The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has announced a major recruitment drive for Group D Level-1 posts in 2026 under CEN 09/2025. This is a golden opportunity for 10th-pass candidates seeking stable government jobs in Indian Railways. With approximately 22,000 vacancies announced, the recruitment targets entry-level positions like Track Maintainer, Helper, Assistant Pointsman, and more across various railway zones.
As of January 2026, RRB has released a short notice with revised application dates. The detailed RRB Group D Notification 2026 PDF is expected by 30th January 2026. Applications will be accepted online only through the official portal. This recruitment offers job security, attractive salary, and growth opportunities in one of India’s largest employers.
RRB Group D 2026 Vacancies
RRB has announced around 22,000 vacancies for Level-1 posts under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. The exact zone-wise and category-wise breakup will be available in the detailed notification.
Common posts include:
- Track Maintainer Grade-IV
- Helper/Assistant in various departments (Electrical, Mechanical, S&T)
- Assistant Pointsman
- Assistant Bridge
- Gateman
These roles are essential for railway operations and maintenance.
RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must meet these requirements:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen or eligible as per rules |
| Educational Qualification | Class 10th (High School) pass from recognized board; Some posts require ITI or CCAA certification |
| Age Limit (as on 01/01/2026) | Minimum: 18 years Maximum: 33 years |
| Age Relaxation | OBC: 3 years SC/ST: 5 years PwBD: 10-15 years (category-wise) |
Note: Candidates awaiting final results are not eligible.
RRB Group D Important Dates 2026
The application schedule has been revised as per the latest corrigendum.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Short Notification Release | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Detailed Notification Release | 30 January 2026 (Expected) |
| Online Application Start | 31 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 2 March 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 2 March 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | To be notified |
| CBT Exam Date | To be notified |
| PET Date | After CBT result |
Bookmark official RRB websites for updates.
RRB Group D Application Process 2026
- Visit the official application portal: rrbapply.gov.in
- Register with basic details and mobile/email.
- Fill the online form with personal, educational, and post preferences.
- Upload photo, signature, and required documents.
- Pay the application fee online (₹500 for General/OBC; ₹250 for others, with refund provisions).
- Submit and take printout.
Aadhaar verification is mandatory. Ensure Aadhaar details match Class 10 certificate.
RRB Group D Selection Process 2026
The selection involves:
- Computer Based Test (CBT) – Single stage online exam
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Qualifying in nature
- Document Verification & Medical Examination
Only CBT-qualified candidates proceed to PET.
RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026
The CBT is objective-type with negative marking (1/3 mark deducted for wrong answers).
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 | |
| General Science | 25 | 25 | |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes (120 for PwBD) |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Standards
| Gender | Task Requirements |
|---|---|
| Male | Lift and carry 35 kg weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes; Run 1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds |
| Female | Lift and carry 20 kg weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes; Run 1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds |
PET is qualifying; failure disqualifies from further process.
RRB Group D Salary 2026
Selected candidates get placed in Level-1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix:
- Basic Pay: ₹18,000
- In-hand Salary (after allowances): ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 (approx., varies by location)
- Allowances: DA, HRA, TA, Medical, NPS, etc.
Excellent career progression through departmental exams.
RRB Group D Syllabus Overview 2026
- Mathematics: Number system, BODMAS, Fractions, Percentage, Profit/Loss, Time & Work, etc.
- Reasoning: Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Puzzles, Series, Blood Relations.
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology up to Class 10 level.
- General Awareness: Current events, History, Geography, Indian Polity, Sports.
Start preparation early with previous papers and mock tests.
FAQs – RRB Group D Recruitment 2026
1. When will the detailed RRB Group D 2026 notification be released?
Expected by 30 January 2026 on regional RRB websites.
2. How many vacancies are there in RRB Group D 2026?
Approximately 22,000 Level-1 posts.
3. What is the last date to apply for RRB Group D 2026?
2 March 2026.
4. Is there negative marking in RRB Group D CBT?
Yes, 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
5. What is the minimum educational qualification?
Class 10th pass; some posts require ITI.
6. When will the RRB Group D exam be conducted?
Dates to be announced after applications close.
7. How to apply online for RRB Group D 2026?
Through rrbapply.gov.in from 31 January 2026.
8. What is the age limit for RRB Group D?
18 to 33 years as on 1 January 2026, with relaxations.
9. Is PET mandatory?
Yes, qualifying PET is required after CBT.
10. What is the salary for RRB Group D posts?
Basic ₹18,000 + allowances, in-hand around ₹25,000+.
Stay updated via official RRB sites. Prepare well—this could be your gateway to a rewarding railway career!