NFR Departmental Selection CBT 2026: Exam Dates, Schedule, Pattern

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has released an important notification regarding the Computer Based Test (CBT) for its Departmental Selection, 2nd Cycle in April 2026. This examination is crucial for 1340 candidates across various divisions, including Lumding (LMG), Tinsukia (TSK), Headquarter (HQ), Rangia (RNY), New Bongaigaon Workshop (NBQS), Katihar (KIR), and Alipurduar (APDJ). The CBT is scheduled to be held from April 17, 2026, to April 20, 2026, in two shifts daily.

Exam Overview

Detailed Exam Schedule (Division-wise)

The examination is meticulously planned across various divisions and posts. Candidates must note their specific exam city, centre, date, and shift carefully.

Lumding Division (LMG) Exam Schedule

Tinsukia Division (TSK) Exam Schedule

Head Quarter (HQ) Exam Schedule

Rangiya Division (RNY) Exam Schedule

New Bongaigaon Workshop (NBQS) Exam Schedule

Katihar Division (KIR) Exam Schedule

Alipurduar Division (APDJ) Exam Schedule

Exam Centers

The examinations will be conducted at various designated centers across the Northeast Frontier Railway’s jurisdiction. Candidates should carefully check their admit cards for the precise address of their exam center. The listed exam centers include:

• Kendriya Vidyalaya School (KVS), Lumding
• Kendriya Vidyalaya School (KVS), Tinsukia
• Netaji Vidyapith Railway HS School (NVP/ MLG, Guwahati) Maligaon
• Multi Disciplinary Training Institute (MDZTI/ APDJ) Alipurduar
• Staff Training Centre (STC/ SGUJ) Siliguri
• Staff Training Centre, New Bongaigaon (STC/ NBQ) New Bongaigaon
• Multi Disciplinary Training Centre (MDDTI/ RNY) Rangiya
• Railway Girls High School (RGHS/ NJP) Siliguri
• Railway Higher Secondary School (RHSS/ APDJ) Alipurduar

Exam Pattern

The official notification does not detail the exam pattern. However, for most Railway Departmental CBTs, the pattern typically includes:

• Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
• Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Sections: Generally includes subjects relevant to the post and general aptitude. Common sections might be:
  • General Awareness
  • General Intelligence & Reasoning
  • Arithmetic/Numerical Ability
  • Technical/Professional Ability (specific to the post)
• Duration: Typically 90-120 minutes.
• Negative Marking: Usually, there is negative marking (e.g., 1/3rd of the marks for each wrong answer).

Candidates are advised to refer to the syllabus or previous year’s notifications for their specific post for detailed exam patterns and topics.

Admit Card

The notification does not specify the admit card release date or download procedure.

Candidates for the NFR Departmental Selection CBT 2026 will typically need to download their admit cards from the official website of the Northeast Frontier Railway or the designated Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) portal a few days before the exam. Keep your registration number and password/date of birth ready for login.

How to Download Admit Card (Typical Steps):

1. Visit the official NFR website (indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,4,304,366,537).
2. Look for the ‘Admit Card’ or ‘Latest Notifications’ section for Departmental Selections.
3. Click on the link for ‘NFR Departmental Selection CBT Admit Card 2026’.
4. Enter your Roll Number/Registration ID and Date of Birth/Password.
5. Your admit card will be displayed on the screen.
6. Download and take a printout for future reference.

Details to Verify on Admit Card:

• Candidate’s Name, Roll Number, and Application Number
• Date, Time, and Shift of Examination
• Exact Exam Center Address
• Photograph and Signature
• Reporting Time and Gate Closing Time
• Important Exam Day Instructions

Documents Required on Exam Day

Candidates must carry the following essential documents to the examination center:

• Printed copy of the NFR Departmental Selection CBT Admit Card 2026.
• Original valid Photo Identity Proof: (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, Employee ID).
• Two recent passport-size colored photographs (matching the one uploaded in the application form).

It is advisable to carry a photocopy of your ID proof as well, in case required for verification.

Exam Day Instructions

To ensure a smooth examination experience, candidates must adhere to the following instructions:

Do’s:

• Reach the exam center well before the reporting time to avoid last-minute rush.
• Carry your Admit Card and original Photo ID proof.
• Bring a transparent water bottle and a simple pen (if required for rough work, though usually provided in CBTs).
• Follow all instructions given by the invigilators.
• Maintain social distancing and wear a mask if mandated by prevailing health guidelines.

Don’ts:

• Do not carry any electronic gadgets like mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, etc.
• Do not bring any textual material, notes, or chits into the exam hall.
• Do not engage in any unfair means or malpractice during the exam.
• Do not leave the examination hall before the completion of the exam duration.
• Do not disturb other candidates during the examination.

Last-Minute Preparation Tips

As the exam dates approach, focus on these strategies:

• Revision: Go through your notes and key concepts. Avoid starting new topics.
• Mock Tests: Practice full-length mock tests to improve speed and accuracy, and to get accustomed to the CBT interface.
• Time Management: Develop a strategy for allocating time to different sections during the actual exam.
• Health: Ensure you get adequate sleep and eat healthy to stay fresh and focused.
• Confidence: Believe in your preparation and stay calm.

What to Expect on Exam Day

The NFR Departmental Selection CBT will be conducted in a secure and monitored environment. You can expect:

• A computer system will be assigned to you.
• Instructions will be displayed on the screen before the test begins.
• The question paper will appear on the screen, and you will select answers using the mouse.
• Rough sheets will be provided for calculations, which must be returned after the exam.
• Invigilators will be present to assist with any technical issues or queries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the NFR Departmental Selection CBT 2026 for?

The NFR Departmental Selection CBT 2026 is an internal examination for the promotion or selection of existing railway employees to various posts across different divisions of the Northeast Frontier Railway.

Q2: How many candidates are scheduled for this CBT?

A total of 1340 candidates are scheduled to appear for the 2nd Cycle of the Departmental Selection CBT in April 2026.

Q3: What are the exam dates for the NFR Departmental Selection CBT 2026?

The exams are scheduled from April 17, 2026, to April 20, 2026.

Q4: What are the shift timings for the exam?

The exam will be conducted in two shifts: 1st Shift at 08:00 hrs and 2nd Shift at 13:00 hrs.

Q5: Where can I find my exam center details?

Your specific exam center, date, and shift will be mentioned on your admit card. The general list of exam cities and centers is provided in the notification.

Q6: What documents do I need to carry to the exam center?

You must carry your admit card, an original valid photo ID proof, and two passport-size photographs.

Q7: Is there any negative marking in the NFR CBT?

While not explicitly mentioned in this notification, most Railway CBTs have negative marking, typically 1/3rd for each wrong answer. Candidates should verify this on their admit card or through official instructions.

Q8: When will the admit cards be released?

The release date for admit cards is not mentioned in this notification. Candidates should regularly check the official NFR website for updates, typically admit cards are released 7-10 days before the exam date.

Q9: What should I do if there is a discrepancy in my admit card?

If you find any discrepancy in your admit card, immediately contact the NFR examination authority or the concerned department through the official contact channels mentioned on the website.

Q10: Can I change my exam center or date?

Generally, requests for changing exam centers or dates are not entertained by railway recruitment boards. The allocation is usually final.