RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 Notification (Out): The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the detailed notification for the recruitment of Group D (Level 1) posts under CEN 09/2025. This is a massive opportunity for 10th-pass aspirants looking to secure a government job in the Indian Railways. The board has announced a total of 21,997 vacancies for various posts such as Track Maintainer, Pointsman, Assistant (Bridge), and Assistant Loco Shed across different Railway Zones.
The online application process has commenced on January 31, 2026, and interested candidates can submit their applications until March 2, 2026. This article provides a complete guide to the RRB Group D 2026 exam, including the direct apply link, detailed vacancy breakdown, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and important dates.
Contents
- 1 RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: Overview
- 2 RRB Group D Notification 2026 PDF
- 3 RRB Group D 2026 Important Dates
- 4 RRB Group D Vacancy 2026 (Zone-Wise)
- 5 RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria 2026
- 6 Application Fee
- 7 RRB Group D Selection Process 2026
- 8 RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026
- 9 How to Apply for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026?
- 10 FAQs
RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Recruitment Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Exam Name | RRB Group D (Level 1) Exam 2026 |
| Advt. No. | CEN 09/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 21,997 |
| Post Names | Track Maintainer Grade IV, Helper/Assistant, Pointsman, etc. |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Dates | 31st Jan 2026 to 2nd March 2026 |
| Selection Process | CBT, PET, DV, Medical Exam |
| Salary (Basic Pay) | Rs. 18,000/- (Level 1 of 7th CPC) |
| Official Website | www.rrbapply.gov.in |
RRB Group D Notification 2026 PDF
The official notification (CEN 09/2025) was released on January 30, 2026. It contains all the critical details regarding the recruitment process. Candidates are strongly advised to download and read the official PDF before applying to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.
Download RRB Group D Notification 2026 PDF
RRB Group D 2026 Important Dates
Missing a deadline can cost you a year. Mark these important dates on your calendar:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Detailed Notification Release | 30th January 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 31st January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 2nd March 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 4th March 2026 |
| Correction Window | 5th March to 14th March 2026 |
| Exam Date (CBT) | To be notified |
RRB Group D Vacancy 2026 (Zone-Wise)
The 21,997 vacancies are distributed across various Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs). Candidates must apply to only one RRC. Below is the zone-wise vacancy breakup:
| Railway Zone (Headquarters) | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Northern Railway (New Delhi) | 3,537 |
| Western Railway (Mumbai) | 3,148 |
| Central Railway (Mumbai) | 2,012 |
| Northeast Frontier Railway (Guwahati) | 1,776 |
| South East Central Railway (Bilaspur) | 1,199 |
| North Eastern Railway (Gorakhpur) | 1,196 |
| Eastern Railway (Kolkata) | 1,180 |
| North Central Railway (Allahabad) | 1,183 |
| West Central Railway (Jabalpur) | 1,147 |
| Southern Railway (Chennai) | 1,036 |
| South Central Railway (Secunderabad) | 1,016 |
| East Central Railway (Hajipur) | 976 |
| North Western Railway (Jaipur) | 974 |
| South Eastern Railway (Kolkata) | 955 |
| South Western Railway (Hubli) | 905 |
| East Coast Railway (Bhubaneswar) | 803 |
| Total | 21,997 |
Also Check: RRB ALP Exam Date 2026 Out (CEN 01/2025 Schedule)
RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the following eligibility conditions as of January 1, 2026.
1. Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed 10th Standard (Matriculation) from a recognized board.
- OR ITI from an institution recognized by NCVT/SCVT.
- OR National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
- Note: Candidates awaiting final results are NOT eligible.
2. Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 33 Years
- Relaxation: SC/ST (5 years), OBC-NCL (3 years), PwBD (10 years).
Application Fee
The application fee must be paid online. A portion of the fee is refundable after appearing for the CBT.
- General / OBC / EWS: Rs. 500/- (Rs. 400 refundable).
- SC / ST / Female / PwBD / Ex-SM / Minorities: Rs. 250/- (Rs. 250 refundable).
RRB Group D Selection Process 2026
The recruitment process consists of three main stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT): An online objective test.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Qualifying in nature.
- Male: Lift 35kg for 100m in 2 mins AND Run 1000m in 4 min 15 sec.
- Female: Lift 20kg for 100m in 2 mins AND Run 1000m in 5 min 40 sec.
- Document Verification (DV) & Medical Exam: Based on CBT merit.
RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026
The CBT will be conducted in 15 languages. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every wrong answer.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Science | 25 | 25 | 90 Minutes |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 | |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Other Active Recruitments:
How to Apply for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026?
- Visit the official application portal: www.rrbapply.gov.in.
- Click on “New Registration” and create an account using your mobile number and email.
- Log in and select the RRB/RRC Zone you wish to apply for.
- Fill in your personal details, educational qualifications, and community details.
- Upload scanned copies of your Photograph, Signature, and Category Certificate (if applicable).
- Pay the application fee via online mode.
- Review the application form and submit it.
- Print the final application receipt for future reference.
The Indian Railways has once again opened its doors to thousands of aspirants with the official announcement of the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026. This recruitment drive is considered one of the largest employment opportunities in the government sector this year, offering a stable career path for 10th-pass candidates. With over 21,000 vacancies spread across multiple railway zones, the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 has become the primary focus for job seekers nationwide. Aspirants have been eagerly waiting for this notification since the release of the annual calendar, and now that the dates are confirmed, the competition is expected to be fierce.
To succeed, candidates must thoroughly understand the eligibility criteria and exam pattern laid out for the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026.
The selection process involves a Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET), making physical fitness just as important as academic preparation. Many coaching centers have already started dedicated batches to help students crack the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026. It is crucial for applicants to start their revision early, covering key topics like General Science and Mathematics, which hold significant weightage in the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026. Moreover, solving previous year’s question papers will provide a distinct advantage in understanding the difficulty level of the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026.
Candidates should also pay close attention to the application deadlines. Missing the registration window would mean losing out on the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026, forcing aspirants to wait another year or more for the next cycle. The Railway Recruitment Board has streamlined the process this time to ensure faster results and joining. Therefore, staying updated with official notifications on the regional websites is essential for every candidate participating in the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026.
Ultimately, securing a post in the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 requires a balanced approach of consistent study, physical training, and strategic time management. With the right dedication and a focused study plan, clearing the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 is an achievable goal for any sincere aspirant looking to serve in the Indian Railways.
FAQs
Q.1. When is the last date to apply for RRB Group D 2026?
Ans: The online application window closes on March 2, 2026.
Q.2. What is the age limit for RRB Group D posts?
Ans: Candidates must be between 18 and 33 years of age as of 01.01.2026. Age relaxation applies for reserved categories.
Q.3. Can I apply for more than one RRB Zone?
Ans: No, a candidate can apply to only one Railway Recruitment Board (RRB). Applying to multiple zones will lead to rejection.
Q.4. Is there an interview for Group D posts?
Ans: No, there is no interview. Selection is based on CBT, PET, and Document Verification.
Q.5. What is the salary of RRB Group D employees?
Ans: The basic pay is Rs. 18,000 (Level 1). With allowances like DA and HRA, the gross salary ranges from Rs. 22,500 to Rs. 25,000 initially.
Akash thakur gram Panchayat raikhedi tehsil पिपरिया जिला नर्मदा परम रेलवे jop