Are you a Class 10th pass candidate dreaming of a stable government job in Indian Railways? The wait is over! The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released a short notification for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 under CEN 09/2025, announcing approximately 22,000 vacancies for various Level 1 (Group D) posts. This is one of the most awaited railway recruitments, offering secure employment with attractive salaries and benefits across India.
If you’re searching for RRB Group D 2026 notification, eligibility, application dates, or exam details, this comprehensive guide has everything you need. Read on to learn how to apply, prepare, and secure your spot in this massive drive.
What is RRB Group D Recruitment 2026?
The RRB Group D exam recruits candidates for entry-level technical and non-technical roles in Indian Railways. These positions involve hands-on work in tracks, signals, workshops, and operations, making it ideal for freshers with ITI qualifications.
Under CEN 09/2025, the recruitment targets Level 1 posts with a pay scale starting at Rs. 18,000 per month. The short notice was published on December 23, 2025, in the Employment Newspaper, with the full notification expected on January 20, 2026. This drive follows previous years’ trends, where 2025 saw 32,438 vacancies and 2019 had over 1 lakh posts, ensuring high competition but ample opportunities.
Important Dates for RRB Group D 2026 Application
Time is ticking—mark these dates to avoid missing out:
- Short Notification Release: December 23, 2025
- Detailed Notification Release: January 20, 2026
- Online Application Start Date: January 21, 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: February 20, 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Fee Payment Last Date: February 20, 2026
- Exam Date: To be announced (likely mid-2026)
Applications are strictly online via the official RRB website. Stay updated on the RRB regional portals for zone-specific announcements.
Eligibility Criteria for RRB Group D 2026
Before applying, ensure you meet these requirements to avoid disqualification:
Age Limit
- Minimum: 18 years
- Maximum: 33 years (as on January 1, 2026)
- Age Relaxation:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- PwD: 10 years (additional for reserved categories)
- Ex-Servicemen: As per government norms
Educational Qualification
- Minimum: Class 10th (Matriculation) or equivalent from a recognized board
- Preferred: ITI in relevant trades (e.g., Fitter, Electrician, Welder) or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT
- Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAA) holders are also eligible
Nationality
Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (pre-1962), or persons of Indian origin from specified countries.
Medical Standards
Candidates must meet fitness criteria, including vision tests (e.g., 6/9 distant vision with or without glasses) and categories like A-2, B-1, etc., depending on the post.
RRB Group D 2026 Vacancy Details
A total of 22,000 tentative vacancies are up for grabs across 21 RRB zones. Here’s a breakdown by post:
| Post Name | Approximate Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Track Maintainer Grade-IV | 11,000 |
| Pointsman Grade-B | 5,000 |
| Assistant (S&T) | 1,500 |
| Assistant (C&W) | 1,000 |
| Assistant (Operations/Electrical) | 500 |
| Assistant (Track Machine/Bridge) | 600 each |
| Other (TRD, Loco Shed, etc.) | 300–800 |
| Total | 22,000 |
Zone-wise distribution includes major shares in Northern Railway (NR), Central Railway (CR), and Southern Railway (SR). Check the official notification for exact numbers once released. This is a golden chance for 10th/ITI pass candidates seeking railway jobs in 2026.
How to Apply Online for RRB Group D 2026
Applying is straightforward but requires preparation. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to rrbapply.gov.in or your regional RRB site (e.g., rrbcdg.gov.in).
- Register: Click “New Registration” and enter details like name, DOB, Aadhaar, and mobile/email for OTP verification.
- Fill Application Form: Complete Part I (personal/educational details) and Part II (post preferences by zone).
- Upload Documents: Scanned photo (20–50 KB, JPG), signature (10–40 KB), 10th/ITI certificates, ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN), and category certificates if applicable.
- Pay Application Fee: Online via Net Banking/Card/UPI or offline SBI challan.
- Submit and Print: Choose exam language, enter photo ID, and download the form.
Application Fee
- General/OBC/EWS: Rs. 500 (Rs. 400 refundable on CBT appearance)
- SC/ST/Female/PwD/Transgender/EBC: Rs. 250 (fully refundable)
Keep multiple copies of your application for reference.
RRB Group D Selection Process 2026
The multi-stage process ensures fair selection:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT): Objective exam (details below).
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Male: 35 kg lift (35m in 2 min); Female: 20 kg lift (25m in 2 min). No marks, just qualifying.
- Document Verification: Original certificates check.
- Medical Examination: Fitness assessment.
Shortlisting for PET is based on CBT normalized scores (1:3 ratio per vacancy).
RRB Group D Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026
Exam Pattern
The CBT is a single-stage test (90 minutes, 100 questions, 100 marks). Negative marking: 1/3rd for wrong answers.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Minimum qualifying marks: 40% (UR/EWS), 30% (OBC/SC/ST).
Syllabus Overview
- Mathematics: BODMAS, percentages, profit/loss, time/work, geometry, algebra (10th level).
- Reasoning: Analogies, coding-decoding, syllogism, data interpretation.
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (CBSE 10th standard).
- General Awareness: Current events, sports, economy, polity, science & tech.
Download the official syllabus PDF from rrb.gov.in for in-depth topics.
Salary and Benefits for RRB Group D Posts
Selected candidates enjoy a rewarding package:
- Basic Pay: Rs. 18,000 (7th Pay Commission, Level 1)
- In-Hand Salary: Rs. 22,500–25,380 (after DA, HRA, TA)
- Additional Perks: Pension (NPS), medical insurance, free travel passes, overtime pay, housing quarters, promotions.
With regular increments, salaries can reach Rs. 30,000+ within a few years—perfect for long-term financial security.
Preparation Tips for RRB Group D 2026 Exam
Crack the exam with these strategies:
- Study Plan: Dedicate 2–3 hours daily; focus on weak areas like reasoning/math.
- Resources: Use NCERT books for science/math, Lucent GK for awareness, previous year papers.
- Mock Tests: Practice 10–15 full-length mocks to build speed.
- PET Prep: Start fitness routine early—running, weight training.
- Stay Updated: Follow official RRB apps/sites for admit cards (expected 15 days before exam).
Join online coaching if needed, but self-study works wonders for dedicated aspirants.
The RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 under CEN 09/2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for 22,000+ youth to join India’s largest employer. With applications opening soon on January 21, 2026, gear up now!
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