Are you aspiring to join the Indian Railways through the RRB Group D recruitment in 2026? The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Group D exam is one of the most sought-after government job opportunities in India, offering positions like Track Maintainer, Helper, Assistant Pointsman, and more. With thousands of vacancies expected, understanding the RRB Group D eligibility criteria 2026 is crucial to ensure your application isn’t rejected.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the eligibility for RRB Group D 2026, including nationality, age limits with relaxations, educational qualifications, medical standards, and other key requirements. Based on the latest patterns from recent notifications, these criteria are expected to remain similar for 2026, though always check the official RRB website for the exact CEN (Centralized Employment Notification) when released. We’ll also include an FAQ section at the end to address common queries like “What is the age limit for RRB Group D 2026?” and “Is ITI mandatory for RRB Group D?”
Stay tuned for SEO-optimized tips on how to prepare and apply successfully!
What is RRB Group D Recruitment?
The RRB Group D (Level-1) recruitment is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards across India to fill entry-level posts in various railway zones. These roles involve maintenance, operations, and support functions essential for the smooth running of the Indian Railways. The selection process typically includes a Computer-Based Test (CBT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification (DV), and Medical Examination.
For 2026, while the official notification is yet to be released (as of August 2025), eligibility is anticipated to mirror the 2025 criteria, which saw over 32,000 vacancies. Keywords like RRB Group D age limit 2026, RRB Group D qualification 2026, and RRB Group D medical standards are highly searched, so let’s dive into the details.
Nationality/Citizenship Requirements for RRB Group D 2026
To be eligible for RRB Group D 2026, candidates must meet the nationality criteria as specified in official notifications:
- Citizen of India, or
- Subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently, or
- Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) with the intention of permanent settlement.
Candidates from non-Indian categories must possess an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India. Without this, even if admitted to the exam, appointment offers may be withheld.
This ensures the recruitment aligns with national policies, promoting opportunities primarily for Indian citizens while accommodating specific refugees and migrants.
RRB Group D Age Limit 2026 and Relaxations
The RRB Group D age limit 2026 is a critical eligibility factor. Based on the most recent CEN (08/2024 for 2025 recruitment), the age criteria are as follows (calculated as on the date specified in the notification, likely January 1, 2026):
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 36 years (this includes a one-time 3-year relaxation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, extending the standard 33-year limit)
Age is verified against the Matriculation/SSLC certificate, and no changes are allowed post-submission.
Age Relaxations for Reserved Categories
Relaxations in the upper age limit are provided to promote inclusivity:
| Category | Relaxation in Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (with at least 6 months service) | UR/EWS: 3 years OBC-NCL: 6 years SC/ST: 8 years (after deducting service length) |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | UR/EWS: 10 years OBC-NCL: 13 years SC/ST: 15 years |
| Serving Railway Staff/Casual Labour/Substitutes (with 3+ years service) | UR/EWS: Up to 40 years OBC-NCL: Up to 43 years SC/ST: Up to 45 years |
| Quasi-Administrative Railway Staff (e.g., Canteen workers) | Up to length of service or 5 years (whichever is less) |
| Course Completed Act Apprentices | Relaxed by apprenticeship duration (up to 3 years for UR/EWS; additional for reserved categories) |
| Specific Court-Ordered Cases (e.g., MB Division NR Canteen Staff) | 5 years (max age 60 years after service deduction) |
Important Notes:
- Relaxations are not cumulative; the highest applicable one is granted.
- No relaxation for reserved candidates applying to unreserved posts.
- PwBD candidates get UR PwBD relaxation if applying unreserved.
If the COVID relaxation is discontinued for 2026, the upper limit may revert to 33 years—monitor official updates for RRB Group D age relaxation 2026.
Educational Qualifications for RRB Group D 2026
The RRB Group D qualification 2026 remains straightforward to encourage wide participation:
- Candidates must have passed 10th standard (Matriculation/SSLC) from a recognized board, or
- Hold an ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate from institutions recognized by NCVT/SCVT, or
- Possess an equivalent qualification or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC).
Key Points:
- Qualifications must be obtained by the application closing date (expected in early 2026).
- Those awaiting final results cannot apply.
- Engineering diplomas/degrees or Graduate Act Apprenticeships are not substitutes for ITI/CCAA unless specified.
- For certain court-mandated cases (e.g., canteen staff), Class VII pass may suffice with work experience.
No minimum percentage is required, but for the exam, UR/EWS need 40% qualifying marks, OBC/SC/ST 30%, with adjustments for PwBD.
Medical Fitness Standards for RRB Group D 2026
Medical fitness is mandatory for railway jobs involving safety and physical demands. Candidates must meet the prescribed RRB Group D medical standards 2026. Standards are categorized (A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2), with posts like Track Maintainer requiring higher fitness (e.g., A3). There should be no evidence of diseases like epilepsy, color blindness, or conditions affecting duties, such as flat feet, knock knees, or squint eyes.
Here is a detailed table of the medical standards, including vision requirements:
| Medical Category | General Fitness | Distant Vision | Near Vision | Additional Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-2 | Physically fit in all respects | 6/9, 6/9 without glasses (no fogging test) | Sn: 0.6, 0.6 without glasses | Must pass tests for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, Night Vision, and Mesopic Vision |
| A-3 | Physically fit in all respects | 6/9, 6/9 with or without glasses (power of lenses not to exceed 2D) | Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses | Must pass tests for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, Night Vision, and Mesopic Vision |
| B-1 | Physically fit in all respects | 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (power of lenses not to exceed 4D) | Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses when reading or close work is required | Must pass tests for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Night Vision, and Mesopic Vision |
| B-2 | Physically fit in all respects | 6/12, 6/12 with or without glasses | Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses when reading or close work is required | Must pass test for Binocular Vision |
| C-1 | Physically fit in all respects | 6/12, 6/18 with or without glasses | Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses when reading or close work is required | – |
| C-2 | Physically fit in all respects | 6/12, Nil with or without glasses | Sn: 0.6, Nil with or without glasses when reading or close work is required | – |
PwBD suitability is post-specific, accommodating disabilities like low vision (LV), one leg (OL), hearing impaired (HI), etc., but not for all roles.
Medical exams are conducted post-PET, and failure leads to disqualification.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for RRB Group D 2026
Qualifying
the CBT leads to the PET, which tests physical endurance. PET is qualifying in nature—no marks awarded.Here is a table summarizing the PET requirements:
| Category | Weight Lifting and Carrying Task | Running Task |
|---|---|---|
| Male Candidates | Lift and carry 35 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes (one chance, without putting the weight down) | Run 1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds (one chance) |
| Female Candidates | Lift and carry 20 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes (one chance, without putting the weight down) | Run 1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds (one chance) |
| PwBD Candidates | Exempt | Exempt |
Other Eligibility Requirements
- Reservation: Quotas for SC (15%), ST (7.5%), OBC-NCL (27%), EWS (10%), Ex-Servicemen (10%), PwBD (4%).
- Application Fee: ₹500 (₹400 refunded post-exam for most); ₹250 for SC/ST/PwBD/Women/Transgender/Ex-Servicemen/Minorities/EWS (fully refunded).
- No height/chest requirements, but physical fitness is key.
- Candidates must not have been debarred from government exams.
How to Apply for RRB Group D 2026
Once the notification is out:
- Visit the official RRB website (e.g., rrbcdg.gov.in).
- Register and fill the online form.
- Upload documents and pay the fee.
- Submit before the deadline.
Pro Tip for SEO: Search for “RRB Group D application 2026” when notifications drop to stay ahead.
FAQ: RRB Group D Eligibility 2026
1. What is the minimum age for RRB Group D 2026?
The minimum age is 18 years as on the specified date in the notification.
2. Is there age relaxation for SC/ST in RRB Group D 2026?
Yes, SC/ST candidates get a 5-year relaxation in the upper age limit.
3. What is the educational qualification required for RRB Group D 2026?
A 10th pass or ITI/equivalent from a recognized institution is required.
4. Can final-year students apply for RRB Group D 2026?
No, candidates awaiting results cannot apply; qualifications must be complete by the closing date.
5. Is PET mandatory for all candidates in RRB Group D?
Yes, for non-PwBD candidates who qualify CBT. It’s a physical test with no marks.
6. What happens if I don’t meet the medical standards?
You’ll be disqualified, even if you pass other stages.
7. Is there a height requirement for RRB Group D 2026?
No, there are no specific height or chest measurements required.