 Date | 11-12 Feb 2026 |
| CBT-2 Date | NA |
| Skill Test | 06 Jun 2026 |
| Final Selection | Aug 2026 |
RRB JE Exam 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| CEN No. | 05/2025 |
| Vacancies | 2,585 |
| CBT-1 Date | 19, 20 & 25 Feb 2026 |
| CBT-2 Date | 02 Jul 2026 |
| Next Stage | NA |
| Final Selection | Sep 2026 |
RRB NTPC Graduate Level Exam 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| CEN No. | 06/2025 |
| Vacancies | 5,810 |
| CBT-1 Date | 16 Mar 2026 to 27 Mar 2026 |
| CBT-2 Date | 10 Jul 2026 |
| CBTST / CBAT | 30 Sep 2026 |
| Final Selection | Dec 2026 |
RRB NTPC Undergraduate Level Exam 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| CEN No. | 07/2025 |
| Vacancies | 3,058 |
| CBT-1 Date | 07-09 May 2026 & 13-20 Jun 2026 |
| CBT-2 Date | 17 Sep 2026* |
| CBTST / CBAT | 04 Dec 2026* |
| Final Selection | Mar 2027 |
(Tentative dates)*
Important Links
| Link Type | Action |
|---|---|
| Railway RRB Exam Calendar 2026 PDF (dated 12.06.2026) | [Download PDF] |
| Railway RRB Exam Calendar 2026 PDF (dated 05.12.2025) | [Download PDF] |
| Railway RRB Regional Websites | [Visit RRBs] |
Note: The PDF download links and official RRB websites are available on the official RRB portal at rrb.gov.in.
Key Takeaways for Railway Aspirants (2026 Cycle)
Looking at the tables above, a few critical things stand out for serious candidates:
1. The Most Popular Exam: RRB NTPC (Graduate Level)
- CEN No.: 06/2025
- Vacancies: 5,810
- CBT-1 Date: 16-27 March 2026
- CBT-2 Date: 10 July 2026
- CBTST/CBAT: 30 September 2026
- Final Selection: December 2026
This is the most sought-after railway exam for graduates. If you are a graduate, this is your main target. The CBT-1 is just a few months away – start your preparation immediately.
2. The Biggest Recruitment: RRB Group D (Level-1)
- CEN No.: 08/2024
- Vacancies: 32,438
- CBT-1 Date: 27 Nov 2025 to 10 Feb 2026
This is the largest recruitment in this calendar with over 32,000 vacancies. The CBT-1 is already underway (started in November 2025). If you haven’t applied, you’ll have to wait for the next cycle (October 2026).
3. Engineering Aspirants: RRB JE
- CEN No.: 05/2025
- Vacancies: 2,585
- CBT-1 Date: 19, 20 & 25 February 2026
- CBT-2 Date: 2 July 2026
- Final Selection: September 2026
If you are a Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, or Electronics Engineer, this is your golden ticket. The CBT-1 is in February 2026 – you have roughly 6-7 months to prepare.
4. Defense & Safety Aspirants: RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot)
- CEN No.: 01/2025
- Vacancies: 10,970
- CBT-1 Date: 13 Feb to 11 March 2026
- CBT-2 Date: 28 July 2026
- CBAT Date: 30 October 2026
- Final Selection: November 2026
This is a highly technical exam. ALPs are responsible for operating trains safely. The selection process has multiple stages – CBT-1, CBT-2, and CBAT (Computer Based Aptitude Test). Start your technical preparation now.
5. The Smallest but Elite: RRB Section Controller
- CEN No.: 04/2025
- Vacancies: Only 368
- CBT-1 Date: 11-12 February 2026
- Skill Test: 6 June 2026
- Final Selection: August 2026
This is the most competitive exam in this calendar due to the low number of vacancies. Only the best candidates will make it through.
6. NTPC Undergraduate – Second Chance for 12th Pass
- CEN No.: 07/2025
- Vacancies: 3,058
- CBT-1 Date: 7-9 May 2026 & 13-20 June 2026
- CBT-2 Date: 17 September 2026*
- CBTST/CBAT: 4 December 2026*
- Final Selection: March 2027
If you have just completed Class 12 or are a 12th pass, this is your chance. The CBT-1 has multiple dates, giving you some flexibility.
Table 11: Quick Summary – Which Exam is Right for You?
| If you are… | Target Exam | CEN No. | Vacancies | CBT-1 Date | Final Selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A graduate (any stream) | NTPC Graduate | 06/2025 | 5,810 | 16-27 Mar 2026 | Dec 2026 |
| A 12th pass | NTPC Undergraduate | 07/2025 | 3,058 | 7-9 May & 13-20 Jun 2026 | Mar 2027 |
| An Engineer | RRB JE | 05/2025 | 2,585 | 19, 20 & 25 Feb 2026 | Sep 2026 |
| Interested in technical operations | RRB ALP | 01/2025 | 10,970 | 13 Feb-11 Mar 2026 | Nov 2026 |
| Physically fit + 10th pass | Group D (Level-1) | 08/2024 | 32,438 | 27 Nov 2025-10 Feb 2026 | Pending |
| Interested in elite operations | Section Controller | 04/2025 | 368 | 11-12 Feb 2026 | Aug 2026 |
Key Highlights from the Railway Ministry Review
According to the official notification:
- 43,781 candidates have been recruited in FY 2025-26.
- 47,084 vacancies are covered under completed recruitment cycles.
- All departmental exams are now being conducted through CBT (Computer Based Test).
- Railway Ministry is planning expansion of tablet-based examinations.
- Recruitment exams are conducted in up to 15 languages.
- An annual recruitment calendar continues for better planning.
How to Download the Official RRB Exam Calendar 2026 PDF
Follow these simple steps:
- Go to the official RRB website: rrb.gov.in
- On the homepage, look for the “What’s New” or “Recruitment” section
- Find the link that says: “RRB Exam Calendar 2026” or “Railway Recruitment Schedule 2026”
- Click the PDF icon to download it (the reference URL provides two PDF dates – 12.06.2026 and 05.12.2025)
- Pro tip: Print this PDF and paste it on your study wall. Cross off each exam as you complete it.
RRB Exam Calendar 2026 – Important Notes
Before you start planning, keep these three things in mind:
| ✅ Do This | ❌ Don’t Do This |
|---|---|
| Check RRB website every month for updates | Assume dates will never change |
| Start preparing at least 3 months before the CBT-1 | Wait for CBT-2 dates to start studying |
| Apply for multiple exams (if eligible) | Rely on only one exam |
Official Disclaimer: The dates mentioned in this calendar are tentative / proposed. The Railway Board can change them based on administrative exigencies. Always refer to the official notification for exact dates.
Final Advice – Your 18-Month Railway Roadmap
Now that you know the Railway RRB Exam Calendar 2026, here is a simple roadmap:
By February 2026
- Attempt RRB ALP CBT-1 (13 Feb – 11 March)
- Attempt RRB Section Controller CBT-1 (11-12 Feb)
- Attempt RRB JE CBT-1 (19, 20 & 25 Feb)
By March-June 2026
- Attempt RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-1 (16-27 March)
- Attempt RRB NTPC Undergraduate CBT-1 (7-9 May & 13-20 June)
- Start preparing for CBT-2 of all exams
By July-September 2026
- Attempt RRB ALP CBT-2 (28 July)
- Attempt RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-2 (10 July)
- Attempt RRB NTPC Undergraduate CBT-2 (17 September*)
- Attempt RRB JE CBT-2 (2 July)
By October-December 2026
- Attempt RRB ALP CBAT (30 October)
- Attempt RRB NTPC Graduate CBTST/CBAT (30 September)
- Attempt RRB NTPC Undergraduate CBTST/CBAT (4 December*)
- Final selections start
By March 2027
- RRB NTPC Undergraduate Final Selection (March 2027)
Final Words
The Railway RRB Exam Calendar 2026 is your best friend for the next 12 months. It tells you exactly when to start applying and when to be exam-ready. But remember – a calendar is just a plan. Your hard work and consistency will decide your rank.
Bookmark this page. Share it with your friends who are also preparing for Railway exams. And most importantly – start today. Not tomorrow, not next week. Today.
Good luck with your Railway RRB preparation for 2026.
Disclaimer: This information is based on the official Railway RRB Exam Calendar released through the Railway Ministry Review Meeting on 12 June 2026. Dates are subject to change. Always refer to the official RRB website at rrb.gov.in for the latest updates and exact exam dates.