Today, November 27, 2025, marks the last day to apply for Graduate-level positions in the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)’s NTPC 2025 recruitmentIndia — and it’s also the day the board confirmed the Undergraduate CBT 2 examIndia will be held on December 20, 2025. With over 8,800 vacancies up for grabs, tens of thousands of aspirants are now racing against time — not just to submit applications, but to prepare for one of the most competitive government exams in the country. The pressure is real. The stakes? A stable government job with benefits most private-sector roles can’t match.
What’s at Stake: The NTPC 2025 Recruitment Drive
The RRB announced a total of 8,868 vacancies under CEN 06/2025 and CEN 07/2025 — split between Graduate and Undergraduate levels. Graduate applicants had until today to register; Undergraduate candidates still have until December 4, 2025. The exam structure is brutal in its simplicity: four stages, each more demanding than the last. CBT 1, already completed for Graduates in June and Undergraduates in August-September, was just the filter. Now, the real test begins.CBT 2 — the main event — is where rankings are decided. Unlike CBT 1, which only screens candidates, CBT 2 scores directly determine who makes the merit list. It’s 120 questions in 90 minutes, covering General Awareness, Mathematics, and General Intelligence & Reasoning — but harder. Much harder. And it’s not just about knowing the syllabus. It’s about speed, accuracy, and mental stamina.
How to Crack CBT 2: Expert Strategies That Actually Work
Anangsha Patra, Deputy Manager – Editorial at Shiksha.com, puts it bluntly: “Candidates who treat this like a casual study session fail. Those who treat it like a marathon with checkpoints? They win.”Here’s what top coaching platforms — ADDA247, Testbook.com, and PW Live — are telling their students:
- Master shortcuts in Math: Don’t just learn formulas — memorize tricks for multiplication, percentages, and time-speed-distance. One candidate told me he saved 12 minutes in CBT 1 just by using the “base method” for percentages.
- Mock tests, not just practice: PW Live insists on two to three full-length mocks per week. But here’s the catch: you must analyze every mistake. Not just note it — understand why you got it wrong.
- Revise like a pro: PW Live recommends weekend revision sessions using short notes. No re-reading entire books. Just bullet points, flashcards, and error logs.
- Current affairs aren’t optional: Testbook.com recommends Manorama Yearbook and Pratiyogita Darpan. Last year, 17 out of 30 General Awareness questions came from events between July and November 2025.
And don’t forget the human factor. ADDA247 warns against studying 10-hour days without breaks. “Your brain isn’t a machine,” says one tutor. “It needs rest to consolidate memory. Two hours of focused study with a 15-minute walk beats five hours scrolling through YouTube.”
The Timeline: What’s Left and What’s Next
The clock is ticking. Here’s the real timeline:- November 27, 2025: Deadline for Graduate applications — closed.
- December 4, 2025: Deadline for Undergraduate applications — 8 days left.
- December 20, 2025: UG CBT 2 exam — the make-or-break moment.
- January 2026: Expected result declaration.
- March–May 2026: Skill tests and document verification.
That’s it. No delays. No extensions. The RRB has been clear: this schedule is fixed. Candidates who wait for “the right time” to start studying are already behind.
Why This Matters Beyond the Job
For millions of young Indians, especially from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the RRB NTPC isn’t just a job — it’s a lifeline. A government post means health insurance, pension, job security, and social respect. In a country where unemployment among graduates hovers near 8%, and private sector jobs demand experience you don’t yet have, this exam is one of the few fair playing fields left.And yet, only about 1 in 100 applicants make it. The competition isn’t just fierce — it’s relentless. But here’s the twist: those who win aren’t always the smartest. They’re the most consistent. The ones who show up every day. Who revise on Sundays. Who take mock tests even when they’re tired. Who eat right, sleep enough, and refuse to compare themselves to others.
What’s Next? The Road After CBT 2
If you clear CBT 2, you’ll move to the Skill Test (typing or computer-based aptitude, depending on the post), followed by document verification and medical checks. But don’t get complacent. The final selection is based on CBT 2 scores alone — so every mark counts. A 10-point difference can mean the difference between a posted job and a rejection letter.Some candidates are already preparing for the next stage: Group D recruitment or RRB JE 2026. The NTPC is a stepping stone — not the finish line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for the Graduate-level RRB NTPC 2025 exam?
No. The deadline for Graduate-level applications was November 27, 2025, and no extensions were announced. Only Undergraduate candidates (12th pass) can still apply until December 4, 2025. The RRB has been strict about deadlines in past cycles, and this year is no exception.
What’s the difference between CBT 1 and CBT 2 in RRB NTPC?
CBT 1 is a screening test with 100 questions worth 100 marks — it only determines if you qualify for CBT 2. CBT 2 has 120 questions at a higher difficulty level, and crucially, your score here determines your final ranking. Only CBT 2 marks are used for merit list preparation, making it far more important than CBT 1.
How should I prepare for the Mathematics section in CBT 2?
Focus on mastering shortcuts — especially for profit-loss, time-work, and data interpretation. Practice daily with timed quizzes. Shiksha.com recommends building conceptual clarity first, then switching to speed techniques. Candidates who solve 15+ Math questions in under 10 minutes consistently score in the top 5%.
Is it too late to start preparing for the December 20, 2025 exam?
It’s not too late — but you have to be ruthless. With just 23 days left, skip theory. Focus on previous year papers (2020–2024), take 2–3 full mocks per week, and analyze every mistake. Revise your weak areas daily. Many candidates have cracked CBT 2 with just 3 weeks of intense, focused prep — but only if they studied smart, not long.
What documents do I need for verification after CBT 2?
You’ll need your 10th and 12th mark sheets, graduation certificate (if applying for Graduate posts), ID proof, caste certificate (if applicable), and a recent passport photo. Keep scanned copies ready. RRB has rejected candidates in past cycles for mismatched names or unattested documents — don’t let paperwork cost you the job.
Are there any changes expected in the RRB NTPC 2025 exam pattern?
No. The pattern — 120 questions, 90 minutes, same three subjects — remains unchanged from CEN 06/2025 guidelines. RRB rarely alters patterns mid-cycle. Any rumors about new sections or negative marking increases are unverified. Stick to the official syllabus and past papers for accurate preparation.
