The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the provisional Answer Key for the NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) Graduate Level CBT-II examination under Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 06/2025, on 15 July 2026 at 4:00 PM. Candidates who appeared for the CBT-II exam, held on 10 July 2026, can now download their question paper, response sheet, and the provisional answer key through the official candidate login portal.
This recruitment covers 5,810 Graduate Level vacancies, and around 87,000 to 88,000 candidates who cleared CBT-I appeared for this second-stage examination. Here is a complete, detailed breakdown of the answer key release, how to download it, the objection process, marking scheme, and what comes next in the selection process.
1. RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-II Answer Key 2026 – Recruitment Overview
| Recruitment Component | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Notification Number | CEN No. 06/2025 |
| Post Level | NTPC Graduate Level (Non-Technical Popular Categories) |
| Total Vacancies | 5,810 |
| CBT-II Exam Date | 10 July 2026 |
| Approximate Candidates Who Appeared in CBT-II | 87,000 to 88,000 |
| Answer Key Release Date | 15 July 2026, 4:00 PM |
| Answer Key Type | Provisional (subject to objections before finalisation) |
| Candidate Login Portal | rrb.digialm.com |
2. RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-II Answer Key 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CBT-I Exam Conducted | 16 to 27 March 2026 |
| CBT-I Provisional Answer Key Released | 6 April 2026 |
| CBT-I Result Declared (Zone-Wise) | 11 June 2026 |
| CBT-II Exam Conducted | 10 July 2026 |
| CBT-II Provisional Answer Key Released | 15 July 2026, 4:00 PM |
| Objection Window Opens | 15 July 2026 |
| Objection Window Closes | 22 July 2026 (11:55 PM) |
Candidates should note that any objection submitted after the 22 July 2026 closing deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances, so it is important to review the answer key and raise objections, if any, well within the window.
3. NTPC Graduate Level Vacancy Details 2026
This recruitment under CEN 06/2025 covers a total of 5,810 vacancies across six Graduate Level post categories under the Non-Technical Popular Categories. The posts broadly include roles such as:
| Post Category | Pay Level (7th CPC) |
|---|---|
| Station Master | Level 6 |
| Goods Guard | Level 5 |
| Senior Commercial-cum-Ticket Clerk | Level 5 |
| Senior Clerk-cum-Typist | Level 5 |
| Junior Account Assistant-cum-Typist | Level 5 |
| Senior Time Keeper | Level 5 |
NTPC Graduate posts are primarily placed in Pay Level 5 (basic pay Rs. 29,200) and Pay Level 6 (basic pay Rs. 35,400) of the 7th Pay Commission matrix, along with Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Transport Allowance. The exact zone-wise and post-wise vacancy breakup is available in the original CEN 06/2025 notification and its subsequent corrigenda on each regional RRB’s official website.
4. Eligibility Criteria (Recap for CEN 06/2025)
Since this article covers the CBT-II answer key stage, candidates have already been screened for basic eligibility at the application stage. For reference, the core eligibility criteria under CEN 06/2025 were:
- Educational Qualification: A Graduate degree in any discipline from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification, as specified for NTPC Graduate Level posts.
- Age Limit: Generally between 18 and 36 years, varying slightly by specific post, with age relaxation applicable for SC/ST, OBC-NCL, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates as per government norms.
- Nationality: Indian citizens, along with subjects of Nepal/Bhutan and specified categories of persons of Indian origin, as per standard RRB eligibility norms.
Candidates who have already qualified in CBT-I and appeared for CBT-II do not need to re-verify these criteria at this stage; they apply mainly to the original application process completed in late 2025.
5. RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-II Selection Process 2026
The selection process for NTPC Graduate Level posts is a multi-stage journey, with the CBT-II answer key marking an important intermediate step:
| Stage | Status |
|---|---|
| CBT-I (Computer Based Test 1) | Completed; result declared 11 June 2026 |
| CBT-II (Computer Based Test 2) | Completed on 10 July 2026; provisional answer key released 15 July 2026 |
| Answer Key Objection Window | Open from 15 to 22 July 2026 |
| Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) | Applicable only for Station Master and Traffic Assistant posts; conducted after CBT-II result |
| Typing Skill Test | Applicable for Typist and Clerk-category posts; conducted after CBT-II result |
| Document Verification (DV) | Conducted after CBAT/Typing Test clearance |
| Medical Examination | Final stage before appointment |
Candidates should note that CBT-II shortlisting for the next stage depends on the final answer key and result, so this provisional answer key release is an important checkpoint but not the final word on selection.
6. RRB NTPC CBT-II Marking Scheme and Score Calculation 2026
Understanding the exact marking scheme helps candidates estimate their probable score using the answer key and their response sheet:
| Component | Marking |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Marks for Correct Answer | +1 |
| Marks for Incorrect Answer | −1/3 (0.33) |
| Marks for Unattempted Question | 0 (no penalty) |
| Score Normalisation | Applied across different shifts/sessions of the exam |
Formula to Estimate Your Score: RRB NTPC CBT-II Score = (Total Correct Answers × 1) − (Total Incorrect Answers × 1/3)
Since CBT scores are normalised across shifts to account for variation in question difficulty between sessions, candidates’ final normalised score may differ slightly from this raw calculation.
7. How to Download RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-II Answer Key 2026
Follow these steps to access your provisional answer key, question paper, and response sheet:
- Visit the candidate login portal: Go to the official candidate portal at rrb.digialm.com, or visit your respective regional RRB’s official website.
- Locate the answer key notice: Look for the notice titled “CEN 06/2025: Link for viewing of Tentative CBT-II Answer Key, Question Paper & Response Sheet” on the homepage.
- Click the link: You will be redirected to the candidate login page.
- Enter your credentials: Log in using your Registration Number and Date of Birth/Password, along with the captcha code shown on screen.
- View your details: Your question paper, marked responses, and the official provisional answer key will be displayed side by side on the screen.
- Download and save: Download the PDF and save it to your device, since the link remains active only for a limited window (until 22 July 2026, 11:55 PM).
8. How to Raise an Objection Against the RRB NTPC CBT-II Answer Key 2026
If candidates find any discrepancy or error in the official provisional answer key, they can formally challenge it during the objection window:
- Log in to your regional RRB portal: Use your Registration Number and Date of Birth to access your candidate dashboard.
- Navigate to the Objection Tracker: Click on the “Objection Tracker” or “Raise Objection” section.
- Select the Question ID: Choose the specific question you wish to challenge, and select the language of the question paper if applicable.
- Provide your reasoning: Enter a detailed explanation for your objection, along with valid supporting documentary proof, such as standard reference books or NCERT materials (coaching institute screenshots are generally not accepted as valid proof).
- Pay the objection fee: Pay the prescribed fee of Rs. 50 per question online.
- Submit and download the receipt: Submit your objection and download the acknowledgement receipt for your records.
Refund Policy: The objection fee is refunded, minus applicable bank charges, if the expert committee upholds your challenge after review. If the objection is rejected, the fee is not refunded.
9. What Happens After the Objection Window Closes?
Once the objection window closes on 22 July 2026, RRB’s subject-matter expert committee will review all submitted challenges. Objections supported by valid, authentic evidence will be considered while preparing the final answer key. Based on this reviewed and finalised answer key, RRB will then declare the CBT-II Result along with cut-off marks and scorecards for candidates, expected in August 2026. Candidates who qualify in CBT-II will then proceed to post-specific stages — either a Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for Station Master and Traffic Assistant posts, or a Typing Skill Test for Typist and Clerk-category posts — followed by Document Verification and a Medical Examination before final appointment.
10. Official Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| RRB Ranchi CEN 06/2025 CBT-II Answer Key Notice | Click Here |
| Candidate Login Portal (Answer Key/Objection) | Click Here |
| RRB Ranchi Official Website | https://rrbranchi.gov.in |
11. RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-II Answer Key 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When was the RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-II Answer Key 2026 released?
The provisional answer key was released on 15 July 2026 at 4:00 PM, five days after the CBT-II exam held on 10 July 2026.
Q2: How can I download the RRB NTPC CBT-II Answer Key 2026?
Candidates can log in to rrb.digialm.com or their respective regional RRB website using their Registration Number and Date of Birth/Password to view and download their question paper, response sheet, and provisional answer key.
Q3: Until when can I raise an objection against the answer key?
The objection window is open from 15 July to 22 July 2026 (11:55 PM). Objections raised after this deadline will not be accepted.
Q4: What is the fee for raising an objection?
The objection fee is Rs. 50 per question, refundable (minus applicable bank charges) if the objection is upheld by the expert committee.
Q5: What is the marking scheme for RRB NTPC CBT-II?
Candidates receive +1 mark for each correct answer and lose 1/3 (0.33) mark for each incorrect answer. There is no penalty for unattempted questions, and scores are normalised across shifts.
Q6: How many candidates appeared for the CBT-II exam?
Approximately 87,000 to 88,000 candidates who qualified in CBT-I appeared for the CBT-II exam held on 10 July 2026.
Q7: When will the final answer key and CBT-II result be declared?
The final answer key and CBT-II result are expected to be declared in August 2026, after RRB reviews all objections raised during the challenge window.
Q8: What is the next stage after the CBT-II result?
Candidates who qualify will proceed to a Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for Station Master/Traffic Assistant posts, or a Typing Skill Test for Typist/Clerk-category posts, followed by Document Verification and a Medical Examination.
Q9: How many total vacancies are covered under CEN 06/2025?
A total of 5,810 Graduate Level vacancies are covered under this recruitment cycle.
Disclaimer: All dates and details mentioned in this article are based on official announcements and information available regarding the RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-II Answer Key 2026 (CEN 06/2025). Candidates are strongly advised to verify their answer key, response sheet, and objection status directly on the official RRB candidate login portal and their respective regional RRB website.
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