Introduction – The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has wrapped up the first Computer Based Test (CBT‑1) for the NTPC (Non‑Technical Popular Categories) Graduate‑Level posts under notification CEN 06/2025 on 27 March 2026. Aspirants are now anxiously awaiting the official answer key, which will let them verify their responses, compute a provisional score and plan for the next selection stage. Below is a complete, up‑to‑date guide on the expected launch window, how to obtain the key, and the marking scheme that will be applied.
Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Department / Board | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Post Category | NTPC – Graduate Level (CEN 06/2025) |
| Exam Name | RRB NTPC CBT 1 (Computer Based Test) |
| Exam End Date | 27 March 2026 |
| Answer‑Key Status | To be released (expected 31 Mar – 3 Apr 2026) |
| Mode of Conduct | Online |
| Official Portal | rrbcdg.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date (Expected/Actual) |
|---|---|
| Exam (CBT‑1) Completion | 27 March 2026 |
| Expected Answer‑Key Release | 31 March – 3 April 2026 |
| Objection Submission Deadline | 7 April 2026 (approx.) |
| CBT‑2 (Second Phase) Schedule | To be announced later |
Trend check: In the past three cycles, RRB released the answer key 4‑7 days after the exam (e.g., 7 days for CEN 05/2024, 6 days for the UG version, and 4 days for CBT‑2 of CEN 06/2024). The same pattern is anticipated this year.
How to Download the RRB NTPC Answer Key 2026
Step‑by‑step (English)
- Open your browser and go to the official RRB portal: rrbcdg.gov.in.
- Locate the banner titled “RRB NTPC Answer Key 2026” under the Latest Notifications section.
- Click the link – you will be directed to a secure login page.
- Enter your Registration Number and Date of Birth exactly as entered during CBT‑1 registration.
- Press Submit. The answer key, along with the original question paper and your response sheet, will appear on the screen.
- Click Download and save the PDF in a folder named “RRB NTPC 2026”.
Step‑by‑step (हिंदी)
- अपने ब्राउज़र में rrbcdg.gov.in खोलें।
- Latest Notifications सेक्शन में “RRB NTPC Answer Key 2026” लिंक देखें।
- लिंक पर क्लिक करें – लॉगिन पेज खुलेगा।
- रजिस्ट्रेशन नंबर और जन्म तिथि दर्ज करें।
- सबमिट दबाएँ, प्रश्नपत्र व उत्तर कुंजी स्क्रीन पर दिखेगी।
- डाउनलोड बटन से PDF को “RRB NTPC 2026” फोल्डर में सुरक्षित रखें।
Tip: Log in early (as soon as the key goes live) to avoid server overload.
RRB NTPC 2026 Marking Scheme
| Answer Type | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct | +1 |
| Wrong | –0.33 (one‑third negative marking) |
| Unattempted | 0 |
Score Calculation Formula
[ \text{Total Score} = (\text{Number of Correct Answers} \times 1) ;-; (\text{Number of Wrong Answers} \times \tfrac{1}{3}) ]
The final merit list will be prepared on the basis of normalized marks, i.e., the raw score will be scaled to a 100‑point system before comparing across different regions.
Raising Objections on the Answer Key
- Identify the discrepancy – compare each of your responses with the published key.
- Log in to the same portal used for downloading the key.
- Navigate to “Objection Form – RRB NTPC 2026”.
- Fill in the required details (registration number, exam roll, specific question numbers, and a brief justification).
- Pay the objection fee (if any) through the online gateway.
- Submit the form before the deadline (usually 7 days from the key’s release).
The board will review all submissions, make corrections where necessary, and release a Final Answer Key thereafter.
Important Links
| Link Name | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Download RRB NTPC Answer Key 2026 | Active Soon – rrbcdg.gov.in |
| Official Notification (CEN 06/2025) | PDF Link – rrbcdg.gov.in |
| RRB Official Website | rrbcdg.gov.in |
| Join RRB WhatsApp Group | Join Now |
| Join RRB Telegram Channel | Join Now |
| Current Affairs Quiz (Railway) | Join Quiz |
Conclusion
The RRB NTPC answer key for 2026 is slated to appear between 31 March and 3 April 2026. Promptly downloading the key, verifying your answers, and, if needed, lodging an objection will keep you on track for the next recruitment phase. Always refer to the official RRB portal for the most reliable information.
When will the RRB NTPC 2026 answer key be available?
Based on previous patterns, the key should be released between 31 March and 3 April 2026 (4‑7 days after the exam).
How can I download the answer key?
Visit rrbcdg.gov.in, click the “RRB NTPC Answer Key 2026” link, log in with your registration number and DOB, then download the PDF.
Is there negative marking in the NTPC CBT‑1?
Yes. Each wrong answer incurs a penalty of ‑0.33 marks (one‑third).
Can I raise an objection if I find a mistake in the key?
Absolutely. Use the objection form on the same portal, submit the required details, pay any applicable fee, and file before the stipulated deadline (usually within a week of release).
What is the formula to calculate my provisional score?
Total Score = (Correct × 1) – (Wrong × 1/3). Unattempted questions carry zero marks.
Will the answer key be available in Hindi as well?
The key itself is language‑neutral (numbers & options), but the portal provides instructions in both English and Hindi for candidate convenience.
