RRB NTPC Undergraduate Answer Key 2025 Released: Download 12th Level Response Sheet at rrb.digialm.com
RRB NTPC UG Answer Key 2025 Released: Download, Objections, Cut-Off & What Next
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the provisional Answer Key for the NTPC Undergraduate (UG) CBT-1 exam under Notification CEN-06/2024 on 15 September 2025. Along with this, candidates can access their response sheets, question papers, and objection tracker via the official portal at rrb.digialm.com. This article provides a detailed breakdown: how to download, how to raise objections, exam pattern, expected cut-offs, syllabus, analysis of past trends, and next steps. All the essential information for aspirants under one roof.
Timeline ‒ Important Dates for RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025 Process
| Event | Date / Time | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 Exam Conducted | 7 August – 9 September 2025 | Multiple shifts across states under Notification CEN-06/2024. 100 questions per candidate. |
| Release of Provisional Answer Key & Response Sheet | 15 September 2025, 4:00 PM | Candidates can download answer key, response sheet & question paper from official portal. |
| Objection window closes | 20 September 2025, 11:55 PM | Last date to raise objections online (Rs 50 per question). |
| Final Answer Key & Result Declaration (Expected) | ~ 22 September 2025 | After evaluation of objections. Result to shortlist for next stage (CBT-2). |
| Cut-Off & Merit List Release | Along with result or shortly after | Category-wise cut-offs, state/zone-wise merit lists. |
What’s New / Current Status
- Answer key has been made available for all candidates who appeared in CBT-1 (UG) under NTPC.
- Response sheet and question paper for each candidate can be downloaded via login using Registration Number & Date of Birth.
- Provisional answer key is live; objections allowed until 20 September 2025.
- Marking scheme: +1 for each correct, ‒⅓ (i.e. ‒0.33) for each incorrect; no negative marking for unattempted questions.
- Expected cut-offs are being estimated category-wise based on past exam trends and difficulty reports.
- Total vacancies for UG posts under this notification are around 3445 across various posts like Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, etc.
How to Download Answer Key & Response Sheet + Raise Objections
- Go to the official portal: RRB DigiLMS / CEN-06/2024 (NTPC-UG). Alternatively, your regional RRB website (e.g. rrbcdg.gov.in) may host the link.
- Look for link labeled “Tentative CBT-1 Answer Key & Response Sheet” under NTPC UG.
- Log in using your Registration Number and Date of Birth (or password), plus any Captcha if asked.
- Download the response sheet, the candidate’s attempted answers, and the question paper PDF.
- To raise objections: Select question(s) you believe are incorrect, provide reason/document proof, pay objection fee of ₹50 per question. Submit before the deadline (20 September 2025, 11:55 PM).
- After objections conclude, await the final answer key and result. Keep your login credentials safe and check email / SMS / portal notifications.
Tips: Before raising objections, carefully compare your marked response with key. Only challenge if you are confident with evidence (e.g., syllabus, official sources). Avoid sheer guesswork because only valid objections are considered.
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1: Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Past Trend Analysis
Exam Pattern
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes (usually) for general category; extra time for PwD/other categories per RRB norms |
| Marks per correct answer | +1 |
| Negative marking | –0.33 (⅓ mark) for each wrong answer. No penalty for unattempted ones. |
| Sections / Subjects | General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning. Sometimes a few domain-specific items depending on region. |
| Language of exam | English / Hindi / Regional Languages (as per the RRB zonal guidelines) |
Syllabus (Key Topics)
- General Awareness: Current Affairs, Important Govt Policies, Indian History, Geography, Economic Development, General Science. Focus on last 6-12 months but foundation of static GK is important.
- Mathematics: Number System, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Percentages, Time & Speed, Ratio & Proportion, Profit-Loss, Statistics & Data Interpretation.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, Series, Coding-Decoding, Directions/Distances, Syllogism, Puzzles, Missing Number, Blood Relations, Logical Reasoning.
Past Trends & Cut-Off Patterns
Analysis based on past 2-3 years of RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 exams shows:
- Cut-offs fluctuate a lot depending on how tough General Awareness section is, and how many application forms are valid.
- Normalized scoring (if any) may slightly adjust raw scores for candidates in harder shifts. RRB has used normalization in earlier exams.
- General category cut-offs tend to be higher, often over ~75-85 in easy papers; for reserved categories lower as per past norms. Exact numbers depend on region and vacancies.
- Candidates often under-estimate GK / General Awareness weight in overall score; strong performance there gives edge.
Vacancy Break-Up & Posts
| Post Name | Total Vacancies (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Commercial cum Ticket Clerk | ~1985 |
| Accounts Clerk cum Typist | ~361 |
| Junior Clerk cum Typist | ~990 |
| Trains Clerk | ~68 |
| Other UG-level posts | Remaining to make total ~3445 |
Note: Vacancy numbers may vary slightly by RRB zone after final adjustments. Always check your regional RRB portal for exact numbers.
Using the Answer Key: Estimation & Strategy
How to Estimate Your Score
- Download your response sheet, question paper, and answer key.
- Match each question you attempted with the correct answer.
- Count correct answers (C) and incorrect answers (W). Unattempted are ignored.
- Use formula: Score = C × (+1) − W × (0.33).
- Round off decimals if needed as per RRB rules (some may round to nearest whole number).
What Expected Cut-Offs Might Be
| Category | Estimated Cut-Off Range (UR / General) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | ~ 75 – 90 | Higher cut-offs in zones with easier exam or large candidate turnout. |
| OBC | ~ 70 – 85 | Depends on OBC reservation & normalized scores. |
| SC | ~ 60 – 75 | SC categories historically have lower cut-offs, but high competition in some regions raise it. |
| ST | ~ 55 – 70 | ST categories often less in numbers, cut-offs vary widely by RRB zone. |
| EWS | ~ 70 – 85 | EWS often close to OBC / UR depending on performance. |
Strategy Post-Answer Key Release
- Immediately check your response sheet and calculate your estimated score to assess your standing vs expected cut-offs.
- If you fall short, identify weak sections (usually General Awareness) and begin revision / mock tests targeted there.
- Use the objection window wisely—if you find credible errors, raise them with justification. Valid objections may improve your score.
- Prepare for CBT-2 or subsequent selection stages: focus on speed + accuracy and question paper practice from past NTPC exams.
- Don’t be complacent even if your calculation appears high—final answer key may change slightly after objections; normalized scores might shift marginally.
Frequently Asked Questions & Official Resources
1. What is the last date to challenge the RRB NTPC UG Answer Key 2025?
The objection window ends on 20 September 2025 at 11:55 PM. Ensure your objections are submitted online with correct question ID and proper justification.
2. How much is the fee for each objection?
It is Rs. 50 per question, which will be refunded if the objection is accepted.
3. Where to download the answer key and response sheet?
You can download them from rrb.digialm.com or the regional RRB websites (such as rrbcdg.gov.in, RRB Chennai, etc.).
4. What is the marking scheme for CBT-1?
+1 mark for each correct answer, −⅓ mark for each wrong answer. No negative marking for unanswered questions.
5. How many total questions are there, and what subjects are included?
There are 100 questions comprising subjects like General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning.
6. What are expected cut-offs for different categories?
Estimated ranges: UR ~75-90, OBC ~70-85, SC ~60-75, ST ~55-70, EWS ~70-85. Final cut-offs will depend on exam difficulty & number of valid candidates.
7. After objections, when will final answer key and results be declared?
Likely around 22 September 2025, subject to timely processing of objections. RRB generally announces final key & result together.
8. What if I forget my login credentials?
Use the “Forgot Password” link on the login portal. Check email / phone messages from RRB. In worst case, contact your regional RRB helpdesk.
9. Can I raise objections offline?
No. Objections must be submitted through the online portal only. Offline objections are not accepted.
10. Are answer key languages different per region?
Answer key and question paper are usually in English / Hindi / regional language options as per zone norms. But key download is centralized, so availability depends on region’s notification.
11. What is normalization and does it apply?
If the exam has multiple shifts with differing difficulty levels, RRB may apply normalization to ensure fairness, though official notification should confirm it. Based on past NTPC exams, this has happened.
12. What happens after CBT-1 result?
Shortlisted candidates will move to CBT-2 (if applicable), document verification, etc., depending on post. Keep checking official site for announcements.
13. How can students best use this time after answer key release?
Revise weak areas, attempt mock tests, analyse strong/weak subjects, and prepare for next stage. Use time during objection period: also check sample papers and past NTPC UG questions.
14. Is the provision answer key binding?
No. It’s provisional. Final key may change based on valid objections. Only final key is used for result evaluation.
15. Where to find official notice and updates?
Always refer to RRB Centralised Portal or RRB DigiLMS for confirmed updates.
Official Links
Closing Summary & What You Should Do Now
For Now (Immediate Actions)
- Download your response sheet and answer key now to check your answers. Do this before the objection window closes.
- Estimate your score using the marking scheme to understand where you stand.
- If you believe there are mistakes, prepare solid justification and raise objections online with proof. Don’t delay.
- Review your weak sections and revise especially GK / General Awareness & Reasoning, as they often swing results.
For Later (After Result & Final Key)
- Make sure to check the final answer key to see which objections were accepted/rejected.
- Be ready for the next stage (CBT-2 / Document Verification) if you qualify. Practice with higher difficulty sample tests if possible.
- Monitor regional RRB notifications for result declaration, merit lists, cut-offs, zone-wise details.
- Keep your documentation ready: certificate of education, caste/EWS certificate if applicable, identity proof, etc.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Muskan — a writer at Students Alert, deeply passionate about helping students and job seekers navigate their paths with confidence. I specialize in researching and simplifying complex information, whether it's the latest job notifications, exam updates, or result announcements. My aim is to provide clear, reliable, and timely content that makes a real difference. From detailed guides on exam preparation to breaking news and analysis, I’m here to support you every step of the way. I truly value your feedback, and I'm always looking to improve—so feel free to reach out anytime!