The Railway Recruitment Board has officially released the results for the RRB NTPC Undergraduate Level (UG) CBT-1 , marking a pivotal moment for over 1.5 million applicants across India. On November 21, 2025, the board unveiled the merit list containing the roll numbers of 51,978 candidates who cleared the first stage of recruitment for undergraduate-level posts under Centralized Employment Notification CEN 06/2024. The announcement, made public across all 21 regional RRB portals—including RRB Chandigarh (rrbcdg.gov.in), RRB Mumbai (rrbmumbai.gov.in), and RRB Allahabad (rrbald.gov.in)—sent ripples through the job-seeking community. For many, this isn’t just a result; it’s a lifeline to a stable government career. The scorecards became accessible the same day on the official portal rrb.digialm.com, requiring candidates to log in with their registration number and date of birth to view raw marks, normalized scores, and section-wise performance. This transparency, though welcome, also added pressure—every decimal point could mean the difference between advancing or waiting another year.
What Happened After the Exam?
The CBT-1 exam, held between August 7 and September 9, 2025, was the largest recruitment drive in Indian Railways’ recent history. Over 1.5 million candidates sat for the test, competing for roughly 8,000 vacancies spread across 350+ job roles—from Junior Clerk to Station Master. The answer key was released on September 15, 2025, followed by a two-week window for objections. By October, the normalization process began, adjusting scores to account for variations in difficulty across different exam slots. The final merit list, released on November 21, reflects this meticulous calibration. According to FreeJobAlert, the cutoffs varied significantly by region and category. In RRB Kolkata, for instance, the general category cutoff hovered around 82.45, while in RRB Guwahati, it dipped to 68.12—highlighting the regional disparities in competition density.
Who’s Moving Forward—and What’s Next?
The 51,978 qualified candidates now face a tightly scheduled second stage. The CBT-2 is set for December 20, 2025, with admit cards scheduled to drop on December 16. Unlike CBT-1, which was largely objective, CBT-2 will include more complex numerical and reasoning questions, with increased weightage on domain-specific knowledge. Candidates applying for traffic, commercial, or station master roles will also need to prepare for the Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), a psychometric evaluation designed to assess decision-making under pressure—a trait critical for railway operations. Those targeting clerical roles, meanwhile, may be called for a Typing Skill Test. The timeline is unforgiving: document verification will begin in January 2026, and medical exams will follow by February. One candidate from Bhopal, who spoke anonymously, said: “I’ve been studying since October. Now I’ve got six weeks to go from ‘qualified’ to ‘selected.’ It’s terrifying—but also the only shot I’ve got.”
Why This Matters Beyond the Merit List
This recruitment cycle is more than a hiring exercise—it’s a signal of the Indian Railways’ long-term staffing strategy. With over 1.2 million employees nearing retirement age by 2030, the government is accelerating the infusion of younger talent. The scale of CEN 06/2024, the largest in over a decade, reflects this urgency. But it also exposes systemic issues: the application window confusion (some sources cited December 4, 2025, as the final date, while others said October 27, 2024), the delayed result release (normally 60 days post-exam, here it took 74 days), and the fragmented communication across 21 regional boards. Critics argue that the lack of a centralized portal for result access and scorecard downloads has caused unnecessary anxiety. “It’s like running a marathon with 21 finish lines, each with different rules,” said Dr. Anjali Mehta, an education policy analyst at the Indian Institute of Public Administration.
What Candidates Must Do Now
Don’t celebrate yet. Don’t relax either. The next six weeks are make-or-break. Here’s what’s non-negotiable:
- Download and print your scorecard from rrb.digialm.com—you’ll need it for every subsequent stage.
- Check your regional RRB website daily for zone-specific instructions on CBT-2 centers and document requirements.
- Begin practicing for CBT-2 using previous years’ papers—especially those from RRB Chennai and RRB Ahmedabad, which tend to set the benchmark.
- Prepare scanned copies of your educational certificates, ID proof, and caste/category certificates (if applicable). Missing documents = automatic disqualification.
- Stay alert for SMS alerts from RRB—some notifications are sent only via mobile, not email.
Behind the Numbers: The Human Cost of Competition
Behind every roll number on that merit list is a story. A student from rural Odisha who studied by candlelight after power cuts. A single mother in Jaipur who juggled night shifts and late-night revision. A 24-year-old engineering dropout who saw this as his only path to stability. The Indian Railways isn’t just hiring clerks—it’s offering dignity. But the cost of entry is steep. In some states, coaching centers for RRB NTPC now rival those for UPSC. Fees for mock tests, study packs, and live classes have surged by 200% since 2023. And yet, the success rate remains under 4%. That’s not just competition. It’s a systemic gauntlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my RRB NTPC UG Result 2025?
Visit the official portal rrb.digialm.com, enter your Registration Number and Date of Birth, then click ‘View Scorecard’. Your normalized score, section-wise marks, and qualifying status will appear. Download and save a PDF copy immediately—this is mandatory for CBT-2 registration and document verification.
What if my name is on the merit list but I didn’t qualify for CBT-2 in my region?
The merit list is national, but selection for CBT-2 is zone-specific. Each regional RRB sets its own cutoff based on vacancies and applicant density. If you’re qualified nationally but not in your region, you may still be considered if additional seats open up due to withdrawals. Monitor your regional RRB website daily for updates.
What documents are required for CBT-2 and document verification?
You’ll need your scorecard, original and photocopies of Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or passport), caste/category certificate (if applicable), and a recent passport-sized photograph. For PwD candidates, a valid disability certificate from a recognized authority is mandatory. Incomplete documentation leads to immediate disqualification—no exceptions.
Is there a chance of CBT-2 being postponed?
As of now, December 20, 2025, is confirmed. Past delays (like in 2020 due to pandemic) led to nationwide backlash, so RRB is under intense pressure to stick to the schedule. Any change would be announced via SMS and official website alerts. Don’t rely on social media rumors—only trust .gov.in sources.
What happens after CBT-2?
Candidates are shortlisted for either the Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for operational roles, a Typing Skill Test for clerical positions, or direct Document Verification. Final selection is based on CBT-2 performance (75%) and CBAT/Typing Test (25%). Medical examination follows, and appointments are issued by June 2026. The entire process can take up to eight months.
Why are the cutoffs so different across regions?
Cutoffs vary because each regional RRB has a fixed number of vacancies and a different applicant pool. For example, RRB Mumbai received over 180,000 applications for just 120 posts, while RRB Agartala had only 28,000 applicants for 40 posts. Higher competition = higher cutoffs. It’s not about difficulty—it’s about supply and demand.