The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the detailed notification for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 (CEN No. 09/2025). This massive recruitment drive aims to fill 22,195 vacancies for various Level-1 posts across multiple Railway Zones and Production Units in India.

📅 Important Dates

The recruitment cycle has already begun. Ensure you mark these deadlines to avoid a last-minute rush:

Event Date
Notification Release January 31, 2026
Apply Online Start Date January 31, 2026
Last Date to Apply Online March 2, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Last Date for Fee Payment March 4, 2026
Application Modification Window March 5 – 14, 2026
CBT Exam Date To be announced

💼 Vacancy Details (22,195 Posts)

The vacancies are spread across various zones like Northern Railway (New Delhi), Western Railway (Mumbai), and Southern Railway (Chennai). Key roles include:

  • Track Maintainer Grade IV (Largest share of vacancies)
  • Pointsman B
  • Assistant (Workshop)
  • Assistant Bridge / Track Machine
  • Assistant Loco Shed (Electrical/Diesel)
  • Assistant S&T (Signal & Telecommunication)

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the RRB Group D Level-1 posts, candidates must fulfill the following:

1. Educational Qualification

  • Minimum: Must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognized board.
  • Technical Posts: For certain technical roles, an ITI certificate (NCVT/SCVT) or a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) is required.

2. Age Limit (as on Jan 1, 2026)

  • Minimum: 18 years
  • Maximum: 33 years
  • Note: A one-time age relaxation may be applicable (check the official notification for the 18–36 years provision for specific categories).

Age Relaxation:

  • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
  • SC/ST: 5 years
  • PwBD: 10–15 years (depending on category)

📝 Selection Process

The selection is a rigorous three-stage process designed to test both mental and physical aptitude:

  1. Computer-Based Test (CBT): An objective-type online exam.
  2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Qualifying in nature for shortlisted candidates.
  3. Document Verification & Medical Examination: Final stage for verification of credentials and health fitness.

CBT Exam Pattern

The CBT consists of 100 questions to be completed in 90 minutes.

Subject No. of Questions Marks
General Science (Class 10 CBSE level) 25 25
Mathematics 25 25
General Intelligence & Reasoning 30 30
General Awareness & Current Affairs 20 20
Total 100 100

Warning: There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect answer.

🏃 Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Shortlisted candidates must pass the following physical standards:

  • Male Candidates: * Lift and carry 35 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes (one chance).
    • 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).
    • Run 1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds (one chance).

💰 Application Fee & Salary

The application fee is partially refundable after appearing for the CBT:

  • General/OBC/EWS: ₹500 (₹400 refunded after CBT).
  • SC/ST/Female/Ex-SM/PwBD/Minorities: ₹250 (Full ₹250 refunded after CBT).

Salary: The starting basic pay is ₹18,000 (Level-1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix) plus allowances (DA, HRA, etc.), totaling approximately ₹22,000 – ₹25,000 per month.

🖱️ How to Apply Online

  1. Visit the official unified portal: rrbapply.gov.in.
  2. Click on “New Registration” and enter your basic details (Name, Aadhaar, Mobile, Email).
  3. Log in using your credentials and fill out the detailed application form.
  4. Upload Documents: Scanned photo (35mm x 45mm), signature, and category certificate if applicable.
  5. Pay the Fee: Use Net Banking, UPI, or Credit/Debit cards.
  6. Submit & Print: Review your application carefully before the final submission and keep a printout.

https://www.rrbapply.gov.in/#/auth/landing

https://www.rrbapply.gov.in/assets/forms/CEN_09_2025_level_1.pdf