The wider picture
The RRB NTPC CBT 1 exam for graduate-level posts was successfully conducted across multiple test centres nationwide from March 16 to March 27, 2026. This examination is a crucial step in the recruitment process for various positions under the Indian Railways, attracting a large number of candidates eager to secure employment in this prestigious sector.
In a significant development, the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the provisional answer key and candidate response sheets for the NTPC CBT 1 Graduate-level examination on April 6, 2026. Candidates can access and download their answer key from their respective official RRB regional websites starting at 4 PM. This release marks an important milestone for candidates who have been awaiting clarity on their performance in the examination.
As part of the process, candidates who identify discrepancies in the answers have the opportunity to challenge the provisional answer key. The objection-raising window is open until 11:55 PM on April 12, 2026. A fee of Rs 50 per question is required to submit a challenge against the answer key. Payments for objections can be made via various methods, including RuPay cards, credit cards, UPI, or net banking.
The RRB strictly advises candidates to submit their challenges before the deadline, as no requests will be entertained post-April 12. If an objection is verified and found correct, the fee will be refunded to the candidate’s original payment account. This process ensures that candidates have a fair chance to contest any potential errors in the answer key.
Furthermore, candidates can check their question paper, recorded responses, and the answer key during the objection period. The final answer key will be prepared after reviewing all submitted objections, and the decision taken by the RRBs after considering these objections will be final. This transparency in the evaluation process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the recruitment system.
As the recruitment process progresses, the final answer key will be used to prepare the results for the next stage of the recruitment process. Candidates are reminded to carry the original Aadhaar card or a printed e-verified Aadhaar for biometric verification at exam centres, ensuring a smooth verification process on the day of the examination.
With the examination results and subsequent stages of recruitment on the horizon, candidates are encouraged to stay updated through the official RRB websites for any further announcements. The complete procedure for raising objections has been published on these platforms, providing candidates with all necessary information to navigate this critical phase of the recruitment process.
